Where you want to spend Christmas can feel like a big decision. Do you go to stay with family or friends, invite them to you, or do you pack up your leisure vehicle and do your own thing?
If you’ve got a caravan or motorhome, you could have an entirely different festive period exploring somewhere you’ve never been before.
It turns out that searches for ‘the best market towns in England’ were up by 50 per cent over the past 90 days, inspiring Brits to discover these quaint corners of the country instead of a distant relative’s spare room.
Research from holidaycottages.co.uk found that Stow-on-the-Wold, Holt, Keswick and Bishop Auckland were among the top market towns to visit.
But there’s one result that came out above all the rest, Bakewell in Derbyshire, which seems to have the perfect mix of quintessential charm, sparkling lights, scenic winter walks and a Christmas market.
Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “Smaller market towns preserve a more intimate, rustic Christmas atmosphere, with historic buildings, local crafts and artisanal foods drawing visitors for a cosy festive experience.”
Bakewell’s Christmas offerings
Nestled in the Peak District National Park, Bakewell transforms into a winter wonderland at this time of year, with festive lights illuminating the historic streets and creating a magical atmosphere.
Caravanners and motorhomers pitched up nearby can enjoy a scenic winter walk along the River Wye or venture into the surrounding countryside for breathtaking snowy landscapes.
Bakewell is known for its eponymous tart, so stopping by The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop with its attractive window displays is an absolute must.
No fewer than 30 of the little town’s cosy pubs boast a real fire, offering the perfect opportunity to warm up with a mulled wine or festive ale as long as you have no plans to drive your leisure vehicle.
The lively Christmas market boasts more than 100 stalls, where local treats and artisanal crafts add to the seasonal cheer.
Where to pitch up near Bakewell
There are a number of caravan sites within easy reach of Bakewell, but just a select few remain open in December.
Brosterfield Caravan Park is located five miles from the market town and offers 50 pitches for caravans, motorhomes or campervans without electric hook-up.
Also around five miles from Bakewell is Beltonville Farm, where campervans are welcome and there’s an onsite cafe.
Farditch Farm Caravan Park is located around seven-and-a-half miles away and boasts a selection of electric hook-up and non-hook-up pitches.
Award-winning Longnor Wood is a little further away at ten miles from Bakewell, but the extra drive could be worth it after its success in the 2023 Camping and Glamping Awards.
Photo credit: Pixabay/muckypup
