With Christmas and the New Year just over a month away, if you haven’t already booked a cottage for a cosy staycation now’s the time to do it.
From a honey-hued cottage in the Cotswolds to a luxurious space for six in Hampshire, we’ve rounded up our favourite last-minute cottages to head to this Christmas.
Shell Seekers in Whitsand Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps: 4.
Price: from £955 for a week.
Escape to the Cornish coast this Christmas at this secluded cottage sitting on an idyllic three-mile stretch of coastline. Spend Christmas morning walking along the beach and eat Christmas dinner to the sound of the lapping waves. The towns of Kingsand and Cawsand are nearby, where you can pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts in the local shops or dine in one of many pubs for a hearty meal.
The Little Coach House near Oxford, Oxfordshire
Sleeps: 4.
Price: £435 for three nights.
This newly converted coach house is nestled in the charming village of Stanton St John, on the outskirts of Oxford. Peruse the Christmas market (open until December 21) and bask in the rustic charm of this cosy home.
Seaclusion in Porthcurno, Cornwall
Sleeps: 4.
Price: £1,609 (plus £30 booking fee) for seven nights.
A beautifully renovated former milking parlour, this home offers a contemporary Christmas by the coast. Indulgent rooms are coupled with a bubbling outdoor hot tub and Scandi-style open plan living. The picture-perfect beaches of Porthcurno, Sennen Cove and Marazion are just a short drive away as is the town of Mousehole where visitors can visit the twinkling Christmas lights.
The Melody in Winchester, Hampshire
Sleeps: 6.
Price: £2,030 for three nights.
Set in the picture-perfect town of Winchester, The Melody is a quintessential English property. The three bedrooms are full of character, each with a superking size bed and ensuite. The spacious lower level is the perfect place to enjoy Christmas dinner while the musician of the group can entertain on the grand piano before relaxing in the library post-feast.
Sea Garden Cottages on Tresco, Isles of Scilly
Sleeps: up to 8.
Price: from £1,300 for seven nights.
On the island of Tresco, just off the coast of Cornwall a cosy Christmas break is just a short plane or ferry ride away. Stay in one of the Sea Garden Cottages and enjoy a log burning stove, sea views and access to Tresco Island Spa and Abbey Garden.
Fog Signal Building in Dungeness, Kent
Sleeps: 2.
Price: £1,808 for three nights.
This pet-friendly abode sleeps just two, so is the ideal escape for a romantic Christmas mini-break. Wake up to the sound of the sea and the birds quietly chirping before spending your day walking along the beach and cosying up next to the log burner.
3 The Bay in Cawsand, Cornwall
Sleeps: 8.
Price: £1,703 for a week.
If lovely views are your idea of heaven, then this Cornish cottage is the place to head this Christmas. Situated on the Rame Peninsula, Cawsand is a charming untouched village filled with quaint shops and friendly pubs.
Cotswold Cottages in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
Sleeps: up to 5.
Price: from £424.50 for three nights.
This selection of quaint cottages is located in the chocolate box Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Constructed with Cotswold stone and filled with rustic exposed beams, it’s the perfect base for countryside walks.
Water's Edge in St Ives, Cornwall
Sleeps: 4.
Price: £1,365 (plus £30 booking fee) for seven nights.
On the doorstep of the famed St Ives Beach, this restored fisherman's cottage is the ideal cosy bolthole for sea seekers. With two bedrooms set over three floors, local artisan stores and coffee shops are just steps away as is an abundance of Cornish pubs.
New Forest Cottage near Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Sleeps: 4.
Price: £1,550 for seven nights.
With the stunning New Forest National Park on its doorstep, this is the ultimate rural idyll for you and three of your nearest and dearest. Located near the village of Bransgore, this home has been lovingly renovated with two double ensuite bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a picture-perfect lawn.
Frome Bolthole in Frome, Somerset
Sleeps: 2.
Price: from £100 per night.
A quirky hideaway for two, this Somerset bolthole was once a stable for Louise of Argyll’s horses (Queen Victoria’s daughter), and has been renovated into a charming home. The perfect place to hide away this Christmas, pubs and lovely walks are on your doorstep.
