As the harsh winter conditions batter the UK, many are already dreaming of summer. Amid the Christmas rush and festive atmosphere, some might even be planning a winter getaway.

The thought of sandy beaches, warm water and sunshine feels a world away from Britain right now. Yet, there is a place that reaches 30°C in January that Brits could explore. Instead of heading to Spain or Portugal for some winter sun, the beautiful city of Galle in Sri Lanka has plenty to offer.

The city is suitably sunny for this time of year, with average temperatures of 30°C. Top attractions include the famed Galle Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as tropical seascapes and the old town for a fix of culture.

It was known as Gimhathiththa and was the main port on the South Asian island until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. Galle reached the peak of its development in the 18th century, which was the time of the Dutch colonial period.

The city cemented its rich mix of cultural history and has now been attracting visitors from across the world. Travel bloggers have been united in their praise of the location, including Hannah and Nick who write for Salt in our Hair.

“Galle Fort is the most beautiful coastal town in Sri Lanka,” they said. “Here, life slows down as locals play cricket alongside the beach, travellers walk on the ancient fort walls, and street vendors sell fresh tropical fruit under the palm trees. 

“Its history makes it a melting pot of culture, with a unique fusion of European and Asian influences, as seen in the whitewashed Dutch-style buildings that line the cobbled streets.”

We are Global Travellers blogger, Mollie, was taken aback by Galle’s rich heritage when she paid the city a visit. She said: “Turns out Galle is an incredibly vibrant cultural hub with a history dating back to the late 16th Century when Galle Fort was first conquered by the Portuguese.

“Galle was then taken over by the Dutch in the 17th century, and for over 200 years, it was Sri Lanka’s main spice trading port.Yes there are lots of cool spice shops here – the perfect souvenir.

“Oblivious to a lot of the details we now know of Galles history, we wandered around, totally charmed and with huge curiosity. We could feel the depths of the history and the richness of the stories that lived here.” 

Other tourists have shared their experiences on the review website Tripadvisor, with the Fort being among the top attractions. One traveller said: “The Galle Fort is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a living monument, inhabited by a bustling community, within the great ramparts, massive bastions and pepper pot towers.

“The once sleepy Galle Fort is now a dynamic area with a distinctively Mediterranean atmosphere.” Another added: “This walled city hosts magnificent views. There are scenic spots where the sunset looks incredible and will be engraved in memories.”