Luxury Christmas breaks

    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

    Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland
    Langley Castle Hotel in the snow

    Fancy Christmas in a castle? Well, who wouldn’t. And at Langley Castle Hotel in Northumberland you can experience just that. This award-winning hotel in a medieval castle will host the Christmas of your dreams, complete with 2AA Rosette feasting, incredibly Northumbrian surroundings for those essential festive walks, and beautifully authentic bedrooms, complete with luxe four-poster beds and squishy velvet armchairs to sink into after a day of festivities.

    Book now, here.

    Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire
    Cliveden
    Cliveden

    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, Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire

    The Grove
    The Grove

    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 Hotel and Spa, Marlow-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire

    Danesfield House
    Danesfield House

    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, York, Yorkshire

    Middlethorpe Hall
    Middlethorpe Hall

    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 Christmastime 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 and an evening of Champagne, canapés and carols, a four-course Christmas dinner on the big day itself, and a Casino Night on Boxing Day.

    Book Middlethorpe Hall here.

    Dunston Hall, Norwich, Norfolk

    Dunston Hall
    Dunston Hall

    Arrive at this imposing Elizabethan-style hotel on Christmas Eve to be greeted with tea, coffee and mince pies, before a delicious three-course dinner. Christmas Day comes with all the trimmings and a visit from Father Christmas himself! On Boxing Day guests can sit down to a full English breakfast before heading out to explore some of the beautiful surrounding countryside, before returning for Christmas cake and a three-course dinner.

    Book Dunston Hall here.

    The Savoy, London
    Afternoon tea at The Savoy

    Christmas at The Savoy is really something magical; a time to look forward to and a time to remember with such fondness. Decorated to the nines, with twinkling lights and glittering Christmas trees, arrive to an array of festive treats followed by a champagne afternoon tea for two. 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.

    This year, taking centre stage in the Front Hall, will be a beautiful vintage steam train where guests can enjoy a unique Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne experience within one of its ornate carriages.

    Book The Savoy here. 

    Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry, Perthshire

    Atholl Palace
    Atholl Palace

    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 lunch with all the trimmings. 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.

    SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Scottish Borders

    Enjoy a very Scottish Christmas at this elegant country house hotel in the Scottish Borders, home to the Borders’ first and only outdoor spa and 26 brand new cottages on the woodland estate.

    Arrive on Christmas Eve to be greeted with mulled wine and mince pies, before heading out to enjoy a spot of clay pigeon shooting or falconry, if you fancy, or relax to some live classical music in the warmth. On Christmas Day explore the estate, enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch and unwind with mulled wine and the King’s Speech in the afternoon. Boxing Day is a chance for more outdoor pursuits, or festive films in the Snug, before a hearty lunch.

    Book SCHLOSS Roxburghe here.

    Fingal, Edinburgh
    Festive afternoon tea aboard the Fingal

    Scotland’s ‘hotel of the year’, also known as the floating hotel, Fingal, have announced a brand new festive afternoon tea this Christmas, available every day from 1-23 December 2023.

    Permanently moored on Edinburgh’s waterfront, this glamorous, Art Deco style hotel, will offer guests a decadent British tradition with a nautical, and festive, twist, enjoyed in unique surroundings.

    Hightlights of the afternoon tea menu include a marinated crayfish cocktail, and Drambuie macarons.

    Book your experience now, here.  

    The Witchery and Prestonfield House, Edinburgh
    Christmas decorations at Prestonfield House,Edinburgh. Credit: David Cheskin

    These two luxury hotels by Scotland’s best known restauranteur-hotelier, James Thomson, are the jewel in Edinburgh’s crown and the epitome of luxury this Christmas.

    Guests are spoilt for choice between The Witchery, centrally located right next to Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile, and Prestonfield House, offering all the beauty and luxury of a country estate, just five minutes from the city centre.

    The Witchery is the perfect location to explore the city during the festive season, and with nine theatrically decorated suites to choose from, and award-winning Scottish food to feast on in the atmospheric and historic dining room lit by hundreds of candles, you’ll be treated like royalty.

    Prestonfield House, set in a grand 17th century building, combines opulence, theatre and luxury in the most stylish of ways. Enjoy Winter Wonderland Christmas parties in their grand glittering ballroom, and Christmas infused afternoon tea and a decadent three-course festive lunch.

    Book here for The Witchery.

    Book here for Prestonfield House.

    Read more:

    Christmas in London: Our top things to do

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