A conventionally pretty town or village makes for the perfect weekend escape, and the UK is full of good spots — some more well-known than others. As far as “chocolate-box” destinations go, there’s a place that ticks all the boxes for Christmas film enthusiasts.
Located in the Evenlode Valley, Charlbury in Oxfordshire started as a modest clearing in Wychwood Forest, now recognised as a lively market town. It is no surprise that a Cotswolds address has made it onto the radar of winter hotspots, with CN Traveller naming Oxfordshire one of the best places to go in 2024. As for Charlbury itself, the walkable town is a marvel in summer and the colder months.
Charlbury railway station, serving the London to Worcester mainline, makes the town a popular and accessible location for commuters — and visitors seeking the tranquillity of the countryside. Those concerned with booking a festive getaway are spoilt for choice with the town offering everything from mulled wine and Christmas carols to cabaret events at various pubs.
CN Traveller notes that “it’s easy to you’ve walked onto the set of the holiday when approaching the heart of the town”, and you don’t even need a car to navigate the cobbled lanes.
You can leave the car at home and hop on a train from London Paddington, arriving in just over an hour. The town is a designated “Walkers are Welcome” town, and you’ll find a variety of walking trails to suit every ability, many of which start right from the town centre or the railway station.
Among the most popular walking routes in the area is the relatively flat, four-mile (6.4-kilometre) circular walk, officially known as “Circular Walk: Charlbury No.2 (Oxon Way)”.
All Trails users praise the “fab pubs” that you can find along the walking route, but warn of “boggy” terrain in parts.
For those keen to put on the wellies, the walk rewards ramblers with “deers, horses, [and] pink magic sunset”.
Beyond the walks and pubs, Charlbury has several fascinating attractions. The Charlbury Museum, run by volunteers, is a treasure trove of local history, revealing the town’s past as a bustling market centre.
The museum claims that one of its “most striking” exhibits is a restored Oxfordshire wagon resplendent in its red and yellow colours.
You can also visit the stunning Church of St Mary the Virgin, where the annual Christmas Tree Festival is held. This is a beloved local tradition, taking place from Friday, December 12 to Thursday, January 2, 2026.
Charlbury hosts several other festive events, including a small market and a woodland light trail.
Regular bus services and trains can take you to nearby towns like Woodstock, home to the magnificent Blenheim Palace, and the lively market town of Chipping Norton. However, you will need to travel to Oxford first.