Christmas Markets

Chatsworth Christmas market could be interesting this year, as they've put the parking fees up to £10 weekdays and £20 on weekends 

It's already kicked off on a number of sites as I don't think people are keen on parting with 20 quid for the privilege of spending more of their money 😂

"there is something very special about of a Christmas market whilst standing in the snow, gluwein and reibekuchen in hand, in a beautiful German town surrounded by happy people, whilst listening to a choir or local band"

I agree, while living in Germany for 20 years I think we just took them for granted. We went to many over the years which always got us in the mood for Christmas. I seem to remember that the one in Bremen was pretty good back then.

We have just booked onto Chester Fairoaks mid December for 4 nights to visit the Christmas market at Chester and we want to walk the City walls 

Brian & Jo

I may be telling you something you already know, but in case I'm not: the site at "Chester" is actually quite a long way from Chester. It's nearer to the Cheshire Oaks shopping centre.  It's just that I noticed you are in a MH, so just want to make you aware, if you're not already.  We once went there to meet friends, and then realised it was quite a way from Chester.  Also, the immediate area around the site didn't appear to have many footpaths/cyclepaths.  We marked it for future use as a site where transport is essential.

Has anyone been to the Christmas market in Bruges, or Ypres?

By the way I think the parking fee at Chatsworth is an absolute disgrace!!

We have just come back from Chester Fair Oaks and there are regular buses from the Cheshire Oaks Shopping Centre to Chester which is a mile walk from the campsite. It is certainly true that the first half of the route from the site does not have a footpath so obviously care must be exercised. The site information room has details of local taxis which I think I would be inclined to use after dark.

David

Par for the course there ValDa, maximum extraction of cash is the rule at Chatsworth. You pay to park, you pay to go in the house, you pay to see extra rooms in the house, you pay to go in the garden, you pay to visit the farm, etc, etc.....

It used to be cheaper to enter a horse in one of the classes at the Game Fair, and get a box pass than it was to park up and enjoy all the stalls! Or a classic car........

Haddon Hall is a much more interesting place.

That makes it really expensive.... 😟  However, I think I might be right in saying that, certainly in the past, parking with a disabled badge is free.

David

Yes thanks we have been to Chester Fairoaks many times and as has been said the buses run from the retail outlet regularly into Chester.If we wanted to back that up then we would just tow the car with us 

But thank you for your comments and concern ,much appreciated.

Brian & Jo

We go to Bruges at the end of the month so will feedback our thoughts. Make sure of the dates for any market visit planned and don't just 'assume' it will be up and running because it is close to Christmas. Friends of ours booked to go to Bruges a couple of years ago assuming the market would be open, arrived a week too soon.....