'The most wonderful time of the year' is just around the corner! Though you can probably already feel it in the air!
In December 2021, I had the opportunity to venture further afield in the UK – not something I usually do, as I prefer to go abroad (where it’s warmer)! But since Covid-19 had taken over, the need to explore, even if it was just a few hours’ drive away rather than a flight comforted my itchy feet. My family and I spent 2 nights in Blackpool followed by 2 nights in Birmingham. Let me tell you why visiting these 2 cities is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit in the UK!
It is roughly a 5-hour drive from London to Blackpool, our first stop, with the main attraction for visiting being the infamous Blackpool Illuminations, which has been attracting visitors for over 140 years and is sometimes referred to as the greatest free light show on Earth! With 6 miles of traditional decorations, festive displays and interactive features along the Promenade, it’s an evening stroll that all the family will be left in awe having seen! Rather than trying to view all of it in one evening, I’d recommend splitting it up in to 2 nights.
The Blackpool illuminations shine for 66 nights per year and are already switched on and ready for you to visit between 4-10.30pm on weekdays and 4-11pm on weekends until the beginning of January 2024.
If you’re short on time, or don’t fancy all that walking around in the cold (I don’t blame you!) why not opt for the Illuminations tram tour – yes this comes with a price, but is a convenient way to see the displays in roughly one hour and if something catches your eye on the journey, you can always hop off to go look at it close up later!
So, that’s the evening/night portion of the day in Blackpool sorted, but what’s there to do in the daytime, I hear you ask?! If you’re brave enough to face any sort of weather, then take a stroll along the promenade, covering the north, central and south pier. Let’s face it, this time of year can be stressful for all of us in many different ways. The crisp air will refresh you, that’s for sure! But also, it’s scientifically proven that the sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness and relaxation.
As we visited in the early stages of post-covid travel, where many businesses had either taken a hit or were slowly starting to open up again, there was a limited number of things open. However, as we are now a few years down the line from that period, and I like to keep you in the know, this winter, head to the space opposite Blackpool Tower which has been transformed into a festive village complete with an outdoor skating rink, simulated snowfalls, log cabins, festive-themed fairground rides and more!
If all that being outdoors in the cold and possibly rain (or snow) still doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then head to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, a venue full of experiences that will surely get you into the spirit of Christmas in the UK. With experiences such as Blackpool’s creative Christmas market, a festive afternoon tea, theatrical performances and musical events/concerts to choose from, you’re bound to find something to fill the day with merriment!
Roughly 2 and a half hours journey north of Blackpool, we arrive in Birmingham. Now might be a good time to point out that if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping or still have that one difficult person to buy for, you’ll be able to find something during your stay in Birmingham. Head to Birmingham's largest shopping centre – Bullring & Grand Central where you’ll be able to shop until you drop, as well as fill your belly, because shopping is hard work! So, where are the Christmas vibes to be found in Birmingham? That would be at Frankfurt Christmas market - the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria! Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional and festive spectacles, gifts and a warming selection of food and drink.
Frankfurt Christmas market is already open for the season, closing just before Christmas day. Be sure to check it out between the hours of 11am-9pm on weekdays and 10am-9pm on weekends.
Fun fact: The Christmas tree was introduced to the UK in the 1840’s by Prince Albert, who brought one over from Germany – so visiting Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market can only add to the authenticity of this time of year!
If you’re in Birmingham, a must visit for all chocolate lovers, no matter the time of year is Cadbury World. Journey through the world of chocolate by first discovering the origins of the cocoa bean, before learning how this much-loved confectionary is made, you’ll also have the opportunity to create your own doodle in chocolate and much more!
Apart from chocolate being a gift giving tradition, a visit to Cadbury world is extra special this time of year because it was the Cadbury brand that made a treat that we all look forward to in December a big success in the UK! Although the first chocolate advent calendar appeared in 1958, it wasn't until the late 1900’s and Cadbury’s industrialisation that chocolate-filled advent calendars really took off. And of course, the holly jolly man himself will be present on selective weekends for the kids to ask for even more sweet treats!
If you’re more of a rural-body like me, being in a city for too long can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. As Birmingham is the largest and most populated city in England outside of London, I was definitely feeling the need to breathe! Yes, that’s even though we were just by the coast in Blackpool! Winter just affects you differently…
Luckily, there are plenty of canal walks to choose from! The original Birmingham canal was constructed in the late 1700’s to transport coal, and over time the network expanded greatly, covering over 100 miles, making the Birmingham Canal Navigations one of the longest and most complex system of canals in the world! We chose to cover a small portion of The Revolution Walk, which gave us an insight into Birmingham’s industrial history amongst the leafy banks where we were able to spot some wildlife. There’s even a nature reserve nestled between the New and the Old Main Line Canal. For an alternative experience, opt for one of the many boating or cruising options to explore the canals of Birmingham!
As we headed back to London from Birmingham, we broke up the journey with a stop at Warwick castle, which is about an hour enroute. We spent the early afternoon exploring the castle, which was adorned with seasonal embellishments – there were so many elaborately decorated Christmas trees throughout the castle, it was hard to choose a favourite! Whilst there is so much to learn about the castle and its history, the real reason for this pitstop was for the light trail which has been dubbed as one of the top Christmas events in the Midlands!
Wandering across the grounds and gardens of Warwick castle felt a little surreal; with displays of larger-than-life illuminations, twinkling trees and projections that lit up the sky, visiting Warwick castle as the finale to our trip really did bring the magic of Christmas in the UK to life! The entire trail takes roughly 45 minutes to complete and should you get hungry or need warming up, you can feast on festive food from the Christmas market stalls. To add to your festive experience, you could also indulge in a Christmas themed afternoon tea in The Conservatory Tea House, glide around on the ice-skating rink and for the little ones (or big kids), enjoy story time with Mr and Mrs Claus!
As you will have gathered, I precisely planned this long weekend away so that we got the full experience of feeling the spirit of Christmas in the UK. As the festive season is upon us, I hope I have inspired you to venture out and find some Christmas magic of your own in the UK too!
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