The town’s market hall on Claremont Street is far more impressive than its brutal 1960s exterior promises, with great local produce. A cosy jumper or cashmere scarf from Abbey Mill makes a good Christmas present. These make a photogenic backdrop for its Christmas street markets (Tuesdays 6, 13 and 20 Dec, till late). In addition to the Christmas market, there will be a Christmas brocante fair in the Market Place (11 Dec) selling antiques, crafts and unusual gifts. JO’CSaffron Walden, EssexThis medieval market town offers the perfect antidote to the pre-Christmas frenzy.

Source: The Guardian November 19, 2016 06:56 UTC