It's that time of year again!

Yes, I'm going to mention the 'c' word (and I don't mean cleaning- that's next week!! 🤣)

One of my all-time favourite things about the build-up to Christmas is the Christmas Markets. There's always a special buzz in the air (although that could be the chestnuts & mulled wine!)

We're lucky in the UK to have so many great Christmas markets to choose from (not to mention winter festivals, food festivals, snow sports and fantastic walks over our many moors and hills.)

If you fancy some ideas, here are a few of my festive favourites:

Three UK Christmas Market road trip ideas

🎄 Route 1: Northern Loop

York → Leeds → Manchester

A brilliant option if you want to enjoy proper “big city Christmas” markets without huge driving distances.

York Market (12 Nov–21 Dec- closed Tuesdays)

Start your trip in historic York, where the whole centre comes alive with lights, stalls and mulled wine.

Stay at: York Beechwood Grange CAMC — easy bus/taxi into the city, hardstanding pitches, and a nice quiet base for the night after the crowds.

Leeds Christmas Markets (19 Nov- 23 Dec)

Next, make your way down to Leeds. The city has a great Christmas market scene, with street food, independent stalls and loads of events happening across Millennium Square and the Victoria Quarter.

Stay at: Clarion Lodge Campsite, near Otley — open all year, good access for larger motorhomes.

Manchester Christmas Markets (6 Nov–22 Dec; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens run to 3 January 2027)

Finish your route in Manchester — one of the biggest, busiest and most atmospheric Christmas markets in the UK. Expect crowds… lots of them. Manchester reportedly attracts around 9 million visitors each year for the festive season!

Stay at: Burrs Country Park CAMC — easy access into the city and, if you’re lucky, you can even hop on the steam train from the nearby heritage station.

⭐ Route 2: South Central

Winchester → Salisbury→ Cotswolds → Bath

A slower-paced, more scenic winter trip with some of the UK’s prettiest festive backdrops — perfect if you want pubs, and historic city centres without miles of motorway traffic!

Winchester (20 Nov–22 Dec)

Kick things off in Winchester, home to one of the UK’s best-loved Christmas markets (and one of my personal favourites!) Set against the backdrop of Winchester cathedral, it’s packed with artisan stalls, mulled wine stands and atmospheric lighting that feels like stepping straight into a Christmas card.

Stay at: Winchester Morn Hill CAMC — open all year (lower field), big hardstanding pitches, and easy access into the city. There's also a Park & Ride in Winchester with motorhome parking bays.

Salisbury (20 Nov–31 Dec)

Next, an easy hop across to Salisbury — a city I absolutely adore. The Christmas market has changed shape over the years (and is definitely smaller these days), but the atmosphere around the cathedral, the Close, and the medieval streets more than make up for it. There are lovely pop-up chalets, live music, and enough food stalls to keep you well-fuelled for browsing.

Stay at: Salisbury Camping & Caravanning site — handy for getting into the city and perfectly placed for a relaxed couple of nights.

Cotswolds

From here, it’s a brilliant opportunity to weave your way through the Cotswolds (yes, you can get through with a motorhome). Enjoy picture-postcard villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold — all beautifully decorated in December and ideal for slow winter exploring.

Bath (26 Nov–13 Dec)

Finally, head to Bath — one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country. It’s not huge, but the atmosphere is absolutely magical, with wooden chalets wrapped around the Abbey, festive choirs, and the whole city glowing under the Christmas lights. I try and visit every year if I can and it's always a joy.

Stay at: Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park — open year-round, motorhome-friendly, and a peaceful base after a day in the city centre.

Top tip: Bath gets very busy during the market weeks, so it's easiest to avoid driving in — take public transport or a taxi from the campsite to keep things stress-free.

❄️ Route 3: Scotland’s Festive Escape

Edinburgh → Glasgow → Stirling

If you’re after real festive atmosphere, winter lights, and dramatic scenery, Scotland is unbeatable. This itinerary gives you a mix of Christmas markets, beautiful historic backdrops, and proper Scottish winter (dress warmly!)

Edinburgh Markets (14 Nov–3 Jan)

Start in Edinburgh, where the whole city transforms into a Christmas wonderland. The market stretches along East Princes Street Gardens with wooden chalets, fairground rides, the big wheel, and that unmistakable festive feeling.

Stay at: Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Site — open year-round,hard-standing pitches and good transport links into the city (bus stop just outside)

Glasgow Markets (late Nov–Dec, dates vary by site)

From Edinburgh, it’s an easy drive to Glasgow. It’s a little less “touristy” than Edinburgh during Christmas, but still brilliantly festive with markets around George Square and St Enoch, live music, food vans, and some of the best shopping outside London.

Stay at: Red Deer Village Holiday Park. Open most of the year (closes the week before Christmas until early January), bus to Glasgow city centre from nearby, modern, heated facilities

Stirling (Castle, but no proper market in 2026)

For a final festive stop, continue north to Stirling. It’s smaller and far more relaxed than the big cities, but it oozes Scottish charm in winter. Don't miss the view of Stirling Castle lit up on a clear night. Sadly, they don't seem to be hosting a proper Christmas market in 2026, but there are lots of festive events on, which you can find here.​

Stay at: The Woods Caravan Park - open all year (except some key dates- check in advance), hard-standing pitches and only 20 minutes into Stirling.

Of course, there are PLENTY of other places to visit during winter. If you'd like more ideas, including where to (hopefully!) see the Northern Lights or go on some fantastic walks, here are some great ideas for you

Let me know what trips you're planning this season!

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