With a rare seven days to unwind between Christmas and New Year, make the most of this relaxing period with a last-minute escape to an idyllic getaway in the UK.
As the holiday season draws ever near, you might be considering how to spend your time away from the office. Offering respite from the daily hustle and bustle, an indulgent staycation is the ideal way to see out the last few days of 2023 in style.
Playfully dubbed ‘Twixmas’, referring to days between Christmas and New Year, these slow-paced days are the perfect time to visit a countryside retreat, charming seaside town, or a cosmopolitan new city that you’ve always wanted to explore, but haven’t had the opportunity to yet.
For anyone seeking a change of pace over the festive season, consider one of these stellar staycations.
Perfect for a family getaway, Cameron Lodges offers one, two and three-bedroom self-catered lodges which provide all the home comforts, with a luxe edge.. Dispersed across the Cameron estate, each lodge is perfectly situated within walking distance of the golf course, marina and boat house. If you would prefer to stay at the hotel, consider a three night Christmas or Hogmanay package, which is sure to enchant the entire family.
With a picturesque backdrop, every amenity you could require, and the chance to escape for some fresh, countryside air, what more could you ask for over the Christmas break?
Address: Loch Lomond, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ, Scotland
A wander through the woodlands of County Laois offers an unrivalled sense of enchantment — something the twenty-bedroom estate of Ballyfin knows all too well.
The 1820s country house was lovingly restored in 2011, reopening as a five-star hotel. With its distinct Regency charm, It is little wonder that the manor is high on the list for visitors to Ireland with a penchant for architecture and interior design. , Offering both Christmas and New Years’ packages, the estate is dedicated to making a lasting impact on any guest who walks through its gates.
In the heart of the Cotswolds, just a direct train line away from London, lies The Manor House. Welcoming guests for several centuries, the countryside estate excels in delivering charming hospitality in a memorable setting.
Festive revellers are somewhat of a fixture here, with the manor offering a range of Christmas and New Year’s packages to dazzle and delight, no matter your holiday plans. Wake up to breathtaking views of Lough Erne each morning, take a dip in the outdoor hot tub, and enjoy a day of feasting at one of the three on-site restaurants. As the sun begins to set, take a crisp stroll through the expansive grounds before retiring to one of the thirty-five uniquely designed rooms.
Address: West St, Castle Combe, Chippenham SN14 7HX
For a snow-filled getaway drenched in opulence and grandeur, Beaverbrook has been delighting guests for centuries. Once visited by the likes of Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Rose Kennedy, the estate is steeped in history.
Located just 20 miles outside of London, the 18-room country house is set within the rolling hills of Surrey, making for a serene escape.
The boutique hotel takes Christmas seriously, as seen in its seasonal ice rink overlooking the Surrey Hills. Built on the very bedrock of old-fashioned hospitality, your festive experience has been thoughtfully planned from beginning to end, whether it be a morning mimosa on Christmas Day, or a spectacular light show on New Year’s Eve.
If an idyllic winter escape from the bustle, in a historic setting sounds like your idea of a fantastic getaway, Beaverbrook is the place to visit.
For anyone seeking a slightly laidback holiday with an elevated edge, The Pig has long been renowned for providing homely experiences at their properties peppered throughout the UK.
The franchise's Bath outpost presents guests with the opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature — escaping the daily grind. . It is little wonder, then, that The Pig bursts to life throughout the festive season, as weary travellers relish the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones.
As the name implies, there is a strong focus on the gourmet offering, with the main restaurant located in a conservatory which has been fitted out to resemble a gardening shed. Sourcing 90% of ingredients from within 25 miles, you can expect an authentic farm-to-table offering coupled with exceptional service.
With cosy fires and festive feasts to be savoured, all within a 20 minute drive to the Bath city centre, this is a must-visit.
The Shelbourne Hotel, a landmark of Dublin, has been an icon of luxury hospitality since it opened its doors in 1824. Celebrating its bicentenary this year, The Shelbourne continues to exude Irish grandeur from its position in the heart of Dublin.
