From pagan festivals to theatrical buffoonery, Britain revels in ancient – and some very modern – winter traditions.

The UK is home to a wide variety of traditional dishes, from the classic fish and chips to regional favourites like parkin, Lancashire hotpot and Welsh laverbread.

Every autumn, hundreds of domestic pigs are turned out into the New Forest to hoover up the fallen acorns that would otherwise poison the free-roaming ponies, sheep and cattle. Known as pannage, it’s a practice that dates back to William the Conqueror.

Cornwall is one of England’s most popular summer destinations, with holidaymakers looking for stunning coastline, great beaches, and pretty towns. But neighbours Devon and Dorset are great alternative south coast destinations for your next UK holiday.