10 of the best small UK towns for winter breaks
Bakewell, Derbyshire
You’d expect the home of the Bakewell pudding to know a thing or two about keeping its visitors cosy and well-fed, and in this attractive market town, you’re never more than a few steps away from a tea room or pub. And to walk off all the cake and ale, the spectacular Peak District is on the doorstep. In the run-up to Christmas, the town will be hosting a traditional Christmas market to coincide with its lights switch-on (26 & 27 Nov) and, new for 2016, a Winter Wonderland event (18-20 Nov and 9-11 Dec, advance tickets £5, under-fives free, bakewellshow.org), at the Bakewell Showground, with Christmas grotto, craft marquee, reindeer, market stalls, ice rink, funfair and fireworks. For something more sedate, check out the candlelit tours of Haddon Hall (selected dates 7–13 Dec, £22pp), a romantic medieval manor house which has starred in countless films. The nearby Chatsworth Estate (chatsworth.org) always puts on a good display for Christmas, with beautiful Nutcracker-themed decorations in the house, special evening openings and, until 30 Nov, a Christmas market.
Eat/drink The Manners is a traditional stone-built pub a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, serving well-executed pub fare such as local venison with root veg and red wine sauce, and apple and plum crumble. Wyes Waters (Unit 8, Granby Road)is a charming little cafe with gingham table cloths and a great-value menu of homemade pies, sandwiches and cakes.
Shopping Bakewell’s thriving Monday market is always popular and its attractive cobbled courtyards and market square are home to independent shops and galleries. And of course, no visit to Bakewell is complete without a visit to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop which will gift-wrap and post sweet treats to anywhere in the world. Out of town, the excellent Chatsworth Estate farm shop is the place to stock up on Derbyshire specialities such as oatcakes, handmade chocolates from family-run business Holdsworth, and bottled ales brewed on the estate.
Stay On the river in the centre of Bakewell, One Castle Street (doubles from £90 B&B), is a quaint B&B in a Grade II listed building, where substantial breakfasts will set you up for a day exploring. Alternatively, three miles out of town, Haddon Grove Farm has 11 attractive holiday cottages in converted farm buildings (from £490 for a four night December break in a cottage for four). There’s a communal games room and indoor heated pool, making it a perfect winter escape for families. Cottages sleep between two and 10.
Joanne O’Connor
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
This pint-size town deserves more attention than it gets. Its pretty Georgian houses and former textile mills frame streets lined with small independent shops and cafes. An ancient bridge straddles the Avon at its heart and, just beyond the town’s striking Tithe Barn, a towpath follows one of the prettiest stretches of canal in the country. It’s a half-hour walk to Avoncliff, with its 18th-century aqueduct or a longer nine-mile hike to Bath, but there are trains back to Bradford from both. The first weekend in December sees a Christmas Floating Market (on Facebook) along the Bradford stretch of the canal (expect local crafts, carols, mulled wine and roast chestnuts). For evening entertainment the Wiltshire Music Centre puts on quality classical, jazz and folk concerts: December’s performers include Swedish-Brazilian-Slovenian trio Elda.
Eat/drink Dining pubs are the order of the day in Bradford, with several cosy firesides to choose from. The best is the chic Bunch of Grapes, whose owners have brought the concept of village bar bistros from south-west France to south-west England. Smoked and brined poussin cooked in a beer can is a speciality, but there’s also a feast of small plates: cheese beignets, homemade Charentais sausage, rabbit rillettes, and mixed leaves with preserved lemon, mint, toasted hazelnuts and feta. For a more Spanish accent, Pablo’s Tapas has good jamón, manchego and gambas. For a pint of Rusty Lane ale (from the Kennet & Avon Brewery) in eccentric but cosy surroundings, head to the Lock Inn and sup by the fire surrounded by a squall of vintage advertising signs.
Shopping Start at just-opened Silver Street Studio (on Facebook) for scarves, ceramics and spoons from British makers. Further down the road, independent wine store Ruby Red sells Somerset Pomona (a moreish cider brandy) and beers from local microbrewery Kettlesmith. Then wander through the quaint Shambles, past posh pet shop Fetch, to The Cheese Shop at 5 Market Street for chutneys and cheeses from local maker In a Pickle. Finally, stroll past arts co-operative Made in Bradford, over the bridge and right along the towpath to the art, pottery and antiques stores of Tithebarn Workshops (tithebarnartscrafts.co.uk).
Stay Timbrells Yard (doubles from £95 B&B) calls itself a gastropub with rooms but feels more like a cool provincial hotel, with a cafe-bar, a restaurant overseen by ex-River Cottage chef Tom Blake, and chic bedrooms. It’s a five-minute walk from the station. The foodie George pub is a 15-minute walk out of town and has two one-bedroom flats (from £110 B&B). Families might prefer the Georgian Lodge (sleeps four from £110 a night), a two-bedroom flat beside the town’s bridge, with green velvet sofas, painted shutters and free parking.
Rhiannon Batten
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Shrewsbury, encircled near-perfectly by the River Severn, presents a tantalizing glimpse into what London could have resembled if the Great Fire hadn't left its mark. This illustrious town located in Shropshire, where Charles Darwin was born, boasts over 650 officially recognized historical structures teeming with architectural grandeur. The buildings, a blend of Tudor and Jacobean half-timbered wonders and ones rooted in the medieval era - the town castle being a prime example, add to the rich story of Shrewsbury. But the town isn't limited to historical reminiscence, the winding streets and stately riverside parks breathe in the freshness of the present. The town's pulsating arts and music landscapes make it an exciting escape for a weekend. Fun fact: Charles Darwin, the man who changed the face of science with his theory of evolution, was born here. As winter comes, the town transforms into a wonderland of festivities, especially on the second weekend of December. One of the highlights includes the Shrewsbury Winterfest, an event that comes alive with the spirit of the season in the Quarry park. Expect to see a festival of crafts, carols, a market coursing with gingerbread-infused culinary delights and the St Chads church bathed in the warmth of Christmas trees circling its premises.
Eat/drink Shrewsbury’s culinary influences are surprisingly diverse. Ramen bar Momo No Ki does a peppy line in noodles, from a Japanese-inspired miso-crusted salmon version to a Korean BBQ rice noodle salad. Also good is House of Yum, a Thai streetfood cafe in the covered market that vies with neighbour The Bird’s Nest to be the town’s best lunch spot. For veggie comfort food (parsnip and butterbean soup, beetroot and chocolate cake) there’s The Good Life in Barracks Passage, off Wyle Cop. The Bakehouse does spiced plum danishes and other seasonal pastries, while Avatar serves refined Indian and Nepalese food courtesy of a chef formerly from the Oberoi and Taj Hotels. Chicken momos come with tomato and sesame dipping sauce, and Gurkha lamb is spiked with red chilli, shallots, ginger and coriander. For more local flavours, head just out of town for a steak and oxtail pie or trio of pork with black kale at the Haughmond Hotel in Upton Magna, which also has a small farm shop and cafe. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a pop-up supper at coffee shop Ginger & Co (message for bookings) in the town centre. Or hunker by the open fire at the Golden Cross. With its mullioned windows, damson walls, theatrical table settings and soft lighting, this “oldest pub in Shrewsbury” is magical in winter and the cooking is adept. Classic dishes include confit duck and venison fillet. For a pint The Three Fishes is a good bet: stop in at neighbouring Pengwern Books (1 Fish Street) then enjoy your purchases over a guest ale from the Salopian Brewery or the Three Tuns.
Boutique Finds Wyle Cop, a charming main road, boasts a rich display of local character with its array of independent shops nestled within the overhanging Tudor structures. Among the treasure troves, you'll find the local gem Appleyards deli at location 85. For the culinary enthusiast, a must-visit stop is Cooking Kneads, a specialty kitchenware store situated at address 3. Wine aficionados can explore the offerings at Tanners, nestled at spot 26. For fashion-forward finds, check out the clothing and accessory havens Oberon and Hibiscus. Beyond these quaint shops, the town's market hall on Claremont Street is a showcase of local produce, hidden behind a deceivingly simple 1960s-style facade.
Accommodation The Lion & Pheasant emerged as a breath of fresh air to the Shrewsbury's hotel offerings with its soft tones of Scandinavian style décor, making over a former car dealer's depot into a cozy retreat. It maintains its fresh appeal six years post-inauguration, boasting self-catering options, cosy rooms and a stylish restaurant for those craving an evening of cocktails paired with gin-cured-salmon. A more affordable alternative is the charming B&B Hardwick House, a magnificent Georgian establishment nestled within town walls, replete with vintage armchairs, wooden panels, and tranquil walled gardens, making it a perfect spot for a fireside afternoon tea in their summerhouse.
Corbridge, Northumberland
Characterized by its antiquated stone structures, town square, assortment of local shops, taverns, and financial institutions, it's undeniable that Corbridge, a quaint village in Northumberland, holds the stature of a full-fledged town. Its robust infrastructure, tracing its lineage back to its former glory as a bustling intersection on the well-traveled cardinal routes, bears witness to its importance from horse-drawn carriage lanes to the bustling highways of the late 1900s. Despite the heart of Corbridge now avoiding the clamor of busiest arteries, it retains a solid connection to the outside world. Easily accessible - situated merely half an hour by road or rail from Newcastle, and within 50 minutes’ reach from Carlisle, not to mention a two-hour journey from both Edinburgh and Leeds. You can find more on visitcorbridge.co.uk.
Overcoming the setback of severe flooding last winter, Corbridge has since risen, with extensive restoration giving both the infrastructure and the local morale a notable resurrection. A leisurely stroll along the Tyne’s shorelines offers an engaging activity, while an excursion to Coria takes you back centuries to the remnants of Corbridge Roman Town, comfortably nestled a stone's thrown from Hadrian’s Wall. Aydon Castle, a medieval gem, warrants a visit for any summer tourists, although take note it’s closed from October through April.
For a dining adventure with an Italian twist, visit Il Piccolo, famous for its wide range of offerings, from delicious pizzas to mouthwatering gelatos. You also have the option to indulge in their pan-seared sardines or comforting spaghetti loaded with homemade meatballs. For coffee lovers, Watling Coffee House offers freshly brewed coffee, and a dessert pairing of their caramel-flavored treacle tart is an absolute must-try. Looking for something hearty to start your day or for a mid-day meal? The cozy coffee shop at Activ Cycles serves filling breakfast and lunch options, including scrumptious bacon and cheese crumpets, flavorful Moroccan lamb wraps, and a healthy and warming coconut butternut squash soup.
If you're heading out for a walk, consider a healthy beetroot bread sandwich or a traditional Northumbrian pasty from Grants Bakery. Alternatively, stop by The Corbridge Larder to prepare a customized deli lunch with an array of options to choose from. For a relaxing dinner in a cozy setting, the Angel of Corbridge is an ideal spot with dishes like potted shrimp, wood pigeon, and venison ragu to treat your taste buds. And for fans of classic British fare, there's a wonderful fish and chip shop, Angelfish, tucked away in the courtyard nearby. You're guaranteed to find a gastronomic gem in every corner of these charming UK towns during your winter getaway.
Shopping Corbridge punches above its weight when it comes to shopping, with kitchenware, antiques, fashion, shoe and jewellery shops. Two of the best are dynamic independent Forum Books (8 Market Place, children’s books at 20 Watling Street), and the only walk-in branch of the cult mail-order homewares store RE in Bishop’s Yard. From tiny spoons in a rainbow of shades to kitsch pompom Christmas decorations and light shades made from recycled jelly moulds, it’s perfect present-hunting territory. The village shops stay open late on 5 Dec for Corbridge Christmas Late Night Shopping and stalls jostle for space in Market Place alongside carol singers.
Stay A minute’s walk from the railway station (which is over the river half a mile from the village), dog-friendly Dyvels Inn (doubles from £75 B&B) was refurbished after the flooding and now has four comfortable guest rooms. In the evening, order a pint of Pennine Pale (from nearby Allendale Brewery), a trio of Northumberland sausages with mash and onion gravy and dine by the open range. Or, try 22a Hill Street (from £220 for two nights), a two-bedroom self-catering apartment above a shop in the centre of town. RB
Melrose, Scottish Borders
Last year’s rebirth of the Borders Railway has opened up an easy, not to mention scenic, route to Melrose, the pick of the trim Borders market towns. Melrose’s lineage stretches back to the Romans and its romantically ruined Cistercian abbey is home to Robert the Bruce’s heart. It’s a place for hikes in the Eildon Hills, frost-kissed strolls along the salmon-rich Tweed and a visit to Abbotsford the remarkable home Sir Walter Scott built on its banks. Melrose also does a good line in independent shops, cosy pubs and, if you are lucky, the hills that Scott so loved will be sporting a dusting of snow.
Eat/drink Foodie specialities include Borders lamb, smoked Tweed salmon (local producer Teviot is superb) and the sweet, fruity Selkirk bannock. The Henderson family runs Burts, a hotel on the Market Square with a relaxed bistro and a more formal restaurant. Borders lamb is the star in both. The cafe at Scott’s house, Abbotsford, is an ideal lunch option, with braised brisket or smoked salmon on the menu, as well as views down to the writer’s grand mansion.
Shopping The villagers who flock from Melrose’s hinterland to do their shopping are catered for with a brace of butchers, a fishmonger, antique shops and a sprinkling of other small independent businesses. A cosy jumper or cashmere scarf from Abbey Mill makes a good Christmas present. Abbey Wines (17 Market Square) is the place for a special bottle of whisky (Glenkinchie is the local malt), while the Country Kitchen offers great additions to a festive cheeseboard from Kelso’s Brenda Leddy (of Stichill Jerseys, a runner-up in BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards).
Stay Burts (see above) is also a good stylish bolthole with a roaring fire to sip a wee dram by. It is offering a winter special for £146pp for a two-night break including dinner each night. A fun option for those with a car or bikes is Roulotte Retreat (two-night stay for two is £250). This adults-only glampsite has seven gloriously furnished Gypsy-style caravans dotted around a meadow. All have wood-burning stoves and two also have wood-fired hot tubs, for cosy readings of Scott’s Waverley novels – despite your frosty hair.
Robin McKelvie
Totnes, Devon
Nestled beside a river, this quaint town enjoys a strategic location on the Great Western Railway's main trajectory and the National Express's Plymouth bus line, making it an easily accessible winter getaway. Its rich tapestry of retail therapy presents a medley of independent boutiques and cosy cafes, intertwined with a wealth of distinguished buildings. The architectural marvels span Norman, medieval, and Tudor eras, outshining other towns of similar dimensions in terms of listed edifices. Such pictorial charm particularly comes alive during its Christmas market nights (Scheduled on Tuesdays the 6th, 13th and 20th of December, festivities continue till late). Dining alternatives might not be exhaustive, yet the recent additions to the culinary scene have successfully brought in a new era of fine brewing and gastronomy, thus elevating the town's food and drink landscape.
Taste the Flavors Stroll into The Curator at 2 The Plains for a deliciously rich, single-origin coffee brew alongside their wholemeal, fruity cakes with just the right balance of sweetness. Above the coffee haven, you'll find a contemporary gem: the Curator Kitchen. This 'modern osteria' first opened its doors to the public in March 2015, offering an authentic take on Italian cuisine at the reasonable price of £30 for a set dinner. Moving further along Fore Street - just a ten-minute stroll - you'll encounter another family-owned Italian gem: Jano. This eatery is known for its homemade pastas and imported fine meats and cheeses, and offers an even more affordable set menu starting from £13. The Rumour offers an additional dining option that caters to families, and their burgers are an absolute must-try. For the beer enthusiasts, there's the Totnes Brewing Company, opened in late 2015 and subsequently expanded. It maintains a cozy atmosphere full of draught and bottled craft beers. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the locally brewed New Lion ales, which breathed new life into a previously defunct brand. The Pandit IPA is a treat with its fruity notes, making it a special delight for any ale lover.
Retail Therapy in Totnes Consistently hailed as a fabulous spot for festive food purchases is the town of Totnes. The acclaimed organic produce provider, Riverford Farm, has launched a new venture at No.8 High Street, stocking everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to regionally sourced salmon, crab, cured meats, and Sharpham wines. The longstanding AW Luscombe has a prominent reputation for supplying premier Devon-sourced lamb and beef for over two centuries, whereas CM McCabe at No.5 is a go-to for game meats.
For those hunting for charming presents, High Street is crammed with treasure troves. Standout outlets include Little Blue Budgie for modern artistic kitchenware and embellishments, Greenfibres for high-quality, ethically-sourced knitwear, Drift for reviving vinyl music, and the Devon Harp Centre if you're looking to pick up an exciting new skill.
Totnes Accommodation Despite the absence of a boutique hotel, Totnes offers a quaint and comfortable stay at the Royal Seven Stars hotel. With prices starting at £100 for B&B, the hotel is not only homely, dog-friendly, but it's also conveniently located. For a more rustic experience, the 14th-century thatched Cott Inn situated a mile from Dartington is worth a stay. With doubles starting from £95 for B&B, its renowned for its excellent pub food and offers three cozy bedrooms.
Chris Moss
Holt, Norfolk
In summer, this handsome Georgian town heaves with holidaymakers who use it as a base for exploring the beaches of north Norfolk. But in winter, when the crowds are gone and the attractive high street is lit by thousands of fairy lights, it takes on an entirely different character. Shop for presents in the town’s many independent shops, wrap up warm for walks on the seafront at nearby Sheringham, and see thousands of overwintering birds gather on the saltmarshes at Cley and Blakeney. Families might like a steam trip on the North Norfolk Railway, which runs Santa Specials on selected dates in December, or a boat trip to see the seal pups at Blakeney.
Eat/drink The Folly Tea Room in Hoppers Yard serves delicious sandwiches and cream teas in a cosy, vintage-themed setting. The Kings Head pub on the High Street is the place to go for pub classics, such as sausage and mash, slow-roast pork belly and steak-and-ale stew with dumplings.
Shopping Holt is renowned for its independent shops and galleries, many of which are in yards and alleys off the High Street. Don’t miss the excellent Holt Bookshop (10 Appleyard) and the food hall at Bakers & Larners (8 Market Place, ), a family-run department store which has been trading since 1770. Shop for local crafts, gourmet foods and unusual gifts at the Christmas Fair in Holt Hall (26-27 Nov, booking recommended, £2, ), where there will be more than 50 stalls, a huge Christmas tree and a log fire.
Stay Byfords Posh B&B (doubles from £155 B&B) offers 16 comfy and characterful bedrooms (exposed brick-and-flint walls, wooden floors and ceiling beams) above the town’s popular deli and bakery. For stylish and cosy self-catering, the four Cartshed Cottages in the grounds of Sharrington Hall (from £450 for three nights, sleep 4), a Jacobean manor house two miles from the centre of Holt, are hard to beat, with log-burners, roll-top baths and four-poster beds.
JO’C
Wells, Somerset
OK, one city has snuck into this list, but compact Wells is the smallest city in England, with a small-town feel. It’s gorgeous at any time of year, but in winter it really turns on the charm, with tasteful twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree and, for the first time this year, a four-day Christmas market with stalls selling gifts, local produce and mulled wine (Market Place, 21-24 Dec). The candlelit carol service at the medieval cathedral (27 Nov) is one of the highlights of the local calendar. The moated Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, which has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, will also be getting into the Christmas spirit, with workshops on creative gift-wrapping and wreath-making. Wander around the medieval streets, including the perfectly preserved Vicar’s Close, or for something more energetic, climb Tor Hill and join the East Mendip Way for a bracing walk across the hills.
Eat/drink The Good Earth offers wholesome lunches as well as gifts such as Neal’s Yard toiletries and St Eval scented candles from Cornwall. Ensemble, the newest addition to Wells’ dining scene, has already proved a big hit with locals for its simple but well-executed menu with its emphasis on local produce . The two/three-course set lunch for £15/£17.50 is particularly good value.
Time To Shop! Boasting a prosperous tourism-driven economy, Wells, a charming cathedral city, is awash with stylish retail stores and art-focused spaces. Be sure to visit the Queen Street Deli to find authentic Somerset cheeses and chutneys to bring home. Find timeless gifts and classic toys for your little ones at Cadeaux & Co, located at 5 High Street. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic offerings of Wells Trading Post, located in the historic 12th-century Priory Mill, where vintage clothing, unique trinkets and quaint furniture lie waiting. When winter settles, the city hosts a buzzing Christmas brocante fair in the Market Place (11 Dec) with an array of antiques, handmade goods and distinctive presents.
Comfortable Accommodation The aptly-named Beryl, despite its somewhat ordinary label, is actually a captivating Victorian era mansion-turned-B&B nestled in the town's serene parkland. Visitors can expect to be welcomed with cozy fires, exceptional hospitality and sophisticated, generous rooms that embrace their history. JO’C
Saffron Walden, Essex
This medieval market town offers the perfect antidote to the pre-Christmas frenzy. Locals start getting into the spirit on 2 Dec, when the Christmas lights are switched on and Santa takes up residence in his town hall grotto. The beautiful 15th-century parish church, St Mary’s, is the largest in Essex and a suitably atmospheric setting for a carol service (27 Nov). Pack your wellies for walks from the town into the rolling parkland surrounding Audley End, a beautiful Jacobean country house which will be hosting seasonal events, from wreath-making to carol concerts. At Saffron Hall, author Michael Morpurgo will be narrating his Christmas story, The Best of Times, (11 Dec). And if that’s not enough to get you in the mood for Christmas, the Saffron Screen, the town’s indie cinema, will be showing festive classics such as Elf, The Polar Express and It’s a Wonderful Life throughout December
Experience the local culinary and cycling scene in the cozy town's premier cycle cafe, Bicicletta – Coffee con Velo. It's the ideal stop if you are after a robust cup of coffee and nourishing meals. A favourite dish among patrons is their avocado and poached eggs served on a toasted sourdough - their signature treat. Apart from the enticing food fare, the cafe is also a hub for high-quality bicycles and gear, creating an inimitable experience for cyclists and foodies alike.
After an energized day of exploration, unwind at The Eight Bells, a quintessential English pub that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sink into their luxurious chesterfield couches next to roaring log fires and indulge in their selection of authentic local ales. Step into the past in their dining room, housed in a striking 16th-century timber barn that adds to the historic charm of the venue. This pub offers a genuine taste, literally and metaphorically, of traditional Britain.
Retail Therapy The historic town of Saffron Walden hosts a marketplace every Tuesday and Saturday, a tradition dating back to the 12th century. This ancient market features a plethora of stalls offering everything from hand-crafted cheeses to time-hardened vintage tools. In the heart of the town at 26 King Street, you'll find Hart’s Books, a local favourite independent bookshop that has recently reopened its doors after a hiatus, ready again to share the magic and allure of the written word after way too many quiet years.
Accommodation When you're done exploring, the Cross Keys, a dining establishment with lodging facilities beckons. With origins tracing back over 850 years, the establishment's nine en-suite bedrooms blend the old and the new, equipped with modern amenities like iPod docks and standalone baths or refreshing monsoon showers all set in a contemporary design scheme. This juxtaposition of ancient architecture and contemporary interiors ensures a unique, relaxed stay - from £110 B&B. JO'C
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Perfectly nestled at the confluence of the Usk and Gavenny rivers, under the watchful gaze of the Blorenge and Sugar Loaf mountains, lies the charming market town of Abergavenny. Straddling the border of England and Wales, its scenic landscapes make it a prime spot for a tranquil winter getaway. It's worth mentioning however that Abergavenny is only the beginning of your Welsh adventure. Wales as a whole is renowned for its diverse selection of accommodation, tailor-made for each kind of traveler. From the leisurely paced to the thrill-seekers, there’s something for everyone. The wide array of resorts in Wales ensure you'll have a myriad of delightful choices where you can wind down after a day of immersion in the beauty of the Welsh landscape. The town of Abergavenny prides itself on its excellent transport connections via road and rail, making your journey hassle-free. It's compact enough to navigate on foot once there, escaping the usual holiday checklist. Be sure to give Wales a try during this winter season- its charming towns, picturesque views and splendid resorts assure an unforgettable experience!
Indulge in the pleasure of losing time amid the ghostly remnants of the town's castle and it's quaint museum, each filled with stories whispering of bygone eras. For the adventurous ones, a trek up any of the surrounding hills not only fuels the hunger but also unveils some of the most majestic panoramas of the south British countryside. The sublime simplicity of Abergavenny is its core charm, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Eat/drink The Abergavenny Food Festival hosts a one-day Christmas Fair on 11 Dec, with local producers selling their wares, workshops for kids (from Christmas tree decorations to lantern making) plus a musical procession, carol singing and a light parade after dark. The legacy of the renowned food festival may not be obvious on the town’s high street at first glance, but there are some interesting places to eat. For lunch, try the Art Shop and Chapel; the menu changes, but salmon fishcake, spinach and lovage sauce, and caramelised onion, pea, chorizo and anya potato frittata are favourites. If you’d rather pack a snack and go for a hike, there is an excellent selection of local cheeses (try Gorwydd Caerphilly and Golden Cenarth) and real ales at Marches Delicatessen. For dinner, tuck yourself away in a corner of the Foxhunter’s Bar at the Angel Hotel and watch the locals parade in and out for such delights as glass noodle, pawpaw and peanut salad or Lancashire hot-pot with braised red cabbage. And if you would rather make your food than eat it, spend a day learning to bake with the Abergavenny Baker.
Retail Therapy A rich blend of local independent establishments nestle among the renowned chains, presenting an inviting opportunity for explorative Christmas retail experiences. Venture into the Art Shop (8 Cross Street) where a range of goods are available, spanning from sketch pad sets to unique engraving equipment. Next stop, pop into the Wool Croft to discover a world of knitting supplies and superior Welsh wool. Continue your shopping journey to Model Centre (1 Brecon Road), where your childhood dreams of owning a remote-controlled plane could come true. Fancy adding some flair to your wardrobe? Don't miss a visit to Alison Todd’s acclaimed hat shop (13 Cross Street) and to Amanda Jayne for stylish Italian footwear, situated just a short walk away at no 16. Lastly, check out the exceptional range of culinary tools at Cooks Galley (6 Nevill Street).
A Night's Rest Book your stay at the Angel Hotel (from £95 room-only). Formerly a historical coach house, this establishment now pulsates as the trendy core of the town, offering a variety of accommodations including adjacent traditional cottages.
Rob Penn