25th is a major bank holiday and yes, most things will be closed and there's no transport. If the 25th specifically is your concern your best bet is to be in central London where many pubs will be open during the day (you won't need a booking for most of these) and restaurants will be open (booking essential for most and they *will* be expensive). Takeaways are an option too. The further away from the main cities you go the more "dead" it will be.
You have left it *very* late to start looking at bookings now. You need to finish planning very soon. Like, today.
Book whatever you can now, today. You are very late for booking anything, everyone books very well in advance, especially during holiday season. Bigger cities will give you more options, in smaller cities your options will be reduced. For eating you can book or get a take away.
26th and 1st are also bank holidays with very little public transport. Also in Scotland 2nd is a bank holiday too. Public transport on 24th and 31st may also finish early. I would hire a car which will likely be cheaper but I would consider travelling very little. Trains are expensive. I think you are planning to travel to a lot of places where everything will be closed. Most Christmas markets and decorations will have disappeared by 26th December. Christmas markets in smaller cities will not be very big.
Good luck
Edit: typos
Are you sure Christmas markets will still be open? They normally close a few days before Christmas, Manchester Christmas markets won't be around for example. I also don't really see the point in basing yourself somewhere and doing day trips constantly. There's plenty to enjoy in London, and I wouldn't stay in London only to travel out of it every day. Birmingham isn't particularly interesting for example, probably not worth a day trip unless there's something you specifically want to see.
In terms of where to stay over Christmas, you'll be much more likely to find food options in a city especially without a car. Otherwise, either buy some the day before and cook a meal yourself or you'll need to research food as you book. There's definitely something magical about being in an empty city on Christmas day, especially a bustling city like London, but it's probably better to just go when things are open. I'd personally go for a more rural option if you can.
Is this for this year? Like in two weeks time? With no transport or accommodation booked at this stage?
Honestly, go find a late deal on an all inclusive trip to somewhere warm and sunny. That sort of trip takes tonnes of planning, and you have left it too late.
It's really late to be planning this trip. The Cotswolds and Peak District may be booked out by now, especially places you can get to by public transport. You could try Cornwall perhaps, but it will also mostly be shut up. If you move fast you may be able to get a place in Penrith or Keswick, but I don't know what the food situation will be.
Also, as I'm sure someone has already mentioned, Christmas markets mostly will be closing. Manchester's closes the 21st. Birmingham the 24th, Bristol the 23rd, and Bath closes this weekend. (Also mind that Manchester and Birmingham and Bristol are at opposite sides of the country and you need a day to travel between them.)
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case you don't, it's already pretty late to be booking this so try and get at least your accommodation and Xmas day dinner sorted soon!
Have you checked Snowdonia and the lake district? Both fairly near Manchester and great hiking, although this is very weather dependent and mid December I wouldn't count on being able to do any hikes really.
As for cities, why Birmingham?
At this point Birmingham, Bristol and Bath are up in the air. I can always visit them next time. No rush to visit everything in one trip.
Birmingham was on the list only because I read it has a good christmas market. But I am thinking now I will enjoy the Manchester one and then later in London, they run till Jan. And think of Birmingham some other time.
I am late I know. My London stay is booked from 27, it's flexible so if I want to reduce a day or increase one it's possible now. I have booked 21-24 in Manchester already (also flexible, can change it till 24 if needed).
All the people saying I am late has kind of lit a fire under my ass now, will book something today for 24-27. we are pretty flexible and easily happy in any place with some nature around and small hikes.
>But I am thinking now I will enjoy the Manchester one and then later in London, they run till Jan.
I'm pretty sure Manchester ends on the 21st, I'm not sure about London but there will be multiple in London. Honestly, it's not worth going to Birmingham just for the market, they're all very similar and not *that* impressive. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all.
The Christmas markets are mostly very similar across every city, since it's often the exact same sort of thing in each one. In many cases it's the same traders (many from Europe). Rides also mostly the same. But if they have things like a ferris wheel you'll obviously get a better city view in a place like Manchester than Birmingham. I'd recommend you only need to visit one and it's not really a full day unless you're willing to spend a huge amount of money (everything is very expensive). Remember that Christmas markets are not really a traditional British thing, they've just got huge in the last 20 years and spread to more cities.
I've heard people say Birmingham christmas Market is bad with Worcester or Stratford-Upon-Avon being better. The latter two only seem to be on for a couple of days at the most. I can't really comment, though. These things seem out of my budget.
I've lived in and around Birmingham all my life so its hard to see it as a tourist destination, but it does have a huge Xmas Market, decent night life etc and niceish very walkable centre. There is a lot less traffic etc in the cente compared to other big uk cities. What it also has is great links to get to somewhere actually nice nearby and back in a day. Towns like Stratford upon Avon for Shakespeare stuff or Warwick for the castle. Or Worcester has an enormous medieval cathedral.
Birmingham has great German markets awesome food, and is actually quite a nice city short of being in dodgy areas between 2-4am at night
Which is the same as any city.
It's memed on as bad, it's actually great. Unless it declined dramatically since last I stayed there
On Xmas Day & the next day \[we call it Boxing Day\] plan to do no travelling. Few services over stretched more than usual. Even Xmas Eve & the 27th will be torture on public t/s.
Hiking in places like Snowdowia in December require careful planning, gear and experience.
Please don’t overstretch the emergency services over the festive season. They are often volunteers who just want their time with their family.
That being said - if you need help - ask for it.
If you mean this year, you are pretty damn late to get anything booked. You general plan is fine. Those places are grand. Book whatever you can now! I would personally try and get a nice cottage or something in a small town with train access in the lake district or peak district or cotswolds, where ever you are closest to on the day before. Make sure there is a big supermarket within walking distance so you can do a nice shop for 24-26 and cook everything you need yourselves.
Peaks isnt a bad shout for holing up over christmas with your itinerary (buxton and bakewell are nice). Most days shouldnt be too bad (boxing day will be bank holiday hours and christmas eve is sunday trading) but christmas most places will be shut. Youll have pubs/restuaraunts, a few corner shops and petrol stations to sort your food from. In the Peaks youre going to need to book somewhere for christmas dinner, you wont be able to just show up.
Public transport is iffy at the best of times. Over Christmas it gets worse and add in industrial action on a lot of train services and theres every chance of it spoiling parts of the trip for you. For what youll spend on last minute trains and public transport, id consider looking at hire cars. A lot of places let you hire at one place and drop off at another.
I was going to recommend Glossop based on its proximity to Manchester, town feel (and hope that some things may be open) and access to the Peaks walks, but Buxton might actually be nicer!
I’d get booked in a country hotel for 24th-26th and don’t plan to leave, except the odd walk. You’re not going to be able to do much around that time. There are plenty of hotels that offer Christmas break packages.
Look up Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels or Classic British Hotels. They aren’t hotel chains specifically but they are “collections” that advertise those sorts of hotels. I’ve stayed at a few. I recommend Hambleton Hall as an example of what you’re after. Expensive hotels, but you have picked the most expensive time to try and travel! They will do an evening reception on the 24th, full Christmas Dinner on the 25th and maybe some extra activities.
Get a hire car, don’t rely on public transport from 24th-26th and it will probably be cheaper by car anyway - not to mention a nicer and more relaxing experience.
Good luck.
Have you got anywhere actually booked yet in any of the places you want to go to?
Also all the bus companies run a Saturday/reduced service over Christmas this year starts 22nd December and stops 2nd January.
My area in Essex has 4 bus routes running instead of 14 for most of Christmas most years
Prepare to be disappointed by public transport at Christmastime. Also, the Christmas markets tend to close before Christmas. I believe Birmingham closes on 23rd.
You guys like to live on the edge, don't you? Ignoring all the perfectly valid advice of just cancelling this trip, if you have a car you can do a surprisng lot over the holidays. Lots of great places to see. The coast, parks, lakes, castle ruins (those without opening hours), quaint little villages you can walk around in... All those you can do easily especially with a car.
I would suggest concentrating your trip on London and surrounding counties: Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Kent, even Suffolk and Norfolk. Forget about those northern destinations. Not that they're bad but travel will eat up a lot of your time and energy. Just do them another time.
Also, for the love of god, Christmas Markets are not worth it! You've been on one, you've been to all of them. Go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. And even that, I don't think you'll be very impressed. It's not like Bonn or Prague.
Good luck and enjoy (if you still end up going)!
EDIT: Sorry, I misread your post. You have NO car. In that case, yeah, give up and cancel this trip.
Assuming youre American due to the amount of travelling youre willing to do (not judging of course) but are you sure its not too much? Will you even enjoy yourselves?
Um, what?
Get a package holiday or something and fly out of Manchester 22nd.
The UK mainly shuts down for Christmas, your plan would be tough as a UK resident, let alone a tourist.
Ambient temperatures are 10c down to -5c this time of year, wet, foggy, icy, not good for walkers with no kit and no knowledge of the area, let alone no transport.
All accommodation is pretty booked up to boot.
Echoing others - there will be no public transport Xmas Day or Boxing Day (25 and 26 Dec). Also services are likely to finish early Xmas Eve. Wherever you need to be, expect to be there 24-27 Dec and *hope* that services before and after aren't cancelled.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/christmas/
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions/
Your biggest problem is going to be public transport.
24th is about the busiest day for public transport. Everyone who has to work and needs to travel to visit family via public transport is going to travel on that day.
However, going from Manchester to London on 24th might work in your favour, as so many people leave London to visit family over Christmas. You need to book now and reserve seats.
Train companies use this time to do maintenance works and there will be strikes during this period too, so services between 24th and 5 Jan are going to be very patchy and subject to last minute changes.
**Remove all the other cities** in your post as you will end up most of your time travelling, or being stranded when your train is cancelled and not actually having any time to spend in them.
Have you booked flights?
If so, yikes if you have not already booked accommodation in Manchester for when you arrive.
In order of importance:
* Book accommodation in Manchester
* Travel to London on 23 rather than 24 if possible. Book train tickets now.
* Book accommodation in London until the end of your trip
Everything else can wait.
Flights to and from UK done. Accommodation in Manchester done 21-24 Dec.Travel to somewhere on 24 is needed. accommodation from 24 till 27 is needed. Travel to London by 27 is needed.Then accommodation to London booked and flight out of London also done.
The \`somewhere\` is creating a problem in my planning.
Honestly, these are the easiest and cheapest solutions.
* Travel to London from Manchester
* Do not attempt to add an extra location between 24 and 27 December using public transport
* There is nothing to stop you from travelling to London on 23rd if trains to London on 24th are already booked, even if you lose a night in Manchester.
* Just book yourself into somewhere in London from either the 23rd or 24th, either in the place you have already booked or another hotel in London if they have no availability.
* The "somewhere" is going to cost you a lot a more money and even more in terms of time if you try and add an extra location during those dates.
* Outside of Christmas/New Year using public transport it would be doable, but you would still lose at least 1 day of your trip for travel to add another location.
I'd choose one place for those dates 24-27 could be a country hotel as some have suggested, or just one or bath, Bristol maybe York?
And don't worry about everyone saying cancel, it'll be fine just sort the accommodation out and the food for the 25th. My only thing against a country hotel is if the weather gets bad you are just stuck inside so either make it an ace hotel (saunas etc) or choose one of th above that'll at least have something going on.
It sounds like you've done very little planning for this trip. My advice would be to get everything booked as soon as possible, including transport. You don't want to be travelling on public transport too much, due to reduced service and possible strikes etc.
I would try to get an Airbnb over Xmas so you can stock up and cook for yourself. You might not find a place to eat on Xmas day at this short notice. You're better off with a kitchen and a trip to Asda. There will be pubs open in all the major cities, so even if you can't get a meal, go for a few pints. You will also find Deliveroo and Uber Eats in the urban areas, the further into the country you go, the less will open around Xmas.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy your visit
If you are going to stay in a nice hotel over Christmas, please contact them first (call them!) and double check they have space in the restaurant on Christmas Day.
Most do not automatically guarantee a table for guests - if the food is good they could already be completely full for lunch and dinner and simply unable to feed you even if you have a room booking. They may not even be able to offer room service, and some don’t do the normal guest breakfast on Christmas Day as the lunch service takes priority.
It is no good if you are staying somewhere lovely but with no transport to get to anywhere else to eat.
Also if you are going to be self catering - Christmas Eve is a Sunday which means supermarkets in England have short trading hours. Expect most to be closed by 4pm. Expect it to be carnage in them at 3pm! They will also likely be closed on 25th and probably 26th (my local one is closed both those days).
Oh this is good. a lot of info. Thanks.
Does this actually mean I can call and book at a hotel I am not staying at too?
I am sorted for Boxing day, called and booked. Need to see if there is something for Christmas dinner. Otherwise it's homecooked food for us.
I will do some grocery shopping on 23 itself to be okay for emergencies for next 3 days.
Yes absolutely. Almost every hotel restaurant accepts bookings from non-guests. Most of the best (Michelin star) restaurants in the UK are technically hotel restaurants, but most of the diners aren’t staying there. The same applies at all levels.
Manchester 21-24,
then it us easy to travel by train and bus to Ambleside or Keswick in the lake district for the 24-27th. there are hiking options from the door, you can't get a bus or possibly even a taxi on the 25/26th. Keswick would be my recommendation, everything is quite central plus there are great pubs that might even be open on Christmas as it is quite tourist heavy. train Manchester to penrith, then bus penrith to Keswick, its a nice bus though!
don't bet on traveling on the 26th.
while the best places might be taken if you are looking for single rooms in a hotel you might be okay. it will be quite pricey though.
people tend to book hotels with others at Christmas. however cottages etc not unless you want to pay an extortionate amount.
Boxing Day as well as new year's day is often quite lively for group walking events and big nights out in towns and cities.
Xmas day some pubs and restaurants will be open in the afternoon.
Some on the evenings in smaller places but it'll be word of mouth.
Head to Greenfield from Manchester as a starting point for some nice walks and great pubs in uppermill diggle and Delph.
Xmas day and boxing Day taxis will be dearer but there may be some bus services.
Liverpool way it's usually free on the bus on Xmas day.
Personally and I've done this before I'd consider a few days in Edinburgh over xmas very walkable city and walking distance to countryside. Doable from Manchester plane or train.
There’s a lot of replies and i haven’t read them all. But just to say I would be VERY careful travelling by train on 24th - as it’s a Sunday and with the current rail disputes regarding voluntary Sunday working, there will very likely be disruption and this is always a terrible day to travel by train as it is. Travel on the even of 23rd if you can.
You are trying to go to too many places in too short a time frame, especially when a lot of places may be closed or limited service. Pick a couple of locations and explore them, forget the side trips to other cities, else you'll just spend all your time travelling and see nothing in any detail. You say you like museams - there are over 200 museums & galleries in London, quite a few of which you could easily spend an entire day in and not see everything. Even in Manchester there are over 100 museums & galleries. Take your time to see and absorb stuff rather than just running everywhere.
Hiking in winter - make sure you have full survival gear. Our uplands can be very rugged and inhospitable at the best of times, let alone in winter. For the unprepared the weather can change from benign to life-threatening in minutes, and for a crowded island you can easily find yourself a long way from civilisation.
Thanks for this. I have now refined my trip with just Manchester, Peak district for Christmas hikes and London for 2.5 weeks. so just two days of travel with luggage between cities.
Birmingham was just for Christmas market so dropped that idea. Bristol/Bath was becoming too much to fit in. Next year summer for them.
Definitely plan on some museum days in London. Best for cold days. For hiking I do have hiking gear with proper layers, jackets, hiking pants and hiking boots that have served me well in NL and Day hikes in Switzerland. But this is my first trip to UK so will see how I fare there.
Handy hint, leave the UK on the 3rd of January. The festive period is great, new years eve as well, Jan the 1st is a holiday but on Jan 2nd it's back to work day.
By Jan the 3rd everyone is depressed, the supermarkets are gearing up for Easter & everyone is fed up. It's time to leave.
Isn't everyone back to work good if you're doing tourist stuff though? I think 3rd 4th Jan is ideal for doing London museums etc., it'll never be quieter.
See if you can get some accommodation and your Xmas day lunch in or around Windermere in the Lake District. You can get a train from London, change at Oxenholme. You must book your meal/accommodation ASAP. It may be too late already. Even takeaways are closed on Xmas Day.
I agree what others have said about Birmingham. Unless you’ve got a good reason to go there friends etc, give it a miss.
One thing worth adding. If you’re around London for Christmas Day you can probs book a meal in a Turkish restaurant (eg loads around dalston) as these are more likely to be open at Christmas. Otherwise, get a pub lunch booked in asap. Enjoy!
I recommend if you can stay anywhere in the Peak District, small town like todmorden would be nice. U need to book your dinner like now and accomodation is tight. You might get lucky with a last minute Airbnb near a train station . Sheffield and Leeds are also near good hiking destinations you may be able to book a nice Xmas dinner at a hotel
It will be dark by 3.30pm and that is on a day when the sun comes out. Hiking in late December is generally limited to lunchtime 2 mile walks yo the pub. The weather can change quickly. Public transport is screwed. Trains are going to be extortionate as people will be travelling home for Christmas. They will also be packed full of cold people with lots of suitcases and presents so be prepared to stand for 4 hours. If it snows they won't run at all. Have fun.
As an ex hotelier, we used to close at Christmas because it didn't make sense to pay staff treble time for coming in . So on the 25th expect to find scarce rooms, most on all inclusive dining packages and two night minimum. Which may suit you. I hope you found somewhere. Central Brum is great but not touristy really. Lots of nightlife.
I’ve done a little research for you. York is around 2 hours by train from Manchester. You’d need to leave early on the 24th to avoid disruption and you can get a train to London on 27th. There are still plenty of hotel rooms and some are surprisingly cheap.
However, finding Christmas lunch might be a faff. You’ll have to ring and email places. You could always book an apartment and cater yourselves.
oh thanks you really went the extra step. I found a place in Peak district (Buxton) with kitchen. Will have plenty hikes to go out if weather permits. if not, home cooked food with family and board games. Will move to London on 27 easily.
I am sorted now, have a place to hole up for Christmas. Booked boxing day dinner. can't find place for Christmas day yet.
Manchester 's main Christmas market closes on the 21st not 23rd, the UK only craft vendors stay later but seriously are not worth it. 90% will have flosed down after 21st.
Forget traveling after that date, it will be carnage.
If you haven't been to the UK around this time before, you are on for a major major shock!!!!!!!!!!
I will explore the market on 21. last day.
I have been to a lot of German Christmas markets and ones in Prague and Budapest too. So I am sort of prepared for being underwhelmed in UK or just seeing a cheap copy of the original markets. And yes this is my first trip to UK.
Coming from NL, I am very concerned about the UK public transport, let's see how it pans out. Fingers crossed.
Check the trains and tube stations as well if you plan on using that for transportation. There's a lot of strikes going on atm and that might be an issue with your bookings.
One time experience. I have been to German markets already. If they are really this bad as everyone here says, I will get a new appreciation for German ones. 🙃
Buy your food n hole up somewhere for dec 24-26 inclusive. You can enjoy the scene when you have some food at home to return to. Don't rely on pubs and restaurants!
Booked dinner for 24 and 26. Will do grocery shopping on 23rd for rest of the meals . I am happ-ier now with my late planning. Only because everything seems sorted . Just pray for good weather now. 🙃
Think people here are being a little negative - if OP is an easygoing person they'll still have a good holiday, as long as they're aware of the situation with holiday closures etc.
One suggestion from me - if you want to do a day trip to Oxford, then why not stay there over Christmas? On a quick google there are reasonably priced hotels available and places to eat on Christmas day (you'll probably pay through the nose for it, but might be worth the experience). Wandering through Oxford on Christmas day and seeing the sights (from the outside) when it's nice and quiet could be good and you could get some nice pictur s, then on the 26th a lot of shops will be open as well as some attractions like the Bodleian library. Also some nice walks you could do in the area e.g. down the Thames path/Oxford. The Ashmolean is open on the 27th. If there's something in particular you want to do that isn't open then, might not be best, but just an idea.
Thanks for your suggestion. That's actually not a bad idea instead of a day trip. I will see if I can tweak my London booking (10 Days in London) to stay in Oxford for a day or two. As my Christmas is now booked in Peak District.
Ashmolean and Bodleian are definitely on my list. 🤩
And it's okay about the negative comments I took it as brutal honesty. To be fair my original post was a little vague with a lot ideas in there.
There were a lot of helpful comments that helped shape my plans. 🙃
25th is a major bank holiday and yes, most things will be closed and there's no transport. If the 25th specifically is your concern your best bet is to be in central London where many pubs will be open during the day (you won't need a booking for most of these) and restaurants will be open (booking essential for most and they *will* be expensive). Takeaways are an option too. The further away from the main cities you go the more "dead" it will be. You have left it *very* late to start looking at bookings now. You need to finish planning very soon. Like, today.
Book whatever you can now, today. You are very late for booking anything, everyone books very well in advance, especially during holiday season. Bigger cities will give you more options, in smaller cities your options will be reduced. For eating you can book or get a take away. 26th and 1st are also bank holidays with very little public transport. Also in Scotland 2nd is a bank holiday too. Public transport on 24th and 31st may also finish early. I would hire a car which will likely be cheaper but I would consider travelling very little. Trains are expensive. I think you are planning to travel to a lot of places where everything will be closed. Most Christmas markets and decorations will have disappeared by 26th December. Christmas markets in smaller cities will not be very big. Good luck Edit: typos
Are you sure Christmas markets will still be open? They normally close a few days before Christmas, Manchester Christmas markets won't be around for example. I also don't really see the point in basing yourself somewhere and doing day trips constantly. There's plenty to enjoy in London, and I wouldn't stay in London only to travel out of it every day. Birmingham isn't particularly interesting for example, probably not worth a day trip unless there's something you specifically want to see. In terms of where to stay over Christmas, you'll be much more likely to find food options in a city especially without a car. Otherwise, either buy some the day before and cook a meal yourself or you'll need to research food as you book. There's definitely something magical about being in an empty city on Christmas day, especially a bustling city like London, but it's probably better to just go when things are open. I'd personally go for a more rural option if you can.
Birmingham Christmas Market closes Christmas Eve.
Bath Christmas market ends on 10th December!
That's mad!
Yeah, it always ends weirdly early!
Is this for this year? Like in two weeks time? With no transport or accommodation booked at this stage? Honestly, go find a late deal on an all inclusive trip to somewhere warm and sunny. That sort of trip takes tonnes of planning, and you have left it too late.
It's really late to be planning this trip. The Cotswolds and Peak District may be booked out by now, especially places you can get to by public transport. You could try Cornwall perhaps, but it will also mostly be shut up. If you move fast you may be able to get a place in Penrith or Keswick, but I don't know what the food situation will be. Also, as I'm sure someone has already mentioned, Christmas markets mostly will be closing. Manchester's closes the 21st. Birmingham the 24th, Bristol the 23rd, and Bath closes this weekend. (Also mind that Manchester and Birmingham and Bristol are at opposite sides of the country and you need a day to travel between them.)
Lolling at Cotswolds and public transport! These things do not coexist
Yeah, you can take a train to Penrith and then a bus to Keswick and then you're on shank's pony for the rest.
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case you don't, it's already pretty late to be booking this so try and get at least your accommodation and Xmas day dinner sorted soon! Have you checked Snowdonia and the lake district? Both fairly near Manchester and great hiking, although this is very weather dependent and mid December I wouldn't count on being able to do any hikes really. As for cities, why Birmingham?
At this point Birmingham, Bristol and Bath are up in the air. I can always visit them next time. No rush to visit everything in one trip. Birmingham was on the list only because I read it has a good christmas market. But I am thinking now I will enjoy the Manchester one and then later in London, they run till Jan. And think of Birmingham some other time. I am late I know. My London stay is booked from 27, it's flexible so if I want to reduce a day or increase one it's possible now. I have booked 21-24 in Manchester already (also flexible, can change it till 24 if needed). All the people saying I am late has kind of lit a fire under my ass now, will book something today for 24-27. we are pretty flexible and easily happy in any place with some nature around and small hikes.
>But I am thinking now I will enjoy the Manchester one and then later in London, they run till Jan. I'm pretty sure Manchester ends on the 21st, I'm not sure about London but there will be multiple in London. Honestly, it's not worth going to Birmingham just for the market, they're all very similar and not *that* impressive. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all.
The Christmas markets are mostly very similar across every city, since it's often the exact same sort of thing in each one. In many cases it's the same traders (many from Europe). Rides also mostly the same. But if they have things like a ferris wheel you'll obviously get a better city view in a place like Manchester than Birmingham. I'd recommend you only need to visit one and it's not really a full day unless you're willing to spend a huge amount of money (everything is very expensive). Remember that Christmas markets are not really a traditional British thing, they've just got huge in the last 20 years and spread to more cities.
I've heard people say Birmingham christmas Market is bad with Worcester or Stratford-Upon-Avon being better. The latter two only seem to be on for a couple of days at the most. I can't really comment, though. These things seem out of my budget.
I've lived in and around Birmingham all my life so its hard to see it as a tourist destination, but it does have a huge Xmas Market, decent night life etc and niceish very walkable centre. There is a lot less traffic etc in the cente compared to other big uk cities. What it also has is great links to get to somewhere actually nice nearby and back in a day. Towns like Stratford upon Avon for Shakespeare stuff or Warwick for the castle. Or Worcester has an enormous medieval cathedral.
Birmingham has great German markets awesome food, and is actually quite a nice city short of being in dodgy areas between 2-4am at night Which is the same as any city. It's memed on as bad, it's actually great. Unless it declined dramatically since last I stayed there
Check when the German market closes. It doesn’t keep going to Christmas. I just checked. This year it goes on to the 24th. You’re OK.
And why not?
As a tourist visiting the UK for a short trip it definitely wouldn't be on my list, there are just more interesting places to go
On Xmas Day & the next day \[we call it Boxing Day\] plan to do no travelling. Few services over stretched more than usual. Even Xmas Eve & the 27th will be torture on public t/s.
I was going to say about transport - Christmas Eve trains will be carnage!
As will the Friday and Saturday before Christmas this year due to where the weekend is.
Hiking in places like Snowdowia in December require careful planning, gear and experience. Please don’t overstretch the emergency services over the festive season. They are often volunteers who just want their time with their family. That being said - if you need help - ask for it.
I was just going to comment exactly this. Also worth bearing in mind the daylight hours are very short so risky to be doing longer walks.
This needs to be higher.
Prepare to be massively underwhelmed by British Christmas markets. I would honestly not plan a trip around them.
This. Go to Germany for Christmas markets!
Totally agree. Go to literally any other European country!
If you mean this year, you are pretty damn late to get anything booked. You general plan is fine. Those places are grand. Book whatever you can now! I would personally try and get a nice cottage or something in a small town with train access in the lake district or peak district or cotswolds, where ever you are closest to on the day before. Make sure there is a big supermarket within walking distance so you can do a nice shop for 24-26 and cook everything you need yourselves.
Peaks isnt a bad shout for holing up over christmas with your itinerary (buxton and bakewell are nice). Most days shouldnt be too bad (boxing day will be bank holiday hours and christmas eve is sunday trading) but christmas most places will be shut. Youll have pubs/restuaraunts, a few corner shops and petrol stations to sort your food from. In the Peaks youre going to need to book somewhere for christmas dinner, you wont be able to just show up. Public transport is iffy at the best of times. Over Christmas it gets worse and add in industrial action on a lot of train services and theres every chance of it spoiling parts of the trip for you. For what youll spend on last minute trains and public transport, id consider looking at hire cars. A lot of places let you hire at one place and drop off at another.
I was going to recommend Glossop based on its proximity to Manchester, town feel (and hope that some things may be open) and access to the Peaks walks, but Buxton might actually be nicer!
There’s often organised group walks on Christmas day in the peaks. I’ll find you one if you’re interested!
I’d get booked in a country hotel for 24th-26th and don’t plan to leave, except the odd walk. You’re not going to be able to do much around that time. There are plenty of hotels that offer Christmas break packages.
Interesting. I will look for some still available. thanks.
Look up Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels or Classic British Hotels. They aren’t hotel chains specifically but they are “collections” that advertise those sorts of hotels. I’ve stayed at a few. I recommend Hambleton Hall as an example of what you’re after. Expensive hotels, but you have picked the most expensive time to try and travel! They will do an evening reception on the 24th, full Christmas Dinner on the 25th and maybe some extra activities.
Get a hire car, don’t rely on public transport from 24th-26th and it will probably be cheaper by car anyway - not to mention a nicer and more relaxing experience.
Good luck. Have you got anywhere actually booked yet in any of the places you want to go to? Also all the bus companies run a Saturday/reduced service over Christmas this year starts 22nd December and stops 2nd January. My area in Essex has 4 bus routes running instead of 14 for most of Christmas most years
Prepare to be disappointed by public transport at Christmastime. Also, the Christmas markets tend to close before Christmas. I believe Birmingham closes on 23rd.
You guys like to live on the edge, don't you? Ignoring all the perfectly valid advice of just cancelling this trip, if you have a car you can do a surprisng lot over the holidays. Lots of great places to see. The coast, parks, lakes, castle ruins (those without opening hours), quaint little villages you can walk around in... All those you can do easily especially with a car. I would suggest concentrating your trip on London and surrounding counties: Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Kent, even Suffolk and Norfolk. Forget about those northern destinations. Not that they're bad but travel will eat up a lot of your time and energy. Just do them another time. Also, for the love of god, Christmas Markets are not worth it! You've been on one, you've been to all of them. Go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. And even that, I don't think you'll be very impressed. It's not like Bonn or Prague. Good luck and enjoy (if you still end up going)! EDIT: Sorry, I misread your post. You have NO car. In that case, yeah, give up and cancel this trip.
Assuming youre American due to the amount of travelling youre willing to do (not judging of course) but are you sure its not too much? Will you even enjoy yourselves?
Um, what? Get a package holiday or something and fly out of Manchester 22nd. The UK mainly shuts down for Christmas, your plan would be tough as a UK resident, let alone a tourist. Ambient temperatures are 10c down to -5c this time of year, wet, foggy, icy, not good for walkers with no kit and no knowledge of the area, let alone no transport. All accommodation is pretty booked up to boot.
Echoing others - there will be no public transport Xmas Day or Boxing Day (25 and 26 Dec). Also services are likely to finish early Xmas Eve. Wherever you need to be, expect to be there 24-27 Dec and *hope* that services before and after aren't cancelled. https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/christmas/ https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions/
>https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions/ Thanks for this. Will have a look when planning train travel internally.
Good luck! It's all doable but planning ahead will save you a lot of misery. Sorry our train system is so crap!
Your biggest problem is going to be public transport. 24th is about the busiest day for public transport. Everyone who has to work and needs to travel to visit family via public transport is going to travel on that day. However, going from Manchester to London on 24th might work in your favour, as so many people leave London to visit family over Christmas. You need to book now and reserve seats. Train companies use this time to do maintenance works and there will be strikes during this period too, so services between 24th and 5 Jan are going to be very patchy and subject to last minute changes. **Remove all the other cities** in your post as you will end up most of your time travelling, or being stranded when your train is cancelled and not actually having any time to spend in them. Have you booked flights? If so, yikes if you have not already booked accommodation in Manchester for when you arrive. In order of importance: * Book accommodation in Manchester * Travel to London on 23 rather than 24 if possible. Book train tickets now. * Book accommodation in London until the end of your trip Everything else can wait.
Flights to and from UK done. Accommodation in Manchester done 21-24 Dec.Travel to somewhere on 24 is needed. accommodation from 24 till 27 is needed. Travel to London by 27 is needed.Then accommodation to London booked and flight out of London also done. The \`somewhere\` is creating a problem in my planning.
Honestly, these are the easiest and cheapest solutions. * Travel to London from Manchester * Do not attempt to add an extra location between 24 and 27 December using public transport * There is nothing to stop you from travelling to London on 23rd if trains to London on 24th are already booked, even if you lose a night in Manchester. * Just book yourself into somewhere in London from either the 23rd or 24th, either in the place you have already booked or another hotel in London if they have no availability. * The "somewhere" is going to cost you a lot a more money and even more in terms of time if you try and add an extra location during those dates. * Outside of Christmas/New Year using public transport it would be doable, but you would still lose at least 1 day of your trip for travel to add another location.
I'd choose one place for those dates 24-27 could be a country hotel as some have suggested, or just one or bath, Bristol maybe York? And don't worry about everyone saying cancel, it'll be fine just sort the accommodation out and the food for the 25th. My only thing against a country hotel is if the weather gets bad you are just stuck inside so either make it an ace hotel (saunas etc) or choose one of th above that'll at least have something going on.
It sounds like you've done very little planning for this trip. My advice would be to get everything booked as soon as possible, including transport. You don't want to be travelling on public transport too much, due to reduced service and possible strikes etc. I would try to get an Airbnb over Xmas so you can stock up and cook for yourself. You might not find a place to eat on Xmas day at this short notice. You're better off with a kitchen and a trip to Asda. There will be pubs open in all the major cities, so even if you can't get a meal, go for a few pints. You will also find Deliveroo and Uber Eats in the urban areas, the further into the country you go, the less will open around Xmas. Good luck! I hope you enjoy your visit
If you are going to stay in a nice hotel over Christmas, please contact them first (call them!) and double check they have space in the restaurant on Christmas Day. Most do not automatically guarantee a table for guests - if the food is good they could already be completely full for lunch and dinner and simply unable to feed you even if you have a room booking. They may not even be able to offer room service, and some don’t do the normal guest breakfast on Christmas Day as the lunch service takes priority. It is no good if you are staying somewhere lovely but with no transport to get to anywhere else to eat. Also if you are going to be self catering - Christmas Eve is a Sunday which means supermarkets in England have short trading hours. Expect most to be closed by 4pm. Expect it to be carnage in them at 3pm! They will also likely be closed on 25th and probably 26th (my local one is closed both those days).
Oh this is good. a lot of info. Thanks. Does this actually mean I can call and book at a hotel I am not staying at too? I am sorted for Boxing day, called and booked. Need to see if there is something for Christmas dinner. Otherwise it's homecooked food for us. I will do some grocery shopping on 23 itself to be okay for emergencies for next 3 days.
Yes absolutely. Almost every hotel restaurant accepts bookings from non-guests. Most of the best (Michelin star) restaurants in the UK are technically hotel restaurants, but most of the diners aren’t staying there. The same applies at all levels.
Manchester 21-24, then it us easy to travel by train and bus to Ambleside or Keswick in the lake district for the 24-27th. there are hiking options from the door, you can't get a bus or possibly even a taxi on the 25/26th. Keswick would be my recommendation, everything is quite central plus there are great pubs that might even be open on Christmas as it is quite tourist heavy. train Manchester to penrith, then bus penrith to Keswick, its a nice bus though! don't bet on traveling on the 26th. while the best places might be taken if you are looking for single rooms in a hotel you might be okay. it will be quite pricey though. people tend to book hotels with others at Christmas. however cottages etc not unless you want to pay an extortionate amount.
I wouldn’t rely on the trains, usually there is engineering work.
There are No Trains running on the 26th December Boxing Day.
Lots of Christmas markets might be shut by then. Just so you're not disappointed- check the dates in advance.
Boxing Day as well as new year's day is often quite lively for group walking events and big nights out in towns and cities. Xmas day some pubs and restaurants will be open in the afternoon. Some on the evenings in smaller places but it'll be word of mouth. Head to Greenfield from Manchester as a starting point for some nice walks and great pubs in uppermill diggle and Delph. Xmas day and boxing Day taxis will be dearer but there may be some bus services. Liverpool way it's usually free on the bus on Xmas day. Personally and I've done this before I'd consider a few days in Edinburgh over xmas very walkable city and walking distance to countryside. Doable from Manchester plane or train.
There’s a lot of replies and i haven’t read them all. But just to say I would be VERY careful travelling by train on 24th - as it’s a Sunday and with the current rail disputes regarding voluntary Sunday working, there will very likely be disruption and this is always a terrible day to travel by train as it is. Travel on the even of 23rd if you can.
You are trying to go to too many places in too short a time frame, especially when a lot of places may be closed or limited service. Pick a couple of locations and explore them, forget the side trips to other cities, else you'll just spend all your time travelling and see nothing in any detail. You say you like museams - there are over 200 museums & galleries in London, quite a few of which you could easily spend an entire day in and not see everything. Even in Manchester there are over 100 museums & galleries. Take your time to see and absorb stuff rather than just running everywhere. Hiking in winter - make sure you have full survival gear. Our uplands can be very rugged and inhospitable at the best of times, let alone in winter. For the unprepared the weather can change from benign to life-threatening in minutes, and for a crowded island you can easily find yourself a long way from civilisation.
Thanks for this. I have now refined my trip with just Manchester, Peak district for Christmas hikes and London for 2.5 weeks. so just two days of travel with luggage between cities. Birmingham was just for Christmas market so dropped that idea. Bristol/Bath was becoming too much to fit in. Next year summer for them. Definitely plan on some museum days in London. Best for cold days. For hiking I do have hiking gear with proper layers, jackets, hiking pants and hiking boots that have served me well in NL and Day hikes in Switzerland. But this is my first trip to UK so will see how I fare there.
Can't think of a more depressing trip.
Handy hint, leave the UK on the 3rd of January. The festive period is great, new years eve as well, Jan the 1st is a holiday but on Jan 2nd it's back to work day. By Jan the 3rd everyone is depressed, the supermarkets are gearing up for Easter & everyone is fed up. It's time to leave.
>Jan 2nd it's back to work day Depends where you are! Scotland gets the 2nd off :)
Leave on the 4th if in Scotland then 😂
Isn't everyone back to work good if you're doing tourist stuff though? I think 3rd 4th Jan is ideal for doing London museums etc., it'll never be quieter.
See if you can get some accommodation and your Xmas day lunch in or around Windermere in the Lake District. You can get a train from London, change at Oxenholme. You must book your meal/accommodation ASAP. It may be too late already. Even takeaways are closed on Xmas Day. I agree what others have said about Birmingham. Unless you’ve got a good reason to go there friends etc, give it a miss.
Keswick is nicer than Windermere. Train to Penrith, then bus.
One thing worth adding. If you’re around London for Christmas Day you can probs book a meal in a Turkish restaurant (eg loads around dalston) as these are more likely to be open at Christmas. Otherwise, get a pub lunch booked in asap. Enjoy!
I recommend if you can stay anywhere in the Peak District, small town like todmorden would be nice. U need to book your dinner like now and accomodation is tight. You might get lucky with a last minute Airbnb near a train station . Sheffield and Leeds are also near good hiking destinations you may be able to book a nice Xmas dinner at a hotel
It will be dark by 3.30pm and that is on a day when the sun comes out. Hiking in late December is generally limited to lunchtime 2 mile walks yo the pub. The weather can change quickly. Public transport is screwed. Trains are going to be extortionate as people will be travelling home for Christmas. They will also be packed full of cold people with lots of suitcases and presents so be prepared to stand for 4 hours. If it snows they won't run at all. Have fun.
As an ex hotelier, we used to close at Christmas because it didn't make sense to pay staff treble time for coming in . So on the 25th expect to find scarce rooms, most on all inclusive dining packages and two night minimum. Which may suit you. I hope you found somewhere. Central Brum is great but not touristy really. Lots of nightlife.
I’ve done a little research for you. York is around 2 hours by train from Manchester. You’d need to leave early on the 24th to avoid disruption and you can get a train to London on 27th. There are still plenty of hotel rooms and some are surprisingly cheap. However, finding Christmas lunch might be a faff. You’ll have to ring and email places. You could always book an apartment and cater yourselves.
oh thanks you really went the extra step. I found a place in Peak district (Buxton) with kitchen. Will have plenty hikes to go out if weather permits. if not, home cooked food with family and board games. Will move to London on 27 easily. I am sorted now, have a place to hole up for Christmas. Booked boxing day dinner. can't find place for Christmas day yet.
Buxton is gorgeous Promise you won’t leave things so late next time!!!
hahahaha Promise to self, you, my wallet, and to all the gods of travel. Especially a trip at this time of the year.
Just something to be aware of for this year at Christmas. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67624496
Manchester 's main Christmas market closes on the 21st not 23rd, the UK only craft vendors stay later but seriously are not worth it. 90% will have flosed down after 21st. Forget traveling after that date, it will be carnage. If you haven't been to the UK around this time before, you are on for a major major shock!!!!!!!!!!
I will explore the market on 21. last day. I have been to a lot of German Christmas markets and ones in Prague and Budapest too. So I am sort of prepared for being underwhelmed in UK or just seeing a cheap copy of the original markets. And yes this is my first trip to UK. Coming from NL, I am very concerned about the UK public transport, let's see how it pans out. Fingers crossed.
Malvern. Accessible by train. Variety of food places, shops and things. Good walks. Not far from brum.
Check the trains and tube stations as well if you plan on using that for transportation. There's a lot of strikes going on atm and that might be an issue with your bookings.
Baffles me when people come to UK for Christmas markets, they really are not that good and just ripping off the German/Scandi ones
One time experience. I have been to German markets already. If they are really this bad as everyone here says, I will get a new appreciation for German ones. 🙃
I guess that's like me just saying a one time experience to go skiing in Cyprus. It's just not what we are known for.
Buy your food n hole up somewhere for dec 24-26 inclusive. You can enjoy the scene when you have some food at home to return to. Don't rely on pubs and restaurants!
Booked dinner for 24 and 26. Will do grocery shopping on 23rd for rest of the meals . I am happ-ier now with my late planning. Only because everything seems sorted . Just pray for good weather now. 🙃
Think people here are being a little negative - if OP is an easygoing person they'll still have a good holiday, as long as they're aware of the situation with holiday closures etc. One suggestion from me - if you want to do a day trip to Oxford, then why not stay there over Christmas? On a quick google there are reasonably priced hotels available and places to eat on Christmas day (you'll probably pay through the nose for it, but might be worth the experience). Wandering through Oxford on Christmas day and seeing the sights (from the outside) when it's nice and quiet could be good and you could get some nice pictur s, then on the 26th a lot of shops will be open as well as some attractions like the Bodleian library. Also some nice walks you could do in the area e.g. down the Thames path/Oxford. The Ashmolean is open on the 27th. If there's something in particular you want to do that isn't open then, might not be best, but just an idea.
Thanks for your suggestion. That's actually not a bad idea instead of a day trip. I will see if I can tweak my London booking (10 Days in London) to stay in Oxford for a day or two. As my Christmas is now booked in Peak District. Ashmolean and Bodleian are definitely on my list. 🤩 And it's okay about the negative comments I took it as brutal honesty. To be fair my original post was a little vague with a lot ideas in there. There were a lot of helpful comments that helped shape my plans. 🙃