Walk in a winter wonderland
WANT to enjoy the festive season without the crowds? Then explore some of England’s most beautiful coastal and countryside locations on a midweek break, says KATIE ROWE.
WINTER WANDERS
SHOW winter what you’re made of on a walking holiday in the five-county Peak District National Park – don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time to relax in a country pub too. Why not begin with a bracing four-mile walk that starts at Upper Derwent Visitor Centre in Hope Valley, Derbyshire, and curves towards Derwent Dam, which makes for a striking backdrop when the winter sun shimmers across the water. There will be plenty of dramatic scenery on view, including glimpses of the village of Derwent, which was flooded when the dam was built during the Second World War. Afterwards, put your feet up at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, just south of the Ladybower Reservoir, where a roaring fire and comforting seasonal dishes such as pot-roasted lamb will give you a warm glow.
WIGHT CHRISTMAS
YOU’LL feel a million miles from the festive rush with a midweek escape to the Isle of Wight. The island is a cyclists’ paradise all year round, with routes running from coast to coast. Just remember to look out for the trolls on the trail from Newport to Merstone. For a more traditional Christmas experience, book a guided tour through Osborne House’s regal rooms which look even more impressive when adorned in all their festive finery. As you explore the stately home where Queen Victoria and family once celebrated Christmas, you’ll learn how the Christmas traditions we love were first introduced by the Victorians, in particular Prince Albert, who imported Christmas trees to England from his native Germany from the 1840s onwards. Osborne House tours take place on various dates throughout December.
MEDIEVAL CHARM
A SETTLEMENT since before the Norman Conquest, Aylsham is a picture-perfect Norfolk market town with redbrick buildings, thatched cottages and winding medieval streets, overflowing with charm. Round up some Christmas treats or tasty local food while exploring a unique array of shops and market stalls. Then stop by The Black Boys, a local favourite, highly praised for both its food and friendly atmosphere. You’re also a stone’s throw from some of the region’s finest country houses, including the Blickling Estate, where on December 9 you can experience a magical evening of Christmas music, mince pies and mulled wine in the majestic setting of the Great Hall.
FESTIVITIES-ON-SEA
PULL on your thermals and get your camera ready for the Garden of Light, a dazzling trail glowing with hanging lights and projections in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, and then take a spin on the ice rink under the trees or warm up with some mulled wine in the cosy apres-skate chalets (until January 3). Afterwards, hop aboard the Santa Express to The Square, the heart of Bournemouth’s shopping quarter, for the annual alpine market which provides plenty of festive fare and quirky gifts galore. The event runs until December 30.