Christmas Escapes in the UK: Unwrapping the Magic in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Belfast

As the Christmas season approaches, the UK’s cities transform into winter wonderlands, each one rich with unique character, cosy traditions, and stunning holiday displays. 

Whether you're after the timeless allure of London’s streets decked in lights, the music-filled squares of Liverpool, or the festive fervour of Belfast, there’s no shortage of Christmas spirit to experience across the country.

Here’s a guide to making the most of your Christmas break in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Belfast.

London: Classic Christmas Charm

In December, London becomes an enchanting tapestry of lights and festive cheer. Start at Covent Garden, where an impressive Christmas tree, giant baubles, and stunning decorations make for the perfect seasonal atmosphere. Nearby, the Southbank Winter Market offers mulled wine, street food, and charming gifts with a riverside view. Don’t miss Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, a huge fairground complete with rides, markets, and ice skating. For something quieter, venture to Kew Gardens for a peaceful illuminated trail through botanical landscapes. Whether you’re shopping along Oxford Street or taking in a Christmas show at the West End, London has festive magic at every turn.

Liverpool: Lights, Music, and Magic

Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and music heritage take on a special sparkle at Christmas. Begin at Liverpool ONE, where lights twinkle across the shopping district, and be sure to visit the Albert Dock, where seasonal decorations meet stunning waterfront views. The Liverpool Christmas Market at St George's Hall is perfect for a cosy evening with bratwurst, churros, and mulled cider. Explore Bold Street, lined with indie shops and cafes, for unique Christmas shopping, and don’t miss the chance to join in with Christmas carol sing-alongs, a local favourite. Liverpool's blend of traditional and modern festivities creates a memorable holiday atmosphere.

Birmingham: A Taste of German Festivities

Birmingham is famous for its Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany. Sip on hot chocolate or glühwein while browsing stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and hearty German food. For families, Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a magical light trail, while Cadbury World has themed events and festive chocolate-making sessions. The city’s shops are buzzing with gift ideas, from the Bullring to the quirky Custard Factory. With music, lights, and festive markets, Birmingham offers a Christmas getaway with a European twist.

Glasgow: Festivities with Scottish Flair

Glasgow’s holiday season is marked by vibrant light displays and traditional Scottish charm. At George Square, the Christmas tree and fairground rides create a family-friendly atmosphere, while St Enoch Square hosts the city's Christmas market, packed with artisan gifts, local fare, and seasonal treats. Take in the Glasgow Lights Trail through the city centre, or pop into one of the city’s famed music venues for live holiday performances. Known for its warm, lively community, Glasgow’s Christmas experience combines the best of Scottish culture with holiday cheer.

Edinburgh: Historic Beauty and Festive Lights

Edinburgh’s ancient charm is even more magical at Christmas. The Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is a seasonal highlight, with everything from local crafts to gourmet food stalls. Ice skate under the glow of festive lights at St Andrew Square, and climb up to Edinburgh Castle for sweeping views of the holiday-lit city. The Royal Mile is lined with shops and street performers, and you can catch a Christmas choir at St Giles' Cathedral. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration, a Scottish New Year’s tradition, is just around the corner, making Christmas in Edinburgh a gateway to more festive celebrations.

Bristol: Artsy Christmas with Riverside Views

Bristol’s creative energy shines through its Christmas celebrations, with a blend of artsy events and traditional festivities. The Bristol Christmas Market at Broadmead offers wooden chalets with handmade gifts, food, and drink, while We The Curious hosts holiday-themed science and art exhibits for families.

Take a walk along the Harbourside, where you’ll find decorated boats and festive lights, or explore the Clifton Village Christmas Lights for a quieter experience. 

The city’s independent shops and galleries make it easy to find unique gifts, and local Christmas concerts and plays round out the holiday spirit.

Belfast: Cosy and Cultural

Belfast’s Christmas is a cultural and festive delight, with holiday lights illuminating the city’s iconic architecture. Belfast City Hall is surrounded by a charming Christmas market filled with festive foods, drinks, and handmade gifts. Wander through St George’s Market, where local artisans display their crafts alongside live music and seasonal treats. Belfast’s thriving arts scene offers Christmas plays, pantomimes, and traditional Irish music sessions. A stroll around the Cathedral Quarter, decorated with holiday lights, makes for an atmospheric evening in this cosy yet vibrant city.

Tips for a Memorable Christmas Break:

Plan Ahead: Many popular events require advance booking, especially during peak holiday times.

Bundle Up: UK winters can be chilly, so pack warm clothing for exploring outdoor markets and attractions.

Try Local Delights: Whether it's mulled wine, mince pies, or artisanal chocolates, each city offers its own seasonal treats worth sampling.

Capture the Magic: Christmas decorations, light trails, and historic architecture make for memorable photos, so keep a camera ready.

Each of these UK cities has its own special way of celebrating Christmas, filled with warmth, joy, and charm. Wherever you choose to go, your Christmas break will be an unforgettable experience, bringing festive cheer and unforgettable memories.

Winter Wonderland: Christmas Getaways in the UK: Suggestions for Charming Holiday Destinations, from Countryside Cottages to Festive City Breaks

The festive season is just around the corner, and there's no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than with a magical winter getaway. 

Whether you prefer the cosiness of countryside cottages or the excitement of city lights, the UK offers an abundance of options to make your holiday season unforgettable.

 Here are some of the best Christmas destinations to consider for your winter escape.

1. The Cotswolds: A Cosy Countryside Retreat

For those seeking a peaceful, picture-perfect Christmas, the Cotswolds offers an idyllic setting. Imagine snow-dusted rolling hills, quaint stone cottages, and crackling fires in charming pubs. The villages of Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold come alive with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and seasonal markets. A countryside walk followed by a mulled wine in a cosy pub makes the perfect winter day.

Stay in a rustic cottage and enjoy the tranquillity of the English countryside at its finest. You can also visit some of the local Christmas markets, indulge in seasonal fare, and explore beautiful historic sites like Sudeley Castle, which hosts an enchanting light trail during the festive season.

2. Edinburgh: A Scottish Christmas Adventure

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The city hosts a variety of festive events, including the world-famous Edinburgh Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens. With its charming stalls, ice skating rink, and a glittering Big Wheel, there's plenty to entertain visitors of all ages.

Don’t miss a stroll through the historic Old Town and up to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, where the festive atmosphere blends seamlessly with the city's rich history. After a day of exploring, cosy up in a boutique hotel or a charming bed and breakfast with views of the castle illuminated against the winter sky.

3. Bath: A Christmas Market in a Georgian Wonderland

Known for its elegant Georgian architecture and Roman Baths, Bath becomes even more magical during the festive season. The Bath Christmas Market is one of the most popular in the UK, with over 150 chalets lining the streets around the Abbey, offering handmade gifts, delicious food, and mulled cider.

You can also enjoy the city’s famous Thermae Bath Spa, perfect for warming up on a chilly winter’s day. With stunning views of the city from the rooftop pool, it’s a unique way to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing. Bath’s combination of historic beauty and festive cheer makes it an excellent destination for a Christmas city break.

4. The Lake District: A Winter Wonderland of Natural Beauty

If you're looking for a truly magical outdoor experience, the Lake District is a stunning option for a winter getaway. With snow-capped mountains and serene lakes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like something out of a fairy tale during the festive season.

Stay in a cosy lakeside cottage or a traditional inn and enjoy long walks through frost-kissed landscapes. The region offers plenty of festive activities, from Christmas markets to winter boat cruises on Lake Windermere. After a day in nature, warm up by a roaring fire with a hearty meal in one of the area's historic pubs.

5. York: Medieval Charm and Festive Spirit

York is a city that exudes charm and character year-round, but it becomes even more enchanting at Christmas. The city’s medieval streets are adorned with festive decorations, and the St Nicholas Fair, held in the heart of the city, is a must-visit. With its alpine chalets and a traditional carousel, the fair brings a touch of old-world Christmas magic.

York Minster’s annual carol concert is another highlight, offering a truly uplifting experience in one of the most iconic cathedrals in the country. For accommodation, stay in one of the city's boutique hotels or historic inns, and enjoy a Christmas break steeped in history and festivity.

6. London: A Sparkling Christmas in the Capital

No list of UK Christmas getaways would be complete without mentioning London. The capital city goes all out for the festive season, with dazzling lights on Oxford Street, the iconic tree in Trafalgar Square, and the magical Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. From ice skating at Somerset House to the Christmas markets along the South Bank, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Take in a Christmas show in the West End, visit the famous department store window displays, or enjoy afternoon tea at one of London’s luxury hotels. For a classic city break filled with festive excitement, London is an unbeatable destination.

Whether you're dreaming of a serene countryside escape or a lively city adventure, the UK offers a wide range of enchanting destinations to make your Christmas getaway special. From the cosy cottages of the Cotswolds to the bustling streets of London, each destination has its own unique charm, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.

So, pack your warmest clothes, embrace the festive cheer, and set off for a winter wonderland adventure in the UK this Christmas.

https://www.justyou.co.uk/

https://www.booking.com/

https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/latest-offers/festive/

Head East for your Valentine's Day romantic break

Car hire comparison engine eRentals.co.uk has announced a surge in bookings for unusual destinations in Eastern Europe this coming Valentine's Day. The site has seen a surge in recent bookings for destinations throughout that region for the week around Valentine's Day.

The car hire specialist has reported a recent spike in reservations in unusual Valentine's Day locations like Sofia in Bulgaria, Prague in the Czech Republic, Bratislava in Slovakia and Krakow in Poland. Brits are looking to Eastern Europe to source themselves a better value romantic break this February.

Briony Fairbairn, spokesperson for eRentals.co.uk, says: “France remains as popular a romantic destination as ever but we've definitely seen a change in booking behaviour this year. Brits looking for bargain breaks over the Valentine's Day period are using cheap flights, restaurants and hotels to enjoy bargain breaks to Eastern Europe this year."

“Ski resorts are increasingly popular this year too as people use value for money car hire as a way of getting more for their budgets.”

eRentals.co.uk is right now offering three day car rental deals such as Sofia airport for £20, Krakow airport for £40 and Budapest airport from £40. The site has also seen increased demand for deals in Faro, Malta and Bordeaux for Valentine's Day.

Briony went on: “It's understandable that people are still working to tight budgets and we really do sympathise - however the romantic couples who want to get away this year can do so without breaking the bank thanks to new value for money Valentine's Day hire deals.”

eRentals.co.uk is a specialist car hire company, providing cheap car hire in over 12,000 locations around the World. Committed to finding its customers the best prices, eRentals.co.uk offers a quick and easy search of the latest offers.

To check the latest deals visit www.erentals.co.uk

(EDITOR: Planning ahead, why not check them out to see what deals you could get for a special break for Chirstmas 2012?)

Door2Tour.com launches its Christmas Cracker Offer

Door2Tour.com, the website tour consolidator, has launched an offer for customers booking a Christmas Market, Festive or New Year Break via the website during August 2011 by offering £20 off future coach holidays.

Christmas is less than 22 weeks away and figures from Door2Tour.com have shown August is the time of year when people start considering and researching places for their Festive or New Year break. With this in mind, and to try and help ease the financial burden of trying to afford a break away, Door2Tour.com has launched their August Christmas Cracker.

Rachel Jones, Online PR & Marketing Co-ordinator for Door2Tour.com, said: "Our customers are constantly facing financial hurdles in 2011 from increases in petrol costs, energy bills soaring through the roof and the cost of food rising combined with salaries stagnating. People are certainly feeling the pressure so we thought we'd offer a little helping hand to those desperate to get away from the doom and gloom and treat themselves to a break away with our August Christmas Cracker Offer where they can save £20 on their next holiday."

More families are struggling to be able to afford a holiday in 2011 and even if they can afford a break, when they return they are faced with huge credit card bills due to them putting their holiday on the plastic. It is also thought that people going on holiday this year are likely to spend more than they did in 2010.

Some families are shunning the idea of an annual holiday and opting for days out instead, thinking that this will be a more cost-effective method of keeping everyone entertained during the School Holidays. Unbeknown to them, research has shown that families are rumoured to end up spending an average of £2270 on activities for their children during the school summer break with many overspending their budget by at least £550.

Rachel concluded: "We understand that for some of our customers, it is becoming increasingly difficult financially to afford a break away in 2011 so this Christmas Cracker offer is perfect for them when considering their next holiday - think of it as an early Christmas gift from us."

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, customers simply spend over £350 and book online on the Door2Tour.com website or make a booking via the call centre between Monday 1st August and Wednesday 31st August 2011 inclusive. The special Christmas Cracker luggage tag icon will be placed against tours that apply.

www.door2tour.com