Spotlight on The Quay Hotel & Spa in Wales
On the breathtaking North Wales Coast, take time out in relaxing style at this welcoming retreat with views across the water to majestic Conwy Castle.
Read full postNothing says Christmas quite like Christmas markets - the food, the smells, the gifts and the crafts all set the stage for a traditional holiday season. This year they’re back in full force, so why not make a weekend of it?
Edinburgh
From 19th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022
The Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is an annual treat that we can’t wait to return to. In this magical city of history and beauty, visit Santa Land with Santa’s Grotto, tuck into vegan pigs in blankets and head to the 12 locations in the capital that bring festive cheer as part of the event
For a real treat stay at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian. It is romantic, award-winning and home to the only Guerlain Spa in the UK.
Winchester
From 19th November to 22nd December 2021
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets. Favourite features include a spectacular covered Ice Rink as well as the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays.
Why not try QHotels - Norton Park, a historic manor house with a modern spa that’s perfect for a trip with friends or family.
Manchester
From 12th November to 22nd December 2021
With more than 300 beautifully crafted stalls, the Manchester Christmas market combines the best of old and new. There’s plenty of food, drinks and finely crafted Yuletide gifts, but this year they’re also including LED light performers, magicians and street theatre.
Visit Rena Spa At The Midland while you’re there. It’s a five star hotel with a seductive subterranean spa - perfect for quality time with a friend, your partner or all to yourself.
Nottingham
From 4th December 2021 to 24th December 2021
Nottingham Winter Wonderland includes more than 180 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls featuring gifts and artisan food. The sprawling event covers New Street, Victoria Square and Centenary Square. Think handcrafted jewellery, carved wooden toys, sausages, beer and pretzels and more.
The experience could only be improved upon with a trip to Eden Hall Day Spa, a fusion of luxury and wellbeing in an elegant adult only health spa, dedicated to helping you switch off and feel your best.
Birmingham
From 4th November to 23rd December 2021
Birmingham’s Christmas market is the one of the largest authentic German markets in Europe outside of Germany and Austria themselves. It had 5.5 million visitors in 2019, and we’re looking forward to heading back again this year!
Stay at Malmaison Birmingham for the event. The former Royal Mail sorting office turned luxe hotel combines a sense of history with a modern, seductive hotel and an indulgent, sensual spa.
Chester
From 18th November to 22nd December 2021
There are more than 70 traditional wooden chalets around the iconic Christmas tree in the heart of Chester’s city centre for this seasonal market. Visitors can look forward to handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, accessories, stocking fillers, local food produce and more.
Turn it into a really special occasion with a trip to The Spa at Carden. Carden Park Hotel - Cheshire’s Country Estate has raised the bar for spa experiences, whether its romance or a group getaway you’re looking for.
York
From 18th November to 23rd December 2021
Amidst the medieval charm of York, mulled wine and delicious food fill the air. Stroll along St Nicholas Fair to sample fine Yorkshire produce and crafts showcased at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village - a series of alpine chalets on Parliament Street.
Stay at Middletons Hotel in York. Surrounded by carefully tended grounds and gardens, it’s a tranquil retreat feels like a world of its own.
London
From 19th November 2021 to 3rd January 2022
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns on 26th November with more than 100 rides and attractions, as well as a German Christmas market with over 200 chalets with gifts, wooden toys, nativity scenes and more. It certainly takes the Christmas market theme to a whole new level.
Add a little wow factor with a spa day at W London, Away Spa. The ultra-modern hotel and spa are in the heart of Soho is vibrant and superbly sexy. Perfect for getting into the party mood.
Oxford
From 9th December to 19th December 2021
On beautiful and historic Broad Street, choirs will be singing Christmas carols while market traders invite you to sample their wares. There are handmade gifts, colourful decorations, wooden stalls and plenty of mulled wine.
Stay at The Oxfordshire Golf & Spa Hotel and make a weekend of it. It’s charming, peaceful and easy going.
More posts similar to this one
If you like this post, here are some similar ones that you might be interested in:
The revolutionary act of self-care
Self-care has become a booming industry associated with athleisure and time out - all of which we value, but its roots go much deeper than that, with the term itself linked to the 1950s and civil rights activists.
Read full post
The most beautiful places to walk and the spas to stay at
In a country where walking is a national pastime, wellness is not limited to the gym. Across the UK there are coast paths, parks, forests, and rolling hills to explore, and it's not as far as you might think to get there.
Read full post