With the summer heat finally cooling off, there’s no better time to start thinking about Christmas. Those last few months will fly by, and it’ll be time to bring out the Christmas tree before you know it. So, if you’re considering heading away from the holidays, it’s best to start planning now.
Even if you aren’t planning to go far, there are plenty of excellent locations around the UK that make for enchanting Christmas breaks and memories that you can cherish for years to come. From city breaks to charming villages decked out in fairy lights, read on to find out our picks for four of the best locations for a Christmas break in the UK.
- Edinburgh
If you’re looking to enjoy some bustling streets this Christmas, then Edinburgh is an easy recommendation. You might think that a capital city might be too crowded during the holiday period, but that doesn’t stop Edinburgh transforming into a magical winter destination.
With its historical architecture and the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the city feels like something out of a Christmas from years gone by. Plus, there’s a wealth of shopping options throughout the city that make it the perfect place to get any last-minute presents in!
You can’t miss the Christmas Market that takes place in the Princes Street Gardens, where more than 100 stalls bring the season to life with everything you could possibly want to feel the spirit of Christmas. Not to mention the Winter Festival, which brings together light displays and live music to really get you in the seasonal mood.
- The Cotswolds
People looking for a Christmas break away from the crowds should consider a visit to the Cotswolds. In terms of picture-perfect locations, it’s hard to beat the charming villages, rolling hills and thatched cottages of the region. If you’re lucky and any snow falls, then your surroundings will turn into something straight off the front of a Christmas card!
There is a wealth of different towns and villages to choose from through the Cotswolds, with places like Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold all hosting Christmas markets, lights and events that make for a traditional Christmas feel.
If you’re looking to enjoy some winter nature then head to Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas trail, which features beautiful lights blended with one of the most incredible tree collections in the entire UK.
- York
Another city location that’s veritably steeped in history and tradition, York shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re considering your Christmas break. Just like Edinburgh, the medieval streets of York come alive with lights and decorations during the holiday period that will transport you into a magical atmosphere.
The St Nicholas Fair is a must, forming the heart of the city’s Christmas festivities. This traditional market is a great place to pick out some unique gifts and stocking fillers, as well as sampling some festive foods like Yorkshire pudding wraps!
The York Minister cathedral is a beautiful space for anyone who wants to attend a Christmas service or concert, with its gothic majesty lending extra gravitas to proceedings.
- Bath
Slightly smaller in scale compared to cities like Edinburgh, Bath offers a Christmas city experience infused with its own charm. With its mix of Georgian architecture and Roman heritage, the city brings a unique backdrop to its festivities.
You can spend some time on the ice at the Bath on Ice skating rink before warming back up with a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of one of the city’s famous thermal baths. The thermal baths are also an excellent idea after spending a day wandering the streets and visiting all the stalls of the city’s extensive Christmas Market.
Whatever the flavour of getaway you’re looking for this Christmas – whether it’s a city break or a countryside retreat – the UK has so many locations that are just bursting with the magic of the season.
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