December has arrived, so it’s time to get into the festive spirit. Book a trip away in your caravan or motorhome and visit one of the UK’s best Christmas markets to sip mulled wine and even do a spot of Christmas shopping.
There are so many markets to choose from up and down the country, each with its own vibe. Here are some of our favourites.
Edinburgh’s traditional Christmas markets
There’s something particularly atmospheric about Edinburgh’s traditional Christmas markets, with the castle backdrop and Scott Monument looming over proceedings. Stretching along East Princes Street Gardens, more than 70 stalls offering everything from handmade gifts to speciality seasonal food have opened to the public.
Pitch up at the Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site just outside of the city and catch the number 26 bus to Princes Street.
Leeds Christmas Market
The German Christmas Market was always an annual highlight in Leeds, but hasn’t been held in the city since the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, a revamped event is being staged, so expect a jubilant atmosphere as the market escapes the confines of Millennium Square with 120 Bavarian-style chalets popping up everywhere from The Headrow to Briggate.
Stay at Esholt Caravan Park near Bradford for easy access to Leeds.
Bath Christmas Market
Bath is pretty at any time of the year but never so much as during the festive period. Expect twinkling lights and 170 stalls featuring handmade jewellery, local wines and distinctive ceramics. Pick up an eco-friendly Christmas wreath designed by Bath Carnival and you can even see them being made at the chalet.
Book a pitch at Bath Waterside and Marina Caravan Park, just two miles from the city centre and take advantage of regular buses to make the 20-minute journey.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester has declared itself “England’s Christmas capital”, so it’s not surprising it has a market to match. Located around the cathedral’s historic close, there’s in excess of 100 German-inspired chalets with a real emphasis on quality products. It will be hard to resist a handblown Victorian bauble to adorn your caravan or motorhome if you visit this Christmas hub.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Winchester Morn Hill site is just an hour’s walk from the city centre or buses leave from the stop five minutes away.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
Germany is well known for having world-class markets at this time of year, but you don’t have to pitch up in Munich to enjoy the authentic tastes of schnitzel, strudel, Berliner doughnuts, gluhwein or weissbier. It’s all there to be found at the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham. Each of the themed bars features its own standout attraction, including an animatronic singing moose and a working glockenspiel.
Book a stay at the Clent Hills Camping and Caravanning Club Site, which is half an hour’s drive from the centre of Birmingham.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Nasim Keshmiri
