The Lake District is the big winner, while the North took all five top spots, in a new survey of the UK’s most Christmassy towns and cities.
From snow-covered peaks in Cumbria to candlelit markets in York, a new study by Betway Casino has ranked 37 UK towns and cities based on a range of festive factors including average December snowfall and temperature, number of cosy cafes, and online engagement with Christmas-related content.
Bowness-on-Windermere was officially crowned the UK’s most Christmassy town after the data was analysed.
Perched beside Lake Windermere, Bowness claimed the number one spot thanks to its postcard-perfect winter scenery. The town sees an average of 84mm of snowfall in December, and an average temperature of 4°C, creating a truly wintry atmosphere. With 14 cosy cafes dotted throughout the town, there’s no shortage of spots to warm up after a stroll through the snow.
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The charming Peak District town of Bakewell, on the outskirts of Sheffield, took second place. With 35 cafes serving a population of just over 3,000, Bakewell has more cafes per capita than anywhere else in the UK – a bonus for lovers of a nice cup of tea, and perfect for enjoying a warming drink after a wintery stroll. The town also sees 31mm of December snow and an average temperature of 4°C, adding to its winter appeal.
Taking third place overall was York with its historic cobbled streets, medieval charm and a bustling Christmas market which attracts visitors from far and wide. The former capital of Viking England’s media presence proves just how popular it is during the holiday season, with over 6,800 Christmas-related articles and more than 430,000 online engagements recorded over the past two festive periods.
Rounding out the top five, Keswick, just up the road from Bowness, took fourth place thanks to its crisp 4°C average December temperature and snow-dusted fells. With 42 cafes for its small population, it ranks second for cafes per capita, which is handy after exploring the Lake District’s winter trails.
In fifth spot, the Greater Manchester-adjacent Derbyshire spa town of Buxton took the title of coldest town in the study, with an average December temperature of 3°C. The town enjoys 31mm of December snowfall and a thriving Christmas calendar including pantomimes, festive fairs, and winter markets, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a traditional British Christmas.
Bowness, Bakewell and Buxton offer the highest probability of Christmas snowfall, with your best bet in Bowness, with an average December snowfall of 84mm. Bakewell and Buxton each average around 31mm of December snowfall.
Bowness Harbour image: Michal Klajban/Creative Commons
