The best UK cottages for the ultimate Christmas staycation

Most of us could do with a change of scenery after lockdown – preferably one involving a cosy cottage somewhere in the countryside or on the coast. 

And if the thought of spending Christmas elsewhere appeals, have a look at some of these ideas for where to get away for the festive season.  

Fans of the TV drama Broadchurch already know the dramatic coastline of West Bay in Dorset, where rugged cliffs rise up from a long stretch of sandy beach. Bridport Cottages has a cute little two-bedroom West Bay Cottage right near the harbour, handy for a family bubble of four. There’s a double bedroom and a twin, as well as a wood-burning stove in the stylish open-plan living-dining room and front and rear patios. There’s still availability over Christmas when four nights cost £500, or stay seven nights for £675.  

Head to Cornwall’s north coast for long walks along the South West Coast Path while taking in some spectacular scenery. Sykes Cottages has Christmas availability at Mill Cottage in St Nectan’s Glen, which is close to Tintagel, Trethevy Cliffs and Bossiney Cove. Set in 20 acres of gardens along a mill stream, the former corn mill has two bedrooms, one double and a twin, as well as an open fire. Seven nights from 23 December costs £725, down from £849, or stay five nights for £692.

Like Cornwall, the Isle of Wight is one of the rare tier one regions in England during the month of December. If you want Cowes within easy reach as well as sea views, Classic Cottages has availability over Christmas for the two-bedroom Solent View Cottage. It’s in the seaside village of Gurnard, less than two miles from Cowes. There’s a double and a twin bedroom, as well as a wood-burning stove and a little snug with a TV off the sitting room for people who want their own bit of space. Beyond the garden there’s a footpath straight to the beach. Six nights from 22 December costs £776.  

Combine coastal walks in Solway Bay with hikes near Bassenthwaite Lake when you stay at Lowther Arms House. This 18th-century former pub is now a warm, three-bedroom house in the middle of Cockermouth, and it’s handy for the Reivers Route long-distance cycle path. There are also riverside walks and local parks to explore. As it’s available through Canine Cottages, you can bring up to three dogs with you. Seven nights from 20 December costs from £651, reduced from £718.

Christmas in the Cotswolds instantly conjures up images of absurdly pretty villages of honey-coloured stone houses and miles of country lanes and footpaths to explore. Holidays in the Cotswolds has Briar Cottage available for seven nights from 20 December. It’s in the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water, which straddles the River Windrush and is in the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This two-bedroom stone cottage has a wood-burning fireplace and a patio garden, and it’s also dog-friendly. A week’s rental over Christmas costs £970.

Hole up in the middle of the Sussex countryside over Christmas, where you can enjoy coastal walks along white cliffs just a short drive away. Bramley & Teal has availability over Christmas at April Cottage in the small village of Staplecross, where you can enjoy open countryside views from the back garden. Inside this period brick cottage are two bedrooms – a double and a twin – along with wood-burners both in the sitting room and the main bedroom. Seven nights from 20 December costs £799, reduced from £882, and dogs are welcome.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk