Drink in the delights of festive England
AS THE festive season gets under way, it’s the perfect time to visit some of England’s favourite villages and market towns. KATIE ROWE rounds up a few of the best…
MOUSEHOLE, CORNWALL
DISCOVER the tiny village of Mousehole, a place that has heaps of charm and character. From its local granite houses near the water’s edge to its compact harbour, which sparkles with an impressive light show starting on December 17, it’s easy to see why Dylan Thomas described it as ‘the loveliest village in England’.
Along the harbour road you’ll find galleries, gift shops and restaurants, while the harbour itself is home to a sandy beach at low tide and the Ship Inn, where you can watch the boats sail by over a pint of St Austell ale and a portion of freshly caught fish and chips.
DEVIZES, WILTSHIRE
GET into the Christmas spirit as the Devizes Christmas Festival comes to town this Friday. There’ll be firework displays and a gigantic parade of lanterns adding sparkle to this pretty Georgian market town.
Mooch around the Christmas markets in the Corn Exchange and Market Place and catch live music and street-theatre performances before experiencing a parade flowing with hand-made lanterns. See lanterns shaped like angels, horses and even giant elephants circle the town, then return to the Market Place in time for Father Christmas to switch on the town’s festive lights.
CORFE CASTLE, DORSET
OVER on the Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle village is transformed into a winter wonderland as colourful fairy lights bejewel rows of Purbeck stone cottages from December 3. More festive fun can be had at the National Trust-run castle of the same name. Flames dance from beacons and hidden nooks and crannies are illuminated with lanterns and braziers as the castle opens after dark for several dates across the festival period, starting on December 10.
LAVENHAM, SUFFOLK
WITH crooked, half-timbered houses and pastel-pink cottages slouching along twisting passageways, the Tudor wool town of Lavenham was made for the front of a Christmas card. Its historical charms are even more alluring in winter when the Christmas Fair lights up the old Market Place and Guildhall, this year from December 2 to 4. Browse more than 80 stalls selling locally made gifts, clothing and toys, and then enjoy roasted chestnuts, mince pies and hog roast washed down with a cup of mulled wine. Christmas shopping is also made easier with the town’s boutiques, galleries, pubs, tea rooms and restaurants all opening later for the fair.
SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
KNOWN as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, the historic market town of Skipton is famous for its Christmas Market. It runs along the entire length of the high street, which is lined with a mix of independent shops, cafes and popular brands housed in handsome stone buildings. During the festivities, keep an eye out for tap-dancing turkeys, a nun on a mobile piano and giant penguins. Sweet-studded stalls and mini fairground rides will keep the children busy while you drool over specialist cheese and hunt for quirky presents. The market takes place on December 4 and 11.