Just a three-hour journey from Britain lies the enchanting, storybook town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. A visit to this destination has been likened to 'stepping into a Disney film' - and there's an excellent reason behind this comparison.

During the creation of the 1940 animated classic Pinocchio, Walt Disney drew visual inspiration from this stunning location for the town where Geppetto and Pinocchio resided. Rothenburg's Plönlein, meaning 'small place by the fountain', stands as arguably the town's most iconic feature, and it was this very spot that captivated Disney's animators.

This medieval gateway to the Hospital District showcases a yellow half-timbered house alongside two towers from the ancient city walls, which have remained standing since 1360.

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Emphasising the Pinocchio connection, Rothenburg's official website states: "The Plönlein is a real world star: For many people, the half-timbered house on the Plönlein represents the typical Rothenburg old town motif.

"Starting with Walt Disney classic Pinocchio(1940), its architecture is repeatedly copied by artists, architects and designers when it comes to depicting a typical medieval European backdrop."

Beyond Pinocchio, Rothenburg's Plönlein has also appeared in the Tekken video game series and the Little Snow Fairy Sugar anime programme.

To reach this magnificent Bavarian destination, it's a two-hour flight to Nuremberg Airport followed by an hour's drive. Return flights from London Stansted to Nuremberg can be secured for just £30 with Ryanair.

After exploring the Plönlein, there's loads more to experience in Rothenburg, including the famous Town Hall, Blade Gate, Castle Garden, the Medieval Crime Museum, and the German Christmas Museum.

Throughout the festive period, they also host the oldest Christmas market in Rothenburg, the Reiterlesmarkt, which offers traditional gifts and holiday cheer.