Why wait until mid December for the holiday season to start? Kick-Start Your Christmas and book a break away to one of Staycation Holidays top five Christmas Market Breaks.

Bath, Shropshire, Cotswolds, Kent and Devon, all made our top five with a tempting selection of festive activities, available in each location. Below is a round up for each county. For the full rundown follow this link: http://www.staycationholidays.co.uk/christmas-markets/ 

In at number one, Somerset tops the list with www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk. Taking place from 26th November until 6th December. The centre of Bath is transformed with more than 150 wooden chalets selling decorations, sugared treats and gifts of every kind. There's also a lively program of street entertainment too. As evening approaches head to The Theatre Royal for performances of Cinderella and if time allows take a trip to nearby Westonbirt for the Enchanted Christmas display.

Need a place to stay? Henfield Barn, Henfield, South Gloucestershire sleeps up to 15 guests. This luxurious barn conversion has a heated indoor pool, spa facilities, a generous kitchen diner and ample living space. Available from £750 per night or £50 per person per night for a three night mid-week stay in early December based on 15 guests.  To book see www.staycationholidays.co.uk, call 01275 21 75 75 or follow this link: http://www.staycationholidays.co.uk/holiday/henfield-barn/

For some medieval festive fun, head to Shropshire for www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk to celebrate the start of the season in the stunning  Ludlow Castle. Taking place on 28th and 29th November 2016.

From the Christmas market, packed with local craft and festive foodie treats. To the Plantagenet Knights' Tournament, falconry displays and wassailing. Ludlow itself is worth exploring too, a hidden treasure of a town, set in the rolling Shropshire hills, with charming local shops and eateries. 

Need a place to stay? The Gatehouse, Upton Cressett, near Bridgnorth sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, regarded one of the finest Elizabethan gatehouses in the country. It is recently refurbished to a luxurious high standard. Available from  £495 for a two night stay in early December. Other properties are available. To book see www.staycationholidays.co.uk, call 01275 21 75 75 or follow this link: http://www.staycationholidays.co.uk/holiday/the-gatehouse/ 

In at number three, the Cotswolds is packed with Christmas cheer. From the markets in Cirencester and Cheltenham to a Festive Weekend at Batsford Arboretum. Taking place December 5th and 6th. Highlights include carols from local choirs and treats in the Garden Terrace Café. Bring children along to meet Santa and his donkeys in his grotto.

Need a place to stay? Bruern Cottages, Bruern, Chipping Norton, sleeps between two and ten guests. This cluster of delightful homes and cottages are available from £942 for a three night weekend break for two guests in early December. To book Cope Cottage or larger properties on the estate see www.staycationholidays.co.uk, call 01275 21 75 75 or follow this link: http://www.staycationholidays.co.uk/holiday/cope-cottage/ 

The county of Kent is truly charming at Christmas. From the magical markets in Canterbury and Rochester. Open for business from 28th November until Christmas Eve in one case. The Christmas pantomime in Marlow is Snow White this year and tickets are still available to book.  If carol singing is on your Christmas wish list then be sure to check out the carol services at Canterbury Cathedral. For more details see  www.canterbury-cathedral.org.  

Need a place to stay? Manor Farmhouse in Milstead sleeps up to 18 guests in three properties. A relaxing retreat in a peaceful setting with great facilities including a cinema, sauna, library and games room. Available from £2,395 for a two night stay. To book see www.staycationholidays.co.uk, call 01275 21 75 75 or follow this link: http://www.staycationholidays.co.uk/holiday/manor-farmhouse/ 

Last but not least, Devon is a delight in December. From Exeter's Christmas markets and pantomime to Exmouth winter wonders shopping experiences, winter cruises or a trip to Santa's Grotto in Ottery St Mary Nursery. 

Need a place to stay? Harvest Moon, Curscombe, near Honiton sleeps eight guests in a light and airy barn conversion. Once an old threshing barn. Made up of two adjacent properties. Available from £835 per week during December, to book see www.staycationholidays.co.uk, call 01275 217575 or follow this link: http://www.staycationholidays.co.uk/holiday/harvest-moon/

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For media information or images, call Rachele Snowden on 0208 9815466 or 07793 844274 alternatively email rachele@crocodilepr.co.uk

Editors notes:

www.staycationholidays.co.uk was founded in October 2016. Created by a team of experienced accommodation management professionals, the site aims to revitalise the self-catering bookings sector with a fresh approach that embraces the needs of owners and guests alike. 

With over 30 properties currently online, the portfolio looks set to exceed 60 by the end of this year, and double during 2016, with more UK and international properties set to feature soon. 

The Staycation Holidays portfolio takes a flexible approach to bookings and can book for durations from as few as two nights, up to 28 nights,offering unique arrival days if required.

All Staycation properties are 'hand-picked' to meet a stringent criteria. Thehomes featured are stylish retreats that offer agreat atmosphere in beautifullocations and ultimately a home from home experience for guests.

Their properties suit a wide range of holiday and corporate budgets and they regularly feature specialproperty discounts.

From an owner's perspective, Staycation Holidays delivers high quality leads, flexibility and booking all year round. Owners are not limited to providing an allocation andcan rent to friends and family, while Staycation Holidays are dedicated to ensuring they receive maximum occupancy throughout all seasons.

On a daily basis, the team strives to deliver on all the details, to ensure that guests staying in their properties enjoy a memorable break.