Theatre Shows To See In The Lead Up To Christmas

Going to the theatre at any time of year is brilliant, but it’s even better at Christmas.

Everyone’s just a bit more excitable than usual. There’s also just something about the London streets in winter, with the twinkly Christmas street lights. And laughing burns calories – fact. So we reckon you’ll burn off at least one Christmas dinner at a pantomime (oh yes you will).

It’s also the only place where everyone puts their phones away for a few hours of escapism. That, and everyone also needs at least one night off from the pub. So here’s our guide to the best shows on this Christmas.

Pantomimes

pantomime (ˈpantəmʌɪm/)“a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, which involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas”.

Cinderella

Get ready to boo, cheer, clap, sing and all the crazy stuff you’d expect at a pantomime. And haven’t they got an all-star line-up at the London Palladium? Oh yes they have. Natasha J Barnes (Funny Girl) plays Cinders, Paul O’Grady is the Wicked Stepmother, while Julian Clary will be lending a hand (and further double entendres) as Dandini. Finally Amanda Holden is returning to the stage as the Fairy Godmother and Lee Mead is going to make a handsome Prince Charming.

Getting there: London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

Get tickets

Aladdin

He’s taking his lamp, he’s polishing it twice… and he’s working out what to do with his three wishes this Christmas. The panto that’s been a staple of Christmas for more than 200 years is constantly modernised, but still retains its enduring appeal. And stupid songs. And audience participation and (well you get the idea). Widow Twankey as Aladdin’s mum is one of the most popular characters in pantomime and the Lyric’s panto versions are usually one big, rowdy party.

Getting there: Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0Q

Nearest Tube: Hammersmith

Where’s the tickets? They’re Behind you!

Classic Christmas shows

The Snowman

Everyone’s familiar with the haunting “Walking in the Air” theme song. But it’s something else to hear Howard Blake’s score performed by a live band. This tale of a young boy’s snowman coming to life and taking him on an adventure, is every kid’s dream come true. Chuck in some reindeer, penguins, Father Christmas and evil Jack Frost (boo) and you’ve got a show that really captures the Christmas spirit.

Getting there: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HT

Nearest Tube: Holborn or Covent Garden

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Nutcracker

English National Ballet Dancers in Nutcracker (c) Laurent Liotardo

This Christmas ballet is aimed firmly at the family. Join Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker as they discover a magical world on an Edwardian Christmas Eve. There’s more than a hundred dancers and musicians creating magic on stage, and if you’ve never been to the ballet before – this is the perfect introduction.

Getting there: The Coliseum, St. Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4ES

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Charing Cross

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Peter Pan Goes Wrong

 

The great British tradition of farce is still alive in the West End. So if you like your comedy on the broader end of the spectrum – this is the one for you. Productions of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society (Mischief Theatre) never really go to plan and in this case they go disastrously wrong. Especially when you throw in a flying fairy….

Getting there: Apollo Theatre, 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square

Get tickets

See something new this Christmas

School of Rock

Drum roll please – School of Rock has enrolled in the West End. Andrew Lloyd Webber has added 14 new songs to all your favourite rock tunes from the film. And the story remains the same. Fake substitute teacher, Dewey, teaches the kids at a posh school how to be rockers and form their own group. The youngsters all play their own instruments – and just you wait for the big “Battle of the Bands” finale.

Getting there: New London Theatre, Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PF

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden or Holborn

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Dreamgirls

Be one of the first to see Dreamgirls make its debut on the West End Stage this Christmas. It was written 35 years ago, but this tale of a Chicago all-girl group striving to make it big in show business is timeless.

It’s also got loads of great songs, including: And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’, ‘I Am Changing’,‘Listen’ and ‘One Night Only’.And they’re sung by a top-notch cast including Glee’s Amber Riley and the Tony® and Olivier award-winning Casey Nicholaw.

Getting there: Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

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A show to take your mum to

Beautiful

Carole King can be rightly described as the voice of a generation. As well as her album Tapestry, she also wrote loads more songs for other artists in the late 1950s and 1960s. In fact, that back catalogue makes her one of the most successful singer songwriters of all time.

You’ll hear around 30 top tracks from three decades, including (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Will You Still Love Me tomorrow, Take Good Care Of My Baby and The Locomotion in this biopic of her life.

Getting there: Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF.

Nearest Tube: Temple or Holborn

Get tickets

Take your dad to a musical

Jersey Boys

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons were the original boyband with bite. Set on the mean streets of New Jersey, this is a real rags to riches story of local boys made good. Well, before the inevitable splits and arguments took centre stage.

This bruiser of a musical finishes in March. But we’re going to miss the songs like December 1963 (Oh What A Night), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like A Man and Big Girls Don’t Cry.

Getting there: Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London, W1D 7DY

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly

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A show to take your grandparents to

Half A Sixpence

The original version of the show was a huge hit for singer Tommy Steele (the UK’s version of Elvis). And it hasn’t been shown in the West End since 1963. But now it’s back with a Flash Bang Wallop in time for Christmas. Of course it’s had a major revamp by Julian “Downtown Abbey” Fellowes.

The plot is simple, orphan Arthur Kipps suddenly inherits a fortune and moves from a shop assistant to the upper echelons of society (a bit like a male Eliza Doolittle). Expect singing and dancing to big numbers. This one will leave you all warm and fuzzy.

Getting there: Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Charing Cross

Get tickets

Shows to take the kids or grandchildren:

Aladdin

Fresh off the magic carpet from Broadway, this show features all the best characters from Aladdin, like the Genie and Princess Jasmine. And of course the award winning songs (which won the film two Oscars) are all here to sing along to. The stage adaption is by the same team as the other Disney classic currently on stage, The Lion King.

Getting there: Prince Edward Theatre, 28 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS

Nearest tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road

Get tickets

The Railway Children

They’ve got a real, vintage train that chugs into the station – full steam ahead – during the performance. And if a 60-tonne train arriving don’t impress the kids then we’re not sure what to suggest. Even the ticket office is set up like a station waiting room, with cases piled up and a refreshment carriage to get a drink and food. This imaginative take on the classic novel by E Nesbit is a bit of a tear-jerker at the end – because we all love a happy ending, especially at Christmas.

Getting there: Kings Cross Theatre, Good’s Way, London, N1C 4QL

Nearest tube: Kings Cross

Get tickets

Christmas comedy

Dead Funny

This dark comedy-cum-farce-cum tragedy will have you laughing one minute and wriggling in your seat with discomfort the next. Set in 1992 following the death of comic legend, Benny Hill, the Dead Funny Society meet to pay tribute. However host Richard (Rufus Jones, W1A) is having trouble with his loose-cannon wife Ellie (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd, Humans).

Add to this volatile mix sensitive Brian (Steve Pemberton, The League of Gentlemen, Benidorm) and another couple with their own troubles, Nick (Ralf Little, The Royle Family) and Lisa (Emily Berrington, Humans) and you have a party that’s going to go very wrong. Along with one of the strongest casts in the West End there’s also nudity, swearing and some very choice jokes – this one’s definitely for the adults.

Getting there: Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH

Nearest tube: Charing Cross

Get tickets

Last chance to see:

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

The various film versions of Charlie’s adventures with Willy Wonka usually get an airing at Christmas. But the bad news is the stage factory’s doors are closing for the last time at the end of January, when it transfers to Broadway. Lucky Americans, we say. Because if you haven’t seen it yet, you need to get your sugar skates on.

As with all Roald Dahl’s work, it is a little bit twisted enough for adults to get a big kick out of the jokes and asides, and children will love seeing the book brought to life. Seriously, when you see both the factory and the oompa-loompas for the first time – you’re going to wonder how they’ve done it.

Getting there: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF

Nearest tube: Leicester Square

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Wicked

There’s a special cast appearing in Wicked! until the end of January, all part of the show’s ten year celebrations. The tale of two witches in a pre-Dorothy Oz has been a firm favourite with anyone who loves musicals with crazy costumes, big songs and lots of laughs. Rachel Tucker (I’d Do Anything) is reprising her award-winning role as Elphaba, after also starring as the green witch on Broadway. Also making her debut in the show as Madame Morrible is Anita Dobson, most famous for playing The Queen Vic’s landlady Angie Watts in Eastenders.

Getting there: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, Westminster, London, SW1V 1LG

Nearest tube: Victoria

Get tickets

Tell us what Christmas theatre shows you’re going to

We’d love to hear all about your festive theatre tips or what shows you want to see come Christmas. Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Find the latest Christmas theatre show tickets.

 

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The Biggest New Year’s Eve Parties on the Planet

You’ve got to go big on the last night of the year.

So naturally most of us reserve our wildest nights and most extravagant celebrations for New Year’s Eve.

And while we can show you where you should be seeing 2017 in,  we can’t help with the hangover. Sorry, you’re on your own with that one – but at least you get a day off.

Here’s what’s happening across the globe when the clock strikes midnight.

Hogmanay – Edinburgh, Scotland

Midnight Fireworks (c) Chris Watt

Let’s start with Scotland, where New Year’s Eve is by far the best party of the year (it’s way bigger than Christmas).

To be honest, there’ll be some cool ceilidhs (dances) and first footing (being the first visitor to someone’s house) going on wherever you go. But the capital city really goes to town.

It’s grown from an informal gathering on Princes Street to a huge three-day festival with crowds of more than 100,000 people packing the streets of Edinburgh city centre.

And while it’s busy, it’s also blooming freezing so you’ll be glad of all those warm bodies around.

Get tickets for the street party, complete with live bands, DJs, plenty of outdoor bars and a massive fireworks display.

They even get an extra day off on January 2 to recover. 

Website and Twitter

Sydney Harbour – Sydney, Australia

Party by the harbour and and your friends in the northern hemisphere will be waking up to see your Facebook feed full of photos (you’ll be sleeping if off by then).

Australia is one of the first places to celebrating New Year and they like to get the ball rolling in spectacular fashion.

Fair dinkum, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House make a pretty decent backdrop for the fireworks.

And the sheer scale of the display means there are plenty of viewpoints to enjoy them from.

It’s super hot so you can grab a picnic and make a whole day of it (helps you bag a good spot) round the harbour.

One of the most decadent parties is at Luna Park, a retro theme park opposite the harbour, where the alcohol flows and world class electronic DJs keep the party going.

Plus you get free theme park rides all night, just go easy on the rollercoasters after a few glasses of celebratory champagne.

Website and Twitter

Brandenburg Gate – Berlin, Germany

Silvester am Brandenburger Tor New Year’s Eve at Brandenburg Gate. Via visitBerlin, (c) Wolfgang Scholvien

The demolition of the Berlin Wall was one of the most iconic images of the latter part of the 20th century and since then the city has provided the backdrop for some of the most extravagant New Year’s celebrations anywhere.

If you want a wild and adventurous night, Berlin is the place to be – no one does the club and all-night rave scene quite like them (don’t peak to early).

But it’s at the imposing Brandenburg Gate, where a street party sprawling two kilometres along the tree-lined Straße des 17 takes place.

A giant stage with live music, DJs, street food stalls, bars and dance floors are spread out across the Tiergarten.

A popular spot, well every year one million people seem to think so.

Website and Twitter

Fiesta de Iemanjá – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Copacabana Beach, New year’s Eve

They love a carnival in South America and Brazil sets the standard when it comes to al-fresco partying.

While we’re shivering up in the northern hemisphere they’re heading to the famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Two million people will be on the Copacabana beach come midnight at one of the largest outdoor parties in the world

Join them and sip champagne in a swimming costume while you count down the seconds to the New Year and the fireworks framed against the waves.

It’s a double celebration too, with the date also being Festa de Iemanjá, when Brazilians pay tribute to Iemanjá, the Goddess of the Water, throwing gifts and flowers in miniature boats into the sea.

Website and Twitter

Gamlarsdagur – Reykjavik, Iceland

New Year’s Eve. Image via Visit Reykjavík / Ragnar Th Sigurdsson

It’s going to be a long night. Literally.

The Land of Fire and Ice has about five hours daylight over the New Year. We say that’s a brilliant excuse to start early and finish late.

Visit Reykjavik and you can celebrate the first day of the new year in the most northerly capital city on the globe.

Get your Gamlarsdagur going off (Icelandic for New Year) by doing what the locals do – and having dinner together.

They’ve also been busy building huge bonfires – brenna – in their neighbourhoods, so tag along to one of those before heading into the centre for the fireworks.

Now there’s 200,000 people in the city, and they’ve got hold of 500 tons of fireworks for the evening.

They also get a bit over-excited (and who can blame them). So you might see them being set off well before midnight – we love the enthusiasm.

Tradition also  says it’s the one night of the year when elves move house and cows can talk (that’s if they’re in the moo-d of course).

Website and Twitter

London Fireworks – London, England

NYE Fireworks 2014 (c)
Greater London Authority

Big Ben, The London Eye and Tower Bridge – three iconic world landmarks that act as a backdrop to what is now one of the world’s leading fireworks display.

If you want to get a prime spot alongside the river, then you have to buy tickets in advance.

But there’s also loads of places you can see them for free, like some of the central bridges and viewpoints like Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill.

The 12,000 fireworks are launched from three big barges moored next to the London Eye.While Big Ben chimes in the display, GPS technology ensures the fireworks are ignited in exact synchronisation to the music.

We’ve put together a guide to what to expect when you visit London over New Years.

Website and Twitter

Times Square – New York, USA

Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

Ah the city never sleeps, sounds like they’d throw a decent do.

And they’ve honed it over the years in the appropriately named, Times Square – with the first ball dropping in 1907.

They host a huge, crazy street party where everyone gazes at a ball descending as the clock chimes, before the confetti drops and the fireworks kick off.

The ball has a whopping 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles. It can display a palette of 16 million colours and endless patterns, which creates a kaleidoscope effect across the area.

If you’ve never been to the Big Apple before – we’ve put together a first timers guide to New York to point you in the right direction.

Website and Twitter

Where are you bringing in the New Year?

We’d love to hear where you think the parties at. Tell us your favourite places to kick off the next year in by leaving a comment below.

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The London New Year’s Eve Guide 2016

London has world-class fireworks and parties going off throughout New Year’s Eve. So by the time Big Ben strikes midnight, the capital’s streets will be packed with people revelling in the atmosphere.

Here is how to get the most out of the big night – and where to spend the morning after the night before.

Things to do in London for New Year’s Eve 2016

NYE Fireworks 2014 (c) Greater London Authority

Where to watch the London fireworks for free

There’s still some tickets for 2016 and there’s usually a release of returned tickets in December. You can get four tickets per person at £10 each – book here.

But if you’ve left your plans to the last minute, and still want to get a feel for the fireworks then there are a few vantage points.

The City

The Cannon Street (next door to St Paul’s) and Monument areas of the city are a good bet to head to if you want to get close to the fireworks but don’t actually have a ticket. Visit the Transport for London website before you leave home, as the tube stations may close earlier than normal to cope with the numbers of people.

These two spots may be the worst kept secret so you might want to think about getting their early and bagging an area.

Bridges

Vauxhall Bridge, Tower Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Millennium Bridge are all outside the ticketed area and offer the best river views. Again these are likely to prove popular.

Head up high

The famous fireworks (c) Alexandra Palace

If Michelin-star dining and spectacular views sounds like your idea of a new year celebration, then Galvin at Windows in the London Hilton, Park Lane, is a high-end option. .

If you want something a bit more cheap and cheerful then the hills around London offer a decent vantage point to see the fireworks. In north London head to either Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill or if you don’t mind being further out, Alexandra Palace.

For those who managed to get tickets for the London NYE 2016 Fireworks, you can find out all the information about getting to the event and timings on that page.

New Year’s Eve parties

There seems to be a Gatsby-themed glitz and glamour-themed edge to this years New Year’s Eve so expect some champagne-fuelled 1920s excitement at the likes of Steam & Rye and Bocconcino Mayfair.

The New Years Eve World Countdown Party at Scarlet’s Bar, just off Leicester Square, will run until 3am.

If your best laid plans have gone awry or if you’re suddenly struck with the fear of missing out, you can find out the latest ticket prices and availability for parties, club nights and gigs at  Design by Night.

New Year’s Day 2016

New Year’s Day Parade

New Year’s Day parade

Now in its 30th year, the famous New Year’s Day parade takes place come rain, snow or shine. Starting at midday in Piccadilly (junction with Berkeley Street) and finishing at 3.30pm in Parliament Square, it’s become a great way to blow off all the cobwebs from the night before and see in the first day of 2016.

There are more than 8,500 people taking part, from cheerleaders to marching bands, and many of the colourful performers raise money for charity along the way. Click here for information on the map route and how to get there in plenty of time to see all the action.

The Southbank Centre also likes to spring into the New Year with gusto, so if you can summon up the energy, join in with the Ceilidh Liberation Front’s New Year’s Startup. This free live music event runs from 1pm until 5pm in the Clore Ballroom and don’t worry if you don’t know the steps, someone will show you the right way to go.

Need a place to stay?

If you still haven’t found somewhere to stay, and don’t fancy the journey home after an epic party; check out our latest London hotel deals and see in the New Year in comfort and style.

However if you want to escape the capital, then there are some enticing New Year city breaks so you can wake up somewhere different in 2015.

We’ve also put a guide to the best places to stay in Edinburgh for New Year if you fancy celebrating north of the border – they call it Hogmanay

 

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Top 5 Hotels for New Years Eve in Edinburgh

At the lastminute.com blog we know you like to party and we know you like to party in style – especially at New Year.

New Year’s Eve or “Hogmanay”, as it is affectionately known in Scotland, is a time for huge celebrations and they don’t come any bigger or better than Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2017. So much so that the hard partying Scots get the 2nd January off work as an extra bank holiday – just to recover.

Back in the day, as the bells rang out at midnight, it was predominantly the locals cramming on to the world famous Royal Mile and having a wee jig and snog to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

However, now properly organized and funded, it is arguably the best New Year festival in the world.

The event is in its 24th year and has grown into a three-day festival jam-packed with unique things to do.

Edinburgh Hogmanay highlights 201/17

The spectacular Torchlight Procession on 30th December – a family event with over 25,000 torch carriers accompanied by massed pipes and drums and led by Shetland’s Up Helly Aa’ Vikings.

The route starts in the Old Town and takes them from George IV Bridge to the fireworks finale on Calton Hill (there is also a viewing place at Waterloo Place).

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession Up Helly Aa Vikings (c) Lloyd Smith

The highlight of the festivities is on 31st December. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on Princes Street is where 80,000 revellers party it up and countdown to midnight.

As the clock strikes 12 there is the world’s largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne along with a spectacular fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle.

With DJ’s, ceilidh dancing and live music from headliners, The Charlatans – this is the big event.

Street Party (c) Chris Watt

Sort out your New Year’s Day hangover and celebrate the start of 2017 by taking part in the truly crazy and breathtaking Loony Dook.

This is a mass plunge into the refreshingly chilly waters of the River Forth under the shadow of the world famous Forth Rail Bridge.

Are you brave enough?

Follow the latest news for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2017 on Twitter

Midnight Fireworks (c) Chris Watt

Okay, so there are more things to do than physically possible in this great city (in fact we found 100 things worth seeing) and you’ll need somewhere to stay.

Like any world class city, when there is an epic event on, accommodation is at a premium.

Our top 5 Edinburgh hotels for New Year stays:

1. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian sits at the West End of Princes Street in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

‘The Caley’, as it is known among Edinburgh locals, is smack bang in the centre of all the New Year action.

It embodies the very best in Scottish hospitality.

2. Macdonald Houstoun House sits 12 miles west of Edinburgh in West Lothian and is a perfect choice for those not looking to party the night away.

It’s still close enough to Edinburgh to enjoy some of the many side events to the Hogmanay celebrations.

Built in the 1600s to host Mary Queen of Scots, this is a hotel steeped in Scottish history.

3. The Roxburghe Hotel – you’re right in the centre of the action here in this refurbished Georgian hotel.

It overlooks Charlotte Square (Edinburgh’s Downing Street) but more importantly it’s right next to George Street which has loads of cool bars and restaurants to get into the New Year’s spirit.

If you’ve got tickets for the New Year’s Eve parties, you’ve only got a five minute walk to Princes Street – no taxis needed here.

4. Fountain Court – Stewart Apartments offer boutique chic styling in practical serviced apartments.

Located in the heart of the New Town and parallel to George Street you could not be more central to the festivities.

With all the ‘mod cons’ including a dishwasher, HD TV, blu-ray player, iPod dock, free Wifi plus Sky sports and movie channels, you will feel right at home.

5. The George Hotel is on one of Edinburgh’s most stylish streets, George Street; so this is the ideal location if you fancy designer shopping and bar hopping for Hogmanay.

If that isn’t all it has one of the finest dining rooms in Europe.

More essential information

Why not visit our special Edinburgh Hogmanay page for all the latest New Year hotel deals.

Our general Edinburgh hotels page also might tempt you to visit a little off peak!

We’ve also put together a guide to where to stay during the Edinburgh Festival season – which is equally busy and might give you some further accommodation ideas.

And if you fancy heading out of the city, we’ve put together a guide to some great Edinburgh day trips to see a little more of the surrounding Scottish countryside.

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Sand, Souks And Spas: Where To Go In Morocco

Sunbathe in Agadir, learn to surf in Casablanca, trek in the Atlas Mountains, shop in Marrakech’s Medina and see thousands of years of history on the streets of Rabat.

Or if you’re more about relaxing, eating and drinking, Morocco’s got 1,200 miles of coastline for a beach break, hundreds of hammans (spas) and serious amounts of good food.

Overwhelmed by the options? Allow us to help you decide where to go.

Best for: Getting to know Morocco

Marrakech

Where is it? In the centre of Morocco – see on map

The souks in Marrakech are full of different sights, sounds and smells.

As well as shopping, there’s also snake charmers, acrobats and dancers entertaining the crowds.

They go to town with the lights at night. You can sit down and eat street food from the chaotic Jemaa el-Fnaa market, in the famous medina quarter. You should also try the fresh-pressed orange juice – there’s loads of vendors to buy some from.

Don’t be shy, barter. The stall owners love it (they’ll probably throw in some tea to sweeten the deal) and you’ll get a bargain – everyone’s happy.

Of course there’s few things that can beat having a drink while the sun sets. You’ll find plenty of roof top bars, like Kechmara, to get those views over the city – glass in hand.

Jardin Majorelle. Image courtesy of Jiving John via Flickr

The Palmeraie (Palm Grove) oasis is just outside the city. You can go on a camel ride or quad bike tour in the desert – and they include a stop off at a traditional Berber home and some refuelling with mint tea.

For a break from the city chaos, the Jardin Majorelle offers some stylish respite in its two and a half acres of cactus, plants and water features – with a bold, blue background.

A blend of Art Deco and Moroccan architecture, the house and gardens were saved by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in the 1980s for the city. It now has a museum and cafe.

Of course the ultimate relaxation is taking a trip to a traditional hammam (spa). You can go super posh at La Mamounia or more local, like the Hammam Dar El Bacha (it’s men in the morning, women in the afternoon).

Best for: Beach holidays

Tangier

Where is it?: The northern tip of Morocco – see on map

View from Hotel Nord Pinus in Tangier

To the west of the ancient port of Tangier is the Atlantic Ocean. To its east, the Mediterranean Sea.

This is a good place to hit the beach. Cafes and restaurants line the promenade alongside the sand so you can hang out there all day.

More people watching can be done in the Grand Socco (big square) and Petit Socco (little square) in the medina. The former is spacey, arty and cool, its little sister has a more dubious past but has since cleaned up its act.

You can also take a short trip out to the Cave of Hercules. Not only does it have a cool name, but these part-natural, part-man-made caves have a “sea window” which you’ll love if you’re an Instagrammer.

Only rediscovered in the 19th century, it’s gone from a quarry to a brothel, to a UNESCO Heritage Site within 70 years. Pretty good going.

Agadir

Where is it? The south west coast of Morocco – see on map

Agadir Beach. Image courtesy of Jiving John via Flickr#

Agadir is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. It might be something to do with it having around 300 days of sunshine and a massive beach (it’s six miles long).

This ultra-modern city had to be rebuilt in the 1960s following an earthquake. It’s only a short flight from Marrakech, but getting the train or bus here (three to four hours) means you won’t miss all the desert scenery.

While there’s just a few walls left of the 16th century hilltop Kasbah, the view over the city and port are worth the trip.

If you want see some traditional local Berber villages, there are seven in the Parco Nazionale Souss Massa, just to the south of Agadir. It’s good for bird-spotting too. The bald ibis is its rarest feathered friend, but they also have flamingos.

Best for: Moroccan history and architecture

Fez (or Fes)

Where is it?: The centre of the north, directly south of Tangier and east of Rabat – see on map

Fez old town

Fez has a large, perfectly preserved, medieval Arabic city centre.

No one’s invented a time machine yet, but Fez does its very best to transport you back to another age.

It’s a former imperial capital – which means it was once the most important city in Morocco (the other three which have swapped places as the capital over the years are Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat).

Seat of learning: You’ll find the oldest university in the world, Kairaouine, in Fez

The Medina of Fez has got high walls flanking the narrow, cobbled streets and is now listed as a World Heritage Site – it’s that good.

The palaces, mosques and fountains in the medina have a mix of Andalousian, Oriental and African architecture.

You’ll find fine examples of madrasas (schools where Islam is taught) like the Medersa el-Attarin and the Bou Inania Madrasa and fondouks  – those two story buildings with arches around a central square.

Rabat

Where is it?: Directly west of Fez on the north west coast – see on map

Hassan Tower in Rabat

Morocco’s capital city has changed hands many time over the centuries – and was once ruled by Barbary pirates (corsairs).

It’s World Heritage listed: the 12th century original walled city, the Kasbah of the Udayas, sits alongside a more modern city.

The Hassan Tower is all that’s left of Rabat’s attempt to start building the largest mosque in the world back in the 12th century (see above). The reconstructed columns give you some idea of its intended size.

Of course there’s always the huge sandy beach to visit too – just outside the high walls of the city. Like a lot of the Moroccan coast, there’s a bit of a breeze – but you won’t hear the windsurfers complaining.

Best for: Shopping

Casablanca

Where is it?: On the north west coast south of Rabat – see on map

Spoiler alert – Casablanca’s no longer the old port city of the Bogart and Bergman film. But there’s still romance to be found here.

Place Mohammed V is huge (it makes Trafalgar Square look paltry in comparison) and a good place to get your bearings in this big city.

Typical Moorish architecture includes the Mahkama du Pacha. It’s still used as a court, so you can only go inside when it’s not in session.

They’ve got the biggest mosque in Africa here, the Hassan II Mosque, and the tower is the highest in the world so you can’t miss it.

You’ve got a choice here of bartering in the medina’s souks. Or see what the second largest shopping centre in Africa, the Morocco Mall, has to offer – high-end fashion is big here.

This is another Moroccan city with some cracking beaches, the closest being Ain Diab (it’s not far from the Hassan II Mosque).

The windy weather is beloved of the surfers, and this is a good place to get a lesson. Swimmers might find the seafront pools more appealing for a bit of backstroke.

Best for: Watersports and warm weather

Essaouira

Where is it?: The west coast (west of Marrakech) – see on map

This city has a fantasy fortress feel. So the location scouts for Game of Thrones struck gold when looking for somewhere to feature as a “medieval” desert city.

UNESCO were also impressed with the Medina of Essaouira (formerly called the Lord of the Rings-ish – Mogador), listing the town as a heritage site.

Get up on the ramparts for great views of the Atlantic coastline and then go and see the beach close up.

It’s hot here all-year-round so there will be plenty of opportunities for watersports, swimming and sunbathing.

The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival is the big event in July. Nearly half a million people attended the jazz, folk, pop and African music extravaganza over the four days in 2016.

Best for : Photo opportunities

Chefchaouen

Where is it?: A couple of hours south east of Tangier in  the north of Morocco – see on the map

Chefchaouen is known as the blue town. Not because everyone here is depressed, but because most of the Old Town buildings are painted that colour.

And luckily, the colour contrasts really well with the Rif Mountain range behind.

You could do a walking tour through the old medina, or hike out to the Rif Mountains and the Talasemtane National Park. The valleys and gorges are a little greener here than in the Atlas Mountain range.

This is also a good place to pick up a traditional Berber handwoven hat. They’re as colourful as the city.

The town’s got a classic medina to potter around and you’ll probably wind up at its centre at the pretty main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Which is just as well, as this is where the Kasbah and Grand Mosquée can be found.

Mountains and deserts

You can use some of the cities above as a base for seeing more of the mountains and desert regions of Morocco.

As a rule of thumb, you can visit both on a day trip from Marrakech and Agadir.

The biggest summit in the High Atlas range (and indeed north Africa) is Jbel Toubkal.

Agadir’s a cool place to explore the countryside on a motorbike. The roads are excellent and you can travel the coast road before heading into the Atlas Mountains.

Morocco also has some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. The village of Merzouga has loads of companies just waiting to whisk you off on a desert trek and visit the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Riverside restaurants in the Atlas Mountain’s

Here’s your essential Morocco information

Currency:

You’ll be using the Moroccan Dirham – find the latest exchange rate. There’s plenty of cash machines in the major cities if you don’t want to bring too much cash over with you.

Language:

Moroccan Arabic (the official tongue) and French are the two main languages here. You’ll be able to get by in English, especially in the cities and tourist areas. There’s also a lot of Spanish speakers here as it’s pretty close to the southern tip of Spain.

Food and drink:

The cuisine here is a blend of Arabic, Berber (North African), French and Spanish flavours and spices.

Tuck into steaming tagines of meat or vegetables, mopped up with Moroccan-style bread or couscous.  It’s a hot country so the salads are good too.

You can drink alcohol in the majority of hotels and licensed bars. You’re not going to get a beer out in the souks and street food markets – and it’s illegal to drink in the street.

They do however have the freshest orange juice on sale in the souks and streets. And of course there’s the mint tea which is as much about a tradition of hospitality than just a drink.

When to go:

Jemaa el Fna Square at night. Image courtesy of Jiving John via Flickr

Good news, the weather’s decent all-year-round.

We’ve picked both Marrakech and Essaouira as two of our best winter sun destinations.

Spring and autumn are also very popular times (and therefore a touch more expensive). You get lovely warm weather and avoid the sometimes stifling heat of the peak summer with average temperatures in the late twenties.

You might want to check when Ramadan takes place before you visit. As you need to be sensitive in your eating and drinking during the day, and in the clothes  you wear.

It can mean some restaurants and cafes are closed during daylight, however in the main tourist places you should be fine.

Casablanca’s beach

Getting there:

Flights to Morocco take between three to four hours.

Marrakech flights take around three and a half hours, while if you’re going to Tangier, it’s less than three hours.

Staying there:

We’ve got plenty of Morocco hotels to choose from when you visit. You can also combine your hotel and flight in one with our Morocco holidays – this can be a cheaper option for longer stays.

Amerzgane

Care to share your Moroccan memories?

We’d love to know where you think the best places to go in Morocco are.

Tell us your top travel tips by leaving a comment below.

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Want Some Winter Sun? Here’s Where To Find It In Less Than Five Hours

What do we want? Sun. When do we want it? Now.

Good news. You don’t even have to eat up the air miles – one short flight and you’ve left winter trailing in your slipstream.

With the highest average winter temperature in the UK around the 8°C and only a few hours of sunshine a day (that’s if we’re lucky), it’s no surprise that our thoughts turn to heat as soon as autumn creeps towards a close.

So find out where’s hot now and then read where to get winter sun within a few hours of the UK.

Less than three hours flying time

Spain

Costa del Sol

Malaga beach at night -Image by Matt Biddulph via Flickr Creative Commons

The temperature gauge still reaches 20°C in November here on the south coast of Spain. And even in December or January, you’re looking at highs of around 17°C to 18°C.

You can head west Torremolinos or Marbella, but we recommend hanging out east, in and around Malaga.

You can hike up to the Castillo de Gibralfaro to get great views of the coast and city and then head back to the Picasso Museum – the great painter was born in Malaga.

You should also head out to some of the famous pueblos blancos (white towns), like Mijas and Ronda.

February is a really good time to go, as the sunshine hours jump from an average of five hours up to seven.

Hours of sunshine: 5 

Flight time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Getting there: Flights to Malaga

Staying there: Malaga holidays

The Balearic Islands

Hiking in Majorca. Image by Kristoffer Trolle via Flickr Creative Commons

You’ve got the choice of Ibiza, Majorca or Menorca at this time of year. All three have about five hours of sunshine per day during the winter and temperatures averaging in the mid teens.

You can take advantage of the cooler days and explore the islands by boat, bike, horse or on foot.

The smallest island, Menorca, is protected as the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, so it’s a great time to visit the lagoons, dune systems and islets. Try spotting as many of the 220 species of bird and more than 1,000 types of plants as you can.

There’s plenty of fiestas going on in January and February – so go then if you’re in the party mood – Festes de Sant Sebastia (January 20) in Palma is one of the biggest events in the calendar.

Hours of sunshine: 5

Flight time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Getting there: Flights to Palma, Majorca

Staying there: Hotels in Palma

Three to four hours flying time

Malta

The average temperature is still in the mid teens in winter. Both November and February have an average seven hours of sunshine.

Head to Paceville, the party capital of Malta, especially if you’re planning on a New Year sunshine trip – it’s still busy despite it not being peak tourist season.

Malta has loads of churches to visit, 359 to be precise (nearly one for every day of the year). If you happen to catch a rainy day, St John’s Cathedral in Valletta is definitely worth a look.

You could also take a hike and visit Malta’s version of Stonehenge – the Megalithic Temples of Malta.

If you want something very different visit the Popeye Village. It’s the preserved set from the 1980 film starring Robin Williams; you can make your own movie and appear on the big screen.

Hours of sunshine: 5.5 hours

Flight time: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Getting there: Flights to Malta

Staying there: Holidays to Malta

Morocco

Marrakech

Temperatures get as high as 20°C in winter, but the average is more likely going to be around 15°C to 16°C.

You’re not going during peak season, so you should have more time and space to barter in one of the many souks.

It’s also a pretty good time to go hiking during the day in the Atlas Mountains. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine, but it won’t be the sweaty experience it is in the summer. Toubkal National Park is just a short drive from Marrakech

The cold weather probably hasn’t done your skin any favours, so you could also head to a hammam (spa) and get exfoliated.

It does get very nippy at night however, so you’ll still have to pack your coat.

Hours of sunshine: 7 hours

Flight time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Getting there: Flights to Marrakech

Staying there: Marrakech hotels

Essaouira

Essaouira. Image by Lawrence Murray via Flickr Creative Commons

The historical Atlantic coastal port in Morocco is pretty warm in winter. It’s still in the mid to late teens in December and January.

It’s also very windy – in fact its vast beach is one of the windiest in the world, which means  it’s perfect for wind and watersports, like kitesurfing.

Don’t worry, the average water temperature isn’t bad either if you want a dip (between 17°C to 18°C)

Game of Thrones fans might be interested to know that this was where Daenerys Targaryen met the Unsullied, with Essaouira doubling for Astapor in Season 3.

The fortified town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s very well preserved for pottering about and perhaps looking for dragons (spoiler: you won’t find any).

Hours of sunshine: 6 hours

Flight time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Getting there and staying: Find holidays to Essaouira

Portugal

Madeira

It doesn’t really get that cold on this Atlantic island, with temperatures hovering around the late teens on average throughout the winter

Capital, Funchal, has got one of the biggest fireworks display in the world on New Year’s Eve, so heading there for a warmer Christmas and New Year is a decent option.

Take the time to get out of town – and you should start by visiting Cabo Giro, which is the second highest sea cliff in the world for top views.

If you feel brave you can try their skywalk (just glass between you and a 580m drop).

Or go and watch the water cascade down the 100m high Risco Waterfall.

Of course if it does by chance rain, there’s always footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s museum (CR7) solely dedicated to the island’s favourite son.

Hours of sunshine: 7-8 hours

Flight time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Getting there: Flights to Madeira

Staying there: Find hotels in Funchal

Four to five hours flying time

Canary Islands

Each Spanish island has it’s own distinct character and attractions.

Here’s what the four Atlantic Ocean islands, just off the west coast of Africa, have to offer.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura. Image by helpel via Flickr Creative Commons

You can easily do some sunbathing with the average temperatures around 18°C and often hitting the 20s.

However as it isn’t sweltering, it would be rude not to explore the island on foot or by boat.

It’s an UNESCO designated Biosphere so you’re going to see some of the best natural sights in the world.

You could visit the famous 11km sand dunes in the Corralejo Natural Park. In fact, it’s a really sandy island with 50km of beaches..

It will be breezy though – this is the place to go windsurfing – so head to Flag Beach Water Sports Centre and book yourself a lesson.

Hours of sunshine: 8 hours

Flight time: 4 hours and 23 minutes

Getting there: Flights to Fuerteventura

Staying there: Fuerteventura holidays

Gran Canaria

While the average temperature is 19 to 20°C, it’s not unheard of to have winter days approaching the late twenties (the south of the island is the sunniest).

The sea is also still really warm – with average temperatures in the late teens to early twenties if you fancy a dip.

We’re not saying a lot of Brits holiday here – but one of the most popular spots is the Playa del Inglés (English Beach).

However the Dunas de Maspaloma, at the southern tip of the island are worth a visit if you really want to see some sand.

The capital, Las Palmas, has a historic old town and it’s noted for its blend of early-American / Spanish architecture. It was the place Christopher Columbus stopped on his voyages of discovery.

Hours of sunshine: 6 hours

Flight time: 4 hours and 5 minutes

Getting there: Find flights to Gran Canaria

Staying there: Holidays to Gran Canaria

Lanzarote

The average temperature here is 19°C to 20°C – ideal if you’re planning a beach break to Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen.

While the volcano is still technically active (it hasn’t erupted since 1730), you should take a trip to the lava fields of Timanfaya National Park.

You could walk, but you could also make the trip by camel and admire the scenery from the top of a hump.

If you can wait until February for some sun, the island’s biggest fiestas take place then.

The week-long Arrecife Carnival in the middle of the month and the Puerto del Carmen Carnival at the end.

Hours of sunshine: 7

Flight time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

Getting there: Lanzarote flights

Staying there: Lanzarote holidays

Tenerife

The average temperature is around 18°C but it does get up into the 20s and it’s pretty sunny.

The water temperature is also a positively balmy 20°C. Handy for surfing, which Tenerife is famous for.

There are some serious waves here – and if you’re lucky you’ll see “El Bravo”, a rare phenomena in the world. This giant wave can best be seen near Punta Brava (just don’t go in the water then).

January is a good time to go as you’ll be arriving for the fiestas at the turn of the year.  The Three Kings procession takes place across the island on 5th January.

Sometimes it snows on Mount Teide, the highest point on the island (and in fact the highest Spanish mountain) – so you can even do a spot of skiing before heading back to the beach.

Hours of sunshine: 7

Flight time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

Getting there: Find flights to Tenerife

Staying there: Find Tenerife holidays

Cyprus

Paphos

There’s an interesting climate here. In January and February you can potentially go skiing in the Troodos Mountains one day and then hit the beach another. That might make packing a bit tricky, though.

It’s worth heading about an hours drive out to the mountains for hiking if nothing else, to visit the painted churches of Troodos.

Or visit Paphos Archaeological Park, there’s so much to see here including neolithic sites, Roman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings – the island is the legendary Aphrodite’s birthplace.

November and February are the best times to visit as it can tip it down in December, with the majority of the yearly rainfall coming then. But the weather is still warm (average 16°C).

Hours of sunshine: 5 

Flight time: 4 hours

Getting there: Flights to Paphos

Staying there: Paphos hotels

Where are you heading for some winter sun?

Let us know where you’re aiming to catch some rays during the colder months by leaving a comment below.

And following the sun doesn’t have to be just confined to the winter.

Here’s our where’s hot guide to help you get some heat all-year-round.

On the other hand if you want to chase the snow and scenic landscapes – here’s 10 places that are beautiful in winter.

 

The post Want Some Winter Sun? Here’s Where To Find It In Less Than Five Hours appeared first on lastminute.com Blog.

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