By Jade Braham
It’s said to be the most wonderful time of the year, so we’ve rounded up the best places to visit in the UK at Christmas.
Whether you’re longing for mince pies and mulled wine, can’t wait to peruse the Christmas markets or just want to marvel at the scintillating light displays, there’s something for everyone whatever your taste and budget.
The best places to visit in the UK at Christmas
Winchester
Dubbed ‘England’s Christmas capital’, Winchester has everything you need to get into the Christmas mood. From November 13 the Christmas lights are switched on, followed by the annual lantern parade on November 24. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is considered one of Europe’s best and lasts until December 22. Hop on board the steam train at the Watercress Line, an incredible LED light show you won’t want to miss. Or explore National Trust house Hinton Ampner and discover Christmases past as each room is brought to life with a different tale. This year it’s A Pantomime Christmas. Booking essential.
Find more information at visitwinchester.co.uk
York
York is another UK city that continues to capture people’s hearts at Christmas. Not only is it beautiful to walk around at any time of year, it looks especially pretty covered in twinkling lights over the festive season. Visit the funfair and ice skate at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. Pick up Christmas gifts at one of the north’s best Christmas markets, St Nicholas Fair, or listen to Christmas carols at York Minster. York’s Castle Museum transforms into a stage for tales like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Children can also visit Santa. Castle Howard’s Christmas with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is one not to be missed. While adults will delight in Christmas Afternoon Tea at iconic tea room Bettys.
Find more information at visityork.org/christmas
Bath
From pantomimes at the Theatre Royal Bath (this year it’s Peter Pan) to seeing the beautiful Georgian buildings decked with lights, Bath sparkles with festive joy. Bath’s Christmas Market is the place to head for one-of-a-kind local treats and runs from November 27 to December 14. Discover the trees of Westonbirt Arboretum in a whole new light along the Christmas Illuminated Trail. Get your skates on at Bath on Ice or embrace the Christmas spirit with Santa and his elves just outside the city at Wookey Hole Winter Woodland.
Find more information at visitbath.co.uk
Coventry
Replacing the light switch is Coventry’s Festival of Christmas in the city centre on November 22. See the huge Christmas tree and free festive light shows every hour in the run up to the big day in Broadgate square at Coventry Christmas Market. Drink mulled wine and toast marshmallows at the Christmas cabins. And don’t miss the Christmas Makers Markets in the city’s FarGo creative quarter. Stop off for a Vintage Sleigh Ride, which includes a visit to Santa, at Coventry Transport Museum. While a little further afield, Luminate Coombe at Coombe Abbey hotel is always special.
Find more information at visitcoventry.co.uk/christmas
Birmingham
Birmingham is known for boasting the largest German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany, and it’s rated one of the best in Europe. Tuck into schnitzels, pretzels and gluhwein at the Frankfurt Christmas Market. The Centenary Square’s ice rink and big wheel are back and bigger than ever. For a bit of culture, watch the Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Birmingham Hippodrome or take the kids to see this year’s pantomime, Robin Hood.
Find more information at visitbirmingham.com
Nottingham
For one of the most spectacular Christmas markets we’ve ever seen, head to Nottingham this festive season. Marvel at the 60ft Christmas tree or if you’re feeling brave have a go on the giant Observation Wheel which whisks visitors up over 30 metres in the air offering stunning views of the city. For those who prefer to stay closer to the ground, there is an Apres Ski bar, Ice Bar, winter-themed igloos and a unique ice rink which envelopes around the entire market square. Other offerings include a magical Yuletide light show and trail at Wollaton Hall, where Batman was famously filmed. Or Step back in time for with a visit to Santa’s grotto of festive afternoon tea at Belvoir Castle.
Find more information at visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are beloved for their fairy-tale-like villages, and Christmas only magnifies this impression. There are many village Christmas markets, but Cirencester is one of the best. Blenheim Palace is re-imagining the Wizard of Oz this year with its decor and light trail this year. While the magical Sudeley Castle is putting on a Spectacle of Light, which illuminates the gardens with lanterns and water features. A visit to the Cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without popping into a country pub for a festive lunch. The Kings Head Inn in Bledingdon is a favourite.
Find more information at cotswolds.com
London
The capital is an intoxicating place to visit all year round, but it really comes alive at Christmas. King’s Cross has some of the best Christmas markets, including plenty of places to eat and drink in the run up to December 25. Skate the night away at Somerset House. While Kew Gardens will be illuminated by magical installations and is well worth a visit. Just be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. If you can’t get a ticket, walk through central London to see the magnificent shop facades light up every year. Saunter through Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, Bond Street and our personal favourite Mayfair, where many designer shops are.
Find more information at visitlondon.com
Read more: Chic things to do in London at Christmas
Warwick
Spend Christmas at Warwick Castle marvelling at the medieval armour and 20ft Christmas tree. Kids will love the Santa Sleepovers. There is also an outdoor light trail and open-air ice rink. Don’t miss the Warwick Victorian Evening on November 28 for traditional costumes – there’s a best dressed competition and the prize is an overnight stay at Warwick Castle, plus more. Pop into St Mary’s Church to see the town’s annual Christmas Tree Festival. While Hatton Shopping Village has a number of Christmas markets, including a vintage themed one.
Find more information at visitwarwick.co.uk
Edinburgh
There are few places in the UK that do Christmas and New Year celebrations, but Edinburgh goes all out for both. From the end of October through December, the Scottish capital is brimming with events for all ages. See the spectacular Castle of Light show at Edinburgh Castle. Stock up on bespoke gifts at the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market in the heart of the city. Discover how Mary, Queen of Scots would have spent Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and sneak a peek at the chamber where she used to sleep. Here, Christmas decorations include pomanders of citrus fruits popular in the Queen’s era, and you’ll discover how to play her favourite game, ‘The Queen of the Bean’.
Find more information at edinburgh.org
Hay-on-Wye
While Cardiff might be best known for its Christmas market in Wales, Hay-on-Wye has a unique Hay Festival Winter Weekend well worth visiting at the end of November (26 to 30). It spans five days and includes workshops, music, storytelling, comedy, and conversations with stars. Even if you can’t visit, you can catch some of the festival events online. The market square is also transformed into a winter wonderland with the turning on of the Haye Christmas Lights on November 29. There is carol singing, mince pies, mulled wine and special readings. Once the festival is over the quaint town, famous for its love of books, is a delightful place to do some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Find more information at hay-on-wye.co.uk
Cornwall
Although more people visit Cornwall in summer rather than winter, it really is a year-round destination and has some great things for the whole family to do if you visit over Christmas. There are no shortage of festive lunches and afternoon teas on offer here – check out the Nutcracker Ballet Afternoon Tea at Carbis Bay hotel (£70 for two). For magical light shows, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Christmas at the Eden Project are not to be missed.
Find more information at visitcornwall.com
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