If you want to let someone else take care of cooking the turkey, salmon Wellington or nut roast with all the trimmings this year (and I don’t blame you!), why not think about treating yourself to a proper festive break?
I think there is something so special about going away at Christmas, letting others handle the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy.
Luckily there are plenty of luxury Christmas hotel breaks in the UK for 2024 to choose from. Whether you want to stay in the north or south of England, or head to Scotland or Wales for a change of scene.
My guide to the best Christmas breaks at UK hotels will help you choose the perfect luxury break for the festive season. Just imagine – no cooking times, clearing up or cleaning the house to worry about.
If you fancy a completely stress-free Christmas this year, I’ve done the research, used my own personal experience, and gathered recommendations to bring you the top UK hotels to spend Christmas in for 2024.
Each offers a spectacular festive feast with all the trimmings, as well as a few tempting extras of their own.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
1. Grantley Hall
Location: Ripon, Yorkshire, HG4 3ET
Cost: From £4,570 for three nights
Dog-friendly: No, except guide dogs
I think the Yorkshire Dales make a wonderful setting for the festive season, with their sheep-clad hills and windswept moors.
Tucked away among it all is Grantley Hall, a 17th century mansion house close to the River Skell offering a Christmas House Party for three nights.
With five restaurants, you’ll not need to leave the landscaped grounds at all unless you want to wander through all that unspoiled countryside.
The property has 47 stunning rooms, a gym, a bar and a champagne lounge, and counts a Michelin-starred eatery among its attractions.
2. Gleneagles
Location: Perthshire, Scotland, PH3 1NF
Cost: From £6,240 for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes
Christmas breaks at UK hotels don’t come any finer than at Gleneagles.
Your three-night stay includes all meals and entertainment, plus access to Scotland’s only restaurant with two Michelin stars, three world-class golf courses and a wonderful spa.
In fact, I consider Gleneagles to be one of the best spa hotels in the UK.
Other reasons to book include an on-site beauty salon, a coffee lounge, three further restaurants, and art deco and whisky bars.
Plus, get the chance to sample falconry, horse riding or shooting during your stay. Some suites here also offer two storeys of living space.
I’m not sure it gets much better than this – sign me up!
3. Palé Hall
Location: Palé Estate, Llandderfel, Bala, Gwynedd, Wales, LL23 7PS
Cost: From £1,865 for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes
In a Snowdonia National Park setting, Palé Hall offers 16 acres of glorious gardens and a location close to the River Dee.
The imposing Victorian building houses rooms with antique furnishings, bay windows and four-poster beds.
For the festive season, expect crackling fires, filling Welsh breakfasts and the warmest of welcomes.
I love the amount of character here, with original fireplaces in some accommodation and a domed, frescoed ceiling in one of the function rooms.
If you’re seeking the best hotels for Christmas in the UK this year, why not head for the Welsh hills?
4. The Goring
Location: 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JW
Cost: From £1,270 per night (three night stay)
Dog-friendly: Yes
If you’re seeking smart Christmas hotel breaks in the UK in the beating heart of the city, how about The Goring?
One of my favourite London hotels, locations don’t come any more upmarket, with Buckingham Palace practically on the doorstep.
Take a prestigious festive break at this elegant property and you can enjoy the kind of welcome that only comes with London’s last family-owned hotel.
Each of the 69 rooms and suites is individually designed. Plus, this London hotel also offers a sumptuous afternoon tea, a cocktail bar, a gym and a top-notch restaurant.
5. Middlethorpe Hall
Location: Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 2GB
Cost: From £990 for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes, for some rooms by prior arrangement
If you’d love to be surrounded by stunning countryside but have fast access to the city, then add Middlethorpe Hall near York to your best Christmas hotels in the UK shortlist.
The grand Hall is set within 20 acres of parkland, and offers a champagne, canapés and carols reception on 24th December. This hotel also has a superb spa – I love the idea of spending Christmas morning relaxing in a spa, rather than preparing the turkey!
Other things to do between socialising and feasting include strolling among the fragrant herbs and fruit trees in the grounds, enjoying afternoon tea in a wood-panelled drawing room and swimming in the indoor pool.
6. The Newt
Location: Hadspen, Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG
Cost: From £4,910 for four nights
Dog-friendly: No, except assistance dogs
Head west to The Newt in Somerset for a cider-laced festive season to remember. Christmas or not, I believe that The Newt should be at the top of anyone’s UK hotel bucket list.
This country house hotel is set on a working estate in the heart of cider-making country. The gorgeous country estate offers a Georgian manor house set among acres of gardens and woodland.
The property took six years to perfect, and now boasts boutique-style accommodation, a spa and pool and a couple of lovely restaurants.
It’s a truly magical setting for a sparkling Christmas.
7. Lympstone Manor
Location: Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3NZ
Cost: From £1,010 for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes
28 acres of grounds, views over the Exe Estuary and stylish accommodation is yours to enjoy when you book into Lympstone Manor for Christmas.
Features such as canopied beds, soaking tubs, fire pits and balconies or terraces really make this place stand out – I don’t think it gets much better than that!
Guests staying for Christmas will enjoy a three-night programme that includes carols, mulled wine and an eight-course tasting menu on Christmas Eve, a champagne breakfast on the big day and a Boxing Day tour of the vineyard.
8. Bowood Hotel
Location: Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9PQ
Cost: From £550 per person for two nights
Dog-friendly: No
The lucky Lansdowne Family have owned Bowood Hall in Wiltshire for over 250 years, and invite you to spend Christmas here. Toasty log fires, delicious meals and quality time with your loved ones all await.
The Bowood Estate was landscaped by Capability Brown and includes the hotel and gardens, a deluxe spa, a children’s adventure playground and even a championship golf course.
I’d recommend this one for a family escape.
9. Inverlochy Castle
Location: Torlundy, Fort William, Scotland, PH33 6SN
Cost: From £3,500 for three nights, £3,100 for single occupancy
Dog-friendly: Yes
The mists, lochs, mountains and glens of the Scottish Highlands make a magical setting for a festive break.
This place provides very appealing luxury Christmas hotel breaks in the UK and I think it all sounds utterly wonderful.
Complete with a clarsach player, views of Ben Nevis and Boxing Day sports that include falconry, clay pigeon shooting and sheepdog trials.
Inverlochy Castle also offers individually styled rooms in a 19th century stone structure, a billiards room, landscaped grounds, boat trips and guest lounges.
10. Hartwell House
Location: Oxford Road, Stone, Aylesbury HP17 8NR
Cost: From £2,595 for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes, in rooms by prior arrangement
If you love to wander, Hartwell House is one of the best UK hotels to spend Christmas in, as it’s set among an impressive 90 acres.
The three-night festive breaks here include use of the spa, a Christmas Eve cream tea, a Boxing Day casino and much more.
Hartwell House is Grade I listed, dates from the 17th century and is situated close to the Chiltern Hills.
The hotel has an indoor pool, gym and hot tub, and offers accommodation in the main building, a former rectory and a converted coach house.
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11. Cliveden House
Location: Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 0JF
Cost: From £1,580 per night (three nights)
Dog-friendly: Yes
Cliveden is one of the UK’s best loved hotels and makes an enchanting setting for your December celebrations.
It’s also one of the most dog friendly hotels in the UK at Christmas, as four legged friends are also welcome.
The Christmas House party here includes sumptuous feasts washed down with Laurent-Perrier champagne, a Christmas Eve afternoon tea, an evening buffet dinner as well as a three course lunch on Christmas Day and a Black Tie event on Boxing Day.
I love the glitz and glamour of this option!
12. The Coniston
Location: Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA
Cost: From £699pp for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes, for some rooms by prior arrangement
Christmas cocktails and a live harpist on Christmas Eve? A Bucks Fizz reception on the big morning? Boxing Day spa sessions, scavenger hunts and all-terrain trips to explore the Dales?
All of this, and more, awaits at The Coniston.
Features of this property include a sprawling 1,400 acre site, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and on-site activities including fishing, clay pigeon shooting and falconry.
13. Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
Location: Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester CH4 9DG
Cost: From £470 per person (three nights)
Dog-friendly: Yes
The historic city of Chester and the rolling green countryside of Cheshire and North Wales are yours to enjoy when spending three December nights at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa.
Delectable dinners are served on the 24th and 25th, while on Boxing Day there’s a dinner dance and time to explore.
I love that the spa is a key feature here and boasts steam rooms, a Romanesque pool, a sauna, treatment suites, and an Asian sensory garden.
14. Ellenborough Park
Location: Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3NJ
Cost: From £1,170 per night (three nights)
Dog-friendly: Yes
Offering ‘paw-fect breaks’ for your pampered pooch as well as the whole family, Ellenborough Park near the smart Regency and Cotswolds town of Cheltenham is the perfect festive destination.
I simply love the idea of spending Christmas in the charming Cotswolds! The 15th century manor house with refined rooms, a heated outdoor pool and a spa offers a special festive break.
Take part in carols by candlelight on Christmas Eve, a Christmas Day swim in the heated pool and a wine and cheese tasting on Boxing Day.
Have a read of my guide to the best spa hotels in the Cotswolds.
15. Bovey Castle
Location: Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey, Newton Abbot TQ13 8RE
Cost: From £2,025 for three nights
Dog-Friendly: Yes
A castle stay at Christmas? Count me in! Celebrate Christmas in Dartmoor by booking a three night stay at Bovey Castle.
From the moment you arrive you’ll be spoiled by delights, such as a sloe gin making session, a visit from Father Christmas, a drinks reception, ferret racing, a golf tournament and a black tie dinner.
Expect luxurious accommodation with original features, plus a kids’ playroom, a spa, a gym, an indoor pool and even an 18-hole golf course.
16. The Painswick
Location: Kemps Lane, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6YB
Cost: From £1701 for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes – but not encouraged
Expect to be spoiled rotten from 3pm on Christmas Eve after arriving at The Painswick in the Cotswolds.
Champagne, three and five course dinners, late brunches and generous buffets will ensure you’re well fed and watered for three days and nights.
When staying at this Gloucestershire bolthole you can also expect boutique accommodation in an 18th century mansion.
There’s a choice of room types, ranging from cosy or snug up to a Palladian room or the George suite.
If you’re looking more Cotswolds inspiration, have a read of my guide to the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
17. The Grove
Location: Chandler’s Cross, Watford, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG
Cost: From £2,570 (three nights)
Dog-friendly: Yes
Conveniently situated close to commuter towns like Watford and Luton, arriving at The Grove is like stepping into another world.
Three night festive breaks are available here at one of the UK’s original spa hotels.
Your stay includes the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve and you can pick between a three course lunch at The Stables or a buffet meal at The Glasshouse on the following day.
Complimentary spa use and live music is also included; need I say more!
18. The Langdale
Location: The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Lake District LA22 9JD
Cost: From £250 for two nights
Dog-friendly: No
Christmas breaks at The Langdale in the Lake District are a little different.
Your stay is based on a simple, two-night tariff, so you can spend your time (and money) as you please. The rate includes breakfast and dinner daily.
The property is set among 50 acres of trees and offers a steam room, a pool, a hot tub and a range of award-winning dining options.
I’ve previously stayed at Brimstone Hotel on the Langdale Estate – read my full review of Brimstone here or discover my Lake District travel guide.
19. Sopwell House Hotel
Location: Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2HQ
Cost: From £819 per person for two nights
Dog-friendly: No, except assistance dogs
Sopwell House is nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside close to St Albans.
This deluxe hotel offers a spa, cocktail lounges, an indoor pool and some suites with balconies. The building and 12-acre site was once home to Lord Mountbatten.
Christmas at Sopwell House Hotel includes a welcome event on 24th with champagne, canapes and dancing.
This is followed by a festive lunch with a visit from Father Christmas on 25th and lunch with live jazz on Boxing Day.
20. Eastwell Manor
Location: Eastwell Park, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4HR
Cost: From £700 per person for two nights
Dog-friendly: Yes
Arrive from 3pm on Christmas Eve at Eastwell Manor in Kent and let the feasting commence.
It begins with afternoon tea on the 24th and ends either with a late breakfast on Boxing Day or the 27th.
In-between, expect a five-course Christmas lunch served by the fire and an afternoon falconry display.
Eastwell Manor offers accommodation in the main Norman building or converted stables. Amenities include a golf course, indoor and outdoor pools and a spa.
21. Linthwaite House
Location: Crook Ln, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3JA
Cost: From £900 per person for three nights
Dog-friendly: Yes
A hilltop hotel with stunning views of Windermere, what better place to curl up and embrace the festive spirit this winter than Linthwaite House?
From Christmas Eve until the 27 December, enjoy creamed team and mulled wine on arrival, complimented with all of the trimmings across your stay.
A sumptuous six-course Christmas Dinner awaits you at the Henrock, followed by a classic night of board games and a quiz in their cosy lounge.
Wake up to a full English breakfast on Boxing Day and a guided walk around the peaceful area. I love that there is live entertainment on Boxing night, as well as a three-course meal.
If you’re planning a luxurious UK hotel stay for Christmas this year, be sure to book soon to snag a place. If you have any of your own personal recommendations then do let me know in the comments!
Looking for more festive inspiration? Discover the best Christmas markets in Europe, including a handful from the UK.
Or for more UK inspiration, read my guide to the best UK foodie breaks and my favourite UK cities to visit.
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
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