One of the most hotly-anticipated events of the holiday season is visiting a Christmas Market. The chance to browse around pretty stalls, to search for unusual hand-crafted gifts and decorations, or simply to enjoy some warming Glühwein – no matter your motivation, we Brits love these seasonal shopping extravaganzas.
The UK holds some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe, attracting people from far and wide. They’re also a wonderful excuse for a mini-break and with cottages in locations across the UK and Ireland, it’s easy to find luxurious accommodation close to some of the nation’s greatest markets.
Locations
Bath: The Bath Christmas Market is one of the best-loved, held in the beautiful colonnaded streets outside Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. Expect lots of wooden chalets, entertainment and carol singing. While waiting for the market to come alive in the evening, why not spoil yourselves with a dip in that famous spring water? It’s meant to be good for your health, after all.
Belfast: Known for its wide array of food as much as for the global gifts on sale, Belfast’s Christmas Continental Market has become extremely popular. Located in the gardens at City Hall, you can sample everything from German sausages and French tarts (which are made on site) to Dutch pofitjes and even kangaroo meat! Santa’s Grotto will keep the children amused – it’s always the centrepiece of the proceedings.
Birmingham: Recognised as the biggest German market outside...well… Germany, and the largest in the UK, the Frankfurt Christmas Market takes over the whole of Victoria Square and offers more than 180 stalls. It’s famed for its atmosphere, handmade decorations and for Christmas (Chris) Moose, an attraction which sings and entertains the masses.
Manchester: Boost your energy levels by feasting on some tasty goulash before embarking on your journey through the 200-odd stalls at the Manchester Christmas Market. This has won awards and is described as a destination in its own right, not just somewhere to shop. Several markets are held across the city, but the big one is at Albert Square.
Edinburgh: Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, this market has it all – ice skating, fairground rides, light shows and the spectacular Light Night – the opening ceremony of Edinburgh’s Christmas. There are several markets taking place: the Scottish Market, which sells local food and goods, the traditional German Market and St Mary’s Christmas Market, which is especially geared towards children.
Our holiday cottages
Of course there are many more Christmas markets around than those featured above and with over 360 cottages located throughout the UK and Ireland, you’re bound to find the perfect accommodation close by. For a festive break which is something out of the ordinary, you could stay in a toll house, manor, mill or lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Not to mention barns, listed buildings, and even a converted temple – why stay in an anonymous hotel?
All of our luxurious properties are hand-selected, ensuring they meet the very highest standards – ours. Each is stylishly presented, guaranteeing you a holiday to remember. Especially if you bring back some of that Glühwein!
Whether you seek inglenooks and open fires or a waterfront terrace, we’ve got the perfect cottage for your Christmas market break.
Take a look at our UK holiday cottages ideally situated for visiting Christmas markets in 2015.
View Christmas market properties.