5 essential events

Winter festivals

Bryony Symes picks five great festivals to celebrate the arrival of winter

1 Traditional Tudor market

Lovely Lavenham will be even more enchanting with the Christmas Fair in the Market Square, with shopping, live music and traditional fairground rides. Date 6-8 December Web www. nationaltrust.org.uk Stay at Willowmere Caravan Park Web www.willowmerecaravanpark.com

2 Victorian Stratford

Don’t miss Stratford-upon-avon’s annual Victorian Christmas celebrations, complete with more than 250 seasonal market stalls and a sparkling carousel. Date 6-8 December Web www.stratford.gov.uk/markets Stay at Dodwell Park Web www.dodwellpark.co.uk

3 Winter walks

As well as decking the halls for the festivities in Dunster Castle, there will be an enchanting illuminated walk through the gardens.

Date 3, 8-10, 15-23 December Web www.national trust.org.uk/dunster-castle Stay at Minehead Caravan Club Site Web www.caravanclub.co.uk

4 Hop on a toboggan!

Enjoy free entry and lots of Bavarian-inspired Christmas treats at Nottingham Winter Wonderland, including the Toboggan Slide. Date 14 November - 31 December Web www. nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk Stay at Holme Pierrepont Country Park Web www.nwscnotts.com

5 Frosty Scotland

The 10 days of Oban Winter Festival provide everything from a great reindeer parade to traditional ceilidhs and sparkling light shows. Date 15-24 November Web www.obanwinter festival.com Stay at Glencoe Mountain Resort Web www.glencoemountain.co.uk