Each year, thousands of Brits and tourists flock to London’s Hyde Park to soak up the festive atmosphere at its hugely popular Winter Wonderland. While it’s proven to be a fun-packed day out, it comes at a cost/ 

Entrance to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland can be free during off-peak times, but outside of these, visitors can expect to pay £5 for a standard ticket or £7.50 for a peak ticket, setting a family of four back £33, for entry alone. There are also a variety of activities, attractions, and funfair rides available to book at an additional cost, along with food and beverage options.

Luckily for those on a tighter budget, there is a UK alternative, where a two-night stay could work out cheaper. 

While Winter Wonderland is certainly a great day out, and an alot of festive merriment is had along the way, it can quickly add up, with many visitors estimating that they’ve spent a whopping £200 in a day and £400 over the course of two days. With the cost of a trip to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland exceeding that of some European getaways, the Bath Christmas Market is a great alternative for some jollity, and it’s a fraction of the price.

With free entrance, more than 200 wooden chalets adorn the cobbled streets of Bath during one of the UK’s largest and most renowned Christmas markets, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Nestled amid the scenic backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, vendors showcase a variety of goods, from handmade wooden furniture and garden sculptures to Bristolian knitwear and independent fragrances.

Local festive delicacies also take centre stage in the city, featuring seasonal bakes from ‘Flapjackery’ and the ‘Pudding Wagon’. The merriment extends to the nearby Royal Victoria Park for a spin around the ice rink at £16 for an adult, or £13.50 for a child, or there’s the option for a brisk winter walk along the city’s iconic Royal Crescent.

Those hoping to experience the festive magic in Bath will have to be quick, as the Christmas Market is only on until Sunday, 14 December. However, there are some brilliant last-minute deals on hotels and Airbnb, so you can enjoy a two-night stay and explore more of the charming city – and it’s still cheaper than two day trips to London’s Winter Wonderland.

One hotel, just over a mile from the city centre, is available for £330 for two adults staying for two nights from Friday, 12 December, to Sunday, 14 December. Or those who can be flexible and stay during the week can snap up a hotel for just £144, for two nights, staying from Monday, 8 December to Wednesday, 10 December.

There are direct trains from London Paddington to Bath Spa that take just 1 hour and 14 minutes, so it’s easy to make a day out of it if you prefer. Alternatively, train prices can start from £19.60 – which is almost the same price as two 175ml glasses of wine at Hyde Park!

So, when you’re thinking about your festivities this year, why not explore a smaller, yet charming, Christmas market while also exploring a city considered one of the most beautiful in England? For more information, you can visit the Bath Christmas Market website.

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