There’s no denying that Christmas can be exhausting – even if it is the most wonderful time of the year. There’s the awkward office party, the stressful supermarket shop, plus the pressure of not ruining everybody’s dinner… But if you fancy a stress-free Christmas away from home? Then now’s the time to start booking your indulgent festive escape. Think roaring fires, carols by candlelight, traditional festive feasts with all the trimmings (and none of the washing up).
Take the strain off and allow yourself to be spoiled at one of these fabulous locations. From festive spa breaks to in-house ice rinks, these hotels will make sure you have a very merry Christmas indeed.

Barnsley House, Gloucestershire
We can’t think of many better ways to spend Christmas than at Barnsley House, a gorgeously cosy and charming boutique hotel in a beautiful Cotswolds village with grounds that dazzle at Christmas time. Their three-day Christmas break includes a festive afternoon tea with a glass of fizz or mulled cider, plus a three-course dinner on Christmas Eve showcasing their garden-to-plate cuisine.
Book a Christmas Day dip in the hydrotherapy pool before a champagne reception with canapes and indulgent three-course Christmas Day lunch. On Boxing Day, there’s pie and a quiz night. The Village Pub is also just a stroll away.

WHERE: BARNSLEY, CIRENCESTER GL7 5EE
WEBSITE: WWW.BARNSLEYHOUSE.COM

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire
Escape to the Oxfordshire countryside this winter at Raymond Blanc’s celebrated hotel. You can never go wrong with anything Belmond, but it really becomes something magical at Christmas. This little patch of rural France in England celebrates the most wonderful time of year with fireside champagne, chic decorations created by the resident florist, a tree in every guestroom, and gifts delivered on Christmas Eve.
There’s also a stunning winter dome set up in the middle of the wildflower meadow.

WHERE: CHURCH RD, GREAT MILTON, OXFORD OX44 7PD
WEBSITE: WWW.BELMOND.COM

Pennyhill Park, Surrey
Escape the city and hole up in a luxury hotel with one of the finest hotel spas in the country for the ultimate relaxing Christmas. This multi-award winning hotel and spa boasts eight indoor and outdoor pools (one even comes with underwater music), saunas, steam rooms, bubbling hot tubs, and a salt scrub ice cave. It’s perfectly kitted out for winter with more than 15 indoor thermal and sensory experiences. There’s also 120 acres of parkland with paths and cycling trails for festive meandering.
Start your Christmas Eve celebrations with afternoon tea and carol singers, or relax in spa before a champagne and canapé reception and a Christmas Eve dinner. Transport is then available for midnight mass, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Christmas Day starts with a HIIT fitness class at 9.30am (if you’re into that kind of thing on Christmas morning), followed by more pampering in the spa, a Christmas lunch with entertainment, buffet dinner and karaoke. On Boxing Day there’s a choice of archery for some fresh winter air, or a film in the cinema room before a drinks reception, dinner and musical entertainment.
Start your celebrations with afternoon tea and carol singer

WHERE: LONDON RD, BAGSHOT GU19 5EU
WEBSITE: WWW.EXCLUSIVE.CO.UK

Beaverbrook, Surrey
It doesn’t get more Christmassy than Beaverbrook, where warm mulled cider, an ice-rink and Christmas décor galore awaits. Throughout the festive season, classic decorations, toasty fires and thoughtful touches will bring Christmas to life, on top of its classic country house parquet floors and restored antiques – all of which makes a perfect canvas for its annual festive wonderland transformation.
The ice rink is perfect for working up an appetite before a traditional Christmas lunch, washed down with a warm mulled cider. Recover on Boxing Day in their excellent spa.

WHERE: REIGATE RD, LEATHERHEAD KT22 8QX
WEBSITE: WWW.BEAVERBROOK.CO.UK

Babington House, Somerset
Get out of the city for Christmas with a cosy countryside retreat to Babington House. The first rural outpost from Soho House group opened over 20 years ago in this listed Georgian building outside Frome. Christmas here is both social and relaxed, with members popping in for a hot mulled Somerset cider at the bar, a swim in the heated indoor or outdoor pool, and a treatment at the Cowshed Spa overlooking the garden.
For the kids, the hotel arranges a visit from Father Christmas with presents for the children, and for the adults there’s drinks and canapés in the bar and candlelit carols in the adjacent chapel. Once Boxing Day arrives, there’s a sit-down lunch and a choice of archery, clay pigeon shooting or pony rides to keep everyone entertained.

WHERE: CHARITY LN, FROME BA11 3RW
WEBSITE: WWW.SOHOHOUSE.COM

Middleton Lodge, Yorkshire
Let this spectacular spot be the setting for your seasonal staycation. Arrive on Christmas Eve and head straight for afternoon tea with mulled wine in the Coach House restaurant. Then kick things off on Christmas day, with a Champagne breakfast. There are also 200 acres of park and woodland to explore, as well as a walled garden that supplies the vegetables for Christmas lunch.
There’s a choice of self-catered stays including a huge Georgian mansion or hotel rooms scattered between potting sheds and an old dairy – characterful options for a family get-together, with everything planned with family in mind.

Characterful options for a family get-together.

WHERE: KNEETON LN, MIDDLETON TYAS, RICHMOND DL10 6NJ
WEBSITE: WWW.MIDDLETONLODGE.CO.UK

The Mitre, London
Keep your fingers crossed for a white Christmas, because Hampton Court’s snow-covered grounds could be taken right out of a Christmas card. The Mitre is a Grade II-listed hotel sits right on the Thames, overlooking the icy winter river banks and just footsteps from Hampton Court Palace – the famous favourite residence of King Henry VIII and one of London’s best festive destinations.
Rooms are candy-coloured and cosy, with four poster beds perfect for waking up in on Christmas day before a spin on the Hampton Court Palace ice rink.  It’s these breathtaking wintery surroundings that takes the hotel to new heights. Festive escapism at its best, just a stone’s throw from Central London. 

WHERE: HAMPTON CT RD, MOLESEY, EAST MOLESEY KT8 9BN
WEBSITE: WWW.MITREHAMPTONCOURT.COM

Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
Take to the Cotswold countryside this Christmas and enjoy a stay at Ellenborough Park. Christmas here is quintessentially English, and you’ll have a very merry one indeed. There’s roaring log fires, long country walks (with dog-friendly rooms available) and a spa. Grand Christmas trees appear in the Great Hall, festive afternoon teas and indulgent dinners await, and there’s plenty of room to kick back, catch up with family and a play a board game or two.
The food is also incredible, but if you like, you’ll be able to brush up on your own turkey-cooking skills by enrolling at their on-site cookery school.

WHERE: SOUTHAM LN, CHELTENHAM GL52 3NJ
WEBSITE: WWW.ELLENBOROUGHPARK.COM

Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
With its cosy corners and roaring fires, Rockliffe Hall offers all the perfect nostalgia of Christmas. The Christmas break here includes three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast with a Christmas Eve arrival. There’s festive afternoon tea with mulled wine and carol singers, two hours use of the hotel spa each day, a five-course Christmas Day lunch with welcome glass of sparkling wine, and a visit from Father Christmas on Christmas Day. One of the cosiest Christmas hotels in the UK.
Bordered by the dramatic North York Moors and scenic Yorkshire Dales, the hotel makes for the ideal Christmas staycation – especially one with kids. They’ll love Sunday lunch with Santa, a 2-course festive lunch with a visit from Father Christmas.

There’s festive afternoon tea with mulled wine and carol singers on arrival.

WHERE: HURWORTH-ON-TEES, DARLINGTON DL2 2DU
WEBSITE: WWW.ROCKLIFFEHALL.COM

Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire
A Christmas stay at Grantley Hall is the ultimate festive treat. From its picturesque countryside location to its elegantly styled suites and luxurious spa, it makes for an ideal Christmas celebration.
Guests can choose from their fun and festive Christmas or New Year House Party packages, with all the trimmings included. Featuring log fires, hearty feasts, and the twinkly décor galore, there’s much to enjoy throughout the festive season.
Choose from their fun and festive Christmas or New Year House Party packages, with all the trimmings include

WHERE: GRANTLEY HALL, RIPON HG4 3ET
WEBSITE: WWW.GRANTLEYHALL.CO.UK

Claridge’s, London
Claridge’s is the ultimate London festive destination. It’s an icon and a must-visit, especially during the Christmas season, if only for the Claridge’s tree, which is designed every year by a different artist. To experience the full Christmas at Claridge’s, you’ll want to book an afternoon tea with your stay or sip on a cocktail in Claridge’s Bar or The Painter’s Room.
Even if you don’t stay the night, the sheer amount of holiday décor found in the Mayfair hotel will ensure you feel that seasonal cheer at every turn. You can even take a bit of Claridge’s Christmas home with you. The hotel has Christmas crackers, hampers, tea sets, and more available for purchase on their online shop.
WHERE: BROOK STREET, LONDON W1K 4HR
WEBSITE: WWW.CLARIDGES.CO.UK

BECOME A VIP MEMBER

BUY SLAY MERCH

UNMASK A SLAYLEBRITY

ADVERTISE WITH US

BECOME A PARTNER

BUY SLAYNETWORK COIN

By The Handbook