It's the most wonderful time of the year and there are plenty of reasons to go glamping at this time of year...so why not snuggle up this Christmas with a festive stay in one of our cosy glamping pods, camping pods or Airstream caravans. From the heart of the picturesque Lake District to the beautiful Sussex coast, we've got winter glamping sites to suit your needs. We've also picked a handful of festive activities in the local area to enjoy this Christmas season, whether you're an adventurous ice skater, an afternoon tea lover or simply a Christmas light admirer.
Young couple enjoying trip to Christmas market
There's plenty to discover in the capital this Christmas. Whatever your plans, you can stay in camping pods, glamping pods and Airstream caravans at Abbey Wood and snuggle up after a long day exploring all year round.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Visit Hyde Park's spectacular Winter Wonderland for a Christmas extravaganza you won’t forget. With fairground rides, Christmas markets, a Bavarian village and plenty of mulled wine to boot, it’s worth the hour it’ll take to travel by tube. There's even a giant wheel and ice sculpting workshops, but make sure to book extra activities in advance.
Visit from 21 Nov 2019 - 5 Jan 2020
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Somerset House
Ice skating, various locations
There are loads of places to get your skates on this Christmas, from big rinks to smaller locations. The closest is Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf, just 50 minutes from site by train or a 30 minute drive. Enjoy skating to a festive soundtrack or take the Skate Path to glide around the ice under a canopy of trees. You could also head to Somerset House or the Natural History Museum.
Christmas lights on Regent Street
Christmas lights, various locations
You’ll find a plethora of Christmas lights dotted around the capital, from the famous Oxford Street lights which are switched on at the start of November, to the South Bank lights which light up the Thames. Many can be seen within walking distance of each other, so wrap up warm as there's lots to see.
Visit Covent Garden from 12 Nov 2019 - Oxford St. lights are usually switched on first (2019 date TBC) and other lights slightly later in the year.
There’s plenty of Christmas events taking place in Surrey this year, and you’ll be well-placed to visit them all from our site at Alderstead Heath which is a stones' throw from both the M23 and M25. You can stay in our cosy glamping pods all year round.
Santa's Grotto
See the illuminations and visit Santa, Painshill Park
Head to Painshill Park for colourful illuminations and take the kids to Santa's brand new Toy Factory. Grown-ups can enjoy seeing Painshill Park's landscape garden and Crystal Grotto illuminated with twinkling lights as well as enjoying winter activities in the evening, such as a live band, food stalls and a marshmallow camp fire.
Dates TBC
Winter in Guildford
Christmas Pie Trail, Guildford
Sadly not a trail of actual Christmas pies, the Christmas Pie Trail is a leisurely cycle route running from northwest Guildford to the east of Farnham. Follow country paths and lanes along 8.5 miles, and see if you can spot the Christmas pudding logo on signage. The start point at Guildford is around 40 minutes from site by car, and you’ll need to bring your own bike. Guildford also has great Christmas shopping at the market in winter so there’s plenty to make a day of.
Christmas at Hever Castle
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Visit the festive rooms of Hever Castle, and enjoy welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas lights. You can also ride the carousel and enjoy vintage fairground stalls, before making your way around the grounds following an interactive trail themed around Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Visit from 23 Nov – 8 Dec 2019 (Wed - Sun) and 9 Dec - 24 Dec (daily).
hevercastle.co.uk
If you're heading down to the coast this Christmas, Brighton has plenty of activities to take part in, from festive 5ks to Christmas markets. You can stay with us at our Brighton site in our Airstream caravans, glamping pods and camping pods.
Ride the Santa Express
Ride the Santa Express, Volk's Electric Railway
Ride on the oldest Electric Railway this Christmas while Santa fixes up his sleigh. Families are invited to make a stocking and visit Santa in his grotto on the Volk's Electric Railway. There'll even be some tasty snacks to enjoy as you make your way along the railway.
Takes place 7 Dec - 22 Dec 2019 (10.30am-2.30pm)
volksrailway.org.uk
Ice skating at Brighton Pavilion
Ice skating, Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
Visit the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink for ice skating outside one of Brighton's most beautiful buildings. There's something for everyone to enjoy with family-friendly skate sessions - plus adults can hang out at the lively rinkside Bar & Kitchen, home to good value meals and tasty wines.
Visit from 12 Nov 2019 - 19 Jan 2020
royalpavilionicerink.co.uk
Santa with his sack of presents
Santa Dash, starting at Hove Lawns
Start your festivities early and go for a festive run with the Santa Dash on the 8th of December. Don a Santa suit and hat and set out on this fun 5k through Brighton surrounded by thousands of other santa-clad runners.
Takes place 14 Dec 2019
santadashbrighton.co.uk
If you're planning a Christmas getaway to the Cotswolds this year there's plenty of festivities to get stuck into. The Cotswolds is beautiful in winter and there are many picturesque towns and villages to discover which will be illuminated by Christmas lights. Head to Moreton-in-Marsh for a cosy stay in one of our glamping pods, which are fully insulated and have all the amenities you'll need for your stay.
Cheeky Christmas elves
Festive fun, Batsford Arboretum
There's nothing better than Batsford Arboretum as the weather gets colder, and even though the autumn leaves have faded by the time December rolls around, there’s still plenty to see. Children under eight can try and find Santa’s elves hiding in the Arboretum to win a prize, and visit Santa’s magical grotto and receive a gift from the man himself.
Romantic walking trail lights
Christmas experiences, Blenheim Palace
At Blenheim Palace, there are so many true Christmas experiences on offer. See the palace transformed by decorations or buy tickets for the winter wonderland illumination trail. For a magical time, book Cinderella's festive fairy-tale experience. There is also a palace Christmas market (open until December 16th) where their will be plenty of tempting gifts or treats on sale.
Takes place Nov 22 2019- Jan 5 2020
www.blenheimpalace.com/christmas/
The Cotswolds on a frosty morning
Festive walks, various locations
Frosty mornings are made for exploring. Wrap up warm and explore the heart of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh. There are some wonderful locations to explore nearby directly from site on the Moreton-in-Marsh Circular Walk, but you can also venture down to the likes of nearby Stow-on-the-Wold to enjoy picturesque views from Maugersbury Hill.
The Lake District is a great place to visit this Christmas and there's plenty happening to get you in the festive spirit - the big man himself will even make a couple of appearances. You can stay in the heart of the Lake District National Park on our site at Coniston Park Coppice. Our camping pods, glamping pods and Airstream caravans are available to stay in all year round so you'll have somewhere warm and cosy to return to after even the coldest of days.
See A Christmas Carol at the theatre
Watch A Christmas Carol at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Nothing quite beats enjoying a traditional show over the Christmas period. This timeless classic continues to enchant many all over the world and never grows old. There are other shows on through December which may be of interest, including "The Legend of the Jazz Penguin".
Takes place from 22 Nov 2019 - 11 Jan 2020
www.theatrebythelake.com/whats-on
Father Christmas
Take a ride on the Santa Express, Haverthwaite & Lakeside Railway
Visit Father Christmas on the Santa Express for a fun-filled family day out. From Haverthwaite, travel by train to Lakeside in a decorated carriage, enjoy a festive drink and watch as the kids open presents and make mischief with the elves.
Takes place on weekends between 30 Nov 2019 and 15 Dec 2019 at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
lakesiderailway.co.uk
Wintry walks
National Trust Winter Walks, various locations
There are plenty of winter walks to explore near our site at Coniston Park Coppice. Try the Yewdale Valley walk, a National Trust walk starting in Coniston village that explores the picturesque Yewdale valley. If you're up for more of a challenge, try the Tom Gill to Tarn Hows walk.
Where will you visit this Christmas?