Christmas Staycation: The UK’s Most Festive Hotels For 2023

Langley Castle – Northumberland

Christmas in a castle? Celebrate like royalty at Langley Castle, a medieval gem nestled in Northumberland and brimming with authentic features; think chandeliers, knights in shining armour and medieval-inspired décor. Come the festive season, it’s a magical place to hunker down and delight in the magnificence of Christmas. Arrive on Christmas Eve to a cocktail december, before a full Northumbrian breakfast come Christmas morning. But don’t go too hard: a sumptuous Christmas lunch awaits. Walk it off across the 10 acre woodland estate, with the possibility of a stroll along Hadrian’s Wall, too. A buffet will tide you over in the evening, before winding down in the castle’s cute nooks or beside the Drawing Room’s roaring log fire.

Two or three nights (from 24 December) priced from £505 per person. Christmas breaks should be booked by phone, so call the Langley Castle team on 01434 688888.

langleycastle.co.uk

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Just 40 minutes from London, the stunning countryside retreat of Cliveden House, an Iconic Luxury Hotel, has it all. If it’s a picture-perfect English countryside Christmas that you seek, you’ll find it at this National Trust-owned property, set in flawless gardens, the ideal backdrop for a moody, misty winter escape. On the other hand, if it’s a little festive hedonism you’re after, there’s no better country venue than this home of iconic parties and scandalous affairs. The Christmas decorations are just about the prettiest we’ve seen, too.

The 3-night Christmas House Party at this Relais & Châteaux member is the ultimate country Christmas package. Or check in for NYE if you want to start 2024 in style.

clivedenhouse.co.uk

The Machrie – Islay

Whisk yourself off to The Machrie on the Scottish isle of Islay for a magical Christmas staycation. Relax and unwind by the log fires, and soak up the expansive beach views from floor to ceiling windows. Settle in on Christmas eve with a spa treatment, or embark on a round on the championship course. Dine on the finest Scottish produce at Restaurant 18 on the big day, where Santa will also be making an appearance on Christmas Day. And what’s better than a Christmas stroll along the beach? Indulge in a fabulous brunch on Boxing Day, before heading out to absorb some of the island’s famous friendliness.

Three nights (24–27 December) from £795 per room based on two adults sharing a Cosy Double.

themachrie.com

Cowley Manor Experimental – Cotswolds

Indulge in a ‘Christmas at Cowley’ package this festive season, and rest your weary head in festive luxury with a three-night stay and your very own in-room Christmas tree. Beyond your door, explore 55 acres of natural lakes, Victorian cascades and woodland, before returning to the cosy 17th-century manor house for a delightful three course dinner on Christmas Eve by Jackson Boxer, and an indulgent five course Christmas Day lunch with champagne. Guests can also expect special gifts, entertainment, delightful cooked breakfasts and other surprises throughout their stay.

Three nights (24–27 December) from £2,550 per room.

cowleymanorexperimental.com

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Head to Mayfair, London for a chic, magical Christmas staycation at the Four Seasons, with a trip personalised to suit your Christmas wishes. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea and head to the Amaranto Restaurant for a delicious Christmas dinner. There are also special festive seasonal treatments at The Spa, including a Heat Experience followed by a full body salt scrub, cocoon clay wrap and full body massage. Delightful.

fourseasons.com

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

Or, head into the country for more Four Seasons festivities. With carriage rides and ice skating, mulled wine and carol singing, festive dining and the possibility of private dining, all tastes, couples, families and friends are catered for.

 fourseasons.com

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is ending the year with a festive bang. Settle down in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with 222 chambers and suites offering cosy, locally-sourced furnishings and views over Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Start with Christmas eve carols accompanied by tasty mince pies, before a hearty breakfast on Christmas morning, followed by a delicious Christmas lunch in the Commons Club. Meanwhile, little ones can enjoy festive storytelling, accompanied by cookies and milk.

virginhotels.com

Scarlet – Cornwall

Scarlet’s ultimate laidback luxury Christmas break offers the perfect four nights of coastal calm atop Cornish cliffs. Soak up the pretty coastal views of Mawgan Porth, and relax in the hotel’s capacious lounges. If you’re feeling energetic, venture down to the beach for a brisk but beautiful walk – or lean in and experience deep relaxation in the spa, instead. Amongst all of this, there’s a roster of festivities to enjoy, including a five-course tasting menu, three course dinners on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, a clementine fizz breakfast on Christmas morning, a festive hamper, and ample mince pies and mulled wine throughout.

Four nights (23–27 December 2023) from £2,700, based on two adults sharing a Just Right room

 scarlethotel.co.uk

Rockliffe Hall – County Durham

Bordered by the dramatic North York Moors and scenic Yorkshire Dales, Rockliffe Hall makes for the ideal Christmas staycation in the North. The Christmas break includes three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast after arriving on Christmas Eve. There’s festive afternoon tea with mulled wine and carol singers on arrival, two hours use of the hotel spa each day, five-course Christmas Day lunch with welcome glass of sparkling wine, visit from Father Christmas on Christmas Day with a gift for all children, and complimentary festive activities.

Three nights, arriving on 24 December, from £999 per person.

rockliffehall.com

The Grove – Hertfordshire

For a country-meets-town Christmas staycation, head to The Grove in Hertfordshire. The three-night break is split between The Glasshouse and The Stables, and includes a plethora of delicious food, complimentary use of the spa, a range of activities, and exciting live music.

Prices from £2,140, based on two adults sharing a room.

thegrove.co.uk 

The Eastbury – Dorset

This 26-bedroom country house hotel is set in historical Sherborne. Every year, their Christmas and New Year House Party packages are delightful. The Christmas package includes complimentary sloe gin in your room, mulled wine, an drink upon arrival on Christmas Eve, and a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party with live music. On the big day, a whopping seven-course Christmas lunch in the award-winning Seasons restaurant and a buffet in the evening will tide you over. On Boxing Day, a leisurely breakfast and evening buffet will bookend a day of relaxation – or, visit the village pantomime, go on a long countryside walk, head to the races, or wind down in the spa.

Prices from £490 per person for a two night stay.

theeastburyhotel.co.uk

Merry Harriers – Surrey

This cosy Godalming hotel in the Surrey hills offers llama trekking – what could be a more unforgettable Christmas staycation? Plus, guests can enjoy a cold glass of sparkling wine and three-course dinner on Christmas eve, followed by a candlelight walk to Hambledon Parish Church for Midnight Mass service; a lovely breakfast and four-course dinner on Christmas day; and a Boxing Day hamper. Dogs are welcome, too!

Three nights (24–27 December) from £775, based on two sharing. Enquire on 01428 682883 or email enquiries@merryharriers.com.

merryharriers.com

The Runnymede On Thames – Surrey

Located 10 minutes from Windsor, The Runnymede On Thames is a great base to explore Windsor Great Park, Christmas at Kew and festive shopping in the Royal Borough. Their Christmas Getaway offers guests a two-night break with festive feasts, cocktails, and full use of the hotel’s spa – only for adults. On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy the spa with indoor pool, infrared sauna and eucalyptus steam room. Christmas lunch will be followed by a cheese and wine dinner (for those with space) in the evening.

Two nights (24–26 December) from £623 per room.

runnymedehotel.com

Grantley Hall – North Yorkshire

From its picturesque countryside location to its elegantly styled suites and luxurious Three Graces Spa, Relais & Châteaux member Grantley Hall makes for an ideal Christmas staycation. Guests can choose from their fun and festive Christmas or New Year House Party packages, with all the trimmings included. Featuring log fires and hearty feasts, there’s much to enjoy throughout the festive season.

Three nights (24–27 December) from £4,950 per room based on two adults sharing. Enquire on 01765 620070 or email stay@grantleyhall.co.uk.

grantleyhall.co.uk

Coworth Park

Berkshire

Coworth Park’s Christmas staycation is a true family affair: the kids can enjoy Christmas Eve storytime and a Boxing Day party, while parents wind down, enjoying the plethora of food and drinks on offer. On Christmas Day, Father Christmas will pay a visit right after breakfast and just before Champagne, before a four-course lunch. Guests can then watch the Queen’s speech in the Garden Room, and continue to the Mansion House for dinner and live entertainment.

Two or three nights (from 24 December) priced from £3,880.

dorchestercollection.com

The Pig at Combe – Devonshire

It doesn’t get cosier than The Pig at Combe, where toasty log fires, warm mulled cider and homespun Christmas decor awaits. Cosy up in one of its snug rooms or cottages, indulge in delicious home-grown delights – the ‘Piggy Bits’ are a must-try – and cheers to the festive season with a bottle of English fizz or a ‘Kitchen Garden tipple’ in the bar. There’s even a private dining room in the Georgian kitchen for those more intimate festive feasts.

To book your Christmas stay or dinner at THE PIG-at Combe, please contact reservations@thepighotel.com or call 0345 225 9494.

thepighotel.com

Dunalastair Hotel Suites – Perthshire

Head to Scotland in search of a white Christmas and Highlands Hogmanay, and check out the ‘Magic of Christmas’ package at Dunalastair, which includes Champagne and mince pies to welcome in Christmas Eve, followed by carol singing with the locals of Kinloch Rannoch, topped off with a 3-course dinner. Book for a hearty Scottish Christmas day breakfast with Bucks Fizz, followed by a leisurely stroll or and energising hike in the surrounding countryside, before a 4-course festive lunch.

Three nights (24–27 December) from £895 per adult, based on two adults sharing a room.

dunalastairhotel.com

Cary Arms & Spa – Devon

For a seaside Christmas staycation, head to South Devon’s Cary Arms & Spa. Located on the coast, there is plenty of opportunity for long winter walks with a beachy twist, while the boutique spa will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed (before you tuck into your next meal…). Cosy up in one of the hotel’s coastal cottages where you can enjoy a slightly more intimate festive few days, whilst delighting in all that the inn and spa has to offer.

Three nights (24–27 December) from £2,220, based on two adults sharing a double room. Enquire on 01803 327110 or email enquiries@caryarms.co.uk.

caryarms.co.uk

Chewton Glen

Hampshire

This country house hotel and spa – the UK’s very first Relais & Châteaux member – is located on the edge of the New Forest National Park, and offers a host of Christmas experiences. In between feasting, guests can gather around roaring fires, enjoy brisk beach walks, warm up in the treehouse hot tubs, or cook at James Martin’s Cookery School. This year sees the return of Chewton Glen’s iconic Christmas and New Years house parties, which offer a meticulous itinerary brimming with delicious food, drinks and activities.

HOW? Book the Christmas House Party package from £4,815 per room, or the New Year House Party package from £3,538 per room. chewtonglen.com