I LIVE between four of the biggest Victorian Christmas markets in the UK, and this year they all take place over one weekend – with a brand-new one popping up nearby for the first time.
The Midlands mecca of Christmas Markets are Worcester, Lichfield, Matlock and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
To make the most of the Midlands markets, I would suggest checking out Lichfield on Thursday December 4.
It’s the first year for this four-day event and takes just 10 minutes by train from Tamworth, so you could do a couple of hours in the evening there to kickstart your weekend of wandering the street stalls.
Tamworth has two Premier Inns, which make a great budget base with double rooms starting at £41.
There’s also a Travelodge within walking distance in the railway station, with double rooms for £57 that weekend.
Tamworth’s got plenty of other Christmas attractions too if you need a break from shopping. With the chance to enjoy sledging, a mini panto and snow trail at Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the SnowDome indoor ski slope.
Tamworth Castle will also be hosting Father Christmas fun, with tickets costing £17 for children and £12.50 for adults, which includes a gift and a bespoke keepsake.
Plus it has easy rail access to Birmingham’s German market, one of the biggest in the UK, if you just can’t get enough of the festive shopping vibe.
The next day, head to Worcester, 50 minutes from Tamworth by train.
Established in 1992, this is the longest running of the fairs with more than 200 stalls to peruse.
It has costumed characters including Sherlock Holmes and Scrooge roaming the streets, as well as stilt walkers, live music and a carousel, and after dark it feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a Christmas Carol.
If you’re after something a little bit different, check out the Gin Lane immersive experience on either the Friday or Saturday evening to see the dark side of Victorian street life.
Then take a drive down to Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 6, with Morris dancers and live entertainment aplenty.
Car parking does get full up quickly, but there’s a park and ride scheme at Bishopton.
You can pop into some of the Shakespeare houses while you’re in town, catch a play or take a stroll along the river to get away from the crowds.
If you’re relying on public transport to get you around, you’d be best to head to Matlock on Sunday December 7, as it takes an hour by rail from Tamworth, which is quicker than the train on other days.
There’s also a grand finale Christmas fireworks display on the Sunday at 5.30pm, which would be the perfect way to celebrate the end of your market marathon if you’ve managed four days of bagging bargains, while tucking into festive treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
You can even arrive in style if you’re taking the car, as you can park free at Rowsley South station and then take a heritage train run by Peak Rail to get to the Victorian market.
Chatsworth House is just half an hour away from Matlock by bus or car and will be dressed to impress as it hosts its own Christmas attractions, including a festive market, throughout November and December.
So you could even squeeze in an extra outing while you’re in Matlock if you’re in the mood.
If feeling like you’ve stepped into the pages of a Dickens story is your ideal start to the season, get planning your trip to the merry markets in the Midlands to get your festive fix.