Twixmas breaks to keep the festive spirit alive
The best places to decamp during the Christmas break
Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also the most tiring.
Between shopping for presents for our extended family and our friends, decorating our halls with homemade wreaths and preparing Christmas dinner for 2020, we all deserve to be spoiled afterwards.
And that's where Twixmas comes in, the term was coined to describe the five days between Christmas and New Year (27th to 31st December) and it's the perfect time to recharge your batteries before the start of the new year.
But forget dropping into that lull of lying on the sofa and eating yet another turkey sandwich and get out and about, making the most of all the wintry spoils that this beautiful country has to offer with a glorious Twixmas break. It’ll certainly blow away those Christmas cobwebs.
And what better than a few days of not having to make our own bed or cook our own meals? Add dreamy surroundings, a fair chance of snow and luxurious spa treatments and you have the perfect festive recovery recipe. Although it’s not just relaxation on the agenda, you could also kick start your New Year’s resolutions early by getting into that exercise regime with long hikes and early morning swims.
From Cornwall to Leeds via Monmouthshire, we’ve rounded up a few of the best Twixmas breaks and offers from around the country. We'll be packing our bags, checking in and reaching January 1st refreshed, revived and ready to go.
The Pomegranate Tree, Devon
Nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park, this idyllic self-catering bolthole (from the luxurious Unique Home Stays collection) is a far cry from the mania of Christmas. Chock-full of 16th century charm, this four bedroom house sleeps seven and invites leisurely lie-ins, days filled with boardgames and evenings in front of crackling fire. It's a dream in the summer, but in the winter its all the more endearing: an irresistible opportunity to hibernate in oversized armchairs, enjoy afternoon cuppas in local tearooms and explore picturesque pubs post brisk walks across the moors.
Cliveden House Hotel, Berkshire
Fancy your own Downton Abbey residence for the week? A stay at Cliveden House Hotel is a must. Built in 1666, it comes with heaps of history, plenty of land (300 acres of National Trust gardens to be exact) and stunning views of the River Thames. The best part? You can spend your nights cosying in the most beautiful four-poster beds.
Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall
The Bedruthan Steps down in Cornwall’s Mawgan Porth is a Red Online favourite and if we had to have a secret preference for our Twixmas break, it could just be this one. Book their three night stay, which starts from £699 per room and get involved in their Twixmas programme. Up on the agenda is mulled wine on arrival, dinner every night, live music, a visit from the Screech Owl Sanctuary which little ones will love, craft mornings and the opportunity to learn some new circus skills. And for a little time out from the activities you can take a potter down to the rolling sands of Mawgan Porth beach, which is a short hop down the steps from the hotel.
Armathwaite Hall, Lake District
One of the most beautiful areas of the country is simply magnified in the Winter time. And set in 400 acres of woodland and deer parks, with views across Bassingthwaite Lake in the Lake District, this stately home is one of the most picturesque. A 'Mid-Festivity Break' will see you dinning in the Lake View Restaurant, relaxing in the spa and even taking part in a little clay pigeon shooting.
The Hop Store, Cotswolds
Surrounded by 150 acres of rolling meadows and orchards, this serene property is the ideal place to shut out the world and let the days roll lazily by. The luxury self-catering farm stay is an enchanting blend of haphazard charm (those who love character will adore its topsy-turvy lay out), modern comforts and idyllic location. Gather together your closest loved ones, the property sleeps four, and hunker down for the cosiest of Twixmas'.
Curl up in front of the crackling woodburner and gaze out across the Malverns - add in a leftover turkey sandwich and you've got pure heaven.
The Feversham Arms Hotel, Yorkshire
This charming 19th-century coaching inn nestled in the market town of Hemsley in Yorkshire is the perfect spot for a festive break. With the North York Moors National Park on your doorstep, there's plenty of room to walk off those Christmas dinners and catch a breath of fresh air. While the on-site spa provides an extra R&R you might need.
Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire
No strict timetable or venues for lunches or dinners, no organised activities, just a host of simple 'diversions' should the mood take you. Within Luton Hoo’s 1,065 acres, there’s plenty to keep you occupied and miles of space to walk off breakfast (or leisurely brunch). What’s more, a daily newspaper and full use of the leisure facilities will ensure you’ll want for nothing.
Ellenborough Park, Cotswolds
The honey coloured Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham Spa is steeped in history, and dates right back to the 15th century. If you feel like playing lord and lady of the manor, then this is your place. First up, it has some incredible dishes put together by the award-winning David Kelman, then there’s its spa for a soul restoring body massage, scrub or facial and of course, the bedrooms. Each of the suites are named after famous racehorses and come with roll top baths and four poster beds. The special Twixmas offer runs on 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December from £209 per night.
Oulton Hall, Leeds
With rolling green hills, imposing statues, grand hallways littered with antiques and roaring fires aplenty, Oulton Hall is a beguiling location for a special post-Christmas break. Don't miss dinner in Adam's Brasserie.
Read our review of Oulton Hall
Castle Trinity, West Yorkshire
If you're looking for something a little different this Christmas then what about your very own castle? Castle Trinity, sprawled across it's own corner near the Peak District in west Yorkshire, is not only fit for royalty, but any one who likes indulging in the finer things in life. Let us set the scene: you awake to an atmospheric mist drifting from the surrounding forest, a leisurely swim in the indoor heated pool is followed by a day of drifting between the crackling stone fire of the Piano Lounge to the pool table and back again. This indoor relaxation is peppered only with walks around the grounds pre-twilight, exploring the 12-acres of stately gardens which include private woodland, manicured lawns, a working water mill, a cobbled courtyard, hot tub and lake. The evening ends in sumptuous style, just as the property is intended for, with a night cap in grand lounge and an aggressive game of Monopoly. Forget Downton Abbey, Trinity Castle is where it's at this Twixmas.
The Bell at Skenfrith, Monmouthshire
This 17th-century coaching inn on the banks of the River Monnow provides a welcoming base for a low-key, grown-up break when the Christmas whirlwind subsides, with fabulous food and an impressive wine list. Stunning Skenfrith Castle and great country walks on the doorstep, not to mention festive services at the local church.
Headland Hotel, Cornwall
The 19th century Headland Hotel in Newquay sits majestically on the top of a cliff looking out to sea and is a bit of a Cornish favourite. Its rich history has seen several royals walk through its doors from King Edward VII to Queen Alexandra. It was also the filming location for Roald Dahl’s The Witches. See it for yourself with one of their brilliant Twixmas deals. From 27th to 30th December, they have an aptly named Escape the Family deal, where you’ll get to try out the relaxing Headland Spa, with its hydropool, Cornish salt steam room, eat three-course dinners at the Samphire restaurant and dress up for the ‘One night in Narnia’ black tie event. Dinner, bed and breakfast starts from £165 per night (based on two people sharing).
Stoke Place, Buckinghamshire
With its manicured Capability Brown designed grounds (25 acres to be precise) and Queen Anne red brick exterior, the first glimpse of Stoke Place makes for an impressive first impression as you roll up the drive. Holing up here with a couple of films, wine by the fire and a soak in the free-standing roll top bath after is heavenly. Make the most of their Winter Warmer offer where you can get a three-course dinner in the King & Lamb restaurant, an overnight stay and a full English breakfast in the morning. Prices start from £175 per person and are based on two people sharing a double room.
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