Wrap up warm, don your hat, scarf and gloves and head to a Christmas market this November and December. With a mulled wine in hand and a chorus of Christmas carols in the background, there is no better way to spend a winters evening with family and friends! Across the UK there are numerous markets to visit within a short drive of our Best of British Parks. Here are just a few of our favourites…
Padstow Christmas Market
6th – 9th December 2018
Closest parks: Hendra Holiday Park, Polmanter Touring Park, Trethem Mill Touring Park, Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Trevalgan Touring Park
Enjoy the splendour of Christmas this December at Cornwall’s best Christmas market. Situated on Padstows historic harbour side, the 4-day celebration is not to be missed. Join celebrated chefs including Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Phil Vickery for exciting cookery demonstrations and sample some of the counties best culinary delights at the food stands dotted around the quay. When the sun goes down the party continues with a wonderful children’s lantern parade, live music, carol singing and an impressive firework display above the commercial fishing boats.
Bournemouth Market
16th November – 2nd January 2018
Closest parks: Green Hill Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Shamba Holidays, South Lytchett Manor, Wareham Forest Tourist Park
Wrap up warm and head to Bournemouth market this Christmas. Inspired by the traditional alpine markets in Europe, the event takes over the city and is open late into the evening. During your day here take time to visit the grotto, where you can get into the Christmas spirit and pose for a photo with Santa and his elves. There is even an open air ice rink to show off your skills.
Exeter Christmas Market
15th November – 16th December 2018
Closest parks: Oakdown Country Holiday Park, Woodovis Park, Ross Park Caravan Park, Webbers Park, Beverley Park, , Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Wood Farm, Dornafield
Located on the green outside of Exeter’s impressive Cathedral, the annual Christmas market is one of the highlights of the festive season. In recent years great emphasis has been placed on celebrating businesses from the South West, with a large number of local artisans showcasing their wares at the market. In addition to a number of arts, crafts and food stands, the rustic tavern is the ideal spot to have a mulled wine or cider and soak in the atmosphere. Throughout the day and evening music acts will take to the bandstand to entertain the crowds.
Bath Christmas Market
22nd November – 9th December 2018
Closest parks: Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, Old Oaks Touring Park, Waterrow Touring Park
Bath Christmas market is an award-winning event, which is renowned throughout the UK. More than 180 chalets decorated in fairy lights will be serving delicious food throughout November and December, providing the perfect opportunity to buy last minute Christmas gifts. This year the market is ‘going green’ and decorations will be made from a selection of up-cycled plastic bottles. Each Saturday children are invited to join in a number of family friendly activities and workshops including face painting, story telling and arts and crafts.
Caerphilly Christmas Market
8th – 9th December 2018
Closest parks: Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park, Poston Mill Park, Townsend
Each year a traditional Christmas market lines the streets of Caerphilly, an old market town situated around the base of the famed castle. Watch the live music and traditional street entertainment at this free family event and enjoy shopping for a present or two at over 100 gift stalls. During the weekend numerous choirs will be performing as well a court jesters to keep the little ones entertained.
Dicken’s Christmas Festival
30th November – 2nd December 2018
Closest parks: Concierge Camping, The Orchards Holiday Park, Whitefield Forest Touring Park
Step back in time to a bygone era at Portsmouth’s Dickens Christmas Festival, where you can experience some of Dickens best loved novels including A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist. Walk along the historic dockyard, which will be dressed in period decorations and search for festive characters hidden amongst the stalls. Stop for a photo with the living snow globe and watch as a parade of historic characters line the streets at the end of each day, a real spectacle not to be missed.
Lincoln Christmas Market
6th – 9th December 2018
Closest parks: Cherry Tree Touring Park, Long Acres Touring Park
Lincoln is a cathedral city steeped in more than 2000 years of history. The Christmas market is situated in the cultural hub of the city, close to the medieval square and castle. The gothic cathedral provides a magnificent backdrop as you wonder along the cobbled streets soaking in the festive atmosphere. Stalls include handmade jewellery and toys as well as tasty artisan bakes.
Wrexham Christmas Market
6th December 2018
Closest parks: Beaconsfield, Oxon Hall Touring and Holiday Home Park, Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park
Wrexham Christmas Market is a one-day event based around a Victorian theme. Enjoy traditional street entertainment as you peruse the chalets in search of an unusual gift or a delicious bite to eat. With more than 100 stalls decorated in twinkling lights the market is a wonderful affair not to be missed
Winter Festival
16th November 2018 – 2nd December 2018
Closest parks: Blair Castle Caravan Park, Craigtoun Meadows
There are a number of Christmas themed markets happening in Perth this year to celebrate the festive season. The design market is ideal for purchasing handmade designer makes, perfect for decorating your home in the run up to Christmas. There is also a wonderful farmers market so you can stock up on locally source produce ready for the big day.
