Christmas may still be a couple of weeks away, but festive fever is already sweeping across the North West – from Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets to the snow-dusted charm of the Lake District and Peak District.
And if you’re planning a winter escape, two Cumbrian favourites have just been crowned among the UK’s most Christmassy destinations, according to a new study by Betway.
The research ranked 37 UK towns and cities on their festive credentials – everything from average snowfall and cosy café density to online buzz around Christmas content.
Two UK towns ranked among the UK’s most Christmassy destinations
Topping the table is Bowness-on-Windermere offering a seasonal setting straight out of a festive postcard.
Just a two-hour drive from Manchester, Bowness-on-Windermere takes the crown as the UK’s most Christmassy town. With average December snowfall reaching 84mm and temperatures hovering around 4°C, it’s one of the few places in the country where you might actually wake up to a white Christmas.
This lakeside gem is known for its cosy cafés and twinkling winter scenery. After a bracing lakeside stroll or a boat trip on Windermere, visitors can warm up with hot chocolate and mince pies in one of the many tearooms dotted around the town. The festive magic here feels authentic and timeless – the kind that doesn’t need grand light displays or fairground rides to make it special.
A festive trail through the Peaks and the Lakes
The charming Derbyshire town of Bakewell takes 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 – 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 picture-perfect winter appeal.
Meanwhile, Keswick, set against the dramatic backdrop of the northern fells, ranks fourth overall. With 42 cafés – nearly 100 per 10,000 people, this welcoming market town is practically made for winter wanderers. Its compact streets come alive during December with festive markets, local craft fairs, and the scent of mulled wine drifting through the air.
Also making the top five is Buxton in the Peak District – another easily reachable spot for Mancunians looking to experience that classic Christmas feel without venturing too far from home. With an average December temperature of just 3°C, it’s officially the coldest town in the study and one of the most likely to see snow. Add in its Victorian architecture, winter market, and traditional pantomimes, and it’s no surprise Buxton scored highly for festive charm.
How to get these Christmassy towns from Manchester
Getting to these festive spots from Manchester is straightforward, with plenty of options whether you’re driving or taking the train.
Manchester to Bowness-on-Windermere
By train: Take a direct service from Manchester (Piccadilly, Oxford Road or Deansgate) to Windermere; the fastest journeys take around 1 hour 40-50 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. From Windermere station, Bowness is about a 5-10 minute taxi or bus ride, or a 25–30 minute downhill walk.
By car: Head north on the M61/M6 towards Kendal, then follow signs for Windermere and Bowness; the drive typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes in good traffic.
Manchester to Keswick
By train and bus: The simplest route is a train from Manchester to Penrith (North Lakes), then the X4/X5 bus straight into Keswick town centre; typical total journey time is around 2.5-3 hours depending on connections. Alternatively, you can go via Windermere and take a scenic Lake District bus north to Keswick, which takes a little longer but offers spectacular views.
By car: Follow the M61/M6 north to Penrith, then the A66 west to Keswick; allow around 2 hours 15 minutes, longer in peak holiday traffic or bad weather.
Manchester to Buxton and Bakewell
Buxton by train: Direct Northern services run from Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton in just under an hour on the fastest trains, with frequent departures throughout the day.
Buxton and Bakewell by car: From Manchester, take the A6 through Stockport and into the Peak District; Buxton is usually under 1.5 hours’ drive, with Bakewell a further 30-40 minutes along scenic A6 and A619 routes.