This year it’s fingers crossed for a Christmas with no last-minute government interruptions. Good food and long walks with the whole family will be enjoyed.
But how to gather together in one place if no one’s house is big enough? You might be able to find the perfect solution by booking a spacious cottage out in the country. We have gathered the top available Christmas cottages.
COSY COTSWOLDS
The picturesque Dove Farmhouse, in the Cotswolds is pictured above. Guests can tour the property’s 10 private acres.
With five bedrooms there is plenty of space at Dove Farmhouse, which costs from £6,600 for an eight-night stay
This home has a cozy fireplace, an oil-fired Aga, and a large inglenook in the living room.
Dove Farmhouse, located in the Cotswolds, has ten acres of private land. This 17th-century home is made from honey-coloured stones and has flagstone floors and exposed beams.
There are five bedrooms in this home, which has plenty of space. The sitting area features an inglenook fireplace and an oil-fired Aga.
DON’T MISS: You can take a trip to Cirencester Market, which is just 15 minutes drive away.
DETAILS: Eight nights at Dove Farmhouse from £6,600, sleeping nine (oliverstravels.com).
WALES WALKING
Plum Guide online renting company is well-known because of its strict, high quality vetting process.
The Hiker’s Haven is a gorgeous four-bedroom cottage in the heart of the village of Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.
You can find many beaches and enjoy coastal walks. And when you get back after a long day there’s a hot tub too.
DON’T MISS: Carew Castle, a Norman and Tudor fortress by a 23-acre millpond (pembrokeshire coast.wales/carew-castle).
DETAILS: Seven nights at the Hiker’s Haven from £2,447, sleeping six (plumguide.com).
HIGHLAND ESCAPE
Ardullie Farmhouse is located near Evanton, in the Highlands, and three acres of greenery surround it.
The traditional grand Scottish house is blessed with views of the spectacular Cromarty Firth. One of the bedrooms is shown in this picture.
Ardullie Farmhouse is located near Evanton in Highlands. Three acres of greenery surround it. The property is ideal for large groups and has no neighboring properties. It also boasts stunning views over the Cromarty Firth.
Although this is an old, magnificent house in Scotland, it has modern amenities such as large televisions and high-speed internet. The Fyrish Monument is nearby, as well as the Dingwall Museum.
DON’T MISS: Foulis Castle, seat of Clan Munro since the 14th century (clanmunro.org.co.uk).
DETAILS: Four nights at Ardullie Farmhouse from £3,360, sleeping 12 (airbnb.co.uk).
ROAM TIME
Spend the festive season at The Old Farmhouse, pictured, a three-bedroom cottage with views of the Cumbrian countryside
The Old Farmhouse is located near Kendal, the Lake District, and Kendal.
It has 3 bedrooms, and beautiful views across the Cumbrian countryside.
There is good walking starting along trails close by — perfect for burning off any festive excesses (and clearing heads).
DON’T MISS:Lake Windermere lies just half an hour away.
DETAILS: Four nights at The Old Farmhouse from £1,875, sleeping six (premiercottages.co.uk).
Four-bedroom Elmar is nestled in the village of Cubert near Holywell Bay. The lane that leads to the cottage is shown to the right.
CORNISH CRACKER
It is said that Italy’s off-season is best for tourists. Cornwall is the next destination for those who have spent a summer stayingcations.
You will find plenty of winter accommodation in the county. The area also has a wide selection of restaurants, car parks, and beaches to make up for the unpredictable weather.
The Elmar, a cozy cottage located in Cubert close to Holywell Bay with four bedrooms, is ideal for peaceful getaways.
DON’T MISS: The village’s excellent pub: The Smugglers Den Inn (thesmugglersden.co.uk).
DETAILS: Five nights at Elmar from £1,660, sleeping four (independentcottages.co.uk).
GRAND GATHERING
The living room at Amory House is shown. This Suffolk home is a great base for large families.
Amory House can accommodate ten people and has five bedrooms, so it’s a good choice for large families.
It’s in the centre of the popular seaside town of Southwold in Suffolk, close to the beach.
There’s a decent-sized garden surrounded by trees and with a large dining terrace (although it will be too cold for that).
DON’T MISS: A trip to the historic sites of Sutton Hoo (nationaltrust.org.uk) and Framlingham Castle (english-heritage.org.uk), both 30 minutes away.
DETAILS: Seven nights at Amory House from £3,055, sleeping ten (originalcottages.co.uk).
CELTIC HIDEAWAY
Each morning, gaze across the tranquil waters of Kintyre’s coast from Ballygroggan Farmhouse. This charming retreat has six bedrooms.
The property is located on an active sheep farm. It’s also within walking distance to The Gauldrons where you will find seal colonies. You can also see Jura, Islay and Gigha on a clear day.
DON’T MISS: Take a stroll through Campbeltown, with all its whisky shops.
DETAILS: Seven nights at Ballygroggan from £2,085, sleeping 12 (hoseasons.co.uk).
COASTAL CAPER
Sunnyside–Camber is a three-bedroom beach house located near Camber Sands, Dungeness Nature Reserve, and Sunnyside–Bayber.
Rye, an East Sussex medieval town that is perfect for Christmas breaks could be it. Christmas cheer is guaranteed to be a mix of cobbled streets, small pubs, and independent shops.
Three-bedroom Sunnyside – Camber, a short drive from Rye, might be just the ticket — a comfortable beach house near Camber Sands and Dungeness Nature Reserve.
DON’T MISS: It was a strenuous walk on the sands.
DETAILS: Seven nights at Sunnyside – Camber from £2,599, sleeping six (holidaycottages.co.uk).
TWO’S COMPANY
Many believe that relaxing Christmas might be the best option. The Peak District is a place where you can find the peace and tranquility that you need. Barlow Brook Cottage lies on the banks and is easily accessible for walking, fishing or biking. The cottage has two acres of common grounds. Pets are welcome.
DON’T MISS: A trip to Bakewell — the classic Peak District town.
DETAILS: Seven nights at Barlow Brook Cottage from £844, sleeping two (peakcottages.com).
DIVINE DEVERON
The Butlers Cottage is pictured and sleeps four. It has a wood-fired Hot Tub with a View. This spot makes it a wonderful place to stargaze.
Mayen, a historical estate located in the Deveron Valley on the border between Morayshire and Aberdeenshire with a stunning stretch of riverfrontage is the highlight.
Here are five cottages that you can rent. Butlers Cottage sleeps four and has a wood-fired hot tub — a great spot to stargaze.
DON’T MISS:This is castle land. Reach one of the 263 Aberdeenshire addresses.
DETAILS: Seven nights at Butlers Cottage from £1,512, sleeping four (mayenestate.com).