Christmas party

Whitby was named the most in-demand UK destination over the summer holidays, but if you prefer to explore at a more relaxed pace then winter is a perfect time for a last-minute getaway

Winter often presents an opportunity to take things easy and relax, but if you’ve got some spare time on your hands, it could also be the ideal moment to fit in a spontaneous break before the new year arrives.

The UK boasts numerous stunning destinations, yet during the warmer months, these spots can become swamped with holidaymakers, frequently pushing up costs and making it more challenging to truly savour your travels.

If you’d rather explore without the hustle and bustle, then Emma, a travel specialist and founder of That Travel, has revealed that now is an excellent time to discover Whitby, which earned recognition as one of Britain’s most sought-after staycation destinations.

This past summer, Sykes Holiday Cottages crowned the Yorkshire coastal town as the nation’s top pick for the summer holidays. According to their findings, it emerged as the most coveted destination during the school break, with reservations climbing by 4% compared to the previous year.

She explained: “While Whitby gets masses of crowds in summer, winter remains a pretty peaceful time of year, and they don’t even experience the same Christmas chaos that many other towns and cities in the UK do. In other words? It’s a perfect little Christmas break – just be sure to wrap up warm to survive the crisp sea air.”

Whitby stands out as a distinctive town renowned for its spectacular coastline featuring breathtaking clifftop panoramas, while also carrying an eerie legacy due to its ancient Abbey and links to Dracula. Bram Stoker, the mastermind behind the iconic vampire novel, was so taken by Whitby during his visit in the late 19th century that he wove several of the town’s landmarks into his narrative.

This connection has given birth to the renowned Whitby Goth weekend, a biannual event where the town dons black attire to celebrate alternative cultures through music festivals and various activities.

While Whitby might not be your typical winter getaway, it’s known for its eccentric festivals and hosts an array of intriguing events around the Christmas period.

One such unique activity is the town’s Krampus Run, a parade where participants dress as the mythical creature from folklore.

The festival boasts fire breathers, drummers, and other eye-catching performances, culminating in an effigy burning on the cliffside to ward off the winter chill.

Additionally, the North Yorkshire Moors will be operating a Santa Express this year, offering a stylish way to appreciate the surrounding countryside and partake in a festive sing-along.

For those who relish Christmas tunes, Whitby Abbey will host numerous carol services and be adorned with stunning decorations, allowing visitors to marvel at the vibrant light display.

A winter visit to Whitby provides a stark contrast to the bustling summer season. For those seeking a more tranquil, cosy experience, securing last-minute accommodation during this time is often a breeze.

With its quaint cobbled streets, striking coastline, and delightful independent shops, Whitby is a picturesque destination and an ideal pick for a spontaneous winter getaway.

The singer described one moment that it all went wrong during a show

The singer Taylor Swift has recalled suffering a horrific injury during her ambitious Eras Tour that left her skin ‘flapping off’.

Her admission came during the latest episode of her new doc-series releasing on Disney Plus. The End of an Era is a 6-episode documentary series chronicling the creation, influence, and behind-the-scenes workings of the mega-popular artist’s The Eras Tour.

It offers an intimate glimpse into Taylor’s world as her tour dominated headlines and delighted supporters globally. Two episodes have been releasing weekly starting with last week’s double premiere.

Fans have already been treated to plenty of behind the scenes secrets, including emotional moments. They include the singer rewarding her team with bonus payments for their efforts. Also the pop star broke her silence regarding the tragic Southport attacks for the first time.

Unsurprisingly, the series has proven to be a huge hit with fans. Taylor has even given them an early Christmas gift as it was recently revealed that the two final episodes will now release earlier than originally planned, on December 23.

The latest episodes demonstrated the physical effort needed for Taylor and her team to pull off the Eras show. She is seen rehearsing extensively with plenty of time also spent working out in a personal gym so she can perform all the dances and moves to the best of her ability.

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However, even with all this preparation, sometimes things don’t go quite as planned. Taylor reveals that she suffered a horrendous injury during a show in Texas back in April 2023.

During the show, she tripped and cut her hand open during a costume change. Explaining the incident, she says: “I remember I was running from the Evermore era, and I tripped over the hem of my dress. Bust my knee. I skid the palm of my hand off. Hobble into the quick-change room, blood’s coming down my hand.”

Somehow, she still managed to make her change, which is often timed to take as much as 39 seconds, and into the next item which happens to be her Reputation body suit. But she adds that a piece of her skin was “flapping off.”

She added: “I just pull it off. More blood. They don’t have a Band-Aid back there.” Recreating her movements, she proudly concludes: “Wasn’t late. Wasn’t late for the intro of that song.”

While the incident or injury was not publicly mentioned, it didn’t take long for Swifties to noticed. Taylor adds: “”The fans noticed it a couple of days later, they’re like, ‘Oh, her palm’s gone.’ I was like, ‘I am not acknowledging this. What? Nothing’s wrong, it’s always been like that.'”

Taylor Swift: The End of An Era is streaming on Disney Plus.

This gorgeous market town has Tudor buildings, and royal polo heritage.

If you’re dreaming of a getaway to a quintessentially British market town, complete with cobbled streets and Tudor architecture, then Midhurst in West Sussex is the place for you. Often hailed as a gem in West Sussex’s crown, it’s no wonder Midhurst has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK.

This charming, friendly town centres around a market square and boasts an abundance of historic architecture, giving it a traditional feel. It’s a magnet for the rich, famous, and even royalty, thanks to its status as the home of British polo – making it the perfect spot to try your hand at a new skill.

Notable figures such as King Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William have all competed here, with Lady Diana Spencer making an appearance in July 1981, just days before her wedding to the then Prince of Wales.

Just a mile away from the town centre is the world-famous Cowdray Park Polo Club, host of the Gold Cup, considered one of the most significant events on the British social calendar, reports the Express.

Situated within the South Downs National Park, life in Midhurst unfolds against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, offering a tranquil atmosphere.

No visit would be complete without exploring the national park, which boasts beautiful walking trails, making it the ideal base to take in more of Midhurst’s picturesque surroundings.

Located on the River Rother, Midhurst is 20 miles inland from the English Channel and 12 miles north of Chichester.

Why not pop into The Spread Eagle? It’s one of England’s oldest coaching inns, dating back to 1430, and it’s brimming with character and charm at every turn.

A “wealth” of independent shops awaits you on West Street, Red Lion Street, Church Hill, Knockhundred Row and North Street.

Midhurst truly embodies the enchantment of Christmas, as the town is transformed into a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights.

Each year, the season begins with a Christmas street party, where the town’s tree and stunning lights are ceremoniously switched on. To celebrate the occasion, its numerous boutiques extend their opening hours, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts.

The UK banking group has shared advice for people who connect to wi-fi during hotel stays

NatWest has urged customers staying in hotels to always check the guest book before connecting to wi-fi. With the festive season in full swing, many Brits will be on the move, whether they’re travelling home to visit family, attending Christmas parties, or travelling abroad for a seasonal holiday. For those staying in hotels or similar accommodation, it’s essential to be vigilant, as criminals may target hotel guests when plotting scams.

According to advice shared on NatWest’s website: “Scammers sometimes set up fake hotel networks with names that are very similar to the genuine one.” As such, it’s important to ‘make sure the network name is the one printed in official hotel guest books’, says the bank.

NatWest also advises customers against entering any personal information when connected to open Wi-Fi networks. “When using open Wi-Fi networks, stick to messaging and browsing, and avoid entering any personal information.”

“These networks are usually open, which means anyone can log on or that many people have the password. This makes it easier for fraudsters to see any details you enter on the same network,” the bank explains.

Cybersecurity company Norton has similarly highlighted the risks associated with hotel wi-fi. Advice on the brand’s website states: “Malicious hotspots, or rogue access points, are deceptive networks that trick users into connecting by mimicking legitimate Wi-Fi names.

“For instance, if you were staying at the Goodnight Inn and wanted to connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi, you might mistakenly select ‘GoodNight Inn’ (with a capital N) instead of the correct network. By doing so, you risk connecting to an ‘evil twin’ network set up by cybercriminals to access your internet traffic.”

According to Norton, public Wi-Fi hotspots could also pose a risk, especially if criminals target unencrypted networks to gain access to sensitive banking information. “Many public Wi-Fi hotspots are unencrypted networks that transmit data in plain text, making it vulnerable to cybercriminals with the right tools. Hackers on the same network can intercept your online activities, including banking information, login credentials, and personal messages.”

While criminals might try to take advantage of people using their wi-fi, it’s just one of several tactics that scammers might employ. For holidaymakers spending their Christmas in another country, NatWest also offers advice on staying safe while exchanging money and dining out at restaurants.

The banking group advises customers to always pay in local currency where possible and to be mindful of potential restaurant scams, which could result in people being overcharged for food or charged for food that seemed complimentary.

NatWest suggests checking reviews ahead of time before choosing a restaurant, checking prices when placing an order, only eating and drinking what was ordered, and requesting an itemised receipt. The bank also recommended looking out for any additional charges, such as water charges or cover charges.

This year’s edition of a famous Christmas market has been the target of criticism, mainly for overlooking one important thing.

Forget London or Manchester — according to expert testing platform Which?, the best Christmas market in Britain is the one in Bath.

The historic city was voted Which? Readers’ favourite medium-sized city, and is renowned for hosting one of the UK’s biggest and most established Christmas markets every year, with over 200 stalls.

Which? praised the Bath Christmas Market for its reputation for offering good food, drink, and festive activities.

Visitors can browse everything from handmade wooden furniture and garden sculptures to knitwear, fragrances, and gifts for pets, while also sampling regional delicacies such as foraged jams and seasonal baked treats.

However, despite its accolades and picturesque setting, the market does not appear to please everyone. In a recent Mail on Sunday feature analysing UK Christmas markets, Bath was rated only “OK” for a weekday visit.

According to Jane Fryer’s feature, although the market was not as overcrowded as previous visitors had complained, it fell short of expectations in one key area: the lack of Christmas spirit. This included music, limited lighting, or the absence of traditional seasonal touches, such as Santa or entertainers.

She noted that many stalls sold everyday market items, such as bags, coats, and T-shirts, rather than the expected festive goods and crafts. While the occasional stall offering local arts and foods was “charming,” the overall impression was that the place felt much less Christmas-ready than it should.

She also highlighted a broader trend among visitors nationwide, noting complaints about high prices, repetitive stalls, and overcrowding at many festive markets.

Fryer reported a mix of reactions from Bath’s visitors. Some had travelled specifically to see the market and were delighted by the traditional mulled wine, local foods, and the town’s scenic backdrop. Others, however, expressed disappointment, describing the experience as “not very Christmassy” due to the lack of music or entertainment.

Across social media and travel review platforms, Bath has been widely labelled underwhelming this year — not only because of logistical or layout issues but, primarily, due to a perceived lack of festive atmosphere.

Elsewhere in her piece, Fryer praised other seasonal markets she visited, particularly those with strong visual theming, live entertainment, and an overall more festive ambience, highlighting how these elements can significantly enhance the visitor experience.

This beautiful Christmas market has been dubbed one of the “most beautiful” in Europe thanks to its picturesque backdrop and winter atmosphere as travellers are left “in tears” at sight of it

If you are tired of the expensive Christmas markets nestled amongst city squares, this beautiful location could be your answer to feeling extra festive this season. The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offers something very different.

Hidden deep in the Black Forest’s Höllental (Hell Valley), this market doesn’t rely on medieval town halls for its backdrop. Instead, it is nestled in a steep, wooded canyon beneath a towering stone viaduct. The magic happens when the sun sets.

The massive stone arches of the railway bridge are illuminated in shifting violets, blues, and reds. Every twenty minutes or so, a regional train rumbles overhead, looking like a toy train in the distance, while snow (often reliable here) dusts the wooden huts below.

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Travellers Claudia and Kaan, from Toronto, US, visited the German market last week and were shocked when they stumbled upon the picture-perfect scene.

The couple wrote on their TikTok video: “We nearly cried. Tucked deep in the Black Forest with a massive stone viaduct glowing above you is one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas Markets.”

Those who have visited have argued it’s one of the most romantic markets, with the isolation of the gorge meaning no background city noise and a backdrop of brass bands, the crunch of snow and the murmur of the crowd.

It’s also less busy than most Christmas markets thanks to its ticketed system and timed entry, avoiding the dangerous overcrowding seen at major markets like Cologne or Munich.

2025 Guide

Dates & Opening Hours

The market is only open on weekends (Fri-Sun) during Advent.

• Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025
• Fridays: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Sundays: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Ticket Prices (2025 Estimates)

Entry is strictly ticketed. You cannot buy tickets at the gate.

• Adults: €6.50/£5.71 (entry before 4 PM) / €8.50/£7.46 (entry after 4 PM)
• Children (6-15): Free entry (but may need a shuttle ticket)
• Golden Rule: Tickets go on sale in mid-October (usually Oct 14th). Set an alarm; the evening slots sell out within days.

How to Get There

Due to its remote location, you can’t drive up to the market gate. Private parking is non-existent at the gorge itself for general visitors.

1. The Shuttle Bus

Most visitors take the shuttle bus. When you buy your market ticket online, you must select your shuttle departure point.

• From Hinterzarten or Himmelreich: These are the main shuttle hubs with parking lots and train stations. You park there (or arrive by train) and take the 10-minute bus ride.
• From Freiburg: There is a direct shuttle from Freiburg main station (approx 30 mins).
• Cost: Approx. €24/£21 (includes market entry and roundtrip bus). This is the stress-free “VIP” option if you are staying in the city.

2. The Winter Hike

For the full Black Forest experience, skip the bus and walk.

• The Route: Park in Hinterzarten and hike the Löffeltal path.
• Details: It is a paved, cleared winter hiking trail that takes about 45–60 minutes. It is downhill/flat on the way there.
• Torchlight: Many visitors bring headlamps or torches for the walk back, though the shuttle is a welcome sight for tired legs on the return journey.

Food and drink

The market hosts around 40 wooden chalets. The focus here is strictly regional, meaning local delicacies and small businesses.

A cup of mulled wine can be as cheap as €5/£4.30, while food costs vary.

• Wildschweinbratwurst: Wild boar sausage, a specialty of the forest.
• Flammlachs: Salmon smoked over an open fire on wooden planks.
• Black Forest Ham: Sold by the slab to take home.
• Glühwein: The mulled wine here is excellent, often made from local Badischer wine.
• Dünnele: A regional flatbread similar to Flammkuchen, topped with sour cream, bacon, and onions.

Tips for visiting

• Dress for the cold: The gorge traps cold air. It will be significantly colder here than in nearby Freiburg. Wear thermal boots; you will be standing on snow or frozen gravel for hours.
• Cash to hand: While some vendors take cards, signal in the gorge is spotty. Bring plenty of Euro coins and small bills.
• The “Magic Hour”: Book the 4pm-6pm slot. You arrive in twilight to see the gorge features, and by 5:00 PM, the lights are fully on for the complete experience.

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