There is nothing quite like visiting one of our UK Christmas markets to fill you with festive cheer.

Here are five of our favourites, all of which can easily be visited whilst staying at one of our nearby cottages:

1 Bath Christmas Market

 
When: November 24 – December 11 2016
Where: Between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, Bath, Somerset
Details: The centre of Bath is transformed with more than 150 wooden chalets selling decorations, sugared treats and gifts of every kind. There’s also a lively program of street entertainment. As evening approaches, head to the Theatre Royal for performances of Aladdin and if time allows take a trip to nearby Westonbirt for the Enchanted Christmas display.
You could stay at: Our cottages near Bristol, our North Somerset cottages or our Cotswold Lake Lodges. Sleeping 4 – 25, all offer mid-week breaks and can start from as few as two nights’ minimum stay.

2 Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

(photo courtesy of Abi Dakin) 
 
When: November 26 and 27 2016
Where: Ludlow Castle grounds, Ludlow, Shropshire
Details: From the Christmas market, packed with local craft and festive foodie treats, to the Plantagenet Knights’ Tournament, falconry displays and wassailing; this is one of our favourite UK Christmas markets. Ludlow itself is worth exploring too, a hidden treasure of a town, set in the rolling Shropshire hills, with charming local shops and eateries.
You could stay at: Our gorgeous Heart of England properties, sleeping 4-10.

3 Living Crafts for Christmas Fair

 
When: November 17 – 20 2016
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Details: Enjoy choosing the perfect present from over 150 British designer-makers, offering high-quality handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing and toys. Held in heated, carpeted pavilions within Blenheim Palace. Highlights of this Christmas market include: festive entertainment, free parking and specialist food and drink. Admission includes entrance to the magnificent formal gardens and parkland too. Indoors, a magical experience awaits as the palace is decorated for the season. Tickets for the Palace and show can be purchased in advance or on the day.
You could stay at: Our beautiful holiday cottages across the Cotswolds area.

4 Whitefriars, Canterbury

 
When: November 26 – December 24 2016
Where: Whitefriars Square, Canterbury
Details: This is one of the newest UK Christmas markets offering over 35 colourful cabins selling festive produce, gifts and decorations, in addition to Canterbury’s 60+ top brand stores! Children will love the Santa’s Grotto, open from December 3 – 24. With the Marlowe Theatre putting on its world famous pantomime, Dick Whittington, from November 25 – January 8, the Artisan Christmas Gift Fair at the Canterbury Tales attraction on November 26 – 27, and the annual Saint Nicholas Parade on December 3… Christmas is Canterbury! The grand finale is the show-stopping Norman cathedral’s rousing carol services on December 23 and 24.
You could stay at: Our fabulous Kent cottages.

5 Exeter Christmas Market

 
When: November 19 – December 18 2016
Where: The Cathedral Green, Exeter, Devon
Details: With the backdrop of the beautiful cathedral, a visit to Exeter’s Christmas market is a must. With a fantastic selection of stalls offering unique, handmade gifts, decorations and foodie treats. Please see the website above for opening dates and times.
You could stay at: Our gorgeous East Devon holiday cottages, all within 30 minutes’ drive.