For full-on seasonal cheer or something completely different, head to the coast this festive season. Here we highlight some of the best festive getaways.
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Get your skates on in Portsmouth
Guildhall Square gets the white treatment again this winter with the return of the Portsmouth on Ice rink. Daily sessions run every day (apart from Christmas Day) from November 23 until January 5. This historic naval city goes all out for the festive getaways season. In the dockyard, you can experience a Victorian Christmas on board HMS Warrior.
Way up high in the Spinnaker Tower, Santa has organised a toymaker’s workshop for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy.
The Florence Suite Hotel is two minutes’ walk from the seafront and close to all of the festive action. visit-hampshire.co.uk
2. Live like a local in Norfolk
All the comforts of home can be found in The Cranny, a cosy-looking, double-round thatched cottage in the village of Winterton-on-Sea.
Accommodation is all on one level. ‘Round one’ is the main living space while ‘round two’ has two beautifully furnished king and double bedrooms. The dog-friendly cottage is within walking distance of the Fisherman’s Return, a 300-year-old brick and flint free house in the centre of Winterton and a favourite haunt for locals during the festive season. wintertoncottages.co.uk
3. Enjoy a glamorous get-together in Tenby
Family fun, fallouts and everything in between are best enjoyed in luxurious surroundings and ten acres of secluded woodland. Waterwynch House in Tenby is
is ideal for large groups of multi-generational families and friends. The 12-bedroomed holiday home has its own beach, bar and billiard room, cinema, craft room, music room and gym. The grand house is filled with glittering chandeliers and sweeping staircases. There’s also a ‘sky lounge’ with a glass roof for stargazing. coastalcottages.co.uk
4. Declutter your mind in the Gower
Oxwich Bay is a stunning spot on the Gower Peninsula and the perfect place to walk, watch the waves – and work up a sweat.
Ty Sawna is a wood -fired barrel sauna on the beach, where you can come to relax and reconnect with nature. Make the most of life on the beach and stay nearby at the Oxwich Bay Hotel. Santa might even pop in for a visit… tysawna.co.uk; oxwichbayhotel.co.uk
5. Sparkle and shine in Cornwall
St Ives is magical all year round, but the Cornish town really sparkles at this time of year.
Christmas markets, twinkly lights, festive displays in the shops along the cobbled streets, beautiful beaches and hot chocolate stops – it’s a winter wonderland.
Santa usually pays a visit by boat in the middle of December and lots of sturdy souls. On Boxing Day, sturdy souls take to the sea for a ‘refreshing’ dip. Join in the festivities and stay for a few nights. Samphire Studio is a stylish one-bedroomed apartment in town – with parking! Trenoweth Lodge in nearby Carbis Bay sleeps eight. Both available through sostives.co.uk.
6. Party on in Liverpool
The Titanic Hotel is pulling out all the stops with a festive programme which seems to involve a lot of partying. Magical White Christmas events are taking place throughout the month and include a drinks reception, three-course dinner and entertainment.
You can enjoy Christmas Day at the four-star hotel, located in iconic Stanley Dock.
Make sure you take time to explore the rest of the city, which is renowned for its history, culture and awesome shopping. titanichotelliverpool.com
7. Lose yourself in The Lanes in Brighton
Brighton’s labyrinth of bricked-paved alleyways and secret squares lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants encompasses everything that’s great about this city. The Lanes are warm and welcoming with a distinctly bohemian atmosphere that lifts the spirits (you can drink those in one of the bars). This traffic-free quarter is great all year round, but Christmas here is particularly special. Treat yourself to a luxury stay nearby at The Square Townhouse. squaretownhouse.com
8. Chill out on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight was recently voted best destination of the year for the second year running at the Group Leisure and Travel Awards. A winter break here is well worth the ferry ride. Escape the crowds and explore the quiet beaches and coastal walks or else go for the full festive experience. The island’s buses usually run a Christmas lights tour, a two-hour trip aboard a sparkly double-decker around the best displays.
The Royal Hotel in Ventor offers festive break packages, as well as discounted winter escapes. royalhoteliow.co.uk
9. Go off-season in Suffolk
Aldeburgh’s old-fashioned charm will certainly bring you comfort and joy. The town’s lovely, long shingle beach is punctuated with interesting historic buildings, including the 400-year-old Moot Hall, plus a monument to Benjamin Britten, who lived nearby.
Tired of turkey? The fish and chips here are nationally award-winning or else there’s a great selection of restaurants, such as Sur-Mer at The Suffolk or The Lighthouse. The Brudenell Hotel enjoys a prime location on the beach. brudenellhotel.co.uk
10. Light up your life in Devon
The Christmas lights switch-on makes the picturesque (and privately owned) North Devon village of Clovelly seem even more spectacular. During the event on December 28, a local brass band leads the procession down to the historic harbour with festive carols sung along the way before the village lights up. All proceeds collected go to the RNLI. The Red Lion Hotel on the quay has a choice of rooms, including a deluxe family room. redlion-clovelly.co.uk
11. Soak up the sparkle in Dorset
Christmas Tree Wonderland is back in Bournemouth this year, an event guaranteed to spread tidings of joy to even the most hardened bah humbugs.
Wander through an enchanting pine-scented walkway lined with decorated trees from across the world. There’s an Alpine market, ice rink, live music and entertainment throughout the trail, which is in town until the end of December.
A four-night festive package is on offer at the Hotel Collingwood. It starts with afternoon tea and a ‘guess the weight of the cake’ competition. hotelcollingwood.co.uk
12. Have a grand old time in Durham
Seaham Hall is a mighty fine Georgian country house on the north east coast. The poet Lord Byron was married here, don’t you know. Inside, original features have been blended with contemporary touches, the largest of which is a modern wing housing the spa.See Seaham Hall decked out in all its festive glory as part of a three-night package. Part of it includes a room service breakfast on Christmas Day. seahamhall.co.uk
13. Hide away in Cornwall
Ukiyo derives from Japanese culture and translates to a ‘floating world’. It’s also the name of a ‘proper ’ansome’ eco-friendly home on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula. Inside you’ll be greeted by sculptural furnishings, jute rugs, linen cushions and a floating staircase. It’ll be a welcome sight after a hard day’s work taking in all that sea air (and good old Cornish mizzle). uniquehomestays.com
14. Reach for the Isle of Skye
This rugged island off the west coast of Scotland is something to be savoured in these chillier, quieter months. The tour buses have long since departed and a hush descends on this special landscape – so you can live it up! Skye’s luxury hotel Kinloch Lodge is offering a winter deal. Guests staying for two nights can add on a third night for free, including dinner and full Scottish breakfast. kinloch-lodge.co.uk
15. Ride the rails in Cumbria
Climb aboard the Santa Express and take in the scenery on the beautifully unspoilt west coast of Cumbria. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, built in 1875 to serve the local mines, takes passengers on a narrow-gauge adventure from the coastal village of Ravenglass through ancient woodland and to within sight of England’s highest mountains.
The special festive-themed ride includes a meet and greet with the man himself, a gift bag and refreshments. Stay at The Retreat in Ravenglass, a spacious and bright Victorian cottage with estuary views. sallyscottages.co.uk
16. Blow away the cobwebs in north Devon
Woolacombe Beach is the stuff of seaside dreams – three miles of golden sands, swirling surf and towering waves. It’s a big draw for those who like to be in the water but just as lovely if you just want to stroll along and watch the action. Wrap up and get out there before taking shelter in a local pub. The Jubilee Inn (aka The Jube) in South Street is family-run traditional local that’s been recently renovated. The Albatross (sleeps ten) is a gem of a holiday property with views of the beach. It’s available through marsdens.co.uk.
17. Escape the crowds on the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man’s walking routes take in the island’s glens, woodland and beaches. They’re a great way to explore this island in the winter months. The four-mile route from Glen Mooar to Glen Wyllin includes a disused Victorian railway line, a nature reserve and one of the island’s tallest waterfalls. Wyllin Cot is a quirky 18th century fisherman’s cottage in the hamlet of Glen Wyllin. It’s small but full of character and all mod cons. Available through islandescapes.im.
18. Get back to basics in Lincolnshire
Anderby Creek has been voted one of the UK’s best undiscovered beaches and provides a peaceful interlude to any seasonal excesses. This part of the Lincolnshire dune-backed coastline sits between off-peak seaside fun at Skegness and Mablethorpe. Have a blast of those big skies and stay at The Sandy Feet Retreat, a contemporary, architect-designed beach house at Anderby Creek. sandfeetretreat.com
19. Make the most of Morecambe
Lots of people come here for the view. The seaside town enjoys a great sweep of coastline that overlooks Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland mountains.
Fly a kite, stroll along the prom and warm your cockles (lots of those, too) watching the wintry sunsets. If it’s, ahem, a bit too bracing out there, hunker down for afternoon tea or a glass of wine or a Christmas staycation at The Midland, a lovely art deco hotel on the seafront. See inncollectiongroup.com
20. Enjoy Edinburgh after dark
The Scottish city is set to come alive with a series of events designed to light up your life. An after-dark trail including immersive displays and interactive installations will be on show at Edinburgh Castle.
There’s another unmissable light trail over at the Royal Botanic Gardens with flickering candles, batons of light and a sparkling flock of robins.
Book into ‘Christmas crazy’ Barony House for full-on decs and a warm and welcoming stay. It’s a short bus or cab ride into the city. baronyhouse.co.uk
21. Go the course in St Andrews
The historic Rusacks St Andrews hotel overlooks the area’s famous golf course and is hallowed turf for fans of the sport. Even if you’re not into teeing off, the richly furnished hotel is very charming and close the beach. Everyone’s a winner. The Christmas package here includes a two- or three-night stay, including breakfast and a Champagne Cream Tea on arrival. marineandlawn.com
22. Open the gateway to the Highlands and Islands
Inveraray is a traditional county town that overlooks the still waters of Loch Fyne. The area is known as the gateway to the Highlands and islands and is a great place to base yourself for a visit to this wintry landscape. Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa can provide a haven of four-star luxury with stunning views and warming fires. crerarhotels.com
23. Step back in time in Yorkshire
Folk like to go all top hat and tails in Robin Hood’s Bay. The annual Victorian Weekend (December 7 and 8) in the North Yorkshire village has become part of the Christmas build-up since it was launched in (post-Victorian) 1994. Visitors and residents dress up in traditional costume and generally have a good time with music, shopping, lights, crafts and more. Baytown Holiday Cottages is a small, local booking agency, specialising in the Robin Hood’s Bay area. baytownholidaycottages.co.uk
24. Give the gift of Galway
The city’s Eyre Square will be lined with more than 50 wooden chalets as the Christmas market returns this year. Food lovers can feast on bratwurst, crepes, and pastries, accompanied by a mulled wine. Or two. And a German beer. Kids can bring letters to Santa to drop off at a special post-box. There’s also a big wheel, as well as live music performers and plenty of chalets filled with festive gifts at the event, on until January 7. Stay at Imperial Hotel Galway, which overlooks the market and lights. imperialhotelgalway.ie
25. Shop till you drop in Belfast
Whether you’re treating yourself or others, Belfast has a brilliant range of high street faves and independent shops to help you to find the perfect gifts. Get the lay of the retail landscape before you set out. Victoria Square for designer brands, Castle Court shopping centre has it all under one roof, Queen’s Arcade is great for boutiques, then there’s Donegall Place and Royal Avenue for even more popular brands. And the continental Christmas Market is on until December 22.You’ll probably need a rest after that. Stay at ‘eco hometel’ Room2 Belfast. room2.com
