There's something about this time of year which makes you crave for a visit to a country town or village. These are places where you can go for a bracing walk through beautiful countryside and then round it off with a visit to a cosy pub with a roaring fire.
Let's face it, you're more likely to see a picturesque village scene on a Christmas card and all the best Christmas films are usually set in charming country locations - think The Holiday or Bridget Jones. An exception being Home Alone 2 but New York is hardly a short drive away from Greater Manchester.
Instead you can experience the Christmas magic much closer to home. At this time of the year villages all over the north are turned into charming winter wonderlands.
There's also the added benefit that more often than not these rural locations benefit from more snowfall than urban areas, such as Buxton, a town where it once famously snowed in June. A little further north than this spa town, Glossop is similarly located on the edge of the Peak District, within easy reach of Tameside.
This picturesque market town is set against the breathtaking backdrop of rugged moorland of the Dark Peak. It has some amazing walks right on its doorstep, including Black Hill, Bleaklow, Kinder Scout and the Longdendale Valley.
Once a small hamlet, the village developed as a centre for wool processing before expanding rapidly during the late 19th century when it specialised in the production and printing of calico cotton. Today the town serves as a gateway to the Peak District.
It's a beautiful place to visit even in the depths of winter, with charming sandstone buildings and impressive former cotton mills, all of which look particularly magical when dusted with snow. On the edge of the town you'll find Christmas-card worthy scenes in Old Glossop, a dedicated conservation area which dates back to the 12th century. It's also where you'll find one of Glossop's oldest pubs, The Bulls Head.
This award-winning pub is a welcoming spot on a cold December's day with an open fire and a menu featuring hearty comfort food. It also sells a range of beers from local breweries.
A short walk away from Old Glossop is Manor Park, a beautiful landscaped park which is perfect for a relaxed winter walk if you would rather avoid the rugged hikes of the Peak District. Take a stroll around the picturesque lake and explore the woodland paths.
A must-visit while in Glossop is the markethall, which has recently reopened following an extensive renovation. Visitors can browse stalls from a host of local and regional traders spanning food, drink, clothing, floristry and so much more.
The food hall is the ideal spot to head to for a bite to eat after a winter walk and includes Greek street food by Kefi Social, Italian gelato by Baci Di Gelato and East Asian street food by Manchester favourites Hello Oriental. Treat yourself to your own Christmas present in the Retail Arcade, where you'll find a mix of brands including Moda Vintage, specialising in retro sportswear from the 80s, 90s, and 00s; and The Bottle Store, which curates small-batch spirits and liqueurs.