The incredible city in Africa that's 'best' for winter getaway 3 and a half hours from UK

As we head into the colder and darker months, many of us start to dream of warmer climes and finer weather. And for those of us looking to take a break, Marrakesh - less than a four-hour flight from the UK - might just be the perfect trip.

The historic city is Morocco's top tourist destination, according to the travel experts at Lonely Planet - and for good reason. Marrakesh, also known as the Red City due to the colour of its famous buildings and architecture, is a perfect destination for culture lovers, with winter viewed by some as one of the best times to visit. The city in north Africa draws in visitors from across the world throughout the year, but experts say in the winter months, the crowds are less, offering a more relaxing and authentic experience.

Heather Cole, who produces the Conversant Traveller blog with her partner, wrote: "We'd much prefer to have places to ourselves and hate nothing more than jostling elbow to elbow with a bunch of other tourists all fighting to get to the same place.

"Which is why we love visiting Marrakesh in winter. Whilst the city is by no means deserted during this period, the people that you encounter will be mainly locals, and you'll often have entire museums and attractions pretty much to yourself.

"A virtually private visit to a palace? Don't mind if you do!"

The Medina, Marrakesh's old town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a perfect place to explore, featuring places, markets and mosques, as well as luxurious hotels.

From the air, it is said to resemble a giant beehive and people can spend hours getting lost in its rich history. Marrakesh, which is at the foot of the Great Atlas mountain range, also offers fine weather during the winter months.

While temperatures can soar above 35C in Marrakesh over the summer, the winter is cooler but still pleasant.

Between December and February, it can climb up to around 18C in the afternoon - an ideal temperature to explore in, allowing visitors to catch some rays and clock up some steps without getting too hot.

Chances of rain are also relatively low, which is welcome news for anyone wanting to escape a wet British winter.

And if you're still not sold, Marrakesh is renowned for its cuisine. Foodies can indulge in traditional dishes like tagine, pastilla, couscous and msemen.

A number of restaurants have rooftops where people can dine while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Marrakesh also has a rich street food culture for those looking for a bite to eat while on the go.

A flight from London to Marrakesh takes approximately three-and-a-half hours, according to British Airways.