Stratford-upon-Avon named among best festive days out

TimeOut has created a list of the UK’s 10 most festive Christmas towns and two close to Worcester made the list.

Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire and Bourneville in Birmingham have been named as two of the most festive towns in the UK and they’re both a short drive from Worcester.

What did TimeOut say about Stratford-upon-Avon?

Stratford-upon-Avon came in at number two on the list and it’s described as “romantic” by TimeOut.

Stratford-upon-Avon was ranked highly in TimeOut's list (Image: Getty Images)

The town is the birthplace of famous playwright and poet William Shakespeare and it could make the ideal festive day out.

TimeOut added: “Not only are its cobbled streets framed with regal festive lights and decorations, his many attractions - like the Shakespeare Birthplace Museum - turn into a Tudor Christmas paradise; look out for the candlelit walks.

A brief history of Christmas markets

“Some 300 stalls selling local crafts and wares return at the Victorian Christmas Market in early December, but fear not for those of you who like to arrive ‘a minute too late’ – there’s a year-round Christmas shop on Henley St.”

You can see the full list of TimeOut’s most festive towns in the UK list here.

What did TimeOut say about Bourneville?

Bourneville is described as “a chocolate box village” which is very fitting since it’s the home of Cadbury World.

The Cadbury factory in Bourneville still operates (Image: Google Maps)

TimeOut added: “Founded in 1901 by the Cadbury family for its factory employees, Bournville feels like it was built for Christmas. The star of the town is its famous 1948-planted Atlas Cedar tree, whose annual lights switch on attracts locals and visitors in their droves.

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“It is undoubtedly the region’s most iconic Christmas tree.

"Much of the village remains the same, too: its inviting Green is flanked by its mock-Tudor independent shopping arcade, and the Cadbury factory indeed still operates.

“Festive events at Cadbury World include a Santa stage show, while festive-themed trinkets and treats are on sale in the gift shop.”