After Christmas celebrations were scuppered last year by Covid restrictions, you may be looking for something special this time round.
And while we don’t yet have total travel freedom, you can still enjoy a festive break away from home.
As quarantines and testing rules remain in place for those travelling abroad, it’s all about the staycation instead – and there are plenty of gorgeous getaways right here on UK shores.
If you’re looking to holiday during the holidays, we’ve rounded up the top spots across the country you can book now.
All of these hotels and lets have availability around Christmas, but check ahead where possible as bookings do ramp up at this time of year.
From Welsh nature retreats to swanky London hotels, there’s something in our festival travel destination list for everyone.
Pigeon Hole Shepherds Hut, East Sussex
The Pigeon Hole is an 18ft Shepherd’s Hut with its own veranda built by local carpenter, Dicky Dean, and nestled in the heart of the woodland at Coe’s Farm.
Inside offers a kitchen, small fridge freezer and induction hob, double bed, log burner and dining space, and compost toilet, while guests can head to a luxurious shower block a short walk away.
The pull of this property is definitely its location, where you enjoy the tranquility it offers while cooking with the on-site BBQ pit.
Available to book on Airbnb from £125 per night.
City folks will love this boujee hotel just minutes walk from Manchester’s Lively Canal Street.
Festive feasts are served up at Kimpton Clocktower’s restaurant, Refuge, after which you can retire to your uniquely-decorated room and cuddle up in your hotel robe.
Book from Hotels.com from £138 a night.
Romantic Treehouse, Hertfordshire
If you’re looking for a couple’s getaway, this rustic treehouse is ideal for two, with original wooden floors, beams and stonework creating a cosy feel.
The real fireplace also adds an extra festive touch.
Guests get access to amenities on the King’s Langley estate the treehouse is located during their stay, including an indoor swimming pool and gym.
Book from £250 a night with Airbnb.
Quarry House, Devon
Near Salcombe, the Quarry House is a holiday property that you’ll never forget, with estuary views and serious design credentials.
Glass walls make the place bright and airy, while the minimalist decor is by Danish firm BoConcept, and features state-of-the art tech from Miele and Sonos.
This holiday let sleeps up to eight, and you can opt for the ‘LUXE’ package if you’re feeling fancy, with extras available like a welcome hamper, private chef, and access to a fleet of boats.
Book from CoolStays for £152 to £3855 a week.
Stylish Malton Townhouse, North Yorkshire
Perfect for families, this swish townhouse sleeps five and has parking for two cars, along with free wifi, Smart TV with Netflix, and a Nintendo for the little ones.
10 minutes from Malton, the Food Capital of Yorkshire, you can enjoy the culinary delights the town has to offer, with enough space to cook your own Christmas dinner indoors.
Available to book on Airbnb from £120 a night.
With Cornish sea views and its own secret woodland garden, Dreckly is a stay for those who love nature.
It sleeps up to four people, but it’s what’s outside that counts, with a fire pit, BBQ, and double hammock in your private area to while away those winter nights.
You can also book a breakfast, cream tea, or local cheese hamper for a special treat.
Book with QuirkyAccom from £145 to £175 per night.
The Standard, London
Are you more bah humbug than bless ye merry gentlemen? The Standard’s Christmas decor is more your style.
The ‘Not So Standard’ decorations were designed by artists in residence Harris Reed and Chet Lo, and provide an antidote to the chintz we often see at this time of year.
With multiple restaurants and bars on site – not to mention how central you are to other spots – your Christmas doesn’t need to be all gravy, tacky tinsel, and carol singing.
Book from £272 per night.
The Old Sunday Schoolroom, Brecon Beacons
This traditional Victorian holiday let gives you the best of both worlds, filled with original features as well as modern amenities.
With two bedrooms, you can sleep four, and its setting in the heart of the Brecon Beacons makes it ideally placed for hillwalking, cycling and exploring nature – as well as the big Christmas walk.
Book from £105 a night on Airbnb.
Temptation II Yacht, Southampton
Not everyone can say they spent their Christmas on a yacht. The Temptation II is moored in the Ocean Quay Martina at Southampton, and can be booked for private stays.
There’s a hot tub on the top level, as well as a galley, king-size bedroom, twin room, shower room, and seating area.
You can also add on bubbly or sweets if you’re surprising someone.
Book with QuirkyAccom for £350 to £550 per night.
Boutique Central London Narrowboat
Velvet Morning is a 57 foot canal boat built over 100 years ago, available to book on Airbnb for up to four adult guests and one child.
A bedroom (with king-size bed and child-size bunk) leads into a seating and dining area (with pull-down double bed) There’s also a kitchen area on the boat, featuring a gas oven and hob, a good size fridge with freezer compartment, and a sink and draining board.
The real selling point here, though, is something you’ll rarely find on a boat: A fully functional roll-top bath. If you like to while away Christmas in the tub and soak away your stresses, this is the stay for you.
Book from £188 a night on Airbnb.
Fairytale Treehouse, Ladybank
This Scottish treehouse makes for a magical festive break, set around six living Sycamore trees on the grounds of Castle Fernie.
Stained glass and handmade oak furniture add to the fairy vibe, as do friezes of the mystical sprites all over the walls.
Explore the surrounding woodland or chill on your light-festooned balcony, complete with an Insta-friendly swing.
Book from £295 a night on Airbnb.
Box Barn, Monmouthshire
Are you celebrating with a large group this Christmas? This Monmouthshire converted barn may be the perfect setting.
It sleeps 16, with a hot tub, outdoor bar, and pizza oven outside for gatherings and parties. Standout touches also include a vintage record player complete with vinyl and a private napping nook.
Available to book on CoolStays from £474 to £725 per night.
Boutique Hotel Room, Nottinghamshire
If you prefer a pampering break to an au naturale stay, the luxurious rooms at Manor Court are up your street.
Stays include bubbly on ice in the room on arrival, truffles, Molton Brown products, a turn down service, and an a la carte breakfast served by candlelight in the splendour of Manor Court’s dining room.
If you do decide to venture out, you’re right beside the quiet village of Thorpe and its quaint pubs and markets.
Book from £175 per night on Airbnb.
The Cookie Jar, Northumberland
Alnwick Castle – where Harry Potter’s iconic Hogwarts scenes are filmed – is right across the road from this luxury boutique hotel, and the historic property was once a Convent of Mercy.
Each room is decorated based on a different local spot, but all feature Penhaligon’s toiletries, English linen on Hypnos beds, and signature drench showers – as well as homemade cookies of course.
Stay in The Chapel Suite if you’re after a pamper, where you’ll find a ‘heavenly’ bath tub alongside original stained glass.
Book at Hotels.com from £201 a night.
The Pink House, Essex
It’s not in any of our budgets, but if you’re looking to splash a lot of cash on a lavish Christmastime staycation, you can’t get better than The Pink House.
Sleeping 16, the Essex mansion is an art installation you can stay in, designed by the creatives at Eaton House Studio.
It’s a candy-coloured paradise, with 6.5 bathrooms, three bar areas, a slumber party room, and a hot tub – all in the home’s signature pink hue and with some flamingos and unicorns thrown in for good measure.
Available to book on Airbnb from £2,400 a night.
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