Top Christmas Market and Rally Destinations
The caravan and motorhome season is really becoming all-year round, with increasing numbers of campsites staying open in the winter months and a flourishing rally scene.
Why put your home from home into mothballs when, with some careful preparation, you can get out, explore, make new friends and enjoy all that the winter season has to offer?
The Christmas Caravan And Motorhome Rally Calendar
Rallies come in all shapes and sizes, from small, informal gatherings in fields that offer limited facilities, to more organised events at campsites and visitor attractions.
A quick Google search shows there’s no shortage of choice. Many of the Caravan Club’s regional centres organise winter and Christmas rallies (members are welcome to attend these throughout the UK) and the Camping & Caravan Club publishes its own calendar.
If you’re a Bailey owner, the Bailey Owners Club is having a Christmas rally from 15 - 17 December in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and running two New Year rallies, each from 28th Dec – 2nd Jan, in: Figheldean, Wiltshire; and Cosham, Hampshire. Contact the club for details.
2017 Christmas Markets In Your Caravan
It seems like virtually every town and city in the UK has a Christmas market and what better way to enjoy them than in your own caravan or motorhome?
It’s a great excuse to plan a tour, brighten up late autumn and make a few Xmas preparations along the way. What could be better?
The Daily Mirror has published an excellent guide to 2017 Xmas markets that are taking place throughout the UK
And here are a few markets that offer great touring potential and caught our eye:-
Grassington Dickensian Festivals
Weekends of the 2nd and 10th of December 2017
Judging by the website, the people of Grassington have a full diary of events and that includes two Dickens-themed Christmas market weekends in this picturesque Dales town. It’s the ideal opportunity to eat, drink and be merry!
The whole town is transformed into a Dickensian Xmas scene, with the shopkeepers and publicans donning costumes, jugglers, musicians and shoeshine boys taking to the streets, and a traditional Xmas market taking over the picturesque town square.
It’s a fun day out for the family and of course there are some excellent touring opportunities in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales.
Chester Christmas Market
16th November to 20th December 2017
Chester’s historic buildings and square are straight out of a Xmas card and provide the perfect backdrop for the city’s Xmas market. Browse through 70 stalls, enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate, and get into the festive spirit.
It’s not too difficult to make a weekend of it in Chester either. There’s the world famous zoo (as seen on TV), which will be running Xmas themed events; excellent shops and restaurants; and Storyhouse, the city’s new Theatre and Arts Centre.
Don’t forget to check Chester Cathedral’s calendar, as there’ll be various Xmas events including carols (naturally).
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
20th November to 22nd December 2017
With its historic surroundings, excellent road links and proximity to Hampshire’s many attractions, Winchester provides a wonderful Xmas touring opportunity.
The market itself hosts around 70 chalets selling gifts and festive food & drink, and the adjoining open air ice rink will prove very popular with the kids (both young and old).
You can also book an atmospheric rooftop tour of the city’s wonderful cathedral, which is the centre for a number of events, such as a celebrity Xmas concert and lantern procession. Check the website below for details and tickets.
Bath Christmas Market
23rd November to 10th December 2017
Few cities ‘do’ Christmas quite as well as Bath. The city is somehow designed for it, with its wonderful Georgian buildings, intriguing alleyways, lovely old pubs and a market that now extends to over 200 chalets.
The Roman Baths, close to the market, are a major attraction and you can continue the bath theme at Bath Thermae Spa. This fantastic modern-day spa draws on the city’s naturally warm, mineral rich waters to provide a wonderfully relaxing experience, including steam rooms and the spectacular, steaming rooftop pool.
Unwind at the end of your visit in the Spa’s restaurant or of course move on and sample the fantastic cosmopolitan cuisine available in the city’s many restau
Celebrating Xmas and New Year In Your Caravan Or Motorhome
If you love getting together with family and friends but are less impressed with all the cooking and housework it involves, Christmas on a campsite might be just the ticket. While rallying calms down, there are plenty of UK campsites open throughout the Xmas and New Year period. Some offer peace and solitude, while others lay on a full entertainment programme, including Xmas dinner and full use of leisure facilities.
Do your research carefully. For example, does the site have electrical hook ups? Is there hard standing? How quiet / busy is it likely to be? Will the clubhouse, if there is one, be open throughout the holiday? Is it family friendly? What’s access like in winter?
Fire up your favourite search engine and you won’t be stuck for choice. One popular booking website returned over 400 sites that open at Xmas! Always book in advance.
Xmas Camping Gifts From Prima Online
You can choose from thousands of products in the Prima shop, including many great gifts for caravans, motorhomes and outdoors.
Remember too, we offer next day delivery on all items in stock – or why not come and see us in-store?