Luxury Christmas breaks

    Danesfield House. Image by Mark Seymour

    Treat yourself to a Christmas break at one of these historic hotels where all the hard work is taken care of, leaving you to relax and simply enjoy the festivities

     

    ClivedenCliveden

    Cliveden House
    Taplow, Berkshire

    38 bedrooms

    This National Trust property was built for entertaining, having played host to virtually every British monarch since George I. Enjoy five-star luxury at Cliveden’s Christmas Three-Night House Party starting on Christmas Eve with a welcome of mulled wine and traditional carols sung in front of the fire in the Great Hall. As Christmas Day dawns, enjoy a four-course Christmas lunch and a relaxing day of festive fun. Boxing Day includes a leisurely breakfast, a treasure hunt in the fabulous National Trust gardens, a guided tour, afternoon tea and a celebration dinner.

    Book Cliveden here.

    The Grove
    The Grove

    The Grove
    Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire

    217 bedrooms

    Set in 300 acres of glorious woodland, parkland and picturesque formal gardens with a historic mansion at its heart, The Grove provides the perfect retreat for a luxurious festive break, with plenty to entertain the children, from making Christmas stockings to giant games and a Christmas cinema. The hotel provides an ideal picture-postcard setting in which to gather the family together for a nostalgic celebration. Guests will also be treated to Christmas dining to tempt every palate.

    Book The Grove here.

    Danesfield House
    Danesfield House

    Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
    Marlow-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire

    65 bedrooms

    Enjoy fine food and sparkling champagne amid the sumptuous setting of this grand hotel this Christmas. With 65 acres of gorgeous formal gardens overlooking the River Thames, the views from the rooms are simply stunning – some executive rooms even come with a balcony so you can fully appreciate the vista. From elegant furnishings to marble bathrooms and an award-winning spa, a touch of luxury is guaranteed, while attentive staff are sure to make your stay one to remember.

    Book Danesfield House Hotel and Spa here.

    Middlethorpe Hall
    Middlethorpe Hall

    Middlethorpe Hall
    York, Yorkshire

    29 bedrooms

    This beautifully restored William III country house hotel set in 20 acres of manicured gardens close to York’s historic centre is particularly magical at Christmas time with its roaring log fires and candlelit rooms set amongst a backdrop of antiques and fine paintings. Arriving on Christmas Eve, a three-night stay includes a buffet afternoon tea on Christmas Eve, four-course Christmas dinner, and the option to see a pantomime at the York Theatre Royal on Boxing Day.

    Book Middlethorpe Hall here.

    Dunston Hall
    Dunston Hall

    Dunston Hall
    Norwich, Norfolk

    169 bedrooms

    Arrive at this imposing Elizabethan-style hotel on Christmas Eve to be greeted with a welcome gift before enjoying a warming drink and a live pianist performance. Christmas Day comes with all the trimmings and a visit from Father Christmas himself! On Boxing Day guests are invited to make a trip to the Theatre Royal to enjoy the local pantomime before returning to the hotel for mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cake.

    Book Dunston Hall here.

    The Savoy. Image by Niall Clutton
    The Savoy. Image by Niall Clutton

    The Savoy
    London

    268 bedrooms

    Christmas at The Savoy is really something magical; a time to look forward to and a time to remember with such fondness. Arrive to an array of festive treats followed by a champagne afternoon tea for two at the Savoy this Christmas. Enjoy a stay in a Superior Room of this historic hotel, where the Edwardian and Art Deco décor has been enjoyed by many famous faces over the years, including Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Claude Monet and Katharine Hepburn. In keeping with their history, Christmas 2022 has a stunning theatrical theme! The Savoy has formed a double-act with Champagne Laurent-Perrier to put on a show, with a festive activation entitled, ‘It’s Showtime’. From festive cocktails to extravagant parties or a delicious afternoon tea, enjoy a sense of Christmas magic and the exciting world of theatre.

    Book The Savoy here. 

    Ynyshir hall
    Ynyshir hall

    Ynyshir Hall
    Eglwys Fach, Powys

    10 bedrooms

    Once owned by Queen Victoria, this idyllically located manor house will be suitably dressed for Christmas with holly and ivy adorning the stairs and fireplaces and a grand Christmas tree taking centre stage. Enjoy Christmas Eve mulled wine and mince pies on arrival and a traditional turkey dinner along with a slice or two of Christmas cake on the big day itself. On Boxing Day, walk off any gastronomic excesses at the nearby beaches, hills or mountains before leaving the hotel on the 27th after a Buck’s Fizz breakfast!

    Book Ynyshir Hall here. 

    Atholl Palace
    Atholl Palace

    Atholl Palace Hotel
    Pitlochry, Perthshire

    108 bedrooms

    Welcoming guests for over 130 years, this palatial highland hotel will be offering plenty of whisky and carols this Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day comes with a traditional meal and a visit from Santa himself! On Boxing Day guests are invited to enjoy a traditional jazz evening after taking time to explore the walkways around the 48 acres of gardens and grounds. For an extra special stay, book yourself in to one of the turret suites for panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

    Book Atholl Palace Hotel here.

    Read more:

    Christmas in London: Our top things to do

    The best hotels in South West England to stay in this Christmas

    New issue: Issue 231 of Discover Britain is here!