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Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
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Countdown to Christmas
Countdown to Christmas
From outlet centres and magical markets, to candlelit landmarks and festive fairs - here are some great Christmas shopping ideas.
Take a break
There’s something really magical about the build up to Christmas. The days become colder and crisper whilst the shops become warm and enticing, with windows adorned with twinkling decorations displaying gifts to tempt those who walk past. Now Shearings has captured the excitement and anticipation of the countdown to Christmas and packaged up the experience in their special Christmas Shopping breaks. These breaks are perfect to share with your group, where you can explore Dublin and shop till you drop at Kildare Village, or discover the many Christmas markets in Berlin. Even if you know of a great Christmas shopping destination that Shearings don’t feature in their brochure, they’ll do their best to arrange a group trip there for you. Contact them on the details below to find out what they can offer your group this Christmas.
t
01942 823 447
Great tradition
Groups can enjoy a stress free Christmas shopping experience at Hever Castle in Kent, from 1 December, as you can witness the castle traditionally decorated with twinkling Christmas trees, rich decorations, and holly and ivy adorning the rooms. You can also enjoy the warmth of the log fire as it burns in the Dining Hall, while the gentle music captivates the spirit of Christmas throughout the Castle. To round off your visit you might like to take a look around the Hever Shop, where you’ll find an exquisite range of seasonal gifts for family and friends, or visit the Moat Restaurant, which serves delicious festive food. For more information or to make a booking, contact Hever Castle on the information below.
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01732 861701
A warm welcome
Always a popular group attraction at Christmas is The Lowry Outlet Mall in Manchester - a retail and leisure destination with a world of entertainment and events. It’s the perfect place for groups, as they offer special packages for coach drivers and discount voucher booklets for group travel visitors, where you can shop in a warm and secure environment. Special group days are also available and include a classic film at the on-site Vue cinema, buffet lunch and tea dance - all for only £9 per person. Inside the mall you’ll find over 80 stores and 1,800 parking spaces, with free coach parking and a huge selection of fashion, gifts and homeware to choose from. Christmas also brings a whole host of festive entertainment with Santa, the popular grotto, carol singers, and The Christmas Light Switch on 16 November. For more information including latest news and events, opening times, directions to the store, visit the website below or contact Andrea Murphy on the following number.
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0161 848 1850
Victorian style
Between Friday 28 November and Sunday 30 November, the historic centre of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, will be transformed into a Victorian style Christmas market. You’ll find colourful stalls selling local produce and crafts, traders from around the UK and mainland Europe, and traditional fairground rides and on-stage entertainment. The Angel Hill area of Bury St Edmunds, with its recently crowned cathedral, medieval Abbey Gate and links with Charles Dickens, is the ideal setting for a traditional Christmas Fayre. An added attraction is the town’s nearby cosmopolitan shopping centre, where you’ll find a great mix of famous name stores and independent shops, plus cafés and restaurants. Visitors on Saturday will also be able to sample the delights of Bury St Edmunds’s provisions market on the Buttermarket and Cornhill, which this year, also coincides with the Cathedral’s Christmas Fair and the Medieval Fayre in Moyse’s Hall Museum.
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01284 764 667
Christmas wish list
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Living Crafts provides a great Christmas shopping experience for your group. >From 21 to 23 November, two large marquees in the courtyards of Blenheim Palace will be filled with fun and exciting gifts carefully created by handpicked craftsmen and women, ensuring there is something for each and every person on your Christmas list. You’ll also find it hard to resist the delicious aromas emanating from their festive food and drink quarter. To find out more about what’s on offer, contact Living Crafts on the details below.
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023 9286 3871
Family Christmas
Castle Howard is one of Britain's finest historic houses and is home to the Howard family. Christmas time is the perfect opportunity to have a peek behind the doors, as it opens daily from 29 November to 21 December 2008. You’ll find the gift shops offer endless inspiration for presents and decorations, and the Plant Centre sells a range of quality Christmas trees, hand-made wreaths and rustic decorations. The Farm Shop also has a wide choice of seasonal meats and foods on offer, including Bronze turkeys and Castle Howard Aberdeen Angus beef. Tasty seasonal menus are also available in the Fitzroy Room and Courtyard Café. For more information about Christmas at Castle Howard, contact them on the number below or visit their website.
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01653 648621
Treasure of gifts
De Bradelei Stores in Dover is great for a spot of Christmas shopping, as leading brands are offered with up to 70% discount on a wide range of products. You’ll find shop after shop of elegant fashion, party wear, accessories, menswear, and soft furnishings provide masses of inspiration for gifts for all the family. The Waterford Wedgwood and Royal Doulton shop sell china and glass, and if you are a keen cook, there’s gadgets galore in the kitchen shop. Coach parties are always welcome, and during December, groups who book ahead will be offered a free Bucks Fizz on arrival.
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01304 226616