Time-warp UK Christmas market that feels like you’re in Victorian Britain & fans say better than the big city ones

THERE’S a Christmas market in the West Midlands that leaves visitors feeling like they’ve stepped into festive Victorian England.

At the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, stallholders dress in traditional period clothing like bonnets, lace blouses, full-length black skirts, shawls, and top hats, transporting visitors back 150 years.

The Christmas market has been a staple part of the city’s festivities ever since it first opened in 1992.

It’s home to over 200 stalls where traders sell handmade gifts and festive treats.

While the themed traders form the bulk of the market, there are other period attractions too.

One of those is a performer dressed as Scrooge who moans his way through the crowds, daring brave Brits to approach.

Arthur Conan Doyle‘s characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson will be solving crimes on stilts.

The Temperance lady is another one of the characters at the market, trying to get visitors to denounce the demon drink.

Gin Lane is another attraction at the market, with performances from local actors taking place in the alleyway.

Located between New Street and The Shambles, Gin Lane will be open for visitors at set times over the weekend.

Live music and entertainment will also take place at the Cardinal’s Hat on Friar Street.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Cardinal’s Hat is Worcester’s oldest inn.

The boozer serves a range of pub snacks and real ales and also functions as a boutique hotel.

There’s also Dancefest, a pop-up dance festival, where a host of other yuletide characters, including the Temperance Lady and Mr Scrooge, will be putting on a performance or two.

Last year, funfair rides were also at the market – although it is not yet known whether they’ll be returning for 2024.

Visitors will have to plan their break carefully, because the market is only open for four days from November 28, 2024, until December 1, 2024.

The Victorian market spans several streets in Worcester, including New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket, and Cathedral Square.

Worcester Victorian Fayre announced its return earlier this year, with fans taking to Facebook to share their excitement.

One person wrote: “I’m really looking forward to the Christmas market”.

Another added: “Wouldn’t miss it”.

And last year, one couple from Stourbridge told local newspaper Worcester News: “It’s chilled out and family-friendly. There are lots of independent retailers and they are selling products for a good a price too.

“I think it is much better than Birmingham and reminiscent of the European markets.”

Worcester is a 50-minute drive from Birmingham and is a three-hour drive from London.

Visitors who drive to the market are encouraged to use the city’s park-and-ride scheme at Worcester Crowngate Bus Station to help avoid overcrowding.

Worcester’s train stations also have direct links to Birmingham Moor Street and London Paddington.

Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the UK.

A city in Germany has been dubbed “Christmas city” because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets.