7 of the Coldest Places in England: Britain’s Coldest Cities

You might think London’s winter chill is tough, but England’s truly cold spots will make you rethink what “freezing” means. From Alston’s bone-chilling -3.13°C average to Banbury’s surprising southern frost, these seven locations challenge both residents and visitors year-round. Whether you’re planning a move or simply curious about Britain’s most frigid settlements, you may wish to know what makes these places uniquely cold—and why some locals wouldn’t have it any other way.

Key Points

• Alston stands as England’s coldest settlement, with temperatures consistently 3.13°C lower than surrounding areas due to its Pennines location.
• Leek experiences brutal winters at 600 feet elevation, with temperatures around 1°C and harsh winds from the Roaches.
• Hexham’s valley position creates cold air drainage from the North Pennines, resulting in bitter winters around 33°F.
• Settle maintains chilly temperatures with February daytime averages of 44.6°F and nighttime temperatures approaching freezing.
• Chelmorton’s year-round cold climate keeps summer temperatures below 68°F, making it one of England’s consistently coldest locations.

Why Alston’s -3.13°C Makes It England’s Coldest Settlement

While many factors contribute to Alston’s record-breaking cold temperatures, its location in the Pennines plays the most significant role.

Nestled high in the Pennines, Alston’s unique geographical position is the key driver behind its exceptionally cold climate.

You’ll find this northern settlement experiences temperatures that are consistently 3.13°C lower than comparable regions, making it England’s coldest inhabited area.

The town’s elevation and position within the Pennine range create a unique microclimate, where cold air gets trapped against the mountains.

You’re looking at a place surrounded by vast, open moorlands that intensify the cold conditions.

During winter months, you won’t find many places in England that match Alston’s frigid temperatures – even other northern towns like Hexham and Settle stay warmer.

The area frequently experiences partly cloudy days throughout the year, which contributes to its cold climate by reducing direct sunlight exposure.

If you visit in April, you might encounter temperatures ranging from a mild 18°C to a bone-chilling -8°C.

The Remote Chill of Settle, North Yorkshire

Another northern gem in England’s collection of cold spots, Settle distinguishes itself with its distinct temperature patterns.

You’ll find temperatures here rarely climbing above 73°F or dipping below 25°F, creating a consistent yet chilly environment throughout the year.

February hits particularly hard, with daytime temperatures hovering around 44.6°F and nights plummeting to near-freezing at 1°C.

Don’t let the cold deter you, though – Settle’s natural beauty shines through its varied climate. The cloud-covered skies dominate nearly 73% of January days, adding to the region’s wintry atmosphere.

You’ll experience about 47 rainy days annually, with December bringing the heaviest rainfall at 135mm.

While winters are remarkably cold with limited sunlight, you can look forward to pleasant summers and May’s generous offering of nearly six hours of daily sunshine.

Chelmorton: Peak District’s Frozen Heart

Tucked away in England’s rugged Peak District, Chelmorton serves as one of the country’s most consistently chilly locations. At 1,037 feet elevation, you’ll find temperatures rarely climbing above 68°F (20°C), even in the height of summer.

The village’s position near the Pennines creates a distinctly cool microclimate, with January bringing near-freezing nights and limited daylight. The area experiences breezy conditions typical, making it feel even colder than the thermometer suggests.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you’ll need to know:

1. Winter temperatures plummet to 33°F (1°C), with just 8 hours of daylight
2. Even the driest month (April) sees a 22% chance of rain
3. Summer offers the best conditions with 65-68°F (18-20°C) highs and 15-17 hours of daylight

Don’t forget your rain gear – you’ll need it year-round in this persistently damp corner of England.

Leek’s Staffordshire Cold Spot

Moving east from Chelmorton, you’ll find Leek, a hardy market town perched at 600 feet above sea level in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Known as the “Queen of the Moorlands,” this historic settlement faces brutal winters where temperatures frequently plummet to 1°C, with snowfall more common than in lower-lying areas.

You’ll experience the harsh effects of cold northern winds that sweep across the town, creating distinct microclimates that intensify the winter chill. The town’s position near the Roaches and the Peak District National Park exposes it to unforgiving weather patterns. The area’s cold-hardy vegetation includes leeks and root vegetables, which have historically thrived in these challenging conditions.

While summer days can reach a pleasant 20°C, the comfort is short-lived. The town’s elevation and proximity to the Pennines guarantee that long, cold, and windy conditions dominate much of the year.

Hexham’s Northumberland Deep Freeze

Nestled along the River Tyne’s southern bank, Hexham endures some of England’s most punishing winter temperatures.

You’ll feel the bitter cold especially from December through February, when temperatures regularly plunge to 33°F (1°C) and can drop even lower during severe cold snaps.

With more than half of all days featuring thick cloud cover, the city’s cold conditions are further intensified.

What makes Hexham particularly frigid?

1. Its location in a valley makes it susceptible to cold air drainage from the North Pennines
2. Limited winter daylight (less than 8 hours in December) prevents meaningful solar warming
3. Persistent cloud cover traps cold air, while frequent northerly winds intensify the chill

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to prepare for extreme conditions.

The town’s infrastructure regularly faces challenges from ice and snow, particularly on rural routes, while residents cope through enhanced home insulation and increased winter energy consumption.

Shawbury’s Record-Breaking Cold Snap

During the bitter winter of 1981, Shawbury made meteorological history when temperatures plummeted to an astonishing -25.2°C (-13.4°F) on December 13th.

This Shropshire town recorded England’s coldest December temperature ever, making it the fourth-coldest reading in UK history.

You’ll find Shawbury in the West Midlands, where its weather station regularly captures extreme temperatures.

Its inland location makes it particularly vulnerable to Arctic air masses.

When Siberian high-pressure systems moved in, combined with snow cover and clear December nights, the stage was set for this remarkable freeze.

The cold snap didn’t stop there – it continued into January 1982, when nearby Newport recorded England’s all-time low of -26.1°C.

The event brought widespread disruption, affecting transport, schools, and infrastructure across the region.

The extreme conditions were triggered when a cold front moved across Britain on November 23rd, 1981, bringing unprecedented cold temperatures.

Banbury: The South’s Unexpected Frost Pocket

While most of southern England enjoys relatively mild winters, Banbury distinguishes itself as an unexpected cold spot in the region.

You’ll find this Oxfordshire town consistently ranks as the South East’s coldest area, with average winter temperatures especially lower than nearby London.

What makes Banbury uniquely chilly? Here are the key factors:

1. Average winter lows dip to -1.57°C, making it the only South East location with sub-zero averages.
2. The town’s open terrain and suburban layout prevent heat retention that you’d typically find in dense urban areas.
3. Its geographical position creates frost hollow conditions, where cold air pools in valleys around the OX16 postcode.

The cool season extends for 4.0 months each year, with daily high temperatures rarely exceeding 9°C.

Despite being at a lower altitude than Britain’s coldest spots, Banbury’s unique combination of geographical features creates this surprising microclimate.

Final Words

If you’re planning to visit these chilly corners of England, you should prepare as if you’re heading to a penguin’s birthday party. From Alston’s bone-chilling -3.13°C to Banbury’s surprising frost pockets, these seven locations showcase Britain’s remarkable cold spots. Whether you’re a weather enthusiast or simply curious about England’s coolest places, you now know where to find the country’s most dramatic temperature drops.