Visiting England’s characterful cities during the festive season makes for a magical trip, despite the cold! All over the country, twinkling lights are hung, window displays are filled with festive scenes, and as the nights draw in, the Christmas markets come to life! Every year on our nomadic travels, we head to as many festivities as we can up and down the country to truly appreciate all the sparkle the season has to offer. Read on for our recommendations for a Christmassy visit to England’s cities.
Cambridge
It might sound brave to take a punt down the river in Winter, but to experience an iconic part of Cambridge’s history, there’s nothing like it! You’ll pass points of interest such as the King’s College Chapel, the Wren Library, and you’ll pass under the Mathematical Bridge as well as the famous Bridge of Sighs. While crowds flock to the city in the Summer months, punting at Christmas time sees a quieter and calmer float along the river, and some punting companies even put on festive events – Let’s Go Punting has a choir singing Christmas songs on a festive tour along the College backs, complete with warm blankets and Christmas lights. Chauffeured punt tours in Cambridge run right up to Christmas Day, so wrap up warm and head to the water.
If you’re looking to tick off some Christmas shopping during your visit, head to The Grand Arcade shopping centre where you’ll find over 60 retail shops perfect for finding gifts for everyone on your list. For something a little different, Cambridge is packed with independent shops and the narrow, cobbled side streets that add to the city’s historic charm are even more idyllic when decorated with Christmas lights! In particular, we love Podarok for a variety of unique gifts from a range of small businesses.
For ultimate Christmas cheer, Cambridge Christmas Market at Parker’s Piece has an ice skating rink, Christmas tree maze and fairground rides. You’ll also find row upon row of cute lodge stalls selling everything from jewellery and homeware to an array of festive food, whether you’re in the mood for bratwurst, or a Sunday roast in a Yorkshire pudding wrap (yes, really!).
York
York is one of the oldest cities in England and is famous for its historic streets, as well as the impressive city walls that surround the oldest part of the city. It’s free to walk the circular route along the top of the city walls and it’s a lovely way to get an elevated view over the Christmas lights that adorn the streets in November and December.
For history lovers, the Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York provide a twice-daily free walking tour of the city, exploring its rich history and sites of interest, right up to Christmas Day. The tour is 2 hours long and takes places outside, so wrap up warm! The tour finishes at the famous Shambles, a street featuring preserved medieval buildings, with some dating back as far as the 14th century. Even if you don’t manage to join the walking tour the Shambles are a must-visit! In December, this historic street gets a Christmas makeover with wreaths and Christmas trees protruding from the timber-framed buildings. The street is also the perfect place for Christmas shopping if you have a Harry Potter fan to buy for – The Shambles are said to have provided inspiration for the set of Diagon Alley in the early stages of production for the films, and as such you’ll find a plethora of Wizarding World themed shops capitalising on growing interest from tourists.
When you’re in need of a place to warm up, head to York’s Chocolate Story just off the Shambles where you can make your own custom hot chocolate! Choose your base chocolate, flavours, syrup, toppings and even add alcohol for an extra warming kick. You can also enjoy a tour here that explores the history of chocolate in the city, as some of the most famous names in chocolate came from York! December is an extra special time to visit as you can join one of the festive masterclasses to make your own Christmas confectionary, from festive truffles to decorated chocolate bars.
No visit to York would be complete without a trip to York Minster to tour this grand 13th century Gothic cathedral. Our favourite part of our visit was admiring the enormous stained glass windows, pouring a kaleidoscope of colours into the cathedral as the Winter sun beamed through. Throughout December there is a Christmas tree festival inside, included with the price of general admission, featuring 70 trees on display decorated to individual themes by local businesses, schools and charities.
Bath
Bath is full of character at any time of year, but the Georgian architecture of the city is bursting with festive charm at Christmas time. The season sees the return of the Christmas tree in place on the famous Royal Crescent – a stunning example of the architecture in any season, but even more picturesque with the tree lit up in pride of place. To experience the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas, head to No.1 Royal Crescent where you’re able to take a tour of the rooms, all dressed as they would have been during the festive period in the late 18th century.
A stone’s throw from the Royal Crescent, in Victoria Park, Bath on Ice skating rink draws in visitors with its atmospheric glow. Lined with strings of soft lights and a cosy bar with seasonal drinks and festive music, it’s the perfect Christmas activity in the city, whether you’re skating with the one you love or with friends!
Nestled in the heart of Bath, the award-winning Bath Christmas Market returns in late November with over 230 chalet stalls selling a variety of local and handmade items. There’s also the Victorian Christmas carousel for a nostalgic ride on one of the painted horses! The market closes in mid December but fear not – if you still have presents to buy you’ll find everything you need around SouthGate shopping centre, where the street is lined with the usual high street chains all decorated for Christmas. Before you leave, be sure to head North to Bath Abbey to see their ginormous Christmas tree in the Churchyard out the front!
There’s nothing like cosying up and watching a Christmas film during the holiday season, and at The Forum you can watch a plethora of Christmas classics with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film. Check the schedule to catch heartwarming titles like The Snowman, The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Holiday, and Love Actually.
Brighton
Brighton holds a special place in our hearts as the last place we lived before beginning our nomadic pet sitting journey! We love coming back to the city around Christmas time to see our home-from-home with an extra sprinkling of festive cheer. North Street has its colourful makeover as the quintessentially unique Christmas lights hang over the main road, best viewed from the top deck of a bus as you make your way along Western Road!
Hop off the bus at Churchill Square for even more bright Christmas light displays around the shopping centre, which is full of high street retailers with dazzling window displays for the season. If you’re looking for something a little quirkier (you’ve come to Brighton after all) then head to the quaint rows of independent shops on the North Laines, also festooned in twinkling strings of Christmas lights. We recommend a dive into Snoopers Paradise – just as the name suggests, this sprawling space is crammed full of retro goods and is a real Aladdin’s cave, so you’re sure to find something special to take home.
It’s here in the Laines you’ll also find one of our favourite takeaway food spots at We Love Falafel. These handmade wraps are bursting with delicious veggies, and during the festive period they serve Christmas specials – think chestnut, miso and cranberry with sage, thyme and rosemary – with £1 from every purchase donated directly to the charity Shelter.
Brighton’s Artists Open Houses also runs until mid December, with over 50 houses to explore across Brighton & Hove and beyond. Discover arts, crafts and seasonal gifts, displayed in a vast array of artists’ and makers’ own homes and studios, with many houses also offering visitors a glass of warming mulled wine and the opportunity to meet the makers. It’s a lovely, gentle activity for a Winter weekend.
For a unique Brighton Christmas experience, visit the city for Burning the Clocks – a one-of-a-kind community event that sees the city’s locals mark the shortest day of the year with a paper lantern parade, followed by a ceremonial bonfire on Brighton beach. The theme for the parade changes every year, and the entire event is community funded and free to join. It’s also a good excuse to head to the beach where the parade ends, as you’ll see the famous Brighton Pier illuminated at night. From here you can duck into the nearest pub, undoubtedly decorated for Christmas, to warm your cockles by a roaring fire. We particularly love the Star and Garter right on the seafront for a typical warm Brighton welcome from the staff and cosy seating, perfect for conversation and drinks with friends.
London
Of course, we couldn’t write about English cities to visit at Christmas without mentioning London! If you can see past the constant hustle and bustle of the capital city, you’ll find hidden gems around every corner and there’s no better time to fall in love with London’s charm than at Christmas time. Even though we lived in London for many years, we still find joy in seeing the lavish window displays and lights around Oxford Street and Bond Street. Head to Liberty’s on Regent Street to enjoy the whimsical displays at the Tudor-style building both inside and out, or Harrod’s on Brompton Road for a completely over-the-top, luxury Christmas experience across all of their 7 floors!
Covent Garden is another highlight destination for traditional festive decor. The world-famous installation in the Market Building features 40 enormous bells with shining bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 mirror balls that provide the go-to spot for a Christmassy selfie. Outside, Covent Garden’s 60 foot Christmas tree lights up the West Piazza where you’ll also find Santa’s sleigh. When you’re ready for a Winter warmer, head to Central Avenue for mulled wine from one of the dedicated stalls, or try out one of Covent Garden’s restaurants – most have festive menus for mouth-watering seasonal food to enjoy under the lights. Pivot British Bar & Bistro has a picturesque view over the towering Christmas tree outside, making it one of the best places to indulge in a Christmassy meal. This season, enjoy their Bottomless Sharing Roast with crispy roast potatoes, golden Yorkshire puddings, creamy cauliflower cheese, and more – the perfect meal to share with family and friends.
Speaking of food, to see London’s most decorated pub at Christmas time, head to Kensington’s The Churchill Arms. The pub covers their exterior with around 80 real, full-sized Christmas trees each year, adorned in more than 20,000 lights! The interior is also a treat for your eyes with every available surface, wall, and inch of ceiling decked out with a plethora of eclectic ornaments. It’s a must-visit spot for a truly Instagrammable shot this season, and a great place to come in from the cold!
For a fully immersive festive experience in London, there’s nowhere better than Kew Gardens. Christmas at Kew sees the return of 3km of mesmerising illuminations and light displays – think glittering tunnels, beautiful trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and awe-inspiring lakeside reflections. It’s a fantastic activity for all the family to enjoy! Once you’ve walked around the installations, warm up by the fire or treat yourself to some of the food options on offer. There may be an appearance from Santa too!
For those who love the dizzying lights and music of a full-on Christmas fair, Winter Wonderland is a festive extravaganza with ice skating, shows, roller coaster rides, street food stalls, festive bars and live music sprawling through Hyde Park. Though for something a little less overwhelming on the senses, head to Skate at Somerset House for a gentle skate around the ice rink against the backdrop of the iconic courtyard. Just across the River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is the place to indulge in delicious food while perusing the gifts on sale, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the iconic London Eye – why not end your visit with a ride in one of the famous pods to view Big Ben and the twinkling London Christmas lights from above.
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