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Charming UK town set to transform into bustling Christmas market this winter

The town’s Christmas markets are a must-visit for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit, with a wide range of stalls selling everything from food and drink to handmade gifts

Christmas in Kent is a truly enchanting time, with charming town centres adorned with sparkling lights, festive decorations and an abundance of holiday cheer.

One of the highlights of the winter season is undoubtedly the return of the delightful Christmas markets, offering a plethora of fantastic options across Kent.

Full details for this year’s Faversham Christmas Markets, which will be taking place over one weekend in December have now been confirmed. This year, the festivities are set to occur from Friday, 12th December to Sunday, 14th December.

Over these three days, a colourful mix of stallholders will descend on Market Place and Court Street, presenting a diverse range of local food and drink, unique crafts and handmade gifts that are perfect for filling up those stockings.

On Friday, locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore the Festive Food Market, showcasing the very best of Kent’s remarkable food and drink businesses, reports Kent Live.

Then, on Saturday, the town will play host to the Bumper Charter Market and Best of Faversham artisan market, ideal for discovering unique, locally-crafted gifts.

Finally, Sunday will see the arrival of the Christmas Gift Market where you can complete your holiday shopping – whether you’re searching for that perfect, unique gift or need to stock up on cards to send to all your friends and family over the holidays, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.

There will be live Christmas carols and plenty of festive music for all to enjoy, and there is even a planned visit from the Happy Endings donkeys for guests to pet and feed.

These markets will follow the fabulous Christmas lights switch-on in Faversham town centre, which will take place on the evening of Saturday, 29 November.

Crowds will flock to the historic Market Place to see the spellbinding illuminations come to life at 5pm, bathing the town in a sea of colour. Again, there will be Christmas carols and live music to add that extra Christmas spirit.

From 4pm to 8pm on this day, the Festive Night Market will run on Preston Street, bringing plenty of opportunities to shop and tuck into delicious seasonal food. Between the numerous craft stalls and mouth-watering street food choices, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Faversham may be rich in history, with its ancient port, maritime industry and hop-growing heritage, but it’s also brimming with contemporary attractions that today’s visitors will love.

The town offers a wealth of shopping opportunities and businesses, a theatre, thrilling events and activities, and a vibrant market, which proudly proclaims itself as “Kent’s oldest”. There are also beautiful scenic spots, such as Mount Ephraim Gardens, which will soon be ablaze with autumnal hues.

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Bustling UK city named by as one of the best places to visit – not London

Lonely Planet has unveiled its worldwide Best In Travel list for 2026, with one UK city making the cut

Bristol has been named as a must-visit destination for 2026 by travel guide giant, Lonely Planet, thanks to its vibrant street art scene. The city is the only one in the UK to feature on the Best In Travel list for next year.

“Bristol’s street art scene makes for a fantastic inclusion in Best in Travel, Lonely Planet’s annual celebration of essential journeys and experiences for the coming year,” said Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet.

“As well as showcasing the talents of local artists, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of the UK’s most exciting cities. Exploring the colourful, creative murals dotted around the city is the perfect first step in getting to the heart of Bristol.”

The city reportedly boasts over 250 street artworks scattered throughout its streets. ‘Our Common Ground’, a massive new artwork that adorns part of the Centre, was revealed in September, although it received a somewhat mixed response.

Bristol’s own Banksy, arguably the world’s most renowned street artist, is a major draw. Kathryn Davis, CEO of tourism organisation Visit West, expressed her delight at Bristol’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s 2026 edition, highlighting how the local arts scene significantly contributes to the city and wider region’s economy, reports Bristol Live.

“Our ever-evolving outdoor gallery draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local visitor economy,” she said.

“Visitors not only stay in hotels and join tours, but they also contribute significantly to the visitor economy at large… Crucially, this impact extends beyond the city centre, helping to drive economic benefits across the wider city.”

According to Visit West, tourism contributes £2.6bn to the combined economy of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Approximately 45,000 people are employed in the region’s ‘visitor economy’.

“We are thrilled that Lonely Planet has named Bristol in its Best in Travel 2026 for our city’s street art,” Ms Davis added.

“We look forward to welcoming many more visitors this next year and beyond, to discover the humorous, playful, political and subversive street art in and around the city.”

A celebration event marking Bristol’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 will take place at The Canteen in Stokes Croft this morning (October 22).

Prominent local street artist Alex Lucas – known as Lucas Antics – will create a brand new mural to commemorate the occasion.

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