Get a dose of festive cheer and tick off your gift list at these atmospheric markets, says Tanya Jackson
01. EXETER 18 NOV – 18 DEC
Medieval Exeter Cathedral is the backdrop of this fairy-lit market; listen to lovely choral concerts while you browse the stalls for West Country produce, mulled cider in hand. You can stroll along the River Exe and down into the town before the smell of popping chestnuts lures you in. exeter-cathedral.org.uk
02. WINCHESTER 18 NOV – 22 DEC
Held in the 900-year-old cathedral quarter, this year’s crafts-oriented market focuses on sustainable local products. Carol concerts will provide ambience, and on 13–18 December the Cathedral hosts a spectacular sound and light show, ‘Star of Wonder’. Stretch your legs along Keat’s Walk and finish at the market with a mulled cider. winchester-cathedral.org.uk
03. LIVERPOOL 12 NOV – 23 DEC
Liverpool’s markets feature a wide range of local goods both traditional and modern – you can also buy a full Christmas dinner wrapped up in a thick Yorkshire pudding! Start your day north of the city centre in Formby and walk the magical Red Squirrel Trail before hopping on a train down to the markets. visitliverpool.com
04. EDINBURGH 19 NOV – 3 JAN
Alongside the usual bonanza of rides, ice skating and light trails, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are set to expand this year. You’ll find unique independent gifts in a new Scottish market on Castle Street and an artisan market on the High Street. Walk to Arthur’s Seat to admire the view, then warm up at the market with a hot toddy. visitscotland.com
05. YORK 17 NOV–23 DEC
The medieval streets of York come into their own at Christmas, when large woodenchalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Pick up handmade decorations, wooden toys and Yorkshire produce, such as heritage cheeses and locally distilled spirits. Warm up by the real fire inside Thor’s Tipi, and allow yourself time to explore the magnificent Gothic minster, too. visityork.org
06. LINCOLN 1–4 DEC
Lincoln’s four-day traditional Christmas market takes place in the cobble dmedievals quarebetweenits Norman castleand stunning Gothiccathedral. Stallholdersdressin Victoriana, sowhynot start the day with a walk in the Victorianar boretum to set the scene? lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk
07. BATH 24 NOV – 11 DEC
Bath Christmas Market features 170 chalets, selling handmade goods from the south-west of England. Look for blown-glass ornaments, jams and chutneys, Bath cheeses and Christmas puddings. If you want to make a day of it, start at Bradford-Upon-Avon and stroll 9.7 miles along the atmospheric Kennet & Avon Canal, enjoying the wood smoke and bright colours of the barges. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk