LUXURY HOTELS, B&BS AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS FOR CHRISTMAS

Emma Love

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One of the most joyful times of the year when families and friends get together, Christmas can also be fraught for whoever’s turn it is to host. This year, why not take away the stress with a change of scene, and spend it relaxing in a gorgeous luxury hotel, bed and breakfast or country pub instead? Here’s our pick of places to book for a magical festive break.

Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Skipton, Yorkshire

At this 17th-century country house hotel on Yorkshire’s Bolton Abbey Estate the Christmas Eve festivities kick off with Afternoon Tea, supper in the Garden Room restaurant and carol singing. Rooms are classic contemporary rooms; the best are the suites on the ground floor of the New Wing which each come with a modern four-poster bed. On Christmas Day itself there’ll be a visit from Santa, a champagne drinks reception and a traditional lunch – leaving plenty of time afterwards for present opening and a stroll along the river to the Abbey ruins. And for those staying on for Boxing Day evening, expect magic tricks and piano tunes during a black-tie dinner, followed by the chance to try your luck at blackjack.

The Double Red Duke, Clanfield, Oxfordshire

Perhaps as you’d expect from a pub with rooms where the chefs are known for cooking over fire, Christmas lunch in the Orangery is the main event of a festive stay. From the lobster cocktail and game terrine starters to the rib of beef with truffle and bone marrow sauce option for a main, this is guaranteed elevated fare – without the need to spend hours washing up afterwards. Instead, simply settle down for the afternoon in one of the cosy snugs by the fire to sip sherry and play boardgames. The wisteria-clad, 17th-century former coaching inn sits in the village of Clanfield on the edge of the Cotswolds – so ideal for exploring nearby Bampton and Burford – and has individually decorated rooms with printed wallpapers, vibrant bedheads, vintage furniture and Roberts Radios. Plus, in the bathroom you’ll find natural 100 Acres bath goodies and a freestanding tub for a long soak at the end of each day.

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, Plymouth, Devon

Just 10-minutes-drive from Plymouth on the edge of Dartmoor, Grade I-listed Boringdon Hall is a luxury hotel that has a history that dates to the Domesday book. Check in on Christmas Eve-Eve (you can also arrive on the 24th) for mulled wine and a fascinating tour that delves into the manor house’s past and why it was once known as the ‘enchanted place on the hill.’ Throughout your stay, choose to eat in the Mayflower Brasserie or Michelin star restaurant Àclèaf, where chef Scott Paton and his team whip up dishes using the finest, locally sourced ingredients (sea bass with brown crab, turkey with all the trimmings). The adult-only Gaia Spa will be open for pampering treatments and sessions in the steam room and sauna. Entertainment includes a game of Murder Mystery, a Boxing Day swing band, a guided woodland walk and falconry.

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Newquay, Cornwall

Perched on a clifftop overlooking one of Cornwall’s most beautiful sandy beaches, this adult-only seaside hotel is a sanctuary at any time of the year – but especially at Christmas. More low-key and slightly less traditional than some hotels, there are still plenty of tempting treats on offer, from mince pies and eggnog to Christmas Day lunch in the Dune restaurant. Take part in a bracing Boxing Day dip followed by a boozy hot chocolate, blow away the cobwebs on a walk along the South West Coast Path to Crantock Beach or book into the spa for a soothing massage, all before bedding down in a contemporary room (the majority come with ocean views). There are also cocktail making masterclasses and wine tasting games in the Bay Bar, and live music that ranges from jazz and swing to acoustic covers of rock classics.

Grove House B&B, Leyburn, Yorkshire

A two-minute stroll from Leyburn’s pretty market square, this 18th-century bed and breakfast is full of Georgian charm. Owners Adrian and Dustin go all-out for Christmas, decorating the cosy sitting room and oak panelled dining room with evergreen garlands, candles and a twinkly tree. Expect mini crackers on the table for pulling after a Yorkshire breakfast feast, a roaring log fire and an English cottage garden, the ideal spot for morning coffee if the weather is fine. There are seven individually designed rooms, all named after Yorkshire valleys (choose from coppice or garden views), with antique furniture, patterned rugs and velvet bedheads. This is excellent walking country: after Christmas lunch locally, stride out on a circular stroll along The Shawl for knockout views of Wensleydale.

Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, Cuckfield, Sussex

Set in nine acres of grounds overlooking Cuckfield Park, this Elizabethan manor is a glorious retreat with a sensational contemporary spa (rooms are split between the main historic house and here) and restaurant. Yes, it’s already fully booked for Christmas but why not check-in over New Year instead? A stay includes a six-course tasting menu at dinner, accompanied by a singer and pianist, and a glass of Sussex sparkling wine for a toast at midnight. Plus, you can start 2025 with a full English breakfast and rejuvenating spell in the spa, swimming in the indoor-outdoor pool and relaxing in the hot tub.

The Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall, Cheshire

Just 30-minutes’ drive from Chester, this rural escape feels like a world away. Set in the Peckforton Hills with views of Cheshire Plain, the 300- year-old sandstone inn is just the spot for a relaxing stay pre-or-post the big day. There are 12 country-chic rooms (plus a self-catering cottage for up to six), cosy nooks and open fires for supping a pint of local ale after a hike along the Sandstone Trail. Alongside the seasonal menus, there’s also a special festive offering (choose from two or three courses), including dishes such as confit duck leg, ox cheek bourguignon and a Cheshire cheese board. A great way to get into the Christmas spirit.