Last-minute Christmas plans sorted
For those of you who haven’t yet made plans for Christmas and can’t be faffed to host, some of our clients still have space on the day itself.
HOTELS
THE RECTORY, WILTSHIRE
Available 24 – 26th December 2023
Those seeking a home-from-home this Christmas can head to The Rectory, on the border of the Cotswolds. Their 3-night package is still available to book and includes festive drinks, Champagne breakfast and a three-course lunch in the Dining Room on Christmas Day. Finish the day with cosy films in the Drawing Room before nestling down in one of the hotel’s 18 bedrooms – with goose down bedding, roll top baths and an honesty-bar on the landing. Spend Boxing Day at the award-winning sister pub – The Potting Shed – for a cosy lunch and pint, before checking out.
Prices for the 3-night package start from £1,850, including breakfast, lunch & dinner. Email info@therectoryhotel.com or call +44 (0) 1666 577194 to book. www.therectoryhotel.com/christmas
ROTHAY MANOR, LAKE DISTRICT
Available 24 – 26th December 2023
Ambleside’s boutique hotel – Rothay Manor – is still available to book this Christmas. Welcoming guests with mulled wine and mince pies, the festivities begin on Christmas Eve with canapes beside open fires and a delectable Tasting Menu. Start Christmas day with a Bucks Fizz breakfast followed by a traditional Christmas lunch and a stroll around the magical Lake District. Evenings can be spent in the Rothay Manor cinema, with ice cream and popcorn and Boxing Day dawns with a Cumbrian breakfast.
Prices from £825pp for a 3-night break from 24th – 27th December. To book, visit www.rothaymanor.co.uk/festive
SELF CATERING
HILL FARM HIDEAWAYS, SCOTLAND
Available 24 – 26th December 2023
Discover Scottish hygge this Christmas at Hill Farm Hideaways. Hidden amongst the rugged heather of Pentlands’ National Park, guests can enjoy cosy interiors with unique handmade furniture, log burners and the added touch of magic with a woodland spa yurt, offering a steam sauna and plunge pool. Spend Christmas Day hiking up West Kip to see the sunrise, admire the spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and the Highlands from the summit, or discover waterfalls along the ridgelines into the glens.
Prices from £162-270/night
EXMOOR ESCAPE, DEVON
Available 24 – 26th December 2023
For something a little different this Christmas, why not escape the festive madness and stay in one of four gorgeous off-grid cabins – each in their own field – on Exmoor National Park. Built for two, spend Christmas day exploring rugged moorlands and breath-taking lakes. Evenings are extra special too; being in a Dark Sky Reserve makes stargazing a real wonder. Take it all in from the alfresco copper bathtub or through huge windows with views out to the wilds of Dartmoor.
Prices from £175 per night, Sleeps 2. To book, visit www.kiphideaways.com.
KINGFISHER COTTAGE, HEREFORDSHIRE
Available 22 – 27th December 2023
Situated on the Welsh border with the River Wye winding past the garden, Kingfisher Cottage is perfect for families and friends this Christmas. A gorgeous greenhouse is set up for candle-lit suppers, evenings can be spent marshmallow-toasting around the campfire or head into the Brecon Beacons for long walks. Back home, dive into the library of books and board games, cosy up for film afternoons on the pull-down cinema screen, or wander to the nearby pub for festive cheer.
Prices from 320 per night, Sleeps 7. To book, visit www.kiphideaways.com.
BLACK MOON, ST IVES
Available 24 – 26th December 2023
This romantic abode offers a unique escape this Christmas – with mesmerising sea views, welcoming Christmas wreath and tree and opulent interiors. Better yet, an Enid Blyton-style trap door leads down to a private cave beneath the living room where guests can cosy up on fur rugs whilst sipping a festive glass of champagne for an intimate Christmas for two.
Prices from £275 per night. Sleeps 2. To book, visit www.sandandstoneescapes.com.
THE BAKERY, DEVON
Available 24 – 26th December 2023
Located in the pretty thatched Devon village of Gittisham, The Bakery offers a charming escape for Christmas in a bucolic countryside setting. Decorated with a Christmas wreath and tree, the characterful home is a gorgeous setting for two – only 15 minutes from the coast, with lots of fabulous Christmas day walks (both coast and country) and stashes of excellent foodie hotspots tucked away including the popular Pig hotel at Combe.
Prices from £140 per night. Sleeps 2. To book, visit www.sandandstoneescapes.com.