Midwinter is the perfect time for a getaway that gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the season. You can enjoy splendid Christmas breaks in the UK thanks to its pristine woodlands, stately homes, quaint villages and ancient cities.
Seasonal expectations, family commitments and saving most of our annual leave for summer means that most of us can spare only a few days for a December break. Whether we’re looking for something luxurious, quiet, family-oriented or perfect for a weekend away, the experience needs to be worthwhile.
To help you find something that will make you feel all the more festive, we’ve put together a few ideas for the perfect destination for UK Christmas break.
Weekend Christmas Breaks
The end-of-year office parties, get-togethers with friends, and family gatherings that happen around Christmastime can be exhausting. A weekend Christmas break in the UK is a wonderful way to get your bearings in the midst of all that activity.
If you need some inspiration, take a look at the following suggestions.
A Weekend In Bath
One of the most beautiful small cities in the UK, Bath oozes charm, grace, and style. A weekend in the city gives you just enough time to visit the ancient Roman baths, explore its literary associations, discover its vibrant art scene, marvel at the abbey, and sip on locally brewed ales while the magic of Christmas fills the air.
A Visit To The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is an internationally renowned area of outstanding natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for a quick Christmas getaway. Basing yourself at a gorgeous Georgian hotel, you can venture out to tour the gardens at Highgrove, stroll through the grounds at Cirencester Park, and peruse ancient Roman artefacts at the Corinium Museum.
2 Days in Cornwall
Cornwall is a wonderful spot for anyone looking for a weekend away from it all. The areas numerous sandy beaches, stunning moorland and towering cliffs make for great walks, and you’ll really feel like you’re getting away from it all.
The so-called Cornish Riviera adds to the experience and the picturesque harbour villages feature a selection of local restaurants and hidden gems. Falmouth and Fowey are steeped in history and the nearby town of Penzance provides an exceptional view of St Michael’s Mount. You can walk to this historical attraction at low tide on the causeway and sail back at high.
Family Christmas Breaks
For many people, Christmas is a time to celebrate and to renew family bonds. The following suggested breaks would be best enjoyed in the company of your loved ones.
Beaverbrook’s Christmas Fun
Country house hotels are sometimes thought of as having a stuffy atmosphere, but when it comes to Beaverbrook, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
One of the UK’s top hotels in the country house category, it’s a vibrant place to visit at any time of the year, but there’s no denying it has a special magic at Yuletide. With seasonal music, roasted chestnuts, a festive feast, and family-friendly activities, it’s a fabulous place to enjoy a family Christmas break in the UK.
A Festive Safari
Seeing lions on a family-oriented festive safari in the UK is not as improbable as it sounds! The Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Reserve in Kent will welcome you for a Christmas unlike any other.
You, your spouse, and your children are sure to have a memorable time encountering various animals as you explore the 600-acre estate over a couple of days. You can enjoy sumptuous meals in the comfort of the timber-clad lodge buildings.
Enticing Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the places that defy the stereotype of cities becoming drab, dull, grey places in winter. The Scottish capital instead takes on a completely different atmosphere in December.
You can visit cheerful Christmas markets, marvel at the illuminations in the botanic garden, wander along the historic Royal Mile, and snack on gingerbread and hot chocolate (or something stronger). There are also world-class galleries, museums and other attractions to explore.
Luxury Christmas Breaks
Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy a bit of indulgence at Christmastime? These luxurious UK Christmas breaks give you the chance to live your best life.
Oxfordshire Manor House
The Oxfordshire countryside is famous for its idyllic beauty no matter what time of year you visit, but there is something particularly lovely about it during winter. For a truly indulgent break that offers more than a bit of luxury, book in at the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
The 15th-century manor house opened as a hotel in 1984, and its Raymond Blanc-guided restaurant has been Michelin-starred ever since. There are gardens to explore, and the hotel is close enough to Blenheim Palace for you to enjoy an outing while there.
The Luxurious Lake District
The beauty of Britain is nowhere more breath-taking than in Cumbria’s Lake District. With craggy highlands, majestic mountains, icy lakes, and picturesque towns and villages, it’s an area that will steal your heart and capture your imagination.
The setting is perfect for romantics – and considering the many fine-dining options available, it’s fab for foodies too. Experience it all by staying at a luxury guesthouse at Lake Windermere and enjoying some of the best dining in the area.
Quiet Christmas Breaks
When you’ve had a long, busy year and you are still faced with the stresses of the festive season, a quiet Christmas break in the UK is the perfect opportunity to have a quick recharge. These are a couple of our absolute favourites.
Quiet-Time In a Treehouse
The near-unspoiled beauty and fascinating history of Hampshire’s New Forest has attracted visitors for centuries. It’s a wonderful place to explore the beauty of nature, and thanks to some truly gorgeous accommodation options, it’s also ideal for a quiet Christmas break in the UK.
For a New Forest experience unlike any other, we recommend staying in a luxurious treehouse studio suite at Chewton Glen. If you can tear yourself away from your suite, you can meander along trails that wind through 130 acres of exquisite gardens.
Scottish Driving Holiday
There is something about the vistas offered by the Scottish Highlands that restores the soul and instils a sense of freedom both inside and out. For a quiet Christmas break with a difference (and with a chance of snow), spend a few days enjoying a Scottish driving holiday with an itinerary that takes you through Glasgow, Glencoe and Edinburgh.
You can spend your days taking in the beauty of the region from the road and your nights in 4 and 5-star accommodations.
When it comes to Christmas breaks, the UK has much to offer. Take your pick of one of our suggestions for a festive season getaway you are unlikely to forget.
Jump To a Section Below