Breakaways to Book Now for the Perfect Christmas Escape
Our top picks for festive getaways
Headlam Hall
There’s plenty of opportunity to celebrate Christmas at Headlam Hall. Their popular Snowball Party Nights include an arrival drink, three-course meal and dancing until midnight, or settle down to a festive two- or three-course lunch during December. They’ve also arranged a special afternoon tea, served during December, in the Main Hall Lounge or Stable Lounge. Want the luxury of a hotel stay but with extra privacy? Book The Hideaway, the hotel’s apartment just 30 metres from the hotel, with its own private hot tub but within easy reach of all the other facilities.
Near Gainford DL2 3HA
headlamhall.co.uk
Wrea Head Hall
This elegant country house hotel is renowned for its timeless luxury, great food and excellent service which all go towards making it the perfect place to spend Christmas. The 24 rooms and suites are divided between the original house and the Carriage House, but each is individually designed and has every little luxury you’d hope to find. Dine in the oak-panelled 1881 restaurant with its expansive views over the hotel gardens and National Park beyond, where the team of chefs serve delicious seasonal dishes using produce from the surrounding estates and their own kitchen garden. Just want to escape the looming Christmas chaos for 24 hours? Take advantage of their Winter Warmer Break with an overnight stay for two, curl up beside the large open fire and take some time out to relax in the run up to the big day.
Barmoor Lane, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PB
wreaheadhall.co.uk
Matfen Hall
Enjoy the most festive of breaks at Matfen Hall with a three-night stay on this stunning estate in Northumberland. Arriving on Christmas Eve, guests will be treated to Champagne and canapés before dining in one of the hotel’s elegant restaurants. Kick off the big day with a sumptuous breakfast and explore the grounds and golf course, or curl up with a book or game in the snug before tucking into a five-course special festive lunch. Spend the evening beside the roaring fire in the Great Hall, and enjoy a charcuterie board and sweet treats to round off the perfect Christmas Day. Spend Boxing Day checking out the hotel’s spa, its 27-hole golf course or simply exploring the beautiful countryside to work up an appetite for dinner in either the Emerald or Cloisters Restaurant, and sleep tight before you head home after one final delicious breakfast.
Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH
matfenhall.com
Rothay Manor
Christmas in the Lake District is a magical time of year, and nowhere is more welcoming than the dog-friendly Rothay Manor. Let the festivities begin with canapés beside the open fire in one of the lounges before you dine on the delectable Tasting Menu in the hotel’s restaurant. Midnight Mass is a tradition in the local church, but make sure you are up in time for a Buck’s fizz breakfast and then take a stroll through the pretty village of Ambleside to work up an appetite for the traditional Christmas lunch served with all the trimmings. Post-lunch there’ll be films to slumber through in Rothay’s own cinema (popcorn obligatory) whilst Boxing Day gives you the opportunity to explore (and walk off another delicious breakfast). Round off your stay with a festive a la carte dinner in the fine-dining restaurant, for what will be a truly memorable breakaway.
Ambleside LA22 0EH
rothaymanor.co.uk
Swinton Park
Treat family and friends to this year’s festivities at stunning Swinton Park with a three-night stay which includes a very special Christmas feast, opulent afternoon tea, Boxing Day walks on the estate and a black tie Boxing Day party. With plenty of other activities on offer, from archery and birds of prey experiences to macaroon making at the Cookery School, and the fabulous on-site spa to spoil yourselves in, it will be a Christmas to remember.
Swinton Estate, Masham, Ripon HG4 4JH
swintonestate.com
Kidlandlee
When you just want to escape the festivities and enjoy some simple peace and goodwill at Christmas, Kidlandlee is where you should be. These award-winning holiday cottages and barn conversions in a truly spectacular landscape are perfect for lovers of the outdoors. Sitting 1,400 feet above sea level, in the heart of the Northumberland National Park and surrounded the rugged hills of the Coquet Valley, Kidlandlee is within the Northumberland Dark Sky park. It promises an off-grid Christmas like no other, but without compromising on luxury, and the range of self-catering accommodation means it’s as good for families and larger groups as it is for a romantic festive break for two. You can do Christmas your own way here. Relax in front of the log burner, head out for as many bracing walks as you have the energy for, and stay up and star gaze for as long as you want. If you are rustling up a festive feast, then each cottage has a well-equipped kitchen with everything you could possibly need.
Harbottle, Morpeth NE65 7DA
kidlandlee.co.uk
Linden Hall Golf & Spa
Enjoy a two- or three-night break in the heart of Northumberland. Linden Hall is set in its own beautiful grounds which cover 450 tranquil acres of countryside. Arrive on Christmas Eve for a cream tea and mulled wine before enjoying a three-course dinner in the Dobson Restaurant. Start the big day with a delicious celebratory breakfast and wait for a special visit from Santa, bringing gifts for the kids as you enjoy a pre-lunch glass of Champagne. Lunch is served in either the Dobson Restaurant or the more relaxed Bigge, after which you can while away a lazy afternoon with board games in the lounge or head out to walk off lunch in the grounds. A buffet supper will keep you going in the evening. Guests have full use of all the leisure facilities until 10am on day of checkout, and spa treatments and golf tee times are available to book separately too.
Longhorsley, Morpeth NE65 8XF
macdonaldhotels.co.uk
Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
Enjoy award-winning hospitality at The Devonshire Arms in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The halls will be decked for plenty of festive cheer as you arrive on Christmas Eve. Celebrations begin with a sparkling afternoon tea, and the evening kicks off with a Champagne reception followed by dinner in the award-winning Burlington Restaurant, and you can then relax in the lounge with a post-dinner tipple and enjoy your favourite carols sung by a professional group of singers. Transport to Midnight Mass at The Priory will be available for guests wanting to go. The next day, burn off your Yorkshire breakfast with a bracing walk beside the river before heading in to a traditional Christmas Day lunch. Spend the afternoon by the fire or playing one of the many board games on hand, and if you can, squeeze in a light supper served in the Burlington. On Boxing Day, head out for a walk after breakfast, enjoy the falconry display at lunchtime, afternoon tea too if you can fit it in, before a special black tie dinner with paired wines awaits in The Burlington Restaurant.
Bolton Abbey BD23 6AJ
devonshirehotels.co.uk
Crab Manor Hotel
Throughout the festive period Crab Manor Hotel and the Crab & Lobster will be transformed into a magnificent, magical space, and with luxurious accommodation and award-winning food it’s the perfect place to enjoy a very special Christmas. You can enjoy a two-night break (one night on a bed and breakfast basis), which includes a Champagne breakfast, a celebration lunch in their award-winning Crab & Lobster restaurant, mince pies and mulled wine at Crab Manor, Christmas stockings and an evening buffet in Crab Manor Lounge and conservatory on Christmas Day evening. Choose from a Manor House, Luxury Room or Suite in which to spend your Christmas.
Dishforth Road, Asenby, Thirsk YO7 3QL
crabandlobster.co.uk
Goldsborough Hall
Once the family home of Princess Mary, you can share in 400 years of stately home history when you celebrate Christmas here. Built for entertaining on a grand scale, it’s a magical time of year to visit with roaring log fires, Christmas trees in every corner and a garlanded staircase, and you can’t fail to feel instantly festive. With plenty of activities to keep your party busy, from wreath making to Little Elves arts and crafts workshops, it’s a busy time. Can’t escape at Christmas? Check out the hall’s Twixmas breaks which include a five-course dinner, bed and breakfast to help you rest and recover from the festivities.
Goldsborough, Harrogate HG5 8NR
goldsboroughhall.com
Rudding Park
With roaring log fires, beautiful Christmas trees and lots of festive fun including Carols by Candlelight in Rudding Park Chapel and a visit from Santa, a festive break at Rudding Park is always very special. Start your two- or three-night break with afternoon tea on arrival on Christmas Eve followed by dinner and a carol service in the chapel for guests who wish to join in. On the big day, work off your breakfast with a six-hole golf competition, a guided walk through the estate, or just relax by the fire as you wait for Christmas lunch. Snooze away the afternoon in the hotel’s private cinema before heading to the Clocktower Brasserie for supper. Boxing Day brings more festive food and fun, and guests can have use of the rooftop spa each day.
Follifoot, Harrogate HG3 1JH
ruddingpark.co.uk
Farlam Hall
Join Farlam for three days of festive fun at this stunning country house hotel where the pace of life just seems that much slower. Choose from a range of beautifully styled, spacious accommodation and arrive on Christmas Eve to roaring log fires and a Champagne afternoon tea in one of the hotel’s beautifully decorated lounges. More Champagne and delicious canapés precede your three-course dinner, and the local church is only a five-minute walk away should you wish to attend Midnight Mass. Kick off Christmas Day with breakfast served in the Cedar Tree Restaurant and spend the morning relaxing before your five-course Tasting Menu Christmas lunch. Walk it all off in the hotel’s grounds before enjoying an informal buffet to see you through to Boxing Day, which brings organised walks and plenty of time to explore nearby Hadrian’s Wall or the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A buffet lunch is followed by a truly indulgent seven-course Tasting Menu in the evening.
Hallbankgate, Brampton CA8 2NG
farlamhall.com
Tickton Grange Hotel & Restaurant
Enjoy the best of the festive season at Tickton Grange, where roaring fires, handwoven wreaths and flickering candlelight all add to the celebratory atmosphere at this delightful family-run country house hotel. There are a number of different breakaway options available over the festive period so whether you just want to hide away and let someone else do all the work, or simply need a delightful place to rest your head as you visit friends and family over the holiday, this is where you need to be. Kick off your Christmas with the overnight Christmas Eve Dinner, Bed and Breakfast package, with mulled wine, mince pies and a little gift on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course a la carte dinner served in the newly-refurbished Bloomsbury Room and a restful night’s sleep before all the excitement starts on the day itself. Christmas morning means a full Yorkshire breakfast served with a glass of chilled prosecco before you head out on your visits for Christmas Day, or stay for Tickton’s special Christmas lunch (but book early). If you just need a comfy bed then you can sleep over on Christmas Day or Boxing Day night at Tickton’s special B&B rate, but note the restaurant will be closed in the evenings on both days.
Tickton, Beverley HU17 9SH
ticktongrange.co.uk
The Tempus
Enjoy a fabulously festive retreat at Charlton Hall’s The Tempus this Christmas. Kick off the celebrations with a welcome drink on Christmas Eve followed by a delicious dinner in the Orangery. The big day begins with a Continental Deli breakfast and mimosas, followed by fizz and canapés before sitting down to a four-course Christmas feast. Spend the rest of the day chilling out in this uniquely magical space before the evening buffet. You don’t need to check out until 1pm the next day, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the Fizz Breakfast before heading home.
Charlton Hall Estate, Northumberland NE67 5DZ
charltonhall.co.uk
Middleton Lodge Estate
Celebrate the perfect Christmas in the country at Middleton Lodge Estate. With a home-from-home feel, the beautiful rooms at Middleton Lodge are dotted throughout the estate and the celebrations will start as soon as you check in on Christmas Eve. The halls will be decked, the fires lit and you can even start your day with a dip in the beautiful heated outdoor pool. Tuck into festive feasts throughout, starting with a special afternoon tea on Christmas Eve and, of course, a classic Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, all lovingly prepared with produce from the estate. Walk it all off with a stomp through the grounds, or why not book a restorative massage to help you recover on Boxing Day?
Middleton Tyas, Richmond DL10 6NJ
middletonlodge.co.uk
Coquet Cottages
There is something magical about Christmas in Northumberland, and you’re never far away from some great Christmas cheer. Whether you prefer to be beside the sea or in the countryside, the many pretty Northumbrian villages take Christmas very seriously and you can enjoy festive lights, late night shopping and plenty of good Christmas spirit wherever you choose to go. Coquet Cottages have an award-winning collection of self-catering accommodation across the county, all festively decorated for your arrival. Crabcake Cottage in the quaint fishing village of Craster sleeps six (and two dogs). Recently refurbished and with a cosy woodburning stove and sea views from nearly every window, it’s a great place to celebrate Christmas beside the sea. And when you don’t want to cook, the popular Jolly Fisherman pub with its cosy bar and restaurant is just a few yards away.
coquetcottages.co.uk
No.1 by Guesthouse, York
Give the gift of pure luxury this Christmas and head to No.1 by Guesthouse in the historic city of York. Their special two-night stay begins on Christmas Eve and you’ll enjoy plenty of surprises along the way until you check out on Boxing Day. They love Christmas here, so you’ll be treated to lots of traditional festive touches, from Buck’s fizz at breakfast to carol singers (accompanied by cocktails) in the bar, and a delicious Christmas Day lunch in the hotel’s Pearly Cow restaurant. Don’t want to leave? It’s easy enough to add an extra night onto your stay, and that will give you time to enjoy the Guesthouse Spa and even explore some of the city on your doorstep.
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
guesthousehotels.co.uk
Gisborough Hall
There’s something special about the festive season at Gisborough Hall and it feels like there’s a little bit of magic in the air. Join them for a three-day break starting on Christmas Eve. From the moment you arrive you are guaranteed a warm Yorkshire welcome, the decorations will be up and the fires lit, so all you need to do is look forward to carols by the fire, their renowned Christmas quiz and even a local panto, and of course the many festive treats prepared by the excellent team in the hotel’s kitchen. The big day itself will start with a hearty breakfast which you’ll need to walk off before the Champagne reception and Christmas lunch. Watch the King’s speech in The Old Hall as you enjoy Christmas cake and coffee, and the festive feasting continues into the evening with the chef’s special carved buffet. Boxing Day sees an informal lunch and a trip to the local panto, before returning to the hotel for a cocktail reception, black tie dinner and casino night.
Whitby Lane, Guisborough TS14 6PT
gisborough-hall.com
