Whether you consider Christmas the most wondrous time of the year or find the season testing, a UK break can give you a breather from the build-up to 25 December., which dates to 1592, and The Ypres Castle Inn, with its selection of craft beers, ciders and natural wines. Those with a sweet tooth might prefer a jolt of sugar and caffeine at one of Rye’s traditional tea rooms – among the mix is
After you’ve gawped at the lights, Mousehole’s pubs and restaurants serve menus heavy with locally caught seafood. At the, 15 minutes’ drive away, has a light trail in its walled garden and orchard. There’s a café in the grounds. The closest station is Malton, around 30 minutes away by taxi, which is served by TransPennine Express. Alternatively, take the 31X from York railway station to Helmsley .
Visit on 7 December to experience the town’s Christmas Fayre. It promises a Christmas market with more than 100 stalls, carols and a candle-lit procession down the garlanded high street. For winter walks, there is Dunham Massey deer park – keep an eye out for the white stag – and Tatton Park, where 50 acres of landscaped gardens await.
Visit on the weekend of 29 November to 1 December, and you’ll have the stalls of the Christmas market at Queen’s Hall to peruse, too.Cosy up in Oban