Vogue has named the best Christmas markets in Europe and, as you might expect, the list includes festive gems in Heidelberg in Germany, Basel in Switzerland, Vienna in Austria and Copenhagen in Denmark. There is, however, one in England and it's just a couple of hours from Birmingham.

Bath's Christmas Market boasts more than 200 stalls throughout the city centre, making it a great festive day out for free if you fancy trying something different to Birmingham's German Christmas Market.

"If you’re looking for a more pastoral feel, head to the Cotswolds, England’s most romantic region of storybook countryside," says the Vogue article. "With quaint villages adorned in lights, caroling, and frequent dustings of snow, the Cotswolds evokes Christmas from the days of old.

"The ancient city of Bath sits on the region’s edge and is hosting the 20th anniversary of its annual holiday market this year. With over 150 stalls (actually 200!) offering unique goods like pottery, hand-knit socks, artisan cheeses, and beyond, you’ll cross off your shopping list — and then some."

Read more: Birmingham German Christmas Market 2023 opening dates, times, locations and how to get there

Poll: Will you be visiting the Birmingham German Christmas Market in 2023?

However, don't delay in heading over there, because the Bath Christmas Market only runs for 18 days. It will open on Thursday November 23 until Sunday December 10. Said to attract almost half a million people, it celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.

There are lots of Christmassy events to enjoy in Bath throughout the run-up to the big day. Look out for classical concerts, ice skating, theatre performances, carol-singing choirs and Santa's grottos. Vogue suggests staying at the Thyme hotel, which is around an hour drive away in Lechlade in the Cotswolds.

Listen to our Brummie Mummies 2023 Christmas Podcast here:

How to get to the Bath Christmas Market from Birmingham

You can catch a train to Bath from Birmingham New Street, switching at Bristol Parkway. It takes around two hours. Or you can drive there in around two hours, traffic permitting, via the M5. Find out more about the Bath Christmas Market here.

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