Get into the Christmas spirit with a break in one of the UK’s most festive destinations. Warm up by the fireplace in a cosy pub, visit adorable German markets or wander through a Christmas tree maze. The UK has a lot to offer when it comes to setting the scene for the season of joy.
Bath
With its picturesque Georgian architecture, natural hot spa water and rich sense of history, the city of Bath is a great place for a getaway at any time of year, but at Christmas, the streets come alive with festive charm. Visit the stunning surrounds of Prior Park during December to see manicured gardens dressed for the season. Get involved in making decorations for the park Christmas tree, join a pomander-making workshop or learn how to make pom-poms with a series of family-friendly activities.
Snowy winter in Bath. Photo © Anthony Brown
Across town, Royal Victoria Park hosts Bath on Ice, a beautiful ice rink complete with Ice Lounge bar and café serving mulled wine and hot chocolate. You can also play a game of adventure golf on the specially lit golf course. From 26 November until 13 December the city centre also hosts a traditional Christmas market with over 170 stalls selling handmade toys and gifts as well as food and drinks.
Stay: Travelodge Bath
Edinburgh
Like Bath, Edinburgh’s historic buildings and dramatic landscape will captivate at any time of year, but no one knows how to make the most of the colder weather better than the Scots. The capital city comes alive during December.
Take a trip on the carousel or the giant Christmas tree slide, or get stunning views across the city on the iconic big wheel. Families will enjoy a visit to Santa Land in Prince’s Street Gardens, where you can get lost in the Christmas Tree maze, ride Santa’s train, or visit the big man himself in his rustic grotto.
The vibrant Edinburgh arts scene thrives during Christmas as some of the most successful shows from the Fringe festival make a seasonal return. Prince’s Street also hosts a Christmas market over the festive period so you can stock up on local craft items and warm yourself with a hot chocolate or hot cider.
Stay: Edinburgh hotels
York
The people of York take Christmas celebrations seriously. The medieval city centre is decorated with an array of twinkling lights and the main shopping areas stay open late for last-minute gifts. Santa spends a lot of time in York during December, so you can catch him at his grotto in Fountains Abbey, on a boat along the River Ouse, or next to a roaring log fire at Castle Howard.
At Castle Howard, probably Yorkshire’s best-known stately home, you’ll find the house transformed with candles and Christmas trees. There are also plenty of chances to sing carols and even meet real reindeer. Across town, York Castle Museum is hosting a series of craft workshops to help you to make your own Christmas decorations including glass snowflakes.
Stay: York Travelodge
Cambridge
Market Square in Cambridge hosts a busy festive market that’s filled with the scents and sounds of the season. Head to Kings College to hear the world-famous choir or head to the Old Spring pub to enjoy a traditional Christmas meal in one of the city’s cosiest establishments. If the weather gets too chilly, head to the Arts Picture House in the centre of town, where they offer a great line-up of Christmas films including It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone.
Stay: Hotels in Cambridge
