ts, the winter months – particularly once Christmas and New Year have passed – are all about hunkering down at home and waiting for the freeze to thaw. Across the British Isles, though, a collection of natural marvels reveals itself at this time of year, including some of the rarest and most spectacular phenomena that the country has to offer.

From ghostly optical illusions to flocks of dancing birds, these British winter wonders are enough to encourage even the most ardent homebody to get their boots on, brush up on their photography skills and brave the big chill.