Festive Activities to participate in whilst Glamping at West Stow Pods
As the leaves fall from the trees and the crisp winter winds gently nudge us towards the end of 2023, with the promise of festive days out, we find ourselves on the threshold of the most magical time of the year. With that said, the final months of the year in Bury St Edmunds aren’t a time for slowing down; the twinkle of our festive lights promises to guide your itinerary during your glamping stay at West Stow Pods. So, grab your favourite blanket and a cup of something hot as we dive into what’s on in our charming (and busy!) market town this winter.
Starting with the perfect place to appreciate the beautiful landscape that Suffolk has to offer – Fullers Mill and its perfectly presented Winter Gardens. The cold weather doesn’t have to force us indoors; instead, it opens up a whole new view of our surroundings and an appreciation for the ethereal beauty of the countryside at this time of year. The best part, it’s just 5 minutes drive from West Stow Pods glamping site and we have all of the information you could need right here: Fullers Mill Garden / Make sure to visit from now until 16th December.
If you’re looking for some retail therapy during your stay with us at the pods, the festive joy kicks in just after the middle of the month with the Christmas Craft and Gift Fair at the Athenaeum on 19th November. The Athenaeum itself is a proud and long-standing piece of Bury’s architecture, and the craft fair is the perfect excuse to visit. Showcasing local crafts and unique gifts for the festive season, you can browse the selection from 10 am – 4 pm accompanied by the available refreshments.
If you are looking to fill your glamping stay at West Stow Pods with all things Christmas, less than 15 minutes drive away lies a must-visit in Bury St Edmunds at this time of year, the Rougham Estate and more specifically Blackthorpe Barn. With their Christmas trees, arts & crafts fair, vast selection of Christmas decorations, and the newly refurbished Roots cafe, this is the ideal place to really get you in the mood for the festive season.
As we approach the end of the month, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive market (or two!). Between 23rd – 26th November, just like Santa Claus himself, both the Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket Christmas Markets are coming to town! Stowmarket is just under a 30 minute drive from our site in West Stow and is another bustling, market town in Suffolk. These fairs promise to bring with them sleigh-loads of artisanal goods, handcrafted gifts, fun-fair rides, live music, and more. They are the best places to take a leisurely stroll in search of the perfect gift for your loved one as well as supporting local people and their businesses. Plus, both locations have plenty of restaurants and pubs to help you replenish after your visit, discover some of them here: Places to Eat.
Like most months in the UK, November and December in Suffolk can find themselves somewhat subject to the elements! But there is no reason to let that stop you from packing your staycation full of seasonal fun. If you would prefer to spend your time indoors during your stay, Bury St Edmunds couldn’t be more perfect. Take the whole family to enjoy a production of Snow White at the Theatre Royal before heading back to one of our MegaPods at West Stow to settle down for the night. They sleep up to four people and are ideal for 2 adults and 2 children – see our Booking page for more information. A relaxing Afternoon Tea at the Angel Hotel, or for problem-solving families, perhaps tackling the Christmas Escape Room, would both be brilliant activities for all who want to spend some quality time hiding from the cold. Or, you could just stay curled up in our lodges or pods with a good book!
With all of these festive activities, they are perfect for all the family, and we really do mean all! Stays with us at West Stow Pods are completely doggy-friendly, and in fact, we encourage you to bring your four-legged friends with you when you travel. There’s no reason for them to be excluded from the festive fun!
Whatever it is that you choose to get up to during your stay at West Stow Pods, we hope that some festive adventures in Bury St Edmunds will add to the timeless magic that makes this season truly special.
