Christmas can be a great time to get away in your caravan or motorhome. Wrap up warm, find a cosy all-year touring site and you can enjoy some of the UK’s best-known Christmas markets and festive attractions – often with plenty of winter countryside to explore nearby too.
Of course, winter touring requires a little more preparation than a summer break. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling, make sure your chosen campsite is open and consider booking your pitch well in advance. Our Winter caravanning: What to pack and where to go blog has plenty of useful ideas and tips.
If you’re looking for inspiration for Christmas 2026, here are six destinations to consider.
Please note: Christmas market dates, opening times, ticket availability and individual attractions can change, sometimes at short notice. The information below is intended as a guide, so always check the event organiser’s official website and confirm your campsite’s opening dates and availability before travelling.
1. Bournemouth
If you fancy heading to the south coast, Bournemouth combines Christmas festivities with the opportunity to enjoy some refreshing winter walks by the sea.
The town traditionally hosts a Christmas market and festive attractions in the town centre, with stalls, seasonal food and drink and plenty of Christmas atmosphere.
Once you’ve explored the festivities, you could head to the nearby New Forest for a winter walk or simply wrap up warm and take a bracing stroll along Bournemouth’s seafront and cliff paths.
Check the official Christmas in Bournemouth website for confirmed 2026 dates and opening times.
2. Blenheim Palace
For a Christmas break with a rather grand backdrop, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is difficult to beat.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site traditionally stages a programme of Christmas events, which may include festive shopping, decorated palace interiors and illuminated outdoor attractions. Some experiences require separate tickets, so it’s worth deciding what you want to see before setting off.
There are touring sites throughout Oxfordshire, making Blenheim Palace an attractive centrepiece for a longer winter caravanning break.
Check the Blenheim Palace website for its confirmed Christmas 2026 programme, dates and ticket information.
3. Birmingham
Birmingham is well known for its Frankfurt Christmas Market, which typically brings traditional stalls, food, drink and live entertainment to the heart of the city.
As well as the market itself, Birmingham offers plenty to fill a winter weekend, from shopping and restaurants to museums, galleries and entertainment – particularly useful if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Check the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market website for confirmed 2026 opening dates and times before travelling.
4. Cardiff
South Wales might be associated with summer caravan holidays, but there is plenty of reason to visit during winter too.
Cardiff’s Christmas Market traditionally showcases independent makers, artists and craftspeople, making it a good destination if you want to combine Christmas shopping with a few days exploring the Welsh capital.
You could also use your trip as a base for discovering more of South Wales, although remember that winter weather can make conditions very different from a summer touring holiday.
Check the official Cardiff Christmas Market website for confirmed 2026 dates and visitor information.
5. Bath
Historic streets, independent shops and impressive Georgian architecture make Bath particularly atmospheric during the festive season.
Its popular Christmas Market traditionally fills the city centre with chalets offering gifts, crafts, food and drink. Away from the market, there are museums, restaurants and plenty of opportunities to explore the city on foot.
Bath Christmas Market can be extremely popular, so if you’re planning to visit in your caravan or motorhome, it makes sense to arrange your campsite and any pre-bookable attractions well in advance.
Check the official Bath Christmas Market website for confirmed 2026 dates and opening times.
6. Manchester
Manchester has hosted Christmas markets for many years, with festive stalls and attractions spread across several locations in the city centre.
That makes it particularly suitable for a longer festive day out, with shopping, restaurants and indoor attractions available alongside the markets.
For somewhere to stay, Burrs Country Park Club Campsite near Bury is a Caravan and Motorhome Club site and may provide a convenient base for exploring the wider area. Always check current opening arrangements and pitch availability directly with the campsite before making your journey.
For Christmas market locations, opening times and confirmed 2026 dates, check the official Visit Manchester information before travelling.
Planning your Christmas caravanning break
Wherever you decide to go, a little advance planning can make a winter caravan or motorhome trip much more enjoyable. Check that your campsite remains open during the period you intend to travel, particularly over Christmas and New Year, and confirm whether facilities operate differently during the winter months.
Keep an eye on weather warnings and road conditions, allow extra time for journeys in poor weather and make sure your ‘van is suitably prepared for colder temperatures.
And, because Christmas events can change from year to year, always check dates, opening hours, ticket requirements and any cancellations directly with the attraction or event organiser before setting off.
With the practicalities taken care of, all that’s left is to wrap up warm and enjoy Christmas somewhere a little different.
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