12 festive hotels for a Christmas break in the UK
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5) Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire
Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons is one of our all-time favourite Christmas hotels, despite offering something for every season. The festive period is a particularly extravagant affair in the beautiful surrounds of this Oxfordshire manor house.
Think immaculate Michelin-starred festive menus, glinting table decorations, and an idyllic frosty courtyard. At Christmas, the one and only Raymond Blanc creates special menus for the occasion, accompanied by his favourite wines, and you’ll feel spoiled rotten by the staff’s legendary hospitality and professionalism.
Paul Wilkinson - 2/12
1) The Lygon Arms Hotel, Cotswolds
With its cosy corners, roaring log fires and historic atmosphere, The Lygon Arms Hotel offers the perfect nostalgic Christmas. You can cuddle up with a loved one after dinner among festive tartans or head to the spa for a soak and let your stresses melt away. Christmas hotel guests can also admire the holly and the ivy on a frosty walk in the ‘Wolds and do it in style: the hotel has a collection of Le Chameau wellies to offer walkers in The Lygon Arms Boot Room.
If you want to explore further afield, Sudeley Castle, just 20 minutes away by car, has a magical after-dark experience at Christmas. You can walk the illuminated trail around stunning castle grounds and enjoy seasonal songs as you discover the different corners of this romantic environment.
The Lygon Arms Hotel - 3/12
2) One Aldwych, London
For 2022, chic London hotel One Aldwych, just off Strand, has brought the magic of The Nutcracker through its doors to celebrate the Christmas classic's 130th anniversary. Theatrics await in the Lobby Bar, the seven-metre tree is inspired by ballet and there are specially-created festive cocktails to enjoy.
There's everything, from festive films and bubbles in the cinema to afternoon tea with a Christmassy twist and guests staying over Christmas Eve and Day will be served festive treats on arrival, a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea on Christmas Eve and tuck into a Christmas Day feast in Indigo. There's complimentary car parking and a relaxing, late, check-out on Boxing Day.
Zodee Media - 4/12
3) The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
Bath's Royal Crescent Hotel is just about the most iconic part of this historic city, which inspired Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Roald Dahl. At Christmas this stunning Georgian hotel has a full-sized tree decorated in classic style with red and green ribbons, a nutcracker and little drummer boy.
You can take a turn around the ice-rink down at Victoria Park and Bath Christmas Market is certainly not one to miss, with the aroma of festive spices and warm drinks, and a great selection of local crafts.
Booking.com - 5/12
4) Hotel Meudon, Cornwall
Check into this Cornish country house hotel for a Christmas getaway and you'll enjoy nine acres of subtropical gardens and a secluded beach. Close to Falmouth, Hotel Meudon's Christmas includes having guests over for sumptuous food, live music, traditional games and a scavenger hunt.
When not tucking into mince pies, you can embrace the elements with a hike along the South West Coast Path, stroll down through the magical gardens and join the Boxing Day dip, where swimmers are welcomed by staff with hot water bottles, nibbles and warming mulled wine after their dip.
Adj Brown - 6/12
6) Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, Powys
Have a lakeside Christmas in Wales when you book a stay at the delightful Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa near Snowdonia. Surrounded by the most beautiful, peaceful nature, this Christmas hotel boasts a gorgeous setting for post-Christmas lunch walks.
There's afternoon tea, champagne cocktails and plenty of food, including a traditional Christmas Day lunch, as well as the spa to relax in and huge windows to soak up the Christmassy views.
Courtesy of the hotel - 7/12
7) Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Essex
Take to the Essex countryside this Christmas and enjoy a stay at Down Hall. There's a mulled wine welcome on Christmas Eve and a gospel choir for entertainment. Christmas Day brings a lavish five-course lunch, the chance for little ones to meet Father Christmas and a festive family film in the afternoon.
On Boxing Day, you can explore the Christmas hotel's beautiful grounds and take part in falconry or laser clay. The day ends with an outdoor BBQ under heating lamps with live music.
Visit Essex – www.visitessex.com - 8/12
8) The Spread Eagle, West Sussex
Have a very merry Christmas in the South Downs when you book a Christmas getaway at The Spread Eagle in Midhurst. One of England’s oldest coaching inns, the Christmas hotel is the perfect place to curl up by roaring log fires, enjoy crisp country walks and indulge in festive feasts.
On Christmas Eve, there's cream tea served with Sussex sparkling wine and Midnight Mass at a local church. Christmas Day brings a traditional festive lunch complete with all the trimmings, before you get some fresh air and explore medieval Midhurst. On Boxing Day, there's carol singing and dinner in the hotel’s Jacobean-style dining hall.
Courtesy of the hotel - 9/12
9) Lympstone Manor, Devon
For a gourmet Christmas getaway, look no further than Lympstone Manor in Exmouth. The festivities commence on Christmas Eve with a brass band performance and traditional carols, mince pies and mulled wine followed by Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines’ signature eight-course tasting menu.
After dinner, there's a chauffeured service to Midnight Mass at Exeter Cathedral available. Christmas Day is relaxed and magical, with a champagne breakfast and a five-course Christmas tasting menu served as lunch or dinner. Boxing Day is when you can go on an afternoon vineyard tour followed by wine tasting with a team of sommeliers.
Courtesy of the hotel - 10/12
10) Rothay Manor, Lake District
Located in picturesque Ambleside, where the streets are illuminated with festive lights and the aroma of coal fires fill the air, this Christmas hotel is a wonderful place to escape for a magical break. Rothay Manor's festivities begin on Christmas Eve, with canapes by the open fires, a decadent dinner and Midnight Mass at the local church.
Christmas Day begins with a bucks fizz breakfast followed by a traditional Christmas lunch with turkey and all the trimmings. After lunch, head for the Rothay Manor cinema, with ice cream and popcorn. On Boxing Day, there's a Cumbrian breakfast and complimentary tickets to a local attraction.
Courtesy of the hotel - 11/12
11) Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire
With its fairy-tale turrets and luxurious 21 bedrooms, Glenapp Castle is the perfect place to spend Christmas in Scotland. There's stargazing, clay pigeon shooting, treasure hunts and open fires to enjoy during the festive period, as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas, who always finds his way to Glenapp. Arrive on Christmas Eve in time for an afternoon tea, before exploring the Glenapp gardens.
On Christmas Day, there's a full Scottish Christmas breakfast and a falconry display, before a festive four-course Christmas lunch. The evening buffet is accompanied by a Scottish ceilidh band providing entertainment for all. And on Boxing Day, there's more food and activities to enjoy.
Courtesy of the hotel - 12/12
12) Grand Central Belfast, Belfast
You can relax, shop and celebrate the festive season with a Christmas city getaway at Grand Central Belfast. You'll find yourself in the heart of the festivities when staying at this city centre hotel, the perfect base for exploring all the magical activities Belfast has to offer over Christmas. During this wonderful time of year, there's festive afternoon tea in the Observatory, champagne to sip throughout the period and plenty of festive treats.
On Christmas Day, you can start the morning with a long, lazy breakfast and a visit from Father Christmas, before relaxing in the Seahorse Lounge with family and friends. The Christmas Day Luncheon is a fabulous family feast combining the best local ingredients, from Glenarm salmon to Irish turkey.
Christopher Heaney
