Take 5… joyful Christmas shopping breaks
Shopping may have been a challenge recently, but here’s how to make a weekend of it and get that festive spirit
Festive weekend getaways
1 Glorious York
This cathedral city is very atmospheric in the run-up to Christmas and its festive market, St Nicholas Fair, starts from 12 November. Don’t miss exploring the shops on the Shambles, too. And stock up on Christmas cake and mince pies, while indulging in a festive afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms.
Shopping stay Huben Travel offers three nights from £299pp B&B, staying at the Principal York, hubentravel.com
2 Whisky galore in Edinburgh
The Scottish capital’s East Princes Street Gardens hosts the Christmas Market (from 16 November), ice rink and fun fair, overlooked by the majestic Castle. Pop to the Grassmarket in the Old Town for specialist tartan, whisky and Harry Potter shops.
Shopping stay Angels Share Hotel offers celebrity-themed rooms from £60 a night; angelssharehotel.com
3 Shopping at St Leonards-on-sea
Less busy than Brighton, this coastal East Sussex town is a hidden gem when it comes to Christmas finds. Norman Road and Kings Road are two funky shopping streets where you’ll discover gorgeous interiors boutiques alongside vintage and antiques shops.
Shopping stay Ruby’s Rooms is right on the seafront. Doubles from £105 a night B&B; www.rubysrooms.com
4 Lanes of Norwich
Visit for enticing independent shops in the Norwich Lanes, the Cathedral Quarter and the Royal Arcade, all within easy walking distance. Don’t miss Magdalen Street and the wonderful Looses Emporium, with treasures across three floors.
Shopping stay Georgian beauty The Assembly House has doubles from £170 a night B&B; assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
5 Bath beauties
The Bath Christmas Market is postponed until 2021, but this magical city is filled with boutiques, artisan food shops and vintage stores. Visit Walcot Street and London Road for arty and designer gifts or, for the more traditional, go to the Guildhall Market on the High Street, or George Street and its miniature antiques quarter.
Shopping stay Z Bath, near the Roman Baths, costs from £45 a night; thezhotels.com