English Christmas Markets

Steeped rich history and time-honoured traditions, London is where we'll meet for the start of our festive journey through England. After settling into our hand-picked hotel, we'll come together to share a traditional English Christmas dinner with our fellow travel companions. Here's to a week full of Christmas festivities! Stay: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar) (D)

After reconvening at breakfast this morning, we'll take in London's iconic landmarks on a Christmas-themed city tour with a local guide. Following that, there's a spellbinding treat in store for us: a visit to Christmas at Kew. When we get there, we'll follow the illuminated trail through the world-famous gardens, stopping to observe the magical art installations that pepper the trees, buildings and water. Tonight, we have the evening free to admire the capital's glittering Christmas-light displays, explore the array of gastronomic options or put our feet up back at the hotel. Stay: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar) (B)

Today, we'll board the mini-coach and make tracks for Cirencester, where we'll add to our collection of Christmas presents at the town's charming Christmas market. Later this evening, an old-fashioned Christmas experience awaits us in Stratford-upon-Avon – where we'll visit Shakespeare's birthplace and learn more about the Christmas traditions of the 16th-century. With traditionally decorated houses, mulled wine and warm mince pies – not to mention a short theatre performance – it's the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Stay: The Arden Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

This morning we'll take in some quintessentially English country scenery and enchanting rural villages as we make our way through the picturesque Cotswolds region en route to Bath. This afternoon, we'll take to the 'Ten Tree Trail' in search of the ten charming Christmas trees strewn throughout the city. Of course, we'll also take the time to soak up the atmosphere at the award-winning Christmas market before we retire to the hotel for the evening. What a day! Stay: Abbey Hotel (or similar) (B)

We've a full day to spend in Bath today – and where better to begin than the famous Roman Baths? Here, we'll receive a fascinating insight into what local life was like 2,000 years ago as we peruse the artefacts and architecture on a guided tour. Later this afternoon, we'll roll up our sleeves for a Christmas cookery class – where we'll enjoy our sumptuous creations for lunch and learn the secrets behind the perfect mince pie. After dark, we'll take our seats in Bath Abbey for a spine-tingling Choral Evensong service. Stay: Abbey Hotel (or similar) (B/L)

Before we hit the road again, we'll have enough time to visit the museum at No.1 Royal Crescent – a Georgian house that has been decorated and furnished just as it would have been in the 18th-century. Then: it's onwards to Winchester, where we'll pay a visit to the Cathedral's Christmas market – which is regarded as one of the best in Europe. With over 100 chalets to explore, it's the perfect place to pick up a gift or two for your loved ones back at home. You'll be free to stroll the stalls at your leisure before we head inside to enjoy a tour of the magnificent Cathedral itself. Later on, we'll reconvene to share a delicious group dinner and toast to the incredible time we've shared. Stay: Winchester Hotel & Spa (or similar) (B/D)

Before making our way back to London, we'll set our sights on the final festive stop of our tour: the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, which will be bursting with Christmas decorations at this special time of year. Once we arrive in the capital, it'll be time to say goodbye. Merry Christmas, one and all! (B)