Our selection of five amazing UK staycations this holiday season.
Dartmoor - Decadence at Bovey Castle
Set in its own 275-acre estate within Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period, complete with the tallest Christmas tree on Dartmoor. Arrive on Christmas Eve and enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea and, for families, a storyteller. In the evening, children’s high tea is followed by a gourmet five-course dinner for adults. Christmas Day starts with a delicious breakfast and a visit from Father Christmas, then relax in the spa or try the brass rubbing trail – or perhaps head out on a bracing walk - before a Christmas drinks reception and a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings is served in The Great Western Restaurant. After the Queen’s speech, there’s tea and Christmas cake, and an informal supper will be served in the evening. On Boxing Day, join the ‘nearest the pin’ competition, watch the ferret racing or work off the calories with a guided walk of the grounds. An early savoury or sweet afternoon tea will be served in the Cathedral Room then, a little later, children will have high tea and, in the evening, a lavish five-course black tie dinner will take place. Guests will depart on 27th December after a full English breakfast.
Arriving on 24 December, a three-night Christmas Break at Bovey Castle is from £1,350 per person (two sharing a Mews room), including breakfast and other meals/activities.
Celebrate Christmas in Worcestershire at Brockencote Hall
Set in 70 acres of parkland, Brockencote Hall is a 21-bedroom Victorian manor house with a lovely lakeside setting. Arriving on Christmas Eve, the three-night Christmas Experience includes afternoon tea in the lounge, mulled wine and carol singing plus a decadent four-course dinner. On Christmas Day, wake to a Champagne breakfast and, after a relaxing morning, enjoy a glass of Champagne and canapés before tucking in to a magnificent seven-course Christmas lunch in The Chaddesley Restaurant. In the evening, there will be a quiz and a light supper. On Boxing Day, after a full English breakfast, take a trip on the Severn Valley railway before returning for tea and Christmas cake and a four-course dinner in the evening. Depart on 27th December after a full English breakfast.
Arriving on 24 December, a three-night Christmas Break is from £650 per person (based on two sharing a Classic room).
A Christmas Cracker in Stratford-upon-Avon
With an enviable location next to the River Avon, The Arden Hotel is located right in the heart of the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel’s three-night Christmas Break begins on Christmas Eve with afternoon tea on arrival, an evening welcome drink in the Club Bar and a three-course dinner in No44 Brasserie on the Waterside. There is the option to attend Midnight Mass at Holy Trinity Church - Shakespeare’s resting place - before returning to the hotel for mulled wine, sherry and mince pies. Start Christmas Day with a full English breakfast, some present opening and a walk around historic Stratford before Christmas canapés and a delicious five-course Christmas lunch is served. In the evening, there will be an informal supper. On Boxing Day, spend time exploring the surrounding area; the town’s independent shop windows will be dressed for Christmas, and pottering by the river is a relaxing way to enjoy some fresh air. Alternatively, head a little further afield to the nearby Cotswolds for lovely scenery and a walk. In the evening, a glass of bubbly and a four-course gourmet dinner will be served in the restaurant.
The Arden’s three-night Christmas Break is from £425 per person (two sharing a Classic room), including breakfast and other meals specified.
New Year’s Eve at Mallory Court
Welcome in 2021 at Mallory Court, a quintessential English country house hotel near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Arriving on 30 December, indulge in afternoon tea served in one of the cosy lounges and, later, enjoy a three-course seasonal dinner in The Dining Room. On New Year’s Eve, after a hearty breakfast, spend time in the hotel’s luxurious Elan Spa, enjoying a pre-booked swim or spa treatment, or perhaps browse Leamington Spa’s upmarket shops and boutiques. In the evening, celebrate with a glass of Champagne and canapés, a five-course dinner, a glass of Champagne and fireworks at midnight. On New Year’s Day, brunch will be served until noon.
The two-night New Year Break is from £429 per person (two sharing a Classic room), including breakfast and other meals specified. *NYE package also available 31 December - 2 January. Additional nights can be added from £90.00 pp (B&B, two sharing).
New Year’s Eve at an Elizabethan Manor near Cheltenham
The Greenway Hotel & Spa is an atmospheric 16th-century ivy-clad Elizabethan manor set in eight acres on the outskirts of Cheltenham, with the beautiful Cotswold hills immediately behind the hotel. With 21 bedrooms, The Greenway has a relaxing house party feel with a cosy lounge for board games, a wood-panelled dining room and a bijoux spa (complete with a hydrotherapy pool, champagne nail bar and outdoor hot tub). Arriving on 31st December, the New Year’s Eve Break includes cream tea in the Drawing Room on arrival, followed by cocktails and canapés and a six-course black tie gala dinner complete with a flight of wines. On New Year’s Day, wake up to a Champagne brunch, then visit the glamorous Cheltenham Races or the January sales, before returning to the hotel for a four-course candlelit dinner.
Arriving on 31 December, the two-night New Year Break is from £379 pp (two sharing a Lodge room).
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