If you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas, why not consider getting away and letting someone else bring the holiday spirit? There are plenty of fantastic independent hotels across the country that focus on fantastic winter breaks.
From a food lover’s heaven to establishments located in the heart of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, there is no such thing as a one size fits all break in these stunning establishments.
If the thought of a Christmas away from home is exactly what you need, here are our picks for the top ten hotels for your getaway.
How does a carriage ride through Mayfair on Christmas Day sound? This is just part of the luxury that you will encounter when you stay at London’s Connaught Hotel. In our opinion, there is no place that encompasses the Christmas spirit quite like London, the streets are empty and you can truly enjoy the places that have been referenced in literature over the decades. One of the best things about this hotel is the location for the Boxing Day sales, simply head out of your hotel and you are on the chic Mount Street, home of stylish boutiques and galleries.
If a boutique hotel is more your thing, we recommend heading to picturesque Oxfordshire, home of The Feathers hotel. Enjoy a truly personalised stay in this cosy retreat, with stunning grounds to explore and the very popular Hendrick’s gin bar where you can unwind after a long day. This hotel is in a prime location to enjoy other Christmas traditions, including a classic pantomime at the nearby Oxford Playhouse and a special Midnight Mass at St Mary Madeleine Church.
Finding a way to ensure that your guests return to your hotel year after year can be difficult. It requires a lot of forward planning and that all important wow factor! One destination that cannot be ignored on our list is Yorkshire, home to the stunning Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa. Situated in the heart of the Moors, this hotel is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and offers a selection of Christmas packages to ensure that you can really indulge over the festive period. Enjoy the usual champagne receptions and carol singing as you feast on their iconic winter fare. The cherry on top of this stay is a chauffeur driven journey to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, in a 1920s charabanc!
Stunning scenery awaits you at The Llawnroc, located in the beautiful town of St Austell. This hotel is situated close to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, voted ‘Britain’s Finest Garden’ in 2015, the ideal choice for a brisk Boxing Day walk. There is a real emphasis on fun at this hotel, with cocktail hour starting at 6pm and mulled wine served by the quay during the carol service. Food is another focus of your stay at The Llawnroc, dinner is a truly epic affair with course after course of scrumptious dishes.
Food lovers will also appreciate our next pick, located near Ascot, the Coworth Park Hotel and Spa is home to the kitchens used in BBC’s Masterchef. During the course of your stay you can enjoy a guided tour of the kitchens along with master classes in wine tasting and cake making with the hotel’s expert team. On Christmas Day you will enjoy a stunning 5 course meal, accompanied by the hotel’s in house pianist. This hotel is the sister hotel of the Dorchester, one of London’s finest establishments, so you are guaranteed a stay that is full of luxury and indulgence.
Our final pick is the very popular Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa situated in Bath. With a range of packages designed to give you the ultimate in Christmas luxury, this hotel offers everything from a champagne reception on Christmas Eve, to a visit from Father Christmas on the day itself. The hotel’s chefs are on hand to create a dinner with all the trimmings, complete with a harpist to set the festive mood. Finish off your stay with a black tie dinner on Boxing Day, the perfect end to your no stress Christmas getaway.
There you have it, our roundup of the best hotels for you to enjoy a Christmas getaway. If you prefer to be wined and dined, without having to do the washing up, or you’re simply looking for inspiration for your own Christmas packages, you really can learn a lot from the best in the business.