Nationwide Vehicle Contracts lists picturesque destinations known for their Christmas charm to plan road trips to experience the holiday spirit
As the festive season approaches, many of us start to think about how we can make the most of this special time of year. One way to do this is to plan a road trip to some of the UK's most picturesque Christmas destinations.
Whether you're looking for a traditional Christmas market experience, a chance to see some stunning winter scenery, or simply a bit of festive cheer, there's sure to be a destination to suit you.
Traditional Christmas Markets
One of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit is to visit one of the UK's many traditional Christmas markets. These markets are usually held in town squares and village greens, and they offer a variety of stalls selling food, drink, and gifts.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK include:
- Bath Christmas Market: Bath Christmas Market is a must-visit for any festive travellers. With its stunning backdrop of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, the market is a truly enchanting sight. Browse the stalls selling handmade gifts, festive treats, and delicious food, or take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the city.
- Manchester Christmas Markets: Manchester's Christmas Markets are the largest outside of Germany and a true spectacle of festive cheer. Spanning over nine sites across the city center, the markets offer a vast array of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, traditional Christmas food, and heartwarming drinks. Don't miss the iconic ski chalet market stalls in Piccadilly Gardens, transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive activities.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market: Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is a charming and atmospheric destination. Wander through the traditional wooden chalets lining Princes Street Gardens, where you'll find everything from Scottish crafts and souvenirs to delicious food and warming drinks. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel for stunning views of the city skyline, or indulge in a traditional Scottish Christmas dinner at one of the market's many restaurants.
Winter Wonderlands
If you're looking for a truly magical Christmas experience, then head to one of the UK's many winter wonderlands. These places are usually decorated with twinkling lights and festive displays, and they often offer a variety of activities, such as ice skating, snow sledding, and reindeer rides.
Some of the most popular Winter Wonderlands in the UK include:
- Lapland UK: Lapland UK is a theme park in Whitmore Forest, Staffordshire, England. It is open from November to December and is designed to recreate the experience of a Finnish Christmas. The park features elf workshops, reindeer rides, and a toboggan run. Visitors can also meet Santa and his elves.
- Winter Wonderland Hyde Park: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a magical Christmas attraction in London, England. It is open from November to January and features a wide range of activities, including ice skating, rides, stalls, and shows. The park is also home to Santa's Grotto, where children can meet Santa and receive a gift.
- Conkers: Conkers is a discovery centre in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England. It is open from November to January and features a number of Christmas activities, including a snow play area, a reindeer ride, and a Christmas craft workshop. The centre also hosts a Christmas market.
Festive Towns and Villages In UK
There are many towns and villages in the UK that are transformed into festive havens during the Christmas season. These places are usually decorated with twinkling lights and festive displays, and they often offer a variety of activities, such as carol singing, craft fairs, and nativity plays.
Some of the most popular festive towns and villages in the UK include:
- Portmeirion: Nestled in the Snowdonia National Park, Portmeirion is a charming Italianate village that looks like it's been plucked from a storybook. At Christmas time, the village is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a traditional Christmas market.
- Bourton-on-the-Water: Bourton-on-the-Water is a picturesque village in the Cotswolds, known for its honey-coloured cottages and six stone bridges that cross the River Windrush. At Christmas time, the village is adorned with festive decorations, and there are a number of events and activities taking place, such as carol singing and craft fairs.
- Cirencester: A historic market town in Gloucestershire, known for its Roman ruins and medieval architecture. At Christmas time, the town is decorated with festive lights and there are a number of events taking place, such as a Christmas market and a Christmas lights switch-on.
Tips For Planning Your Christmas Road Trip
Choose your destinations: Decide which destinations you want to visit and how long you want to spend at each one.
- Plan your route in advance: This will help you avoid traffic and make sure you have enough time to see all the sights you want. Be sure to factor in weather conditions and road closures.
- Book your accommodation: Accommodation can book up quickly during the Christmas season, so it's important to book your accommodation in advance.
- Pack the essentials: Pack warm clothes, snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the journey.
- Get into the festive spirit: Listen to Christmas music, sing carols, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Relax and enjoy the journey: The best part about a road trip is the time you spend with your loved ones.
We hope this guide has inspired you to plan a Christmas road trip to the UK. With so many festive destinations to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas.
For more information Christmas related, why not check out our Santa's Favourite Rides: Exploring the Coolest Cars Santa Might Drive blog? We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's leading car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit every need. To find out more, check out our comprehensive car leasing guides or call one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
