With searches for ‘best market towns in England’ seeing a 50% increase in the past 90 days1, holidaycottages.co.uk reveals the best festive market towns to head to this ChristmasBakewell has been ranked as the top festive market town, followed by Stow-on-the-Wold and HoltOxford historian Charlotte Cowell reveals the importance of Christmas heritage in the UK
Christmas is the season for indulgent treats, community warmth, and that unmistakable festive magic – and there’s no better place to experience it all than in a charming market town. With searches for “best market towns in England” soaring by 50% in the past 90 days1, it’s clear that Brits are on the hunt for the perfect destination to fully embrace the Christmas spirit.
The staycation experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have revealed a list of the top market towns to visit this Christmas, based on various factors such as scenic winter walks, cosy pubs with roaring fires, sparkling holiday lights, likelihood of snow, search volume for ‘Christmas markets’, number of pantomimes and more.
The top 10 festive market towns have been revealed as:
| Rank | City | Population | Christmas Walks | Christmas Lights | No of Pubs with a Real Fire per 1000 people | “Christmas Market” SV | Avg Snow Days | No of Pantomimes | Restaurants over 4 stars per 1,000 people | Total Score (Max 100) |
| 1 | Bakewell | 3,276 | 83 | 40 | 9.16 | 5400 | 15.6 | 8 | 12.21 | 56.53 |
| 2 | Stow-on-the-Wold | 1,905 | 181 | 20 | 14.70 | 70 | 9.6 | 8 | 11.55 | 47.78 |
| 3 | Holt | 4,015 | 104 | 320 | 2.99 | 210 | 7.3 | 12 | 6.97 | 36.78 |
| 4 | Keswick | 4,466 | 47 | 70 | 4.03 | 480 | 13.1 | 4 | 16.12 | 34.90 |
| 5 | Bishop Auckland | 23,354 | 105 | 90 | 0.51 | 320 | 18.3 | 15 | 2.14 | 31.04 |
| 6 | Wetherby | 11,712 | 202 | 10 | 1.02 | 140 | 7.8 | 16 | 3.42 | 29.60 |
| 7 | Sandbach | 11,290 | 221 | 10 | 2.13 | 140 | 3.7 | 15 | 3.63 | 28.47 |
| 8 | Bicester | 37,748 | 239 | 50 | 0.42 | 390 | 4.9 | 12 | 1.62 | 28.42 |
| 9 | Corbridge | 2,888 | 145 | 0 | 4.85 | 30 | 11.0 | 6 | 5.19 | 28.08 |
| 10 | Aldeburgh | 2,422 | 29 | 10 | 6.61 | 30 | 4.7 | 20 | 7.02 | 28.05 |
Going into more detail on the top five:
Bakewell shines as the most magical market town for a perfect Christmas experience
Ranked as the top festive market town, Bakewell is a quintessential Christmas destination brimming with charm. Nestled in the Peak District, this small town transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling holiday lights that illuminate the historic streets, creating a magical atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic winter walk along the River Wye or venture into the surrounding countryside for breathtaking snowy landscapes. Bakewell’s cosy pubs, 30 of which boast a real fire, offer the perfect spot to warm up with a mulled wine or festive ale after a day at the lively Christmas market, where local treats and artisanal crafts add to the seasonal cheer.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Ranked as the second-best festive market town, Stow-on-the-Wold exudes a timeless Christmas charm that’s hard to beat. This historic Cotswolds town offers a perfect festive setting with its cobbled streets and picturesque market square, where twinkling holiday lights create a cosy atmosphere.
Known for its abundance of charming pubs, Stow-on-the-Wold has 28 pubs with real fires such as The Bell at Stow, providing warmth for those looking to enjoy seasonal treats after exploring scenic winter walks around the rolling Cotswolds hills. The town’s quaint Christmas market and local crafts add to its appeal, making Stow-on-the-Wold an inviting destination for those seeking a traditional festive experience.
Holt
Holt, with its small-town charm and historic character, creates an enchanting Christmas atmosphere perfect for a cosy, intimate getaway. With plenty of Christmas walks and scenic paths, such as the Holt Country Park trail, guests can explore the town’s picturesque landscapes of woods and heath.
A selection of 12 welcoming pubs with real fires provides a cosy spot to unwind, while the Christmas market adds to the town’s festive appeal. Holt’s quaint setting, combined with seasonal events like the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and classic dining spots, makes it a must-visit festive destination.
Keswick
Keswick brings a special charm to the festive season with its stunning Lake District setting. Surrounded by snow-capped hills and breathtaking winter landscapes, Keswick offers a unique Christmas experience for those who enjoy the outdoors. The town boasts plenty of festive walks, such as the scenic trail around Derwentwater, perfect for soaking in the crisp winter air.
Keswick’s cosy pubs, many featuring real fires, invite visitors to warm up after exploring, while the town’s Christmas market, filled with handcrafted gifts and local treats, adds to the seasonal magic. Keswick’s blend of natural beauty and seasonal cheer including eight pantomimes makes it a standout destination for a cosy and unforgettable holiday escape.
Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland brings a captivating blend of history and holiday spirit to the festive season. Also known as the Christmas Town of the North, it shines bright throughout the festive period, attracting visitors eager to experience its charming streets, Christmas ambience, and numerous holiday events.
With a range of Christmas walks to explore, including AGLOW, which showcases the area’s natural beauty, there’s plenty to enjoy. Bishop Auckland also boasts a high number of pantomimes, making it a top choice for families seeking a holiday getaway filled with laughter and tradition.
Holidaycottages.co.uk teamed up with historian Charlotte Cowell to gain insights into the earliest known Christmas traditions in the UK and regional Christmas customs that are unique to certain areas of the UK.
She says: “Gift-giving has been part of Christmas since the Magi’s offerings to baby Jesus, while Christmas cards gained popularity in the Victorian era, thanks to Henry Cole.
“Many familiar holiday symbols also have ancient roots. Druids once celebrated winter by honouring mistletoe, linked to the mythical Oak King, whose spirit was thought to reside there until spring. This tradition lives on through the custom of kissing under mistletoe during Christmas.”
When asked about England’s festive market towns, she explains: “The vibrant fairs and markets we recognise today emerged in the 13th century, and by the 16th century. England had nearly 2,500 market towns, many specialising in goods like cloth and cheese.”
Highlighting regional festive traditions, Charlotte says: “In the Malvern Hills, White Leaved Oak is believed to be a historic Druid site, while Wales has unique customs like Mari Lwyd, where a skeletal horse goes door-to-door, and the Anglo-Saxon wassailing tradition at 3am on Christmas Day for health and good fortune.”
Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, says: “Smaller market towns preserve a more intimate, rustic Christmas atmosphere, with historic buildings, local crafts, and artisanal foods drawing visitors for a cosy festive experience.
“These towns offer everything needed for an unforgettable festive getaway – and if you’re planning to make your visit longer than a day, don’t forget to stay in a cosy Christmas cottage perfect for the ultimate festive break.”
For more inspiration, please visit: https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/blog/festive-market-towns
