Hyde Park Christmas markets

[DudeWheresMyVulva]

Hello!

I would be grateful for any info about the Hyde Park Christmas markets in December and if they are good and worth going to. We used to love the Austrian markets when we lived in Europe, but want to do a little weekend away with our DS who is 7 and terrified of flying. I'd love to know people's impressions about Hyde Park and if you have enjoyed it. I'd also love to have any hotel recommendations near the area. Not sure yet what our budget would be - are minimum would be Premier Inn costs, but we have not had a 'proper' break for 3 years so I could go up to maybe £300 a night max.

Many thanks to anyone who is happy to share experiences!

[BigSandyBalls2015]

If you mean the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park then I wouldn't bother, it's nothing like the Austrian Christmas markets. More of a fun fair with food stalls and the odd other stall.

When it first started it was good, but it's gradually got bigger and bigger over the years and it's very expensive - £5 per ride etc. Over-crowded as well.

[DudeWheresMyVulva]

Oh I did mean that.

Darnit. Hmmmm..... I am determined to have a really decent weekend break over winter somewhere. I wonder if there might be something else along those lines in the UK.......

Thanks. :)

[originalmavis]

Try southbank. Hyde park is very expensive.

[DudeWheresMyVulva]

will look into it, thanks. :)

[lightgreenglass]

Birmingham German Markets are way better than the winter wonderland at Hyde Park.

[80sWaistcoat]

I like Manchester Christmas market and there's loads of other stuff to do. The Hyde park one I wasn't that keen on.

[80sWaistcoat]

Depending where you live, could you train it to Europe and a Christmas market?

[Artandco]

Nope. It's a very expensive funfair basically.

I would be tempted to take the Eurostar to Brussels or Paris. You could take the train and stay 2 nights for cheaper than a premier inn in London for 3 nights.

[DudeWheresMyVulva]

[furiously taking notes ]

I am starting to like the idea of the Eurostar and Europe.

[bakingaddict]

You can take the Eurostar from St Pancras and be in Cologne in 4.5hrs. Depending on where in the country your travelling from get to London spend one night and then take the Eurostar next morning. If you look in zone 2 and 3 areas you can often get Premier Inns for not much more than £70.

[noramum]

Hyde Park is a funfair. We went to Southbank 2 years ago and it was - def not what you expect.

There was one around London Bridge last year, that may be better but I haven't been there.

We are Germans and I obvious know most non-Europe ones are not what you have in Germany/Austria but these were really bad.

I agree with the Eurostar option, I haven't been to the one in Cologne but heard good things.

[funnyfoursome]

Agree with the above. Bath and Winchester Christmas markets are lovely but haven't been with kids

[Bertieboo1]

Birmingham and Manchester Christmas markets are both really good but I would also be tempted to Eurostar to Bruges or somewhere similarly festive!

[dinkystinky]

Good grief, no don't do it - Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is nothing like a Christmas market. Its hideously expensive and gets v rammed. Bath Christmas market is meant to be nice.

[BruceBogtrotter101]

How about a short cruise to Bruges? DH and I were planning at the beginning of 2011 to do this before that Christmas; however DD1 came along that December and scuppered plans We're still probably about 5 years away from actually doing it

[heron98]

We went to Lincoln Christmas market last year and I was so impressed. It was really lovely.

[QueenJuggler]

If you want a European-style Christmas market, you have to go to Europe. Some of the ones in the UK are nice, but not a patch on the type you are thinking of.