The towns near Greater Manchester named among the UK’s ‘most festive’

Two of the most festive Christmas towns in the UK are within a 90 minute drive of Greater Manchester. Travel guide Time Out has listed the top 10 towns in the UK which are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.

The publication has rounded up picture-perfect destinations across the country which are transformed into winter wonderlands in December, from coastal town Mousehole in Cornwall all the way to Oban in Scotland. But luckily for us, two places are within easy reach of Greater Manchester have made the cut.

Llangollen in North Wales, a 90 minute drive away, and Buxton in Derbyshire, an hour’s drive away, both feature on the list. If you’re looking for a last minute festive getaway, these are the places to go to.

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Located on the banks of the River Dee, the authors praised Llangollen as a “gorgeous Welsh gem well with a winter visit”. The town has an annual Christmas festival where Father Christmas is known as Siôn Corn and wears green instead of red.

Throughout December Llangollen Railway runs the Santa Special steam train where families can meet Santa and his elves on board. Meanwhile adults can enjoy a festive afternoon tea and listen to Christmas songs as you cruise along the Llangollen Canal, passing over the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Revellers can even join the Christmas Party Boat which features a retro buffet and festive hits from over the years.

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District and only a stone’s throw away from Manchester, Buxton is one of the best places to visit at Christmas time as