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Christmas Markets to visit in Europe

September 11, 2025

Although is only Autumn, Christmas isn’t too far away. One of the best parts of the festive season is visiting a Christmas Market. In fact, many of the Christmas markets begin in November, which is actually just around the corner.

If you are thinking of visiting a Christmas Market this year, here are some ideas of places to go.

Florence

Florence has a beautiful German Christmas Market and it still goes by the traditional German name, “Weihnachtsmarkt”. There are quite a few Christmas Markets in Italy and this one in Florence has been taking place for more than 500 years. This year it is beginning on November 28th. Florence is easy to visit and served by its own airport, but also the airport in Pisa is not far away. There are a lot of other things you can do in the city to make it more than just a Christmas Market trip. The market itself is located beneath Santa Croce, which is a beautiful setting.

London

London is a special city during the Christmas period. Winter Wonderland has become a huge part of the Christmas experience in the capital city for many. Here you can find lots and lots of fun rides for Children, as well as a Santa Experience and ice skating. The Christmas Market part of Winter Wonderful includes the traditional wooden huts and you can buy mulled wine as you browse them. It starts early and you can book tickets from November 14th onwards.

Frankfurt

For the an authentic German Christmas Market experience it is of course worth travelling to one of the German cities. The Christmas Markets are everywhere and Frankfurt has one of the oldest ones. It is positioned around various parts of the city and there is a magical feel with all the lights and quaint wooden huts.

York

Back in the UK, York has a very pretty Christmas Market. It is an award-winning Christmas Market and this is included within the city’s festive celebrations, which begin on November 13^th. The streets look wonderful with all the Christmas decorations and there is a traditionally festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Surfing destinations in the UK

September 5, 2025

During the autumn months, surfing in the UK is very good! The water is a bit warmer after the summer months and also the conditions for surfing can be very good. Here are some ideas for beaches to visit in the UK if you want to try body boarding or surf lessons.

Cornwall: Fistral Beach in Newquay

It is worth travelling to the very bottom of the UK and visiting Cornwall for some surfing. It is known to be an excellent place for enjoying the waves! Fistral Beach in particular is noted for having swell all year round. In the autumn, the sea will be warm too and it is likely to be less crowded. It is a good destination to try if you are a beginner or more accomplished.

FISTRAL BEACH NEWQUAY

Devon: Woolacombe

Again, down south, Woolacombe is also a brilliant place for surfing. It isn’t quite a far to go as Cornwall, but still offers lovely sandy beaches and good conditions for those wanting to get into the water. Like Fistral, it is ok for beginners and also longboarders. It is also very family friendly and popular throughout the year.

North East England: Saltburn Beach

If you are closer to the Northern parts of the country, then Saltburn Beach is an option that is worth considering. It has long waves here and has become a popular – but also more discreet – spot to go in this part of the country. Autum is great but spring will also have good conditions here as well.

Saltburn Beach

Scotland: Thurso East

If you are an accomplished surfer, then a trip to Thurso East in Scotland should be on the cards. This is a place to go for those who are experienced in the water. Thurso East is is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. This isn’t a place to try and learn and it is too difficult for beginners.

Ideas for a trip away with the girls
Ideas for a trip away with the girls

September 4, 2025

The Patricia Bech Travel Hub provides ideas for lots of different types of holidays. Going away with your closest girl friends can be a lot of fun. Whether you are celebrating after exams, marking a special birthday or planning a pre-wedding celebration, there are lots of reasons that you can enjoy a trip with your closest friends.

The Patricia Bech Travel Hub is a place where travel ideas and inspiration are shared. Here are some places to visit if you are looking to plan a trip away with the girls:

London: There is a lot of enjoy in London. The nightlife is good fun and there is also the attraction of West End shows. There are the long running theatre performances such as The Lion King, Wicked and Mamma Mia or you can enjoy some of the newer productions like Moulin Rouge. You can follow a West End Show with cocktails in a nearby bar for a good night out.

Paris: While it is a city that is known for Romance, Paris is also great fun with friends. This is especially the case if you like fashion and art. There are a lot of art galleries that you can visit. The Louvre Museum is home to some iconic works. Paris also has a lot of boutiques for those who like to shop, but have individuality. Of course, the food and wine is excellent too.

Canary Islands: As autumn and winter arrive, the Canary Islands provide a great option for some continued sunshine. It is not too expensive to travel here. Tenerife and Lanzarote and popular and it is warm enough to swim in the sea pretty much throughout the year. You can definitely enjoy sunbathing and alfresco lunches, even if it can get a little but cooler in the evenings.

New York: If you want to do a trip that is further afield, the New York is a lot of fun with friends. This is another city that is great for threatre, shopping and dining. There are some really good rooftop terrace bars where you can enjoy drinks with views that overlook the city. Although it is a long flight, you can definitely fit a trip in over a weekend.

Fancy a weekend away surfing? Surfing destinations in the UK – Welcome to the Patricia Bech Travel Hub