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Devon's Best Christmas Markets
13 Nov 2023
This year we all need a little extra festive cheer, and Christmas markets, which aside from the cost of travel are completely free to visit, are a great place to start getting in the mood. But where should you go?
In this guide, we’ll take you on a quick sleigh ride through some of the UK’s best Christmas Markets. And the good news is, wherever you are in the UK, you’ll find mulled wine, handmade treats and open-air ice rinks not far from you in some magical and picturesque settings.
Exeter, Devon
From 17th November to 17th December
Set amongst the historic cobbled streets around the city’s cathedral, Exeter’s charming Christmas Market is the biggest of its kind in Devon, and attracts friends and families from around the county. Featuring over a hundred festive chalets that celebrate local produce, handcrafted gifts, street food, live entertainment and plenty more; visitors won’t fall short of festive things to do, see, and eat!
The Christmas Market opens from 10am until 7pm from Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 9pm from Thursday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Nearby car parks include Cathedral and Quay Car Park, as well as Mary Arches Street Car Park, and Guildhall Centre Car Park; all of these offer electric charging points.
Greendale Farm Shop is also hosting their Love Local Christmas every Thursday from 30th November to 21st December at John Lewis in Exeter showcasing some of their local suppliers and producers – bringing some added festivities to late night shopping.
Plymouth, Devon
From 30th November to 17th December
Sitting in the heart of the city centre, Plymouth’s Christmas market is filled with plenty of festive delights to choose from. The market is made up of 50 Christmas cabins for visitors to shop for gifts and for those who bring their appetite along, there will be a variety of stalls serving hot local food. The market will also host daily live entertainment including folk music, locals choirs and even a steel band adding a fun twist to those festive classics.
Plymouth has plenty of public car parks with 19 in and around the city centre so within easy walking distance for any visitors. Many of these include electric car charging points too.
Totnes, Devon
Every Tuesday from 5th December to 19th December
The ever-popular Totnes Christmas market brings the town to life with festive cheer! Many shops will remain open as well as 80 stalls filled with artisan gifts and Christmas treats.The town also hosts plenty of entertainment from live music to morris dancing making this a traditional Devon Christmas experience!
The Christmas market opens from 3pm until 9pm. Totnes has plenty of parking around town too with electric vehicle charging points available at many.
Slightly further afield but not to be missed...
Bath, Somerset
From 23rd November to 10th December
It may not be in Devon but not to be missed, running just 18 days and closing on 10th December, it is considered one of the best. The market has a distinctly local feel, with over 70% of the 170 stallholders being independent businesses based in Bath, Somerset and the rest of the South West. The combination of the handmade, artisan products with the beauty of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, which sit at the centre point of the market, will give you a Christmas day out to remember.
The stalls are open Monday to Wednesday from 10am until 7pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10am until 8pm and Sunday from 10am until 6pm. If you’re driving, the closest car parks are Charlotte Street Car Park, Podium Shopping Centre or South Gate. Easier still is to use the Park and Ride service, which stops right by the market. There are also electric car charge points in the car parks and the Park and Ride stations.
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