The 10 best festive UK day trips for food lovers

Soak up the festive spirit without staying the night with a day trip that promises stellar food, indie shopping galore and a twinkling, wintry atmosphere. Each of these locations make an inspired day trip destination for food lovers, with plenty of independent boutiques, stalls brimming with hand-crafted wares and foodie hot spots which come to life at Christmas. All are easily reached by train or car from across the UK.

Discover more winter travel inspiration with our guide to the best ski destinations or the best winter sun destinations for something a little warmer. For more like this, check out our guides to the best UK city breaks and our favourite European hidden gem hotels.

10 festive UK day trips for food lovers

Bruton

This chill, boho Somerset town provides all the carols, craft stalls and late shopping needed for a chilled recharge before a busy Christmas period. Browse its stylish interiors and lifestyle stores, from Philo & Philo to Smouk and New Romantic, for one-of-a-kind gifts, then walk up the footpath, past allotments, to the Hauser & Wirth for the free art exhibition.

Art aside, Bruton is also known for its clutch of renowned restaurants, such as Michelin-starred Osip, Italian Da Costa, artisan bakery, wood-fired pizzeria and all-day restaurant, At the Chapel, Matt’s Kitchen and nearby communal barn dining experience, Horrell & Horrel.

Seasonally wrapped in a huge bow, boutique hotel Number One embraces the spirit of the season (and recently launched a new farm-to-table restaurant, Briar, with chef Sam Lomas). For a longer trip and the chance to walk off any gastro-indulgence, choose from Bruton's many brilliant walking routes on its doorstep. Nearby National Trust estate, Stourhead offers a Christmas light trail, returning from 29 November.

York

York transforms into a festive playground each winter, with the York Christmas Market (12 November-21 December) bringing wooden chalets to the medieval city centre. Expect food producers selling everything from spiced apple chutney to pecan and amaretto brownies alongside local crafts and artisan products, with over 80% of the businesses coming from Yorkshire, as a way to celebrate local producers. If you’re feeling the chill, cosy up by the fire inside Thor’s Tipi and wrap your hands around a mulled wine.

Before the day is over, squeeze in a pit stop at Betty’s Tea Rooms in St. Helen’s Square for signature creamy hot chocolates, or sample street food at the Shambles Market food court (highlights include savoury galettes from the Krep Truck and arancini from Pizzoli). For a sit-down meal, Skosh is not far from the markets, serving inventive small plates and seasonal cocktails on one of York’s most historic streets. Cosgriff & Sons bakery is a must for seasonal pastries and sourdough focaccia sandwiches.

End your day with a glass of wine or seasonal cocktail at boutique hotel Malmaison’s rooftop bar - its impressive views over the famous cathedral marks a fitting close to a day of exploring.

Frome

This vibrant market town is renowned for its independent spirit and creative flair that comes into its own over the Christmas period. Winding cobbled streets flanked by stone buildings set the scene, and the town’s infectious energy is especially palpable when the festive lights are twinkling.

The jewel in the town's events calendar, The Frome Independent (7 December) – a monthly market running from March to December – transforms the town centre into a treasure trove for unique, hand-crafted presents and local delicacies to take home for the Christmas table. Streets are closed off to make way for stalls brimming with one-of-a-kind wares, from contemporary craft and designer-made homewares to ethical clothing and artisan jewellery. Attractive street food options for refuelling include Tibetan Momos, stuffed souvlaki and grilled cheese (all made using West Country ingredients) – order as you soak up the twinkly atmosphere and live music on the ‘village green’. Food lovers can also fill their totes on funky local produce, from cheese and cider to vegan cakes and kimchi.

The town's cluster of independent cafés and restaurants offer plenty of cosy corners to warm up in. On Cheap Street, Cafe Flora tempts passers-by with freshly-filled focaccia and real hot chocolates, while at the top of Catherine Street, Bistro Lotte serves classic French dishes such as charcuterie platters, coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon using locally sourced ingredients.

Bath

Bath’s cobbled streets and picturesque Georgian streets are a festive stunner, especially when the beloved Christmas Market (28 November-14 December), nestled amongst the city's most famous sights – the spa, Roman Baths and Bath Abbey – fills the city with more than 160 independent and sustainable retailers, offering everything from baked goods, warming drinks and artisan gifts.

Start your day at Landrace Bakery with a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon bun, then wander through the historic Circus crescent to Berdoulat, a grade-II listed food emporium selling artisan wares, shelves of small-batch wines and spices from the jar. Amble back down into town, via the sweeping grandeur of the Royal Crescent, to refuel with serious espressos at Colonna & Smalls, or while away an hour at contemporary tea house Comins. For a pre-dinner tipple, The Elder offers barrel-aged negronis in plush, cosy surrounds. If it’s dinner you’re after, tuck into a seasonal five-course menu at plant-based restaurant OAK, offering views of an unseen angle of Bath Abbey.

The city's independent food and drink stores, boutiques and designer stores ensure shoppers are well catered for. Don’t miss Christmas shopping on and around Milsom Street, where you can find notable indies like cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield, chocolatier Neuhaus, and, for wine and spirits, Amathus. For a spin on the ice, head to the annual Bath on Ice (open from 14 November 2025 until 4 January 2026).

Tewinbury Farm

Slow down and embrace the joy and sparkle of the season at Tewinbury Farm, located just 30 minutes outside of London in the Hertfordshire countryside. This 700-acre countryside retreat transforms into a glittering wonderland with a woodland light trail (running from Thursday 27 November), making a wholesome family outing, festive catch up or winter date.

You can expect fireside marshmallow toasting, a horse box bar serving warming mulled wine and a riverside Après Ski Bar with live music, seasonal cocktails and street food each evening. Christmas afternoon teas with carols, feasts from The Cowshed & Granary Kitchen and Christmas parties are also on offer (or make a weekend of it with a festive stay from £175).

Edinburgh

With its narrow, winding streets and medieval buildings, Edinburgh’s old-world feel means it's far too easy to absorb the magic of the season. Southside's Marchmont and Newington neighbourhoods are the city’s festive (and more relaxed) foodie hot spots, with historic streets dotted with independent shops and local boutiques for gift hunting.

Start with a pastry at bakery-café Kate’s or head to Pomelo for hand-ripped noodles and vibrant Asian sharing plates. Nàdair offers Scandi-style dishes using foraged Scottish produce, or for a special dinner book a table at Michelin-starred Condita for a tasting menu rooted in Scottish ingredients.

If you're in the mood for buzzy festive fun, don’t miss the Christmas markets in central Princes Street Gardens for shopping galore, ice skating as well as a Hogmanay torchlight procession as part of the city’s winter festival. Otherwise, perkily pretty Stockbridge takes care of all your produce needs, from delis and patisseries to cheesemongers, butchers and bakeries. Retro-chic wine bar Smith and Gertrude is also worth checking for good wine, cheese and company.

Heckfield Place, Hampshire

There's possibly no better way to embrace the warmth of the season than with a dose of festive creativity, and Heckfield Place is an exemplary place to do it.

Inviting guests to treat the house as their home, heartfelt traditions include a wreath making workshop (4 December) in the Glass House with Heckfield Place’s resident florist, using foliage and flowers from the Home Farm and estate. Or craft whimsical decorations from foraged materials gathered across its 438-acre estate at the festive fairy decoration workshop (7 December), complete with tea, coffee and cake.

For those who fancy a spirited afternoon of mixing, shaking and bottling cocktails, the festive cocktail gift making workshop (14 December) with the Heckfield bar team includes making your own spiced daiquiri, margarita and espresso martini (making quite the toast to festivities).

Winchester

Winchester’s cathedral grounds are transformed each year by its German-inspired Christmas market (22 November–22 December), lined with wooden chalets offering glühwein, street food and handmade crafts.

Outside of the market, coffee aficionados can geek out at Coffee Lab Academy – pair one of their speciality coffees with a freshly baked sourdough toastie.

For a post-market nibble, stop by family-run Cabinet Rooms for a cheeseboard and glass from its discerning wine list, or perhaps a seasonal cocktail, such as its Montreal negroni. Or book a table at The Wykeham Arms for a classic Sunday roast – a short walk from the house Jane Austen once lived in, this 18th century coaching inn boasts beautiful curved, Georgian bow doors, a cosy but bright bar and a separate dining room decorated with wonky framed photos, Persian rugs and gnarled oak chairs. Relaxing with a drink by one of their original fireplaces is a merry way to while away an hour or so.

Norwich

Norwich, with its endless historic layers, looks particularly picturesque in winter – check the Insta-perfect cobbled Elm Hill – while offering a fab mix of food and indie shopping.

Norwich's Lanes is a particularly vibrant, walkable hotspot of streets and alleys with indie boutiques aplenty, including sustainable slow-fashion store Atwin, Elm homewares and Bowhill & Elliott, makers of luxurious house slippers since 1874. There's also the legendary Jarrolds independent department store for reliable gifts.

Shopping aside, the area is abundant in good food and drink. Start your day with a pastry from Bread Source bakery. For lunch, tuck into fresh pasta at Yard or classic French bistro fare at L’hexagone. As evening falls, book a table at Brix and Bones for live-fire cooking and next-level steaks or enjoy a modern British menu at Benedicts. The city is also home to a host of Christmas fairs and markets — perfect for picking up last-minute foodie gifts.

Brighton

It may known as a free-spirited seaside destination, but Brighton, particularly the Lanes, exudes a festive buzz in winter with its huddle of indie shops dusted in fairy lights. Lost in the Lanes makes a solid starting point for a seasonal brunch before exploring the area's string of independent shops. Browse the boutiques before heading to Shelter Hall on the promenade for a pitstop lunch. Soak up the sea views, then take a postprandial stroll along the beach.

Elsewhere, Unbarred brewery's terrace is a local favourite for craft beer and Neapolitan-style pizza from Fatto a Mano. In the evening, head back to the Lanes for Mediterranean-inspired small plates at Burnt Orange or settle in at Bincho Yakitori for authentic Japanese small plates. For an unparalleled skate around the ice, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a must.