{"id":621874,"date":"2025-12-09T09:28:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T09:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/621874\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T09:28:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T09:28:19","slug":"the-beautiful-town-2-hours-from-london-with-4-christmas-markets-perfect-for-winter-walks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/621874\/","title":{"rendered":"The beautiful town 2 hours from London with 4 Christmas markets perfect for winter walks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It boasts loads of independent shops as well as its four Christmas markets<strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35 __className_a576f5\">Zoe Chamberlain-BP<\/strong>, <a class=\"AuthorLink_author-link__rg5qj\" data-tmdatatrack=\"author\" data-testid=\"byline-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/authors\/will-twigger\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Will Twigger<\/strong><\/a>, <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35 __className_a576f5\">Lee Garrett<\/strong> and <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35 __className_a576f5\">Zoe Chamberlain<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>09:11, 09 Dec 2025<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_GettyImages-1729876560.jpg\" alt=\"The famous Neptune Fountain which sits outside the Municipal Buildings on The Promenade in the town of Cheltenham in The Cotswolds on a sunny October day\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Cheltenham is one of the most beautiful towns in the country<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">There&#8217;s a charming town that transforms into a festive wonderland each year-end.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Cheltenham, not content with just one Christmas market, hosts four, filled with enchanting wooden chalets, street performers and carol singers. It even features a covered ice rink for those seeking some winter fun, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.express.co.uk\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">according to the Express<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">This regency town is brimming with unique independent shops and boutiques, making it an ideal spot for finding distinctive gifts. Plus, it&#8217;s conveniently located &#8211; two hours from London by train.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you shop under the twinkling fairy lights along the bustling high street, the tree-lined Promenade, and within the stylish Montpellier district.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Cheltenham-in-the-snow.jpg\" alt=\"Cheltenham in the snow\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Cheltenham in the snow has a charming atmosphere(Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography \/ Visit Cheltenham)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Warm up with delicious hot food and mulled wine while perusing the stalls at the Cheltenham Christmas Arts and Crafts Market, which runs from December 11 to December 23 on The Promenade and Long Gardens, reports <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nottinghampost.com\/news\/uk-world-news\/beautiful-uk-town-boasts-four-10693612\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Nottinghamshire Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">The Christmas Artisan Craft Market at Dunkertons Park offers an opportunity in early December to meet the artisans behind a range of hand-crafted products, including cards, stocking fillers, decorations, jewellery, ceramics, glass, prints, textiles, handmade chocolates, natural beauty and wellbeing products, and even dog accessories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">The Ian Coley Sporting Christmas Market showcases a carefully selected range of country lifestyle brands, local craftspeople and food producers, alongside a festive cafe menu. Entry is free.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Prestbury will host its Christmas market on December 11 to coincide with its festive light switch-on ceremony. The festivities feature carol singing, children&#8217;s activities, warm refreshments and an opportunity to meet Father Christmas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Additionally, the Spectacle of Light trail offers a magical experience for visitors exploring the grounds of nearby Sudeley Castle.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Christmas-in-Cheltenham.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas in Cheltenham\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Christmas in Cheltenham can be wonderful for many(Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography \/ Visit Cheltenham)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Why not extend your visit into a weekend getaway by booking overnight accommodation?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Wellinghill Lodge, situated on a working farm just outside Cheltenham, offers an open-plan living area where guests can unwind after a day of shopping, warmed by a cosy wood-burning stove.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">The town also houses one of Britain&#8217;s most celebrated restaurants.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Acclaimed food critic Jay Rayner praised Le Champignon Sauvage, describing it as serving him &#8220;what I considered to be one of the best meals of my life&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\">Overbrook Cottage presents another alternative, located near Cheltenham with beautiful walking routes directly accessible from the accommodation, plus a village pub just a short stroll away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"getwestlondon\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mylondon.news\/newsletter-preference-centre\/?view=Solus&amp;mailingListId=173b54da-518c-49ba-857e-e098c9ff6e0f&amp;utm_source=solusarticle\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"daily newsletters hereLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">daily newsletters here<\/a> for the latest and greatest updates from across London.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It boasts loads of independent shops as well as its four Christmas marketsZoe Chamberlain-BP, Will Twigger, Lee Garrett&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":621875,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7757],"tags":[748,35745,144780,12232,393,4884,257,6417,183,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-621874","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-london","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-christmas","10":"tag-christmas-markets","11":"tag-days-out","12":"tag-england","13":"tag-great-britain","14":"tag-london","15":"tag-things-to-do","16":"tag-travel","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115688905804535451","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=621874"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/621874\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/621875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=621874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=621874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=621874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}