Christmas may traditionally be spent at home, but an increasing number of Britons are discovering the joy of festive getaways in specially prepared holiday properties. Imagine swapping the stress of holiday preparations for a cosy retreat where everything is taken care of, including seasonal decorations.
Five Festive Retreats Across Britain
We've curated five exceptional holiday properties available during December that promise to make your Christmas celebration truly magical. Each property offers unique charm and comfort, with some even featuring special festive touches.
Craven Cottage: Yorkshire Farmhouse Charm
Located in Foston-on-the-Wolds near Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, this rustic traditional farmhouse sleeps seven people and features classic furnishings, exposed beams and a wood burner. Available through Sykes Cottages with December availability starting from £410 for three nights.
One delighted visitor described it as "the most charming home anybody could imagine" and noted that "Christmas was indeed magical for our family here." The property also received praise for its exceptional welcome pack.
Alice's Cottage: Cornish Coastal Escape
Nestled in Looe, Cornwall, this two-bedroom stone cottage boasts exposed beams, slate flooring and a wood burner. Set among trees on a quiet country lane just a short drive from the Cornish coast, it's available through Holiday Cottages from £405 for three nights in December.
Recent guests were impressed, saying: "Wow, what a fantastic little cottage. The area is beautiful and there are some amazing walks, especially for the dog... within easy reach of all the quaint little fishing villages and harbours."
Chapel Cottage: Historic Brecon Beacons Retreat
This half-timbered Grade II listed 16th-century cottage in Bronydd, near Clyro in the Brecon Beacons, offers two bedrooms and direct access onto the Offa's Dyke footpath. It's an easy walk to Hay on Wye and available through Holiday Cottages from £591 for three nights.
According to one festive visitor, Chapel Cottage is "the epitome of the idyllic Christmas experience". They particularly praised the well-equipped kitchen which proved perfect for cooking Christmas dinner, noting good use of both conventional and Aga ovens.
Classic Silver Birch Cabin: Scottish Forest Paradise
Located in Strathyre, near Ben Ledi, Stirling, this cosy two-bedroom cabin features private outdoor decking area and the ultimate luxury - a hot tub. Guests can enjoy spectacular forest, loch and mountain views with activities including bike hire, archery and canoeing available on site.
Available through Forest Holidays from £435 for three nights in December, one guest raved about "the location, the scenery" and mentioned being "right next to Loch Lubnaig, a beautiful sight." They also appreciated how "the cabin was lovely, nice and cosy with the log burner going."
Twosome: Suffolk Romantic Hideaway
This quirky romantic retreat in Chediston, near Halesworth, Suffolk features wooden beams and historic charm. The pretty courtyard cottage garden is surrounded by four acres of grounds dotted with benches and undulating countryside. Available through Sykes Cottages from £494 for three nights.
Guests loved the property's character and comfort, with one mentioning the special touch of listening to "the tawny owl at night; it was perfect" for creating memorable moments.
All prices were correct at time of publishing, offering Britons the opportunity to create unforgettable Christmas memories in some of the UK's most beautiful locations without the stress of holiday preparations.
