Where to spend Christmas in the UK (if you fancy a break from home)

Fancy an alternative place to stay this Christmas? Overlooking Bournemouth beach, the 15 Bournemouth Beach Lodges are heated, with south-facing decks, kitchens, bathrooms, WiFi and accommodation for up to four people. You can have your Festive Lodge decorated pre-arrival, and there are plenty of great bars and restaurants nearby if you don’t fancy cooking. Seven nights’ self-catering from £475 (arriving on December 22). [Photo: Bournemouth Beach Lodges]

Tucked away in a sleepy Somerset village, The Calf House is an ideal choice for larger groups this Christmas. This property sleeps six, but it can be booked with the neighbouring barn, The Old Barn, to sleep 14. There is open plan space in spades and great modern touches, such as high-tech lighting and sound systems. Local attractions include Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Abbey and Longleat Safari Farm. Five nights’ self-catering from £2,000 over Christmas. [Photo: Perfect Stays]

For a truly stylish Christmas, head to The Belsfield Hotel, a Laura Ashley hotel. Rooms are as luxurious and slick as you’d expect from the interior brand, while outside the Lake District offers everything from hiking to cosy afternoons spent beside the pub fire. Three-night Christmas packages (arriving on December 24) include lunch, dinner and drinks, and there are festivities such as a mulled wine cruise on Windermere and live entertainment. From £199 per person per night. [Photo: Laura Ashley Hotels]

How about retreating to a private island this Christmas? Located two hours north of Glasgow, the Isle of Eriska is a haven of tranquility, and features a beautiful 5* hotel and spa as well as views of Loch Creran and the rugged Highlands. The four-night Christmas Package includes a Champagne breakfast on Christmas day, an optional carol service at the local church and a black tie dinner. Based on two sharing, it costs from £1,110 per person, including four nights’ all-inclusive and use of leisure facilities. [Photo: Isle of Eriska]

Forget the slog of cooking this Christmas and check into Hartwell House, a Grade I listed property standing in over 90 acres of grounds. You’ll be treated to cream tea on Christmas eve and a five-course luncheon on Christmas day, as well as a black tie dinner and casino evening on Boxing Day. The three-night break costs from £1,000 per person, including three nights’ accommodation, most meals, wine pairings and spa use (arriving December 24). [Photo: Hartwell House]

Set beside the Irish Sea, 30 miles from Belfast, The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa offers guests a warm welcome this Christmas, with fine dining, party nights and sumptuous accommodation. Children will love the festive excursions on board the Polar Express, plus visits to see Santa and his elves and storytelling with Mrs Claus. B&B doubles from £114 per night during December. [Photo: Hastings Hotels]

Put your best foot forward with a Christmas walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands village of Glencoe. You’d stay in Alltshellach, a former bishop’s house on the shores of Loch Leven with wonderful mountain views and an indoor pool. Walk off the festive excess with a choice of guided walks, before relaxing with activities including quizzes and carols. Four nights’ full-board from £695 per person (arriving on December 23). [Photo: HF Holidays]

Watch the waves crash against the shore from Cove Cottage, a cosy bolthole in the far west of Cornwall. Sleeping six, the former fisherman’s cottage has been lovingly restored to offer modern comforts while retaining its period character with slate floors, deep window seats, exposed stonework and a large fireplace. Seven nights’ self-catering from £705 (arriving December 21 or 28). [Photo: Beach Retreats]

How about staying in your own lakeside home this Christmas? Set on the edge of Howells Mere Lake in the Cotswolds, Aspen Lodge enjoys stunning views across the water and is well placed for crisp winter walks through beautiful scenery. Sleeping eight, the property is finished in timber cladding, giving it a ski chalet feel, and is kitted out with a fire – perfect for warming yourselves as you play board games into Christmas night. Four nights’ self-catering from £2,040 (arriving December 23). [Photo: Lower Mill Estate]

For a quiet and cosy Christmas getaway, look no further than Bagdale Cottage, a two-bedroom period property featuring a wood-burning stove, exposed beams and lovely stone walls. The more adventurous should not miss the Whitby Boxing Day Dip (don’t forget your fancy dress), while culture vultures will enjoy a trip to the seventh-century Whitby Abbey. Seven nights’ self-catering from £984 (arriving December 23). [Photo: Original Cottages]

Open fires, panoramic sea views and open green space… Knowles Farm Cottage is a good choice for families of up to four looking for a rugged coastal escape this Christmas. Inside, the two-bedroom bolthole has lovely exposed beams and rustic barn doors, while the golden sands of Rocken End and Castle Haven beaches are a short stroll away. Four nights’ self-catering over Christmas from £695. [Photo: National Trust]

Set on the Gower peninsula’s north west shore, Swallow’s Nest is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful festive hideaway – with plenty of opportunities to blow away the cobwebs on coastal walks. The converted barn features a mezzanine bedroom with a four-poster bed and has a private garden, sea views and access to a shared hot tub. Seven nights’ self-catering from £554, including a Christmas tree and decorations (arriving December 22). [Photo: Quality Cottages]