London for shopping and theatre
Christmas time is synonymous with the last-minute dash. The Christmas Eve shopping rush, the late addition to the office party, the final few minutes to get that turkey just right – but it doesn’t all have to be stressful.
What better way to remedy the merry madness than with a late getaway to one of the UK’s great destinations? So lean back, get yourself a mulled wine and a warm mince pie, and start planning your trip today!
1. Marvellous Manchester
From 14th November right through to 20th December, a whopping seven Christmas markets will turn Manchester into a winter wonderland. Each with their own distinctive style and vibe, you can soak up the atmosphere in Albert Square, take a wander past the wooden chalets of Exchange Street, or browse the stalls at The Corn Exchange.
There’s plenty of chances to tick off some unusual items on your shopping list. While bars and food stalls will keep you fed and watered with everything from German beers to wine, paella to pancakes. Walk it all off in Heaton Park, which also has an animal farm and golf course.
Don’t forget to check out what else the city has to offer and for a nice change to the usual festive fare, visit Alexandros, a Greek restaurant that locals swear by. Grab a room in our Manchester Travelodge now to avoid disappointment.
2. Seaside St Austell
Make for the Cornish coast on your Christmas break to escape the city. Our St Austell hotel is close to the Eden Project, which runs its own ice rink in the festive season – they even have toddler sessions so it’s perfect for families. The town itself is laden with Christmas lights, and who doesn’t love a brisk winter roam by the seaside? You can also jump in the car and set off an a Cornish adventure to Roche Rock, catch the Victorian Christmas market in Truro, or just enjoy the calm away from the crowds.
3. Lovely Lincoln
Head to the atmospheric cathedral town of Lincoln for a peaceful Yuletide break. A stay at our Lincoln Thorpe on the Hill hotel puts you just 5 miles from the centre and the train station. The city’s home to one of the UK’s most famous Christmas markets, held in the city’s medieval square at the foot of the impressive cathedral. Lincoln Castle is being refurbished, but you must get to nearby Doddington Hall. It’s a superbly maintained Elizabethan stately home that holds Christmas festivities in December. Pick up some homemade treats from the Hall’s farm shop as gifts.
4. The Cool Capital
Our last-minute Crimbo getaway would not be complete without a trip to London. This year the capital is set to be a melting pot of festive fun. The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is returning, but if you’re looking for something a bit trendier, Victoria Park will hold its own version, complete with East London flair. Expect street food, local brews and live music to help you welcome in the festive period in style.
And that’s before you even start with the fantastic shopping, amazing restaurants and some of the best Christmas events in the UK. It’s a real crowd pleaser, whatever your interests.
Our London Travelodge hotels will get very busy over Christmas, so make sure you book in plenty of time and start planning your last-minute jaunt to the Big Smoke today.
