The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
FEELING FESTIVE
Get into the seasonal spirit with the best festive events taking place around the UK, writes Sarah Marshall
Festive plans have forged ahead this season, with many winter wonderland events and festive markets being held in the UK and Ireland. You can find unique gifts and foreign foods sourced globally, sold alongside regional farm produce and crafts made by local artisans. Vintage funfair rides and workshops turn a shopping spree into a day out, while historic backdrops – ranging from medieval castles to 18th-Century stately homes – create a magical atmosphere. Here we bring you our pick of some of the best markets across the UK.
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS PAST
Where: Stratford-upon-Avon
The streets of Stratford-upon-Avon are steeped in history, providing an atmospheric setting for a historical festive fair. The town’s Victorian Christmas Market features stalls helmed by vendors in period costume, a stage
in Henley Street that hosts a programme of entertainment, and a traditional funfair with a carousel. A novel way to experience
the festivities is by canal boat. It’s a six-hour journey from Drifters’ canal boat hire base
on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen. • How: The 48ft Teddington 4 narrowboat (sleeping four) is available for four
nights at £605, including bed linen, towels, cancellation protection, first pet,
parking and tuition on arrival. A £50 nonrefundable damage waiver and fuel deposit (£50 for a short break, £90 for a week) are
extra.
GO BIG ON FESTIVITIES
Where: Lincoln
Lincoln’s Christmas Market has expanded to become one of the biggest yuletide events in Europe. Set against the city’s cathedral spires and castle turrets, more than 250 vendors sell handcrafted jewellery, candles, ceramics and art. Mulled wine and a selection of street food kitchens provide shoppers with much-needed fuel. Combine a visit with a stay at the 450acre Bainland Lodge Retreats.
• How: From £549 for a three-night stay in a one-bed property. Visit www.bainland. co.uk or call 01526 352903.
MAKE IT AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR
Where: Belfast
Designed to resemble a European village, chalet-style stalls will sell food and gifts until December 23. Savour tasty treats from 32 nationalities are available, including crepes from France, Dutch pancakes and German bratwurst. Get an aerial view of the site by riding a vintage helter-skelter – although
perhaps not advisable after a few too many mulled wines – or play the night safe with an old fashioned carousel.
• How: To enter, you will need to provide a Covid passport, proof of vaccination, proof of a negative Covid or lateral flow test taken in the previous 48 hours, or evidence of a positive PCR test taken in the previous 30 to 180 days.
MEET KING SANTA AND HIS MERRY ELVES
Where: Warwick Castle
Medieval kings and queens were renowned for hosting grand banquets. The tradition continues with a supreme spread of festive foods at Warwick Castle’s Winter Stalls. Eat German sausage and pretzels cooked on an open grill. Dine on locally farmed slow roasted pork with homemade chutneys. Wander around the 64-acre grounds to admire a Light Trail and zip across an ice rink. New this year is an Elf Workshop, which invites families to meet Santa.
How: Tickets for castle entrance and Stories With Santa cost £26pp. Both the ice skating and Light Trail cost £14.50pp each. Visit www.warwick-castle.com
DECK THE HALLS OF A STATELY HOME
Where: East Lothian
A new Christmas Winter Wonderland event at Gosford House puts an alternative spin on the festive season. Held in the grounds of an 18thCentury stately home in East Lothian just outside Edinburgh, the event will run until December 23. Enjoy an afternoon tea, whisky
tours, mini train trips and a Christmas tree maze. Workshops include Christmas table styling by Style Your Spaces, wreath making from Feathergrass Florals and ballet classes from Art East.
How: Tickets from £4.50 for a child and £6.50 for an adult (plus booking fee) per day. Visit www.roguevillage.com/
gosford-house-winter-wonderland
THE TRADITION CONTINUES WITH A SUPREME SPREAD OF FESTIVE FOODS
WALK THROUGH THE PAGES OF A FAIRYTALE
Where: Blenheim Palace
A baroque Oxfordshire palace provides a
superb setting for a month-long market. Browse wares from more than 70 traders housed in wooden chalets in the Great Court. Inspired by The Nutcracker, the palace’s state rooms have been transformed into a fairytale land of candy canes and gingerbread men. A new illuminated trail creates a glittering tunnel through the woods.
How: A combined ticket for the above attractions costs £50 for adults and £30 for children. Visit www.blenheimpalace.
com or call 01993 810530.