English Christmas Markets 2021

Arrive in the UK today and make your way to central London. After settling in to your hotel, the afternoon is free to explore the bright lights of London, home to a rich history, time-honoured festive traditions and some of the best Christmas shopping opportunities in the world! By evening, we’ll reconvene to share a delicious traditional English Christmas dinner, and toast the start of our trip.

Overnight: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar), London

Meals: Dinner included

After breakfast, we’ll take in London’s iconic landmarks on a Christmas-themed city tour with a local guide. Then, we’ll make our way to Kew Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are possibly the most famous of England's RHS formal gardens and offers a showcase of English horticulture. At this time of year, this destination offers an even greater treat as we embark on a spellbinding journey along an illuminated trail through the world-famous gardens where we can pause to observe the magical art installations and decorations that pepper the trees, buildings and water features. The evening in London is for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps admire glittering Christmas lights and shop displays, try delicious treats from the markets or rest in the hotel before tomorrow’s adventures.

Overnight: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar), London

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning we board the mini-coach to journey North in to the rolling fields of the Cotswolds countryside. We'll pause at Cirencester, the region's principle town, where we’ll add to our Christmas present collection at the bustling Christmas market. Later this evening, we step back in time for a truly traditional Christmas experience in Stratford-upon-Avon. Here we’ll visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and learn more about the Christmas traditions of the 16th century; we'll wander the traditionally decorated houses, taste some traditional festive delicacies and enjoy a short theatrical performance – it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Overnight: The Arden Hotel (or similar), Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

This morning we head through the heart of the Cotswolds countryside. We’ll pass through chocolate-box villages and enjoy the quintessentially English country scenery as we make our to Bath. This charming city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage destination owing to its elegant architecture and rich history dating back to Roman times. During the festive season Bath holds a very special atmosphere with Christmas lights and decorations abundant throughout the city and around its magnificent Christmas Market. We'll embark on the 'Ten Tree Trail' in search of the ten unique Christmas trees dotted throughout the city, before enjoying the delights of the award-winning Christmas Market. By evening we retire to our elegant hotel right in the heart of the city.

Overnight: Abbey Hotel (or similar), Bath

Meals: Breakfast included

Today our day is dedicated to exploring the elegant city of Bath. We'll begin with a visit to the magnificent Roman Baths where we’ll receive a fascinating insight into what local life was like over 2,000 years ago as we peruse the artefacts and architecture of this ancient temple. By afternoon, we’ll roll up our sleeves to prepare our lunch by getting involved in a Christmas cookery class. We’ll pick up some tips for baking the perfect mince pies and producing a perfectly balanced mulled wine (cheers!). This evening, we’ll take our seats in Bath Abbey for a spine-tingling Choral Evensong service.

Overnight: Abbey Hotel (or similar), Bath

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

This morning we'll get a taste of a Georgian Christmas as we visit the museum at No.1 Royal Crescent – a period house that has been decorated and furnished just as it would have been in the 18th century. We then continue onwards to the cathedral city of Winchester. Here we’ll pay a visit to what is widely regarded one of Europe's finest Christmas markets where more than 100 chalets and stalls are set around the impressive cathedral. This is an ideal opportunity to pick up a gift or two or indulge in a mulled wine and mine pie before we tour the cathedral itself. In the evening, we’ll dine together as a group and toast to the wonderful time we’ve shared.

Overnight: Winchester Hotel & Spa (or similar), Winchester

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

This morning we begin the journey back towards London but not before a visit to the opulent Hampton Court Palace, once a favourite residence of King Henry VIII; this stately home is impressive throughout the year but as we approach the festive season the Palace comes alive with illustrious decorations and light displays. Then, we head to England’s capital as it’ll be time to say goodbye. Merry Christmas, one and all!

Meals: Breakfast included