Winter Warmers - Festive Days Out

There’s a chill in the air and Christmas is just around the corner. The moment you can start counting the number of sleeps until Christmas Day, you know it’s time to plan some days out that will keep you entertained during the dark evenings.

For seasonal artisan gifts, festive decorations and specialist food and drink, have a look for your local Christmas Market. Open from 23 November - 15 December, Leeds Castle is a popular choice where visitors can enjoy nostalgic fairground rides and live music performances while casually perusing the stands and enjoying a glass of mulled wine. Or from 29 November - 15 December, head to Bath for its award-winning market with over 150 twinkling chalets spread out across the idyllic Georgian streets offering an array of gifts and food. 

Pictured above: Bath Christmas Market, and a National Trust walk at Bottalack-Mine, Cornwall

If you’re based in the capital, sing along to carols in the spectacular setting of the Royal Albert Hall. This year, traditional carols with modern arrangements will be brought to life by world class musicians from 21-24 December. Or head to Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland where you can step into a world of ice and snow at the Magical Ice Kingdom, sing your heart out with an après ski experience at Bar Hütte Karaoke and explore the Bavarian village. Then switch your shoes for ice skates and take a trip to the Natural History Museum where you can enjoy an evening channeling your inner Torvill and Dean surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees.

If the weather’s on your side, visit a National Trust location for a refreshing walk in the crisp winter air. This year they’ve launched the 12 Walks of Christmas, with each one featuring picturesque trails that all can enjoy. From a bracing trek along the Cornish clifftops that were used as a filming location in the BBC drama Poldark to a muddy welly wander through Erddig’s Big Wood in Wrexham, it’s an activity that brings families together for quality time.

From ice skating and carolling to sharing a hot chocolate or mulled wine with friends, there’s plenty on offer to guarantee festive cheer for everyone this December. And it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a mince pie or two.