The best Christmas Markets for South West travellers
Nothing is guaranteed to spark Christmas spirit more than sipping mulled wine and wandering around under the twinkling lights of a traditional Christmas market.
While Germany and Belgium offer fantastic markets with all the trimmings, locations closer to home are beginning to give them a run for their money, according to South West coach operators Bakers Dolphin.
The coach travel expert, based in Weston-super-Mare, has added more UK market trips to meet demand with Birmingham, Rochester, Manchester, Liverpool and Lincoln now popular for Christmas markets.
Here shoppers can experience the Christmas celebrations, enjoy the smell of roasted chestnuts and marvel at street entertainers without the hassle of travelling abroad.
Bakers Dolphin Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington said: “We are finding more and more people are opting to stay closer to home to enjoy Christmas markets during the festive season. The breaks are cheaper and more convenient but they’re also fantastic, traditional experiences where you could be excused for thinking you were really in Germany.
“A three-day break to the Christmas Market at Chatsworth House is currently our best-seller closely followed by breaks to Thursford and Lincoln. Shoppers can find unique gifts for loved ones and those just looking for the atmosphere won’t be disappointed.”
The three-day break to Lincoln is £189 and departs on 2 December. Lincoln Christmas Market is based on an idea from Lincoln’s German twin town Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, and is now the biggest market in Europe. Shoppers also visit the fabulous Meadowhall complex a complete contrast in Christmas shopping.
For those looking for authenticity Bakers Dolphin offers four, five and seven-day market trips to Hirschberg, Trier, Brussels and Bruges and the Italian Dolomites.
Several of these are available as a Gold Coach tour meaning holiday-makers travel in exquisite comfort and style.
Amanda continued: “If you are looking to visit somewhere new and would like an authentic Christmas Market experience there are some great European cities to explore.
“Our trip to Aachen and Valkenburg allows you to go underground where the caves that once provided shelter for soldiers are transformed into candlelit corridors full of decorated stalls. This is our most popular overseas market but all the breaks are picturesque and enchanting so you really can’t go wrong.
“Whether you decide upon home or away, visiting a Christmas market during the festive season is a magical experience for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to inject some cheer into the long winter months and I for one can’t wait to pick the next one to visit!”
Bakers Dolphin pick-up from Bridgwater, Bristol, Burnham on Sea, Clevedon, Gordano, Highbridge, Weston-super-Mare, Nailsea, Taunton and more.
All festive breaks including Christmas Markets, Turkey & Tinsel trips and New Year breaks can be found in the Bakers Dolphin Festive Breaks brochure. For more information, visit bakersdolphin.com.
