12 Picturesque Places to Spend Christmas in the UK

Do you dream of escaping the usual hassles of the festive season to a Christmas holiday destination in the UK?

If your Christmas wish is to take a Christmas break in the UK, beside a roaring fire at your very own holiday cottage, then we have just the thing for you.

Our selection of fantastic festive properties are the perfect way to spend your Christmas in the UK. Look forward to counting down the 12 days of Christmas with 12 of the most picturesque cottages you could wish to spend the festive period in!

While we can’t always guarantee there will be a white Christmas, what we can promise is scenic properties, from thatched roof cottages comparable to the iconic home that features in the 2006 film ‘The Holiday’, to the grandeur of a former church offering plenty of space for the whole family, to the rural seclusion of a cottage in one of the UK’s most peaceful villages, we have Christmas holiday ideas for everyone.

Discover 12 picturesque places to spend Christmas in the UK…

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1. Woodlands View Stanhope Castle, Stanhope, Yorkshire Dales (Ref. 1007147)

This exquisite property is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas, found within the walls of the remarkable Stanhope Castle. It is truly a sight to behold, both externally and internally.

Woodlands View is a fantastic example of a Christmas holiday cottage, with each room providing immaculate attention to detail, so you really feel the grandeur of the property the moment you step through the door. There are three bedrooms, sleeping six people, so perfect for a family, while the large sitting room offers plenty of space to relax, open up presents and engage in festive games and activities.

The spacious kitchen means you can rustle up a traditional Christmas dinner, or whatever you fancy, in comfort and style and the wonderful master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom complete with an inviting copper roll top bath, offers the perfect retreat at the end of a busy day for some R&R.

Its North Pennines location, on the outskirts of County Durham, means you are within reaching distance of the Durham Dales, North York Moors and even the Lake District, offering numerous opportunities to embark on scenic winter strolls with your loved ones.

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2. Greystead Old Church, Bellingham near Kielder Water, Northumberland (Ref. 23575)

What would be more christmassy than spending the festive period in a former-church-turned-stunning-holiday-home? Greystead Old Church is a fantastic 19th century conversion; a Grade II listed, former Georgian church in the heart of the North Tyne Valley.

This property was restored in 2013, but has retained many of its original features, such as the fully-restored Victorian stained glass window, the Gothic archway, exposed stonework and flagstone flooring.

The mezzanine open-plan living area consists of a fitted kitchen and spacious dining area, big enough for eight guests and offering incredible views from the original lancet windows. Christmas dinner will certainly be an unforgettable experience at this beautiful property.

Just moments from the River Tyne, you can enjoy an afternoon stroll with the family, working off that mince pie, selection box or roast dinner, wrapped up in coats, hats and scarves to keep you warm.

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3. Cosy Cave Stanhope Castle, Stanhope, Yorkshire Dales (Ref. 913412)

We couldn’t resist including our other property that resides within Stanhope Castle, as they’re both too beautiful to choose between!

The name alone sounds like the perfect place to spend Christmas in the UK: Cosy Cave. And it is just that; a snug and welcoming property, perfect for two wanting to enjoy a unique Christmas holiday experience. This couple’s retreat offers luxurious Christmas accommodation, evening bringing a touch of romance with its outdoor hot tub.

The quirky sitting room, with original stone walls, is a great snug spot for watching a spot of TV and escaping to peaceful seclusion, while the beautifully designed bedroom provides the ideal resting spot for catching up on much-needed sleep.

Its North Pennines location means you can enjoy a host of pretty walking routes close by, as well as Hamsterely Forest, great for exploring the outdoors on foot or bike.

Cosy Cave was also a recipient of a Sykes Gem award in the category of Best Quirky Property, so you can be sure of a unique Christmas getaway!

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4. Little Hardford, Inverurie, Moray, Aberdeenshire (Ref. 1012432)

This charming farm renovation provides idyllic Christmas accommodation for a family of up to six wanting to escape to a Scottish retreat.

The kitchen is immaculately decorated and provides all the appliances you could need to cook up delicious Christmas treats. Pour a baileys or pop the cork on a bottle of champagne and relax in the comfort of the ample sitting room, boasting lovely views of your countryside surroundings. There’s a lovely decking area outside, should you wish to enjoy a morning coffee outside, or simply want to soak up your peaceful setting.

Little Hardford is 16 miles from Aberdeen and the east coast of Scotland, and is within driving distance of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, meaning you can enjoy the best of the Scottish coast and countryside during your stay, hopefully spotting a range of unusual Scottish animals and other wildlife along the way.

Little Hardford is a stylish and comfortable cottage that is definitely at the top of our list of best places to visit for Christmas.

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5. Butterwell Barn, Dartmouth, Devon (Ref. 995294)

Butterwell Barn offers a peaceful Christmas getaway to the Dartmouth area of Devon, just a short drive from the waterfront.

The property is pet-friendly, so the whole family are welcome on this Christmas break, where you can enjoy exploring the beaches, coastline, shops and restaurants that are all within easy reach of the property.

Butterwell Barn is a 19th century Victorian barn and retains many of its original features, including high vaulted ceilings, giving every room an open and spacious feel, as well as stunning oak beams and stonework. The kitchen offers plenty of room for rustling up a Christmas feats, which can be enjoyed in the lovely adjoining dining room, offering plenty of space for eight guests.

Butterwell Barn also won Gold in our 2019 Sykes Gem awards for the Best in South West England category, just another reason why it’s worth a visit! For more things to do during your stay, take a look at our Devon Travel Guide.

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6. Bears Den, Addingham, Yorkshire Dales (Ref. 950830)

This unique log cabin offers style and comfort at every turn, along with phenomenal views across the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Dales.

Log cabins are synonymous with Christmas, so it was a no-brainer to include at least one on our list of best places to stay for Christmas, and Bears Den is undoubtedly one of the best of our selection of lodges and log cabins.

Enjoy a luxurious Christmas Day with a dip in your own private hot tub, which benefits from wonderful rural views of the picturesque surrounding countryside. This property is great for a romantic couple’s holiday, or perhaps a small family wanting to add a touch of luxury to their Christmas.

All rooms are stylishly decorated, allowing in plenty of light and giving you plenty of space to relax and unwind. The open-plan living space has a picture window, showcasing some of the best views the property has to offer, while the kitchen area is perfect for cooking up a selection of festive delights.

Bears Den is a fantastic Christmas holiday idea in Yorkshire, and you can browse our Yorkshire Dales Travel Guide for more Christmas holiday inspiration.

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7. The Barn at Little Resugga, Rescorla near St Austell, Cornwall (Ref. 961605)

This inviting property can be found in the Cornish town of St Austell, just off the south coast and within easy reach of the Polperro Heritage Coast, offering stunning walks for admiring the Cornish coastline, ideal for a bit of exercise after devouring a hearty Christmas lunch.

This stunning barn conversion has featured in Tatler magazine, and can offer a family of four a picture perfect Christmas holiday experience. From open fires to vaulted ceilings, slate flooring and skylights, this property is crammed full of wonderful, homely features.

The master bedroom even offers private access to the back garden via a set of patio doors, so you can enjoy a morning coffee alfresco amongst the crisp winter breeze. The Barn at Little Resugga offers an idyllic Christmas cottage experience that your family is unlikely to forget in a hurry.

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8. The Old Chapel, Thornton, York, Vale of York & Yorkshire Wolds (Ref. 1012839)

This superbly refurbished, former Methodist chapel offers contemporary and charming accommodation for a Christmas getaway to Yorkshire. Located in the village of Thornton in the East Riding of Yorkshire, the property is within easy reach of the city of York and the North York Moors National Park, so you can enjoy shopping, dining out and learning about the culture and history of the city, as well as appreciating the best of the Yorkshire countryside.

Inside The Old Chapel, you will discover a light and bright, open-plan living area complete with a cosy woodburning stove, ideal for gathering around to open presents or curling up to watch a Christmas classic film.

The master bedroom rests on the mezzanine level, accessed by a flight of stairs from the living area and offers a unique sleeping space to enjoy during your stay. The property is also surrounded by miles of landscaped gardens, perfect for escaping outdoors to get a bit of fresh air, while nearby Burnby Hall Gardens offers a scenic park with lakes to explore.

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9. Lew Quarry Cottage, Lewdown, Devon (Ref. 976078)

Externally, this is the picturesque Christmas cottage of dreams, with its thatched roof, charming blue door and secluded countryside location. Lew Quarry Cottage can be found in the West Devon village of Lewdown, close to the Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley AONB, meaning you are within easy reach of some of the most stunning countryside in the South West.

The property has several traditional features, like its wooden beams, that add to its charm. The sitting room has a cosy feel to it, accelerated by the open fire, that you can enjoy spending evenings in front of. The dining area has seating for four, ideal for a small family to gather together and enjoy their Christmas meal with a celebratory glass of fizz.

The spacious bedrooms consist of a double and a twin, which is perfect for the little ones, with a charming window they can run to on Christmas morning to check for signs that Santa has been!

The National Trust-owned Lydford Gorge is in close proximity, offering dramatic scenery and stunning natural beauty, or you can simply enjoy peaceful seclusion with a stroll around the garden that surrounds Lew Quarry Cottage. A peaceful and restful Christmas cottage the whole family will love.

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10. Northcot, Hutton Buscel, North York Moors & Coast (Ref. 999944)

Northcot is a stone and pantile cottage, situated in Hutton Buscel, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, a short distance from the renowned seaside towns of Scarborough and Filey, meaning you are perfectly placed to discover the coast and the rural hot spots of this region.

Internally, the property is renovated to a high standard, offering plenty of rustic charm, with many traditional features, like its beamed ceilings. The country-style kitchen is the perfect place to cook up a fantastic Christmas feast, while the dining area is the perfect place to gather together and enjoy it. In the evening, the living area is ideal for curling up on the sofa in front of the woodburning stove and enjoying the best of Christmas Day TV.

For something a little different on Christmas morning, why not take a stroll along the sands of Scarborough Beach, just five miles from the property? Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and prepare for a day of delicious culinary delights with a long walk along the coast.

Northcot can be booked with neighbouring The Barn (Ref.999614), which offers charming accommodation for two, so if you wish to travel with other relatives or friends, you can all come together to celebrate the festive period from this wonderful Yorkshire location.

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11. Faith Cottage, Bradfield St. George near Felsham, Suffolk (Ref. 1934)

Faith Cottage is a delightful Grade II listed building, dating back to 1488. Situated in Bradfield St. George near Felsham in Suffolk, this cottage is in a great location for exploring

This chocolate box, thatched roof cottage could be something from a fairytale, with a small stone path leading up to the front door, surrounded by greenery and shrubbery. There’s even a coniferous tree outside of the front door that could be decorated with lights, meaning you get a sense of Christmas before you’ve even stepped through the door of this Suffolk property.

Inside, the property retains much of its traditional charm, with a stone fireplace complete with woodburning stove in the living area, offering the perfect spot to gather together as a family and enjoy a Christmas game or film.

The dining room comfortably seats six and comes with its own woodburning stove, so you can enjoy a cosy ambience as you tuck into your delicious Christmas meal.

The quiet location of this property, in the village of Felsham, is within easy reach of the 15th century church and a host of other stunning architecture, as well as the towns of Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds, which has its own cathedral. There’s plenty to see and do on a Christmas getaway at Faith Cottage.

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12. Pen Nebo, Bontddu near Dolgellau, North Wales & Snowdonia (Ref. 1009688)

This unique property dates back to 1810 and is situated in an enviable location, overlooking the Mawddach Estuary and Cadair Idris, in the Snowdonia National Park.

Pen Nebo is a detached house with a striking exterior; its modern oak extension contrasts beautifully with the traditional period architecture of the rest of the property, which was formerly a chapel. The property is in a secluded, rural area, accessed via a gated driveway and surrounded by woodland.

Inside, you will find two charming sitting rooms, one complete with stone fireplace and a woodburning stove, to keep you toasty on a cold winter’s night, the other larger room featuring a stunning inglenook fireplace, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with rooms to kick back and relax in.

The spacious kitchen offers plenty of room for everyone to get involved in preparing a Christmas feast, while the dining room has wooden doors that open up onto the balcony area, allowing in plenty of light and pretty views of the garden.

Enjoy a variety of landscapes from this property, with mountains, beaches and countryside of North Wales all easily accessible. Your Christmas in North Wales will be unforgettable with a stay at this holiday cottage.

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Feeling inspired? Find some of the best places to visit in UK at Christmas with our selection of Christmas cottages that have availability over the festive period and make your Christmas one to remember.

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