With Christmas just around the corner, it is the perfect time to bring the family together for a weekend getaway and explore the UK’s best Christmas markets.

If you are looking for a truly magical festive shopping experience, then make sure you visit the award-winning Bath Christmas market. Over 150 traditional wooden chalets packed full of Christmas gifts line the streets that surround the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

Soak up the sights, smells and sounds and then take a well-earned break at Bailbrook House Hotel, just a short drive from the city centre. During your stay, relax in one of the three Royal Lounges or the Conservatory Bar, or perhaps enjoy a fine meal in the hotel’s architecturally impressive restaurant, Cloisters.

Similarly famed for being one of Britain’s Christmas shoppers' paradise is Canterbury's small traditional market set in the intimate Whitefriars Square. With the aroma of German mulled wine and a generous sprinkling of Christmas music there are nearly 60 colourful cabins offering hand-crafted gifts. 

Located less than 20 miles away, Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham gives you the opportunity to make a weekend of it. This idyllic hotel in Kent offers an ideal setting for a countryside break – we heartily recommend afternoon tea to refuel after a morning’s shopping.

With seasonal entertainment, warming winter treats and more than 150 boutiques to explore, you’ll find everything you need for a festive day out shopping at Bicester Village. Soak up the Christmassy atmosphere as you hunt for the perfect gifts and indulge in a range of festive foods and activities. 

Steeped in tradition and history, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa is a wonderful location to relax after a fun-filled day at Bicester Village. Take time to marvel at the stunning Capability Brown gardens, or wind-down in the recently refurbished spa and health club facilities.

Edinburgh has a host of festive fairs taking place into the New Year, from the traditional German Christmas market to Edinburgh's Scottish market, which showcases the best locally sourced food and drink and St Mary's Christmas Market that also features children's activities and carol singing. 

And you need not worry if it is not on your doorstep because the equally enchanting Norton House Hotel & Spa, situated just 20 minutes from the city centre, is the perfect base from which to explore.

With hundreds of amazing Christmas markets taking place across the country and our collection of individual hotels, let us inspire your next break away and make the most of the festivities with your family.

Image credit: Image 1, visitbath.co.uk Copyright: Bath Tourism Plus / Paolo Ferla