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Gorgeous city just three hours from UK has 25C weather in February and 9 rooms

Marrakech, in Morocco, is just a few hours away from London in North Africa but you can get bargain accommodation, cheap flights and it's steaming hot and sunny in winter

[Shoppers in the Medina in Marrakesh where the weather is glorious in February]

Shoppers in the Medina in Marrakesh where the weather is glorious in February(Image: Getty Images)

The British winter has been long and gloomy this year and it has offered no sign of letting up just yet. That means that thousands of Brits are looking to jet off this month for some winter sun and one destination boasts 25C weather the month and is just a three hour flight from London.

Marrakech, in Morocco, is a stunning city which has everything you could want from a winter holiday. Right now, the weather is so balmy that fruit trees around the streets are dropping oranges and lemons that will make you feel like its the Med in mid-summer.

But, what is it that makes Marrakech such an incredible city to visit? Well, it has something for everyone. When you first enter the city youll feel transported back in time as the buildings are all a beautiful deep red with Arabic and Amazigh influences that makes some tourists feel theyve stepped into Disneys Aladdin.

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The heart of the city is the Medina and the central square. The Medina is an ancient shopping area filled with winding alleys and streets boasting everything you could want to buy from brightly coloured spices to glittering clothes and jewellery. Shoes, rugs and metalwork are particularly prominent along with 'cactus silk' scarves, genies lamps, tea sets and artwork. You can even buy a masterfully crafted front door if you have a way to get it home.

[Wide shot of smiling couple taking selfie while dining with friends at rooftop restaurant in the Medina of Marrakech]

You can dine on the rooftops of the medina (Image: Getty Images)

Now, you can haggle over things in the Medina and some people find that intimidating, but dont be put off. Aim for a third of the first price they start at and youre winning. There are plenty of coffee shops and small eateries, some with tall terraces where you can look out over the main square which is a world to itself.

In the square during the day time there are stalls like anywhere else in the Medina, but at night it bursts with life. As one review on TripAdvisor said: "The Medina in Marrakech is huge, I did not get to every square inch of it. There are several squares, and on Friday night there were lots of people gathered into groups playing music, singing, and the men dancing at the Jamal el Fna square. Dozens of juice vendors with geometric displays of fruit want you to come to their stand, there are monkeys doing backflips and snakes being charmed. Very crowded."

[Spices and shoppers in a street of the medina ]

The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site(Image: Getty Images)

For those who arent about shopping theres also lots of history to explore. The incredible Bahia Palace lets you take a look inside the living space of a former statesman the grand vizier Si Musa of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman. Take a look at the beautiful fretwork, carvings and art work as well as the internal garden and the rooms of his numerous wives and concubines.

The The Ben Youssef Madrasa is also fascinating a historic Islamic school filled with rooms where young men would live and study. In the centre is a large pool and gorgeous mosaic work. While slightly further out of the city is the colourful and jaw dropping Majorelle Garden a massive one-hectare botanical garden and artist's landscape garden created by artist Jacques Majorelle.

[The Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech]

The Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

However, one of the best things about Marrakech is that you can head out of the city into the surrounding countryside and choose from mountains or desert. You can book excursions usually cheaply for around 30 for an all-day experience to drive ATVs or camels out in the dessert, dine and enjoy a Moroccan feast surrounded by the sands and dance to music while fire breathers entertain you.

Alternatively, you can head into the Atlas Mountains on a hike to see the stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls the highest cascading waterfalls in North Africa. While on your way you can learn about how the native Amazigh (also known as Berbers) live. Meanwhile if youre willing to go further you can go on a three day journey over to the Sahara and camp among the dunes.

[The amazing tropical garden Le Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech]

The amazing tropical garden Le Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech(Image: Getty Images)

Marrakech is a great choice for couples or families as theres always something to do. You can bag a flight to Marrakech from just 37 and when you land youll feel that blast of hot air as you exit the airport.

Having visited just last month in January it was a radiant 26C for several days of the week in mid-winter! Brits can choose from a number of accommodation options I found an all-inclusive deal with TUI for just 450 or you can get a one-bedroom apartment on booking.com from just 9.

We like the Hotel Medina for bargain-hunters at 12 a night that's right in the heart of the city. Those after a more luxurious stay can choose the Riad Nelia De Marrakech Hotel Boutique & Spa which has a beautiful pool from 91 a night.

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