Weather watching seems to be hardwired into our British psyche. It’s one of the few subjects that most of us will happily discuss with perfect strangers, whether it’s too wet, too cold, or more rarely, too hot!

However, more rugged, wild weather has recently spawned a new breed of holiday maker, one who will actually seek storms out whilst knowing they’ve got a warm, comfortable hotel room to retreat to if it all gets a bit too much.

Newquay’s Headland Hotel, for example, on Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coast now runs storm-watching weekend-breaks, whilst further north in Scotland, The Banff Springs Hotel and The Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel both offer a grandstand view of the Atlantic storms that blow in.

A less furious but no less dramatic weather phenomenon is the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Earlier this year, the aurora borealis made a rare appearance in British skies, and whilst good displays are fairly uncommon in the UK, your chances certainly improve the further north in Scotland you go and clear frosty nights are thought to be the best time.

Check the local weather forecast beforehand and there’s no guarantee of a sighting, and once there keep a keen eye on the sky as the aurora can happen very quickly and sometimes be on and off for a whole night. You could combine your trip with some local events, such as the ‘Up Helly Aa’ Viking fire festival held on the last Tuesday in January in Shetland, a torch-lit procession that casts an aurora-like glow across the night sky.

Alternatively, you can register with Aurora Watch and they will e-mail you or send text messages to your mobile phone to alert you that the aurora are likely to occur, and when and where will be the best time and place to see them. They’ve also got lots of information and some great photographs in case you miss it.

This is just one of the many seasonal tips in my new book, The Fresh Air Fix Survival Guide, which is packed with ideas for reconnecting with the great outdoors. Makes a great Christmas gift! Available in paperback or as an ebook from Lulu.com

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