Britons battling the bone-chilling cold may find their thoughts wandering to warmer climes, and Galle, in Sri Lanka, could be just the sunny sanctuary they’re looking for, with an average temperature of 30C in winter.

Not only does the seaside city promise plenty of sunshine, but it also boasts a treasure trove of attractions for travellers.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the historic Galle Fort, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the serene tropical landscapes and picturesque old town are also worth visiting.

Long before the Portuguese set foot on its shores in the 16th century, Galle was known as Gimhathiththa, claiming fame as the island’s premier port.

Travel experts from Salt in our Hair explained: “Galle Fort is the most beautiful coastal town in Sri Lanka. 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.”

They added: “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.”

Globetrotter Mollie from We are Global Travellers shared: “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.”

She added: “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.”

Travellers shared their thoughts on Tripadvisor, with one describing Dalawella Beach, one of Galle’s most famous beaches, as “an amazing place”.

They explained it’s a beautiful beach, with crystal clear warm waters and many turtles, and recommended: “Take snorkelling gear with you when visiting. Beware of strong currents on the west side of the beach. The eastern area is calm and great for snorkel.”

Others explained that Galle’s beaches are not crowded during the winter months, making them the “perfect place” to relax. Another one added: “Beautiful beach, with a large protected lagoon at the Galle end of the beach, where we had regular close encounters with turtles.”