5 British small towns for a last-minute Christmas break

Traditionally, Brits have flocked to European Christmas markets for a last-minute festive-themed trip. However this year, the appetite for staycations continues.

Along with the country’s popular Christmas marketsin the big-hitting cities, there’s also a selection of delightful small towns dotted around the UK that are perfect for a snuggly escape this winter. Home to fabulous independent shops, passionate local producers, lots of good eating and drinking options and with gorgeous places to stay, we’ve picked five lesser-known towns where you can avoid the crowds while also supporting local communities.

The market town of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire (Visit Herefordshire)

This picturesque market town is perfect for those who love to rummage in vintage stores, buy from local designers and while away an afternoon in high end interiors stores.

This year Visit Herefordshire has launched a #SlowShopping campaign to encourage locals and visitors to spend time in its market towns, supporting independent retailers and enjoying the county’s thriving foodie scene. They’ve even appointed Slow Shopping ambassadors and the one for Ross-on-Wye is Sue Williams, owner of local art gallery Studio 54.

Sue recommendsLizzie Bunting, a beautiful emporium selling eco-friendly paints, stencils and brushes as well as accessories and fragrance; the indy bookshopRossiter Books,andMade in Ross, a collective of artists and makers living within 20 miles of the town who sell a wide range of arts and crafts from the ancient Market Hall.

For those feeling peckish, Sue’s recommendation is Caffe Eleganza with its creative menu and vegan specials.

Other top tips for homeware inspiration includeThe Architectural Storein Ross itself andBaileys, housed in a series of old farm buildings just out of town.

For the ultimate slow shopping experience, stay longer than a day and sleep over at The Bridge House.

Heavenly Christmas chocolates (Heavenly Chocs/Discover Carmarthenshire)

Llandeilo is a colourful market town with views to the Brecon Beacons and crammed with independent shops. It’s hard to beat when it comes to gentle retail therapy in stunning surrounds.

The Cawdor, a landmark historic coaching inn is a gorgeous base from which to hit the town’s boutiques such as the kitchen shopPeppercorn, the interiors treasure trove atDavies & CoandToast’s original store (the successful brand was born in Llandeilo).

Heavenly’s decadent chocolate creations are perfect tasty treats and a bottle of Welsh gin is a delicious take home fromGinhaus’s impressive ‘Wall of Gin’, with over 200 varieties.

For dinner, The Cawdor offers the ultimate comfort food – think pulled Welsh lamb-shank shepherd’s pie, followed by glass of Penderyn, Welsh whisky, in front of the fire. Lovely!

The high street is home to Sevenoaks Bookshop (Sevenoaks Bookshop)

The quintessential Kent countryside town of Sevenoaks is a great spot for Christmas shopping this yuletide with its Christmas card-worthy scenes.

The brilliant selection of indy shops includesThe Guitar Centre,the county’s go-to guitar shop and repair workshop for over three decades;The Clever Dresserboutique which stocks well known and emerging designers; andThe Chocolate Shopwhich has been keeping the town in tasty treats for 30 years. The high street is also home toSevenoaks Bookshop– named UK and Ireland Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards 2021.

Life on High– a speciality coffee and pro-plant café which offers a delicious menu is a great place for weary shoppers to refuel, as is the National Trust café in Sevenoaks’ stunning Knole Park.

Those making a weekend of it should also explore the villages surrounding Sevenoaks which are home to an array of incredible producers. From tempting tipples atThe Mount Vineyardto sumptuous scents atCastle Farm, shoppers will find something for even the trickiest of recipients here!

Festive road trippers in this part of Kent can check in to their very own home-from-home to make a memorable stay away. Frombeautiful barns to cosy cottages,Original Cottageshas some seriously special spots to hole up in and around Sevenoaks this season.

The picturesque town of Stamford (Stamford, Visit Lincolnshire)

Meander through the cobbled streets of Stamford, and you can see why so many period dramas have been filmed here, from Middlemarch to Pride & Prejudice. With more than 600 grade-II listed mellow limestone buildings, Stamford blends history, niche shopping and stunning Georgian architecture. No wonder Sir Walter Scott called it “the finest stone town in England”.

Bed down at historic coaching inn the Bull & Swan and then explore a world of antiques and interiors from over 70 dealers at St Martin’s Antiques Centre where horse drawn carriages were once manufactured.

For a foodie treat head to Stamford Cheese & Deli, or enjoy the taste of continental France at Café au Chocolat. Pick up something stylish at clothing, gifts, jewellery and interiors shop Black Orchid, while budding musicians will love Stamford Music Shop. The town is also home to homewares and lifestyle brand Sophie Allport, and her famous country living and wildlife-themed products.

On the outskirts lies Burghley House, one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses, surrounded by free-to-enter parkland.

The Banchory Lodge Hotel has a fabulous river view (Visit Aberdeenshire)

The gateway to Royal Deeside, the majestic town of Banchory (population 7,560) is a great option for slowing down the pace whilst also picking up some fabulous local treats. An array of independently owned shops can be found just steps away from the beautiful Falls of Feugh, where salmon leap upstream in the River Dee and River Don.

Banchory has bucked the trend of the retail slump, with multiple new openings and more on the horizon. Family owned and run by two brothers who have many a tale to tell about each tipple they stock,The Strong Water Co offers an outstanding selection of drinks including Aberdeenshire gin, whisky, craft beer and “champagne-style cider” in a quirky setting that feels more tasting room experience than off-license.

Across the road, Sheridan’sthe butchers, boasts Royal warrants, with both the Queen and Prince Charles giving their seal of approval to the sausages and more, whilstMeet The Meatgoes beyond the obvious by also selling local coffee and cheeses.

For gift ideas try Copper & Grey, homeware ideas atHush Living, books atYeadon’s, crafts atMeg’s Attic, clothing atCountry Ways and footwear at The Wee Shoe Shop.

Stay at the gorgeous Georgian propertyBanchory Lodge, which is set right on the banks of the River Dee.