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The Best Christmas Markets in the UK
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Ah, Christmas markets. Perusing stalls, mulled wine in mittened hands, the sound of carol singers filling the brisk winter air, twinkly lights adorning grand trees – we love a good Christmas market, and the UK has tons. Here’s our round-up of our absolute favourites for you to visit this year!
The Best Christmas Markets in the UK
Devon
The Donkey Sanctuary’s Christmas Fair
DO: In this festive fair, meet local and independent traders selling a range of Christmassy treats, from crafts to cakes. Enjoy warming refreshments and hang out in Santa’s grotto with his reindeers (donkeys)! 24 – 25 November, tickets £2 per adult, under 12’s go free. visitdevon.co.uk
STAY: Grazebrook Hotel – Devon – 57 mins from the fair. The outside is conventional – a fine-looking Georgian house in a landscaped garden at the southern tip of Dartmoor – which makes the interior all the more of a surprise. It’s kooky, quirky and huge fun, filled with curiosities as diverse as a stuffed flamingo and a bulldog sculpture wearing a bowler hat. Doubles from £149, +44 (0)1364 73322; glazebrookhouse.com
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East Anglia
Deepdale Christmas Market
DO: Their 10th annual market launches on November 30th for a weekend of shopping, joy and festive merriment. Entry is free and visitors will be able to shop from over 150 different traders selling something for everyone from food and drink to jewellery and accessories. 30 November – 2 December, free entry, dalegatemarket.co.uk
STAY: The Hoste Hotel & Beauty Spa – Burnham Market, Norfolk – 6 mins from the market. An independent hotel with a difference, The Hoste is spread throughout a collection of separate buildings in pretty Burnham Market. At its heart is a 17th-century coaching inn overlooking the village green. Here, you’ll find the reception, a convivial bar, sheltered garden and two outstanding restaurants: an elegant panelled dining room and a contemporary brasserie. Doubles from £165, +44 (0)1328 738777; thehoste.com
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Hampshire
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
DO: Notably one of the best markets in Europe, it’s no wonder it’s back for a 13th year. Inspired by traditional German markets, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market attracts hundreds of thousands of people and offers a vast and quality abundance of food and shopping. 17 November – 20 December, free entry, visitwinchester.co.uk
STAY: New Park Manor Hotel – Brockenhurst, Hampshire – 35 mins from the market. The 17th and 21st centuries fuse impeccably at this New Forest hotel, part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection. The manor was Charles II’s favourite hunting lodge and still has its original fireplaces, panelling and oak leaf-patterned doors, alongside all the contemporary comforts that you – or your children – could possibly need. Doubles from £115, +44 (0)1590 623467; newparkmanorhotel.co.uk
The Cotswolds
Bath Christmas Market
DO: Head to beautiful Bath and enjoy the 18-day-long Christmas market for over 160 chalets full of independent and unique designers and traders. The perfect place to get all your Christmas shopping done whilst supporting Bath’s local businesses and craftspeople. 22 November – 9 December, free entry, bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
STAY: The Bradley Hotel, Cheltenham – 1hr 16 mins from the market. This lovely, honeyed-stone Regency townhouse in the fashionable Montpellier district has been a B&B since 2011 and was recently given a significant refurbishment by Peter and Lana de Savary. The interior is elegant in style with antiques, paintings and objets d’art. Doubles from £145, +44 (0)1242 519077; thebradleyhotel.co.uk
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Wales
Dinefwr Christmas Fair
DO: Set in a mansion and its courtyard is Dinefwr Christmas Fair, a fun family-friendly festive celebration. Meet Father Christmas, shop crafts spread over two floors of Newton House, and enjoy the hubbub of the inner courtyard whilst you examine your shopping finds! 23 November – 25 November, tickets start at £3.80 for children, nationaltrust.org.uk
STAY: The Angel Hotel – Abergavenny, Monmouthshire – 1 hr 25 mins from the fair. The centrally located Angel Hotel is the smart, yet relaxed and welcoming town hub. Locals pop in for a drink in The Foxhunter Bar, others dine in the popular Oak Room restaurant, and throngs of people indulge in delectable, award-winning afternoon teas. Doubles from £101, 01873 857121; angelabergavenny.com
London
Belgravia Christmas Sunday
DO: Transport yourself to a winter wonderland at Christmas Sunday on Elizabeth Street, Belgravia. With artisan crafts and a host of independent stalls, find some unique festive gifts and enjoy seasonal food and drinks from the local traders. 2 December, free entry, christmasmarkets.com
STAY: The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences – Mayfair – 9 mins from the market. Since its beginnings as a 19th-century MP’s elegant mansion, The Athenaeum has continually reinvented itself. Today, you’ll find a boutique hotel with newly launched Townhouse Residences that offer guests a private London base but with all the benefits and services of a five-star hotel. Residences from £699, +44 (0)20 7499 3464; athenaeumhotel.com
The Best Christmas Markets in London