Pre-Christmas Breaks in the UK
Escape the hustle and bustle with these dreamy December getaways
Now that the Hallowe’en masks are locked away for another year, the shops are starting to fill up with their Christmas goodies, luring us in with twinkly decorations and the familiar sound of Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ blaring from the speakers. Some people revel in the annual trudge around the shopping centres, battling with the crowds but for others, it can be the nightmare before Christmas.
The build-up to Christmas can leave us all a bit stressed and worn out and more of us are escaping on short breaks before the big day or in some cases getting away for the entire celebrations. I’ve never been away over Christmas as I cherish being at home but if someone put me on a plane to a tropical hideaway on New Year’s Eve, I don’t think I’d put up too much of a fight.
If the pre- Christmas madness gets you into a tizz but you really want to be all zen, ready for Santa coming, fear not. I’ve found some ideal mini-breaks to help you get into the festive spirit and in the words of Kate Bush, December WILL be magic again.
(I love that song but for the record, my all-time favourite Christmas tunes is I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake – just a bit of trivia)
This week, I’ve had a nosey around to find some of the dreamiest hotel breaks that will shield you from the high-street mayhem and to be frank, I’d happily settle into any one of them for a fortnight! Look at these blissful retreats you can run off to and recharge your batteries before you need to deck your halls and dust down the old Santa hat…
Here’s where you can reboot before the mayhem begins.
So, starting in the south and heading north, here are my top picks for pre-Christmas breaks in the UK.
The Scarlet, Cornwall
It may be cold out there but if you do like to be beside the seaside, look no further than this beautiful Cornish retreat. You must check out their ‘Winter Warmer’ package which is available from 1-21 December. The Scarlet Hotel in glorious Cornwall has this special deal on the go right now where you can hide out in coastal luxury for two blissful nights, sure to leave you rested and ready to take on the festive season with renewed vigour!
You can cosy up at The Scarlet, enjoying the spa or by blowing off the cobwebs with a brisk seaside walk. Look at their website and see what’s included in the Winter Warmer deal. It sounds just perfect, in my opinion. Might go myself!
Monty’s Retreat from Log House Holidays, Cotswolds
This looks like a super pretty spot to get away from it all. Monty’s Retreat is one of the most private houses on this family-run nature reserve in the Cotswolds. The lakeside retreat has its own hot tub, a log burner and there’s even a fire pit you can sit around and enjoy toasted marshmallows.
Monty’s Retreat has underfloor heating, flat screen TV and DVD player as well as board games and a mini library of books – you’re all set for those quiet and cosy nights ahead. Don’t panic if traditional pastimes are not your thing – of course, this place has Wi-Fi!
Arguably, this would be a wonderful place to stay in summer but winter is definitely a great time to experience these Scandinavian log cabins. Go on; bring a little hygge into your life. To book Monty’s Retreat click here
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Lake District
The Lake District is a gorgeous place to go at any time of year but just imagine crisp, wintry scenes in this scenic corner of England. It would be idyllic for chilling out somewhere pretty to clear your mind before the Christmas rush.
Located in the heart of the Lake District National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has one of the most enviable locations in the world. The view from the resort over England’s longest lake, fells and mountains is truly breath-taking.
The Spa at Low Wood Bay is the newest Lake District Spa with fantastic views over Windermere. This inviting hotel has created a contemporary, welcoming and unpretentious space for relaxation, quality time with friends, romantic spa breaks and ideal for a relaxing pre- Christmas getaway. The indoor Thermal Journey includes a range of saunas and steam room and a vitality pool. The journey continues outdoors. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic and stunning views of the lake and mountains from the Lakeview Infinity Pool, Fellside Sauna or the outdoor hot tubs – perfect for early evening star gazing. Book your stay here
Rowan at Hesleyside Huts, Northumberland
Two words spring to mind here – romantic and authentic.
The Rowan comes complete with outdoor rocking chairs for you to sit back, wrapped up and gaze at the winter sky – or into each other’s eyes, whichever you prefer!
Inspired by wilderness cabins in North America, Rowan will appeal to woodland adventurers and those seeking peace, tranquillity and seclusion. It will also be a big hit among loved up couples wanting to spend some quality time together, cosied up in each other’s arms before landing slap-bang in the middle of the big rowdy family Christmas. Check out Canopy & Stars for details on how to book.
The cabin itself sounds so inviting – a king-sized bed up in the rafters and a wood burner to keep you nice and toasty.
Check it out here
Knock Castle Hotel & Spa, Scotland
‘Romantic Hotel of the Year’
Beautiful Perthshire…always an ideal spot to chill out when things are getting on top of you. Besides, what better way to say I love you than whisking them away for a few days among the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside?
You could enjoy the magic and romance of December at luxurious Knock Castle Hotel & Spa, a 19th Century former Baronial home in Crieff with panoramic views across the beautiful Perthshire countryside.
Spend your time exploring the local countryside or simply relax in the cosy bar…the perfect place to unwind. The hotel also has a cracking choice of spa treatments on offer if some pampering is on the cards.
Take a look at the spa menu on the hotel’s website and book yourself a quiet couple of days hiding out in this welcoming and atmospheric place.
Macdonald Hotels Woodland Lodges Aviemore
This neck of the woods is arguably one of the most picturesque parts of Scotland. Misty glens, purple roaming heather, snow-capped mountains and views so perfect they look like they should be on a shortbread box. It’s the ideal place to just slow right down and take your time to appreciate the natural beauty that’s on our doorsteps…or at least a drive away.
Aviemore is a favourite winter retreat and you could be enjoying a pre-Christmas break in the forest, cosying up in a tranquil woodland lodge. In a pine forest setting on the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, the lodges come equipped with a wood-burning stove – perfect for those wintry nights snuggled up far from the madding crowd. These lodges are a real home from home experience yet there’s ample facilities and amenities close by if you fancy a little company or a bit of exercise. Lodge guests can have the use of the activity centre which has an indoor pool and a gym. There’s also soft-play if you have little ones in tow.
Take a peek at these lovely places to stay in Aviemore here
There you go – six great ideas for getting away from it all before the fun starts. Any one of these breaks is sure to have you de-stressed and feeling all Christmassy in no time. You might even crank up the Christmas tunes on the drive home.
“So here it is Merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun…”
Sing along now, you know the words!
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.