Twinkle Towns

Good evening. Santa arriving on a tractor, decorated stately homes, roasting chestnuts and medieval fire festivals … towns around the UK are definitely gearing up for Christmas. Whether it’s a sneaky last-minute break or a sparkly day trip that’s required, our writers have a stocking-full of suggestions of where to head for some Yuletide cheer. Dinky Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross is Christmas-card pretty and offers a wood-fired sauna by the river (“sure to be this season’s hottest hangout”) or a candlelit shopping trail; choirs belt out carols in Arundel’s main square, and visitors flock to the Sussex town’s antique shops, art galleries and independent stores; Cambridge University Botanic Garden has its first ever light trail this year, with illuminated fountains, lakes and trees; while Totnes’ Christmas market includes a vintage carousel, mulled cider and a ukulele singalong. Time to deck the halls and be merry!