After Christmas 2020 was cancelled, it’s high time to have a festive period to remember this year.
And, what better way to do so than by getting out into the wilderness — it’ll just be you, your loved ones, a roaring fire, and gorgeous country landscapes.
Throw in good food and board games, and you’ve got a Christmas match made in heaven.
The best way to get all that is through a cottage in the countryside — which is why we have compiled 10 of our favourites.
We’ve even included availability, with a quoted price near to the festive week.
Eller How House, Lindale, Lake District
We’re starting this list off with a big hitter.
Eller How House is a stunning 1827 home, which can sleep six through three bedrooms, with 12 acres of beautiful grounds to boot.
Price: £1,079 for seven nights from December 3
Availability: Good availability in November, with slightly poorer dates in December. Still the opportunity to get a week in full.
Book here.
Fairfield Row, Sedbergh, Lake District
This cottage is more at the budget end of the spectrum, but it’s got everything you need for a cosy and active break.
Situated at the foot of the Howgill Fells, it can sleep four people — making it perfect for a group of friends or two couples who love walking and getting outdoors.
Price: £350 for seven nights from December 4
Availability: Completely free across November and December. Book here.
Jewel Cottage, Matlock, Peak District
This is the definition of quaint.
Jewel Cottage dates back to 1743, and features many of its period features with modern comforts like a TV and log burner.
Not only are you moments away from stunning countryside in the Peak District National Park, but you’re only eight miles from Chatsworth House and loads of bars and restaurants within a 10-minute walk.
Price: £903 for four people from December 4 with free cancellation.
Availability: Limited across November and December, so be quick.
Book here.
Beautiful Groom's Cottage, Ashford-in-the Water, Peak District
Another rural idyll.
You’ll be very cut off from the outside work at Beautiful Groom’s, which is perfect given how gorgeous the interior of this home is.
It features huge skylights to stargaze, a wrought iron spiral staircase, and a Queen bed.
Price: £863 for two people, seven nights from December 4
Availability: November is more free than December, but the last month of the year still is relatively open. See here for more.
Cadwaladr, Bontnewydd near Caernarfon, Snowdonia
Let’s say you have a lot of mates, like a lot.
And let’s say they have a lot of mates too, and you all want to make up for the relatively lonely Christmas from last year. Soon, the numbers add up, but fear not — Cadwaladr has you covered.
This huge house can sleep up to 30 people via 11 bedrooms and dormitory. It’s set in acres of grounds, near aquariums and castles for kids, so you’ll never get bored.
Price : £2,447 for up to 30 people, seven nights from November 19
Availability: Good availability in November and fair in December, although the Christmas week is taken.
Book here.
Well Cottage, Cheltenham, Cotswolds
This is a real slice of history — a 16th century stone cottage right in the heart of southern England’s countryside gem, the Cotswolds.
You’re right near loads of days out for kids, and plenty of walking routes.
Price: £736 for seven nights, two guests, from December 4
Availability: Limited across November and December.
Owl Cottage, Loch Ness, Highlands
Fancy heading north of the border?
With this stay, you’ll be right near the famous Loch Ness for walks, and water sports if you’re brave enough to venture into the Scottish winter.
You might also see the infamous Loch Ness monster — so that’s something worth trying your luck for.
Price: £686 from November 13 for two people over seven nights
Availability: Limited in November, none in December.
Book here.
Pine Marten Lodge, Dulnain Bridge near Nethy Bridge, Highlands
It’s literally a treehouse in the wilderness.
What this lodge packs in style, it backs up for with substance — there’s loads of amenities available in this six-person lodge. It’s certainly a property with a ‘wow’ factor.
Price: £1,269 for up to six people from November 12 for seven nights
Availability: Good in November and December, but Christmas week is taken.
Book here.
For those of you wanting a different Christmas, this is perfect.
You’re right by the beach in St Ives, and a fabulous Tate gallery.
This lodge sleeps 10 people, and you can all enjoy the on-site hot tub and local nightlife nearby.
Price: £2,348 for seven nights for up to 10 people on November 26
Availability: Good in November and December, but New Year’s Eve is taken.
Ballynacree Cottage, Ballymoney, County Antrim
For those of you on the island of Ireland, this looks like the perfect way to spend a grand Christmas.
There’s a sauna, hot tub, amazing frontage, and a games room available at this home, which can sleep up to 12. Perfect for two or three families to get away.
Price: £1,315 for up to 12 from December 4 for seven nights
Availability: Very good in November and December
