UK Christmas break

[NotPennysBoat]

I'm looking for ideas for somewhere to take my two dds (2 & 5) for a pre-Christmas weekend.

My ideal would be Center Parcs, but DH has vetoed based on cost and value for money (fair enough). I'd like lovely, cosy self catering accommodation, with something Christmassy to do nearby. I love all the twinkly lights and fake snow at CP! Happy to do cottage/airbnb but don't know where!

We're in Manchester and don't want to travel more than two hours really.

Any ideas?

Chester is lovely at Christmas and there's the Zoo which has a Christmas themed thing usually....there's also the German market....and the lights are gorgeous!

If you got accomodation within the walls, it would be lovely...you could also have a day out in Wales....Llandudno or Llangollen.

We're going to Butlins for their Christmas Fantasy weekend. We've been to Butlins before, and the dc have loved it, but not for the Christmas break. Should be good. I'm not sure how the price compares to Center Parcs.

We have booked a midweek break in bluestone in Pembrokeshire in early December. They have a kingdom of elves to visit. Was tempted by CP but couldn't justify the price.

Thank you for all the suggestions, Butlins and Bluestone are a bit far for us, but Chester looks lovely! Think we have a winner!

I love Chester and for a short visit it's just the right size. Loads of lovely shops, a big and beautiful park...the river...go on a boat trip! There are the cruise ships which take you down river for about half an hour....also, as I said the market, a lovely little museum....plus a roman museum....the Cathedral has a very nice cafe too.