Christmas wonderlands you never knew existed

Do you find Christmas shopping in your town uninspiring and repetitive year in and year out? How about driving somewhere new to shop, in a car big enough to accommodate all your purchases? The Avis hassle-free Home Delivery service can offer you just that, dropping the car directly to your door for the ultimate in convenience.

The Avis team have come up with their definitive guide to the best places for Christmas shopping:

Brighton – It’s by the seaside for a start and although it might be ‘nippy’ on the beach at this time of year it will still be beautiful. What do we associate with a day at the seaside? Sweets and sugary treats! So keep your kids happy by taking a trip to Cybercandy on Gloucester Road for candy from around the globe! Shopping here is like being in an outdoor Santa’s grotto, ‘The Lanes’ are a maze of cobbled streets; perfect for exploring and filled with unusual shops and boutiques.

Bicester Village – If you like a bargain designer buy, then this is the place for you. Picturesque shop fronts and eateries, Bicester has much to offer, including Jimmy Choo and Agent Provocateur, even if you only end up buying goodies for yourself! (bicestervillage.com)

Bournemouth – Peaceful, pedestrianised retail therapy is the way of life in this town and new shops are always popping up. Try Mia on Westover Road for glamorous footwear.

York Outlet Village – The Bicester village of the north, with great bargains to be had. High street names mingle with designer boutiques including Armani and Burberry (yorkdesigneroutlet.co.uk)

Warwick – This historical town has an exciting assortment of smaller shops if you really want to buy something unique. Wander around Swan Street and Smith Street for independent booksellers and antique stores, such as James Reeve Antiques on Church Street.

Bath - Picturesque Georgian streets and alleyways feature heavily in the centre of this town and if it’s jewellery you’re after then the local favourite for silver is ‘The Silver Shop’. If unusual jewellery and ornaments is your thing then visit the Bath Aqua Glass shop.

Marlborough – Boutique establishments are thick on the ground here and so are staples such as Fenn Wright Manson and Monsoon.

Other favourites - The Portsmouth Victorian Christmas market is a unique experience for shopping – Victorian actors are included! Christmas markets operate all over in the country. There is a great one in Lincoln which has over 300 stalls. (Go to christmasmarkets.com for more information).

Or perhaps you fancy some yummy organic food to give as gifts in the form of a home made hamper? Try the ‘So Organic’ shop in Greenwich and stock up! Another heaven for foodies is Daylesford Organic in Gloucestershire, where the store, the café and the events are all about being organic and seasonal; and all in beautiful surroundings! (daylesfordorganic.com)

So why not be inspired this year, and do your Christmas shopping early, leaving you to enjoy more of the festive season. Remember to book your rental car early and plan your shopping trip in advance – avoid school holidays, Saturdays and evenings. And don’t forget to take some change for the car park!

To find out more visit avis.co.uk or get top tips on renting a car at the wetryharder.co.uk blog.