Festive Staycations: The Best UK Hotels To Book For A Christmas Getaway

There’s no denying that Christmas can be exhausting – even if it is the most wonderful time of the year. There’s the awkward office party, the stressful supermarket shop, plus the pressure of not ruining everybody’s Christmas dinner… But if you fancy a stress-free Christmas away from home? Then now’s the time to start booking your indulgent festive escape. Think roaring fires, carols by candlelight, traditional festive feasts with all the trimmings (and none of the washing up). Take the strain off and allow yourself to be spoiled at one of these fabulous locations. From festive spa breaks to in-house ice rinks, these are the best Christmas hotel breaks for 2023.

The Best Christmas Hotel Stays For 2023

Barnsley House, Gloucestershire

We can’t think of many better ways to spend Christmas than at Barnsley House, a gorgeously cosy and charming boutique hotel in a beautiful Cotswolds village with grounds that dazzle at Christmas time. Their three-day Christmas break includes a festive mulled cider and mince pies on arrival, plus a six-course tasting menu on Christmas Eve showcasing their garden-to-plate cuisine. Book a Christmas Day dip in the hydrotherapy pool before a champagne reception and indulgent three-course Christmas Day lunch. On Boxing Day, there’s clay pigeon shooting, pie, and a quiz night. The Village Pub is also just a stroll away.

Where: Barnsley, Cirencester GL7 5EE
Website: www.barnsleyhouse.com

Hampton Manor, West Midlands

This luxury foodie destination is offering a carefully curated two-night festive staycation for the first time this Christmas, where the Manor House becomes your home for the holidays. The festivities begin with open fires and board games in The Parlour, followed by a four-course feast by the Smoke team. Christmas Eve features carols and mince pies, setting the mood for the main event the next day – a Christmas menu celebrating seasonal produce across canapés, a four-course feast, and all the trimmings. Boxing Day is a laid back affair, with a special three-course lunch featuring seasonal dishes.

Where: Shadowbrook Ln, Hampton in Arden, Solihull B92 0EN
Website: www.hamptonmanor.com

Claridge’s, London

Claridge’s is the ultimate London festive destination. It’s an icon and a must-visit, especially during the Christmas season, if only for the Claridge’s tree, which is designed every year by a different artist. In true Claridge’s style, guests checking in will be welcomed with a bottle of Champagne, yuletide treats and their very own Christmas tree. As Father Christmas paces the corridors, carrots and mince pies will be carefully placed on mantelpieces and stockings will decorate the fireplaces throughout the hotel. Christmas Day morning will see a visit from Father Christmas himself, a choir singing carols, and a festive feast prepared in the hotel’s kitchens. To make your stay even more magical, you’ll be invited to ride in a picturesque horse-drawn carriage around Mayfair, indulgent hot chocolate in hand.

Where: Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
Website: www.claridges.co.uk

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire

Escape to the Oxfordshire countryside this winter at Raymond Blanc’s celebrated hotel. You can never go wrong with anything Belmond, but it really becomes something magical at Christmas. This little patch of rural France in England celebrates the most wonderful time of year with fireside champagne, chic decorations created by the resident florist, a tree in every guestroom, and gifts delivered on Christmas Eve. There’s also a stunning winter dome set up in the middle of the wildflower meadow.

Where: Church Rd, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7PD
Website: www.belmond.com

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Where: London Rd, Bagshot GU19 5EU
Website: www.exclusive.co.uk

South Place Hotel, London

Spend the festive season at South Place Hotel on a Christmas staycation in London. Enjoy the lap of luxury with an overnight stay in one of their five-star hotel rooms, complete with festive surprises and a welcoming bottle of bubbles. The best bit? A meal to remember at Angler, the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant on the seventh floor, where you’ll indulge in a six-course tasting menu for two. The morning after, your gourmet getaway continues with a traditional English breakfast at 3SP restaurant. You’re also welcome to enjoy this from the comfort of your hotel bed – it’s the holidays, after all.

Where: 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Website: www.southplacehotel.com

Lympstone Manor, Devon

For couples and families looking for an unforgettable Christmas retreat, Lympstone Manor is the perfect choice for a December break in Cornwall, with picturesque grounds and the finest accommodation. Opt for an all-inclusive three-night stay from the 24th to the 27th of December and you’ll experience Michelin-starred dining, a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and the joyous sound of a Christmas brass band.

Where: Courtlands Ln, Exmouth EX8 3NZ
Website: www.lympstonemanor.co.uk

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Where: Courtlands Ln, Exmouth EX8 3NZ
Website: www.lympstonemanor.co.uk

Where: Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
Website: www.grantleyhall.co.uk

Great Fosters, Surrey

Great Fosters is aglow during the holidays, dressed top to toe in seasonal splendour and festive detail. Their Christmas Holiday package from the 24th to the 27th of December is positively packed with all the essential ingredients for a sensational seasonal stay. And let us not forget the balls and parties they host throughout December. From the cosiness of the exquisite Anne Boleyn drawing room, to the magnificence of the ancient Tithe Barn, there are umpteen historic, charming and luxurious spaces to choose from for your festive celebrations. Christmas Eve begins with a merry mince pie and mulled wine welcome, followed by festive activities like Christmas stocking-making for the little ones and a four-course supper in the Estate Grill. Wake up on Christmas Day to a leisurely champagne breakfast and decadent four-course lunch. And on Boxing Day, head outside for a falconry display, hot chocolate in hand, before retreating indoors for a champagne afternoon tea.

Where: Stroude Rd, Egham TW20 9UR
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk

Rockliffe Hall, County Durham

With its cosy corners and roaring fires, Rockliffe Hall offers all the perfect nostalgia of Christmas. The Christmas break here includes three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast with a Christmas Eve arrival. There’s festive afternoon tea with mulled wine and carol singers, use of the hotel spa each day, a five-course Christmas Day lunch with welcome glass of sparkling wine, and a visit from Father Christmas on Christmas Day. Bordered by the dramatic North York Moors and scenic Yorkshire Dales, the hotel makes for the ideal cosy Christmas staycation.

Where: Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2DU
Website: www.rockliffehall.com

The Mitre, London

Keep your fingers crossed for a white Christmas, because Hampton Court’s snow-covered grounds could be taken right out of a Christmas card. The Mitre is a Grade II-listed hotel sits right on the Thames, overlooking the icy winter river banks and just footsteps from Hampton Court Palace – the famous favourite residence of King Henry VIII and one of London’s best festive destinations. Rooms are candy-coloured and cosy, with four poster beds perfect for waking up in on Christmas day before a spin on the Hampton Court Palace ice rink. These breathtaking wintery surroundings are festive escapism at its best, just a stone’s throw from Central London.

Where: Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN
Website: www.mitrehamptoncourt.com

Beaverbrook, Surrey

It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than Beaverbrook, where warm mulled cider, an ice-rink and Christmas décor galore awaits. Throughout the festive season, classic decorations, toasty fires and thoughtful touches will bring Christmas to life, on top of its classic country house parquet floors and restored antiques – all of which makes a perfect canvas for its annual festive wonderland transformation. The ice rink is perfect for working up an appetite before lunch, washed down with a glass of bubbles. Recover for the afternoon in their excellent spa.