As the winter chill begins to bite, there are plenty of wonderful things to warm the heart and cheer the spirits in the Heart of England. Here are 25 of our favourite 2021 Christmas Markets in the Heart of England, all of which can easily be visited whilst staying at one of our nearby holiday cottages in Derbyshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Best Christmas Markets in the Peak District

Top: Haddon Grove Farm Cottages, Bakewell

Surrounded by some of the most stunning countryside in the world, our 12 Bakewell holiday cottages offer a fun-packed festive holiday. Browse our ‘Ten things to do on a Bakewell holiday’ and visit these delightful nearby Christmas markets.

1. Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Market
When: Thursday 18th - Sunday 21st November 2021; Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th November 2021;10am - 5pm
Where: Haddon Hall, Bakewell DE45 1LA; www.haddonhall.co.uk
Entry: Adults £7.50, Children 0-15 free, free parking
Details: Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Markets are hugely popular and are returning again this year for little seasonal magic. Visitors will have plenty of time to browse, shop and enjoy the exciting range of food and gift choices available. Most marquees will be located outdoors with a few located within some of the rooms of the Hall itself. As always, this promises to be a fun shopping experience and a great opportunity to find something a little out of the ordinary for family and friends.
Where to stay nearby: Our cottages near Bakewell are perfect for getting your family excited for Christmas and are all within 15 minutes drive.

2. Chatsworth Christmas Market
When: Saturday 6th November 2021 - Wednesday 24th November 2021; Monday - Thursday 10am - 5.30pm; Friday - Sunday 10am - 6pm
Where: Chatsworth House, Bakewell DE45 1PP; www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-market
Entry: Christmas tickets include access to Christmas market, admission to the house and garden. All tickets must be booked online and include parking for one car.
Details: Where better to start your Christmas shopping than at the Chatsworth Christmas market. With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, you’ll be sure to find perfect presents for all the family. Take a break from shopping and enjoy a mulled wine or a German beer at one of the outdoor bars, or sample some delicious street food. There's live music too, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the market.
Where to stay nearby: Our beautiful cottages near Bakewell are less than 20 minutes’ drive away.

3. Bakewell Christmas Market
When: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st November 2021
Where: Bakewell town centre; www.visitpeakdistrict.com/whats-on
Entry: Free
Details: Taking place in the centre of the charming market town, home to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, this is truly a quintessential English Christmas Market. Around 100 stallholders will line the streets, with live music performances, festive food and family activities throughout the weekend.
Where to stay nearby: Our fabulous family friendly Bakewell cottages are all within a 10 minute drive.

4. Victorian Matlock Christmas Market
When: Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th December 2021
Where: Hall Leys Park, Matlock DE4 3AP
Entry: Free
Details: A memorable festive event for all of the family with over 200 stalls in marquees, a wide selection of hand-crafted, artisan goods, local produce and seasonal foods. Festive entertainment across the weekend including Santa's Grotto, Proctors Fun Fair, live music and much more, topped off with a grand finale fireworks display.
Where to stay nearby: Why not book a stay for the whole tribe at our Bakewell cottages, all within a 20 minute drive.

5. Christmas Wonderland & Ice Skating
When: Saturday 20th November – Sunday 5th December 2021; 12-8pm
Where: The Pavilion Gardens, St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Entry: Free
Details: As well as an ice rink, there will be festive stalls, street food and drink, children’s rides and a Santa’s Grotto – and there may even be some snow!
Where to stay nearby: Enjoy this Christmas Market during a pre-Christmas stay at one of our Bakewell holiday cottages, all within a 20 minute drive.

6. Christmas Weekend at Cromford Mills
When: Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th, Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th, Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th December 2021; 10am – 4pm
Where: Cromford Mills, Mill Lane, Cromford DE4 3RQ; www.cromfordmills.org.uk
Entry: Free
Details: Enjoy the holiday season at Cromford Mills with festive markets, Medley arts and crafts show, winter warmers, Christmas trees and more. More details coming soon!
Where to stay nearby: Why not treat the family to a pre-Christmas break at one of our Bakewell holiday cottages within 30 minutes' drive.

7. Belper Winter Food Festival
When: Sunday 5th December 2021; 10am – 3pm
Where: King St, Campbell Street and Strutt Street, Belper; belpertowncouncil.gov.uk/food-festival
Entry: Free
Details: Come along and enjoy a range of food from local producers, taste a huge range of products on sale and perhaps buy a few Christmas goodies. It is a perfect day out for food lovers.
Where to stay nearby: Check out our fabulous family friendly Bakewell cottages, all within a 40 minute drive.

8. Denby Pottery Christmas Market
When: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th November 2021 & Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th December 2021; 9am- 5pm
Where: Denby Pottery Village, Derby Road DE5 8NX
Entry: Free entry and free parking
Details: Over 30 hand-picked stalls offering a wide range of handcrafted and personalised items plus delicious artisan food and drink. Hand pick your own real Christmas tree & wreath at the Denby Garden Stall and up to 60% off RRP in the Denby Factory Shop. There’s a BBQ and hog roast throughout this popular event too!
Where to stay nearby: Why not treat the family to a relaxing short break at one of our cosy holiday cottages near Bakewell, all within a 45 minute drive.

Best Christmas Markets in Herefordshire

Top: Ludlow Medieval Fayre; bottom: Hampton Wafre Cottage, Docklow

With festive fairs selling traditional crafts and seasonal food, historic homes dressed for Christmasses past, magical Santa kingdoms and Yuletide music and street festivities, there’s something for all the family to enjoy right across Herefordshire this Christmas. 

9. Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair
When: Saturday 18th December 2021; 9:30am - 4pm
Where: Hereford Cathedral, Hereford HR1 2NG
Entry: Free
Details: Over forty stallholders will be in Hereford Cathedral on Saturday 18 December for their annual Christmas Fair. Featuring homemade produce, handcrafted items and plenty of gift ideas. At 1pm the popular Carols for Shoppers service will be performed by Hereford Church Singers & Herefordshire Junior Youth Choir.
Where to stay nearby: Hampton Wafre Cottage is perfect for getting your family excited for Christmas and is 30 minutes' drive away.

10. Leominster Victorian Christmas Market
When: Saturday 11th December 2021; 9am - 4pm
Where: Leominster Town, HR6 8YP
Entry: Free
Details: Leominster Victorian Christmas Market offers a great day out for all the family, with a wide variety of stalls in Corn Square and Broad Street selling a range of crafts and gifts plus local and seasonal produce. Locals dress in traditional Victorian dress, and there is plenty of street entertainment to entertain all the family.
Where to stay nearby: Why not treat the family to a pre-Christmas break at Hampton Wafre Cottage, 10 minutes' drive away.

11. Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
When: Thursday 2nd December 2021; 12 - 9pm, Friday 3rd December; 11am - 9pm, Saturday 4th December; 10am - 8pm, Sunday 5th December; 11am - 5pm
Where: High Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY; www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk/thefayre
Entry: Free
Details: Brimming with Dickensian festive flavour, the city’s traditional Victorian Fayre will return with almost 200 stalls across the city centre , selling local arts and crafts, delicious street food and gifts. Plus a fantastic programme of entertainment with live music and street entertainers.
Where to stay nearby: Cosy up in our luxury holiday cottage in Docklow, 40 minutes’ drive away.

12. Ross on Wye Christmas Fayre
When: Sunday 21st November 2021; 11am - 5pm
Where: Ross on Wye town centre
Entry: Free
Details: Enjoy browsing a fantastic selection of market stalls selling an array of arts, crafts, food, drink and gifts. Plus live music at the Market House in the afternoon.The Beefy Boys will be selling scrumptious burgers and Santa and his helpers will be taking Christmas list requests with some surprises for the children too!
Where to stay nearby: Beautiful Hampton Wafre Cottage is 50 minutes’ drive away.

13. Hay Festival Winter Weekend
When: Wednesday 24th November - Sunday 28th November 2021
Where: Hay on Wye HR3 5DG; www.hayfestival.com/winter-weekend/home
Entry: Prices vary - see website. You will need to purchase tickets whether you attend in person or watch online
Details: An annual festival of ideas just before Christmas at venues around the town, including a wide range of author conversations, music, comedy and performance, as well as workshops for young people. A selection of great exhibitors provide delicious food, beautiful products, and interesting charities and projects.
Where to stay nearby: Make this wonderful experience complete with a stay atHampton Wafre Cottage, a 40 minute drive away.

14. Handmade And Vintage Winter Fayre
When: Saturday 27th November 2021; 10am - 1pm
Where: Coronation Hall, Kingsland, Leominster HR6 9SQ
Entry: Free
Details: The Retro Room and Nanny Bobbins hold this fayre with a wide array of vintage and handmade stalls. With the idea of reusing, recycling and hand making in mind. Refreshments available.
Where to stay nearby: Check out this quirky fayre during a stay atHampton Wafre Cottage, just 18 minutes' drive away.

15. Etsy Made Local Christmas Market
When: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th November 2021; 10am - 4pm
Where: Hereford FC, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JU
Entry: Free
Details: Come and browse local makers and creatives’ products, from homewares, pet gifts, art, glassware, clothing, cards, and much more. The first 20 people through the door each day will recieve a goodie bag, with handmade items and money off vouchers.
Where to stay nearby: Check out this local market during a festive stay atHampton Wafre Cottage, just 30 minutes' drive away.

16. Magical Christmas Market
When: Saturday 27th November 2021; 2 - 8pm
Where: The The Life and Soul Kitchen, Hereford HR4 9PU
Entry: Free
Details: This Christmas Market brings the magic of Christmas together with a large selection of the best local sellers, with everything from handmade gifts to children’s books and delicious fudge to local produce. There will be a FREE Santa’s grotto where your child can meet Mr & Mrs Claus and receive a small free present. There will be turkey and pork rolls available throughout the day as well as the usual Life and Soul treats, including festive hot drinks, delicious cakes and our legendary Cheesecake Factory.
Where to stay nearby: Our fabulous family friendly Hampton Wafre Cottage is less than 30 minutes' drive away.

17. Kington Winter Food Festival
When: Saturday 4th December & Sunday 5th December 2021; 11am - 4pm
Where: Steiner Academy, Much Dewchurch HR2 8DL
Entry: Free
Details: Kington’s winter food and drink festival features the very best of what the borders has to offer, with over 90 handpicked stalls offering the best variety of products from charcuterie to patisserie to fresh meat to chocolate. It is spread over 5 different venues in Kington, including the now famous White Heron cassis pop up cocktail bar, certain to keep those December chills away.
Where to stay nearby: Enjoy this winter food festival during a pre-Christmas stay at Hampton Wafre Cottage, a 30 minute drive away.

18. Hellens Christmas Produce Market
When: Saturday 4th December 2021; 9.30 - 11.30am
Where: Hellens House and Gardens, Much Marcle HR8 2LY
Entry: Free
Details: Come and experience the buzz of Market Day and support local producers at Hellens Produce Market. You can even enjoy a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich or a cake or two. This new produce market’s regular market days are on the first Saturday of each month.
Where to stay nearby: Enjoy this local market during a festive break at Hampton Wafre Cottage, 30 minutes' drive away.

Best Christmas Markets in Shropshire

Top: The Oaks; bottom: The Gatehouse & Much Wenlock Christmas Fayre

Why not try a slice of a beautiful part of Britain in the run up to Christmas 2021 at a Shropshire holiday cottage? A bit of a ‘hidden gem’, Shropshire has an unspoilt and uncrowded feel. Come and soak up the welcoming atmosphere, historic towns, fine dining and, of course, these wonderful Christmas markets!

19. Ludlow Medieval Fayre
When: Saturday 27th November 2021;10am - 9pm & Sunday 28th November 2021; 10am - 4pm
Where: Ludlow Castle grounds, Ludlow Castle, Ludlow SY8 1AY; www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk
Entry: Prices vary - please prebook an arrival time slot ticket through the website
Details: This Christmas event in the grounds of Ludlow castle is fantastic fun for all ages. From over 100 traditional Christmas market stalls packed with local craft and festive foodie treats, to fighting knights, panto, puppets, carol-singing, archery and sword-fighting; 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.
Where to stay nearby: Check out our gorgeous Heart of England properties nearby, sleeping 4 - 10 guests.

20. Much Wenlock Christmas Fayre
When: Saturday 4th December 2021; 10am - late
Where: Much Wenlock, Shropshire; www.wenlockchristmasfayre.org.uk
Entry: Free
Details: Independent shops blend with eclectic stalls to transform the quintessential market town of Much Wenlock in this atmospheric Christmas Fayre. The narrow streets and church green come alive with bustling stalls, brass bands, choirs and roving entertainers. Check out the donkey rides, children’s entertainment and even a Santa’s grotto, bound to keep the kids captivated. The day ends with a magical candlelit procession and carols in the square together with the switching on of the Christmas lights.
Where to stay nearby: Check out The Gatehouse and The Oaks, just 15 - 30 minutes away.

21. Weston Park Christmas Food & Craft Fayre
When: Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th December 2021; 10am - 4pm
Where: Weston Park, Shifnal, Telford TF11 8LE; www.weston-park.com
Entry: Fayre £3.50 per person, House £2.00 per person, Under 4s free
Details: With over 100 indoor and outdoor stalls, this Christmas Fayre is the ideal place to pick up gifts and indulge in some festive food and drink. Take a ride on the Miniature Railway, tuck into a delicious street food or reserve a table in the Granary Brasserie. The House, beautifully decorated for Christmas, will be open to explore between 1 - 4pm.
Where to stay nearby: Cosy up in our luxury Shropshire holiday cottages, 40 minutes away.

22. Frost Fair at The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
When: Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th November 2021; 10am - 4pm
Where: Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms SY7 9RS; www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
Entry: Free
Details: With a wide selection of handmade crafts and Christmas gifts from talented Shropshire crafts people, you’re sure to find that special gift for your family and friends.
Where to stay nearby: Fabulous family friendly The Oaks is within a 20 minute drive of this fair.

23. Winter Fair Shrewsbury
When: Saturday 6th November 2021; 10am - 4pm
Where: St Marys Church, Shrewsbury centre
Entry: Free
Details: A great opportunity to make a start on festive shopping and buy something extra special for friends, family with lots of fabulous traders.
Where to stay nearby: Our beautiful Shropshire holiday cottages are 25 - 35 minutes from Shrewsbury.

24. Shropshire Handmade and Creative Christmas Fair
When: Saturday 20th November 2021; 10am - 5pm
Where: Salop Leisure, Emstrey, Shrewsbury SY5 6QS
Entry: £1
Details: Launching the festive season at Salop Leisure, visit the Gift Hall, Food Hall and Outdoor Market offering unique handmade products. Plus Santa in his magical grotto with his elves on hand to help out and entertain the children. Extra caterers will be onsite to tempt you with festive fayre and get you in the Christmas spirit.
Where to stay nearby: Make this wonderful experience complete with a stay at one of our Shropshire holiday cottages, 20 - 30 minutes’ drive away.

25. Shrewsbury Christmas Market
When: Friday 17th & Saturday 18th December 2021
Where: Salop Leisure, Emstrey, Shrewsbury SY5 6QS
Entry: Free
Details: With 60 stalls showcasing some of the best local traders, there will be lots of handmade gifts, crafts and local food and drink products for you to browse and shop. There will also be a food hall where visitors can indulge in delicious hot food and Christmas themed drinks, including spiced hot chocolate and mulled wine. Plus workshops where visitors can learn how to make gifts and crafts and a Santa’s grotto.
Where to stay nearby: Why not book a stay for the whole tribe at our Shropshire holiday cottages, 20 - 30 minutes’ drive away.