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Are you planning a holiday for Christmas 2024? Whether it’s a cosy cottage for two or a larger place that fits the whole family, going away for Christmas makes the whole celebration seem even more exciting. But where are the best places in Britain to spend Christmas?
From bustling cities to charming old villages, we’ve gathered together a few of our favourite places for a Christmas holiday in the UK.
Brighton combines classic seaside charm with a vibrant social scene, not to mention fabulous Christmas shopping in The Lanes. We love ice skating at Brighton Pavilion, especially after dark among the colourful twinkly lights, and there are parades, pantomimes and light shows galore. You can also join in with Britain’s OG festive dip: Brighton’s Christmas Day Swim has been going since 1860. Alternatively, the beach is perfect for an invigorating, post-lunch walk.
Every city looks its best for Christmas, but there’s something particularly special about Bath. The Georgian streets are Christmas card-perfect, enhanced by the Christmas market chalets. Again, there’s an ice rink and a pantomime, and a whole host of other festive events. Our favourite thing to do in Bath at Christmas? Simply wander around the lovely old streets, admiring the lights and decorations, while enjoying the many shops, pubs and restaurants.
Imagine frost-dusted fields, honey-coloured cottages and old inns with roaring fires: the almost-impossibly pretty villages of the Cotswolds look like they were made for Christmas. Pick up delicious local produce at one of the many lovely market towns, and take it home for a cosy feast in your rural holiday cottage. There are plenty of Cotswold attractions with festive events for families, and it’s great dog-walking county all year round.
The half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets and many medieval churches of York make it such a perfect place for a Christmas trip. There’s a wide choice of independent and high street shops and an unbelievable amount of inviting old pubs. Wander through the Christmas Market to pick up Yorkshire-made gifts and to snack on local street food. If you’re able to attend, the Nine Lessons at York Minster on Christmas Eve is one of those life-making moments.
Do you dream of getting away from it all at Christmas? You and the family, or just the two of you, settled down in a snug cottage in the middle of the countryside – perfect. Britain is blessed with many beautiful rural locations; and the unspoilt coast and countryside of South Wales is one of our top spots for a rural retreat. Pop into charming spots like Mumbles or St David’s to pick up essentials, otherwise, enjoy the peace and quiet…
The New Forest may be beautiful in the autumn, but don’t dismiss it as having peaked. The winter forests are magical, sprinkled with frost or even snow, and there are plenty of woodland paths that are suitable for year-round walks. Spotting deer among the evergreens or in the mist-hung fields will be one of those Christmas moments that stick with you. For festive food, Christmas markets and independent shops, head for Lymington, Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst.
Please don’t hold us to this, but the Cairngorms is one of the most likely places in the UK to see snowfall at Christmas. However, even if there’s not enough powder for a Christmas Day snowball tournament, you’ll still have the view of the snow-tipped tops of the National Park’s peaks. The Caledonian Pine forests, icy lochs and roaming Cairngorm reindeer herd create a wintry wonderland feeling like nowhere else, along with that incredibly dark, star-filled sky.
There’s still time to book a Christmas holiday in the UK. At Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of luxury holiday cottages available for Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025. Get in touch to find out more.
If you have any questions, you can use our form below to send an email and we’ll be in touch.