A FESTIVAL in the Yorkshire Dales has been included in a list of Britain's best Christmas markets by BBC's Countryfile team.

The annual Grassington Dickensian Festival takes place on the first two weekends of December between 11am and 5pm.

And Countryfile has featured the event in its chosen list of Christmas markets in rural locations around the country.

The picturesque Yorkshire Dales village will transported back to the time of Oliver Twist and Scrooge, with shopkeepers, villagers and visitors dressed in Victorian costume.

The Christmas spirit is building and it will be captured amid the cobbled streets, with a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate, next to the festive glow of an open brazier.

Entertainment includes bands, buskers and Victorian street entertainers, a chance to meet Santa in his hideaway grotto, and a torchlit nativity procession.

A festival spokesman said: "Grassington offers a fantastic festive shopping experience, with a traditional Christmas Market in the village square and all the shops brimming with stunning Christmas gift ideas.

"When you have worked up an appetite, you will be spoilt for choice with the delicious food served by the pubs, cafes, hotels and outdoor stalls.

"So come along and join in a fabulous family day out in Yorkshire. Even Scrooge couldn’t fail to be impressed!"

Other Christmas markets on the Countryfile list are at: Winchester; Bath; Newark Park, Gloucestershire; Chatsworth House, Derbyshire; Deepdale, Norfolk; Hopetown House, South Queensferry; Upton House, Warwickshire; Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire; Carephilly; Cirencester. 

  • To find out more, go to: www.countryfile.com/article/britains-best-christmas-markets
  • For more details about Grassington Dickensian Festival, go to: www.grassingtondickensian.co.uk