Towns Off The Beaten Track For Enjoyable Festive Days Out

Christmas is now only a couple of months away, and if you have a large number of gifts or other festive goods to buy, it’s wise to start stocking up now before the usual destinations become too frenetic and the choice might be more limited. 

There’s still enough time to combine some shopping with an interesting day out, particularly if you want to avoid the big popular seasonal tourist cities such as Edinburgh, Bath or London. If there’s a group outing on the cards, why not hire a coach and travel in style to one of these slightly less well-known but nonetheless charming destinations. 

Castleton, Derbyshire

Castleton is the epitome of picturesque Peak District villages, and it is particularly delightful at Christmastime with pretty shop decorations and the annual Christmas Tree Festival. This event runs every year in and around St Edmund’s Church, from 16 November to 15 December. 

There are about 50 trees decorated by local groups and businesses, and a chance to write on a star to remember someone special. If you love classic Christmas card scenes, you can’t find a better place to visit. 

Castleton is famed for its show caves, geology, and of course its castle! Peveril Castle stands high above the village and there are spectacular views over Kinder Scout, Hope Valley and beyond from the summit. The castle was built by the son of William the Conqueror in 1086, and it is maintained by English Heritage. 

Castleton is also famed for blue john stone, a semi-precious rare mineral that is unique to the Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern, and is still mined to this day to make decorative items. It’s possible to tour the cavern and view the stunning stalactite formations. 

However, it should be noted that the cavern tours are not suitable for people with mobility, breathing or heart conditions due to the steep flights of steps. The village has numerous gift shops selling beautiful blue john jewellery and other lovely handmade items, so it’s a perfect opportunity to pick up some unique gifts that will surely be treasured by the recipient!

Grassington, Yorkshire Dales

Grassington is a delightful village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales that is the model for the fictional town of Darrowby in the much loved All Creatures Great and Small series. The village contains an excellent choice of boutique shops and also holds a regular farmers’ market where you can buy local produce and seasonal treats.

On the first three Sundays in December, the town also hosts a Dickensian Festival, when the shopkeepers dress up in Victorian attire and there’s street entertainment and seasonal treats such as hot chestnuts and mulled wine for sale. If you love a cosy and traditional take on Christmas, you can’t find anywhere else so perfect!

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Back to Derbyshire for another quintessential Christmas visiting experience! This is the place for food lovers, as of course it is home to the famous Bakewell tart. There are numerous bakeries and confectionery shops that are packed with festive fare, and there’s an annual Christmas market that takes place in the town centre.

The nearby Chatsworth House is a magical place to visit at any time of the year, and from November 9 to January 5 2025, there’s the opportunity to tour the beautifully decorated interior of the grand stately home. You can also explore the garden light trail and farmyard, and browse for festive treats at the Christmas market. 

Whitby, North Yorkshire

And finally, back to Yorkshire, and the attractive fishing village of Whitby. If you are craving a glimpse of the sea in midwinter to lift your spirits, but still want somewhere with a festive atmosphere then Whitby is the place for you. The town hosts an annual Christmas Festival and market from 15 to 17 November. 

It’s an opportunity to pick up handmade gifts and seasonal food and drink and take a turn around the popular Whitby Ice Rink. The town is full of excellent pubs and restaurants providing a variety of choices for dining out, and there are many beautiful clifftop paths to explore if you want to walk off that Christmas lunch.