11 magical snow days across Britain which really delivered the goods

The national obsession with weather kicked into overdrive on Thursday as people across the nation were gripped by Thundersnow fever.

A woman walks her dog through snow in Sydenham Woods on February 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. Freezing weather conditions dubbed the 'Beast from the East' has continued to bring distruption to many parts of the country, with snow and sub-zero temperatures reaching much of the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
(Image credit: A woman walks her dog through snow in Sydenham Woods on February 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. Freezing weather conditions dubbed the 'Beast from the East' has continued to bring distruption to many parts of the country, with snow and sub-zero temperatures reaching much of the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images))

Across vast swathes of Britain the roads are deserted save for a few people trundling along at 5mph, schools are closed and supermarkets are full of people shopping for Armageddon.

But there's always an upside to snow: fun, beauty and grandeur. Here's our pick of some wonderful snowy moments across the nation.

These images of wonderful winters of the past come from the Science & Society Picture Library. 


Nuns on the (toboggan) run

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

The brewery delivery man shows the true meaning of ice-cold beer

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

It's always the right time to do the conga

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

Shadow dancer

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

Steam trains and snowy winters? The old days really were just like your grandfather always told you...

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

Frozen lakes of yesteryear – without a health and safety official in sight

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

Definitely the wrong type of snow

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

These sheep were only too happy to be told to huddle up – just to keep warm

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

"What do you mean, 'I still have to go to school'? You can't be serious!"

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

Let's just hope the driver doesn't brake too suddenly...

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

If you hadn't seen the skier, what would you think had made these patterns...?

Snow days

(Image credit: Science & Society Picture Library)

rain

From mizzle to drizzle and dreich to dibble: 17 fascinating British words for wet weather

Mizzle, drizzle, dreich and dibble are just some of the many ways we describe rain. Antony Woodward considers our obsession

Tresco

Credit: Tresco

Tresco: Like Britain, but with better weather, beaches, gardens... and no cars

Michael Sissons visits Tresco, a beautiful, tranquil, family-owned island off the coast of Cornwall.

Ship in a storm

Credit: Alamy

10 fascinating things you should know about the Shipping Forecast

From the tragedy which sparked its inception to the modern tweaks which have had listeners up in arms.

South Utsire - a name from the Shipping Forecast - is just as romantic a spot as you'd imagine

South Utsire - a name from the Shipping Forecast - is just as romantic a spot as you'd imagine
(Image credit: Alamy)

150 years of the Shipping Forecast: The magic and poetry of Dogger, Fisher and German Bight

Fish and chips (Alamy)

Credit: Fish and chips (Alamy)

The best fish and chip shop in Britain for 2018 has been officially crowned

The best fish and chip shop in Britain has been named as Millers of Haxby.

Toby Keel

Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.