UK

UK’s best rentals for a Christmas getaway

Last updated 11th March 2024

Getting away with the family at Christmas can be a great way to recharge, rejuvenate and spend the festive season making special memories instead of slaving over your kitchen stove. Here are the UK’s best rental properties for families to make Christmas as relaxing for parents as it is for kids.

Lower-Treslea-Buzzards-Reach-cornwall-holiday-cottages

1/9 Seven nights in Cornwall, 23-30 December, £744

Cosy up at Christmas in this traditional stone barn conversion in the heart of the Cornwall countryside. Ideally located to explore the whole county, the property is within an easy drive of Fowey to the south and Polzeath to the north. Tiny local areas such as the fishing village of Polruan or the riverside village of Bodinnick are the perfect destination for a morning out feeding the ducks, enjoying afternoon tea or taking a stroll by the water. Child-friendly attractions nearby include the famous Eden Project and several National Trust properties for wintry nature walks.

Fowey offers several Michelin restaurants and is increasingly known as a ‘foodie’ destination, the ideal place for a memorable Christmas dinner that someone else will cook! The cottage itself features a hot tub (shared with the other cottages on the property), WiFi and is dog-friendly, so the whole family can holiday together.

What: Seven nights’ self-catering accommodation in a two-bedroom cottage (sleeps four)

Where: Fowey, Cornwall, England

Price: £744

Find out more and book at Holidaycottages.co.uk

Cley-Windmill-sunset-quirky-accom

2/9 Five nights at Cley windmill, Norfolk, £45 per person per night

This stunning landmark on the north Norfolk coast dates back to the early 18th century and has been converted into a guesthouse bursting with character and comfort, open to both b&b and self-catering guests. The windmill offers breathtaking views over the marshes to the sea and Blakeney Point, and is easy walking distance to local shops.

What: Group booking on self-catering basis for up to 20 people for Christmas

Where: Holt, Norfolk

Price: £40 per person per night

Find out more and book at quirkyaccom.com

Owners-Direct-property---Newcastle-Donws Dundrum, Northern Ireland

3/9 Seven nights in Northern Ireland, 28 December – 4 January, £915

Situated in an area of classified outstanding natural beauty, this first-floor apartment in Dundrum is in the heart of a peaceful village and enjoys a bright south-facing position with floor to ceiling windows. Kids will find a DVD library, toys and games to keep them amused when they’re not out exploring the bay or the nearby hills. A forest park with adventure playground, mountain biking centre and national outdoor pursuits centre are all within driving distance.

What: Seven nights’ self-catering accommodation in a three-bedroom luxury apartment with mountain views (sleeps five)

Where: Dundrum, Northern Ireland

Price: £915

Find out more and book at OwnersDirect

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dragon-stone-holiday-cottages wales

4/9 Seven nights in Llandeilo, 23-30 December, £694

Set in an acre of paddocks and fields, this three-bedroom property benefits from stunning views over the Brecon Beacons National Park. Super-king and king beds add to the luxurious atmosphere and guests can take in panoramic views from the glass-panelled dining area. There is a swimming pool for those who feel brave enough to challenge the elements, and a games room with table football and table tennis as well as WiFi. Nearby are the sports centres that offer Brecon-based outdoor activities such as cycling, horse-riding and hiking as well as the traditional mining town of Ammanford. The famous beaches and restaurants of the Mumbles are within driving distance and there are also show caves and a World Heritage Site for family days out.

What: Seven nights’ self-catering accommodation in a three-bedroom house with pool (sleeps up to five people)

Where: Pen Y Rhiw (‘On The Hill’), Cwnllynfell, Wales

Price: £694

Find out more and book at Holidaycottages.co.uk

A cosy wigwam!

A cosy wigwam! Photo: Wigwam Holidays

5/9 Five nights riverside glamping in Scotland, 23-28 December, £375

Set on the scenic shores of the River Earn, these woodland Wigwams are the perfect place to spend a cost Christmas retreat. Guests can walk into the nearby town of Crieff, take bikes out for a wintry cycle or explore the river and surrounding countryside. The heated Wigwams sleep up to four people and have an en-suite shower room, kitchen and an open fire pit outside. Kids will love a Christmas dinner of sausages and baked potatoes cooked over an open fire, followed by toasted marshmallows!

What: Five nights’ self-catering accommodation in a wooden Running Water Wigwam (sleeps four)

Where: Braidhaugh, Scotland

Price: £375

Find out more and book at Wigwam Holidays

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National Trust stone cottage, Lake District

Photo: ©National Trust/Paul Harris

6/9 Five nights in the Lake District, 23-28 December, £705

Get into the festive spirit at this chocolate-box cottage in the heart of the picturesque Lake District in Cumbria. Families staying in Rose Castle Cottage can enjoy unrivalled views over the Tarn Hows beauty spot, and the peace and solitude that comes with having no neighbours in sight. Take a stroll in the countryside or a more challenging mountain hike; search for rare Belted Galloway cattle or hillside Herdwick sheep, or wander to Coniston for afternoon tea or a hearty pub meal. Coniston Water is nearby and guests can take a cruise on the Steam Yacht Gondola, the rebuilt Victorian yacht. Rose Castle Cottage is furnished in a luxurious and quintessentially English style and has two bedrooms that sleep a family of four.

What: Five nights’ two-bedroom self-catering accommodation in Rose Castle Cottage

Where: Lake District, Cumbria

Price: £705

Find out more and book at National Trust

Owners-Direct-property---Ballycastle northern ireland

7/9 Seven nights in Northern Ireland, 28 December- 4 January, £1102

Situated in one of the most painted and photographed landscapes in Northern Ireland, this beach cottage offers stunning garden views over the ocean. Game of Thrones fans will be thrilled to see familiar scenery from the hit TV series, and guests will be able to spot Giants Causeway and Donegal from the garden. The cottage features a separate garden sun-room, a barbecue and a fireplace, and sleeps up to six people. Kids can run from the cottage down to the shore to enjoy wintry days digging in the sand and skimming stones, or enjoy a family day out on a whale-watching boat trip.

What: Seven nights’ self-catering beachfront accommodation in a three-bedroom cottage (sleeps six)

Where: Ballintoy, Northern Ireland

Price: £1102

Find out more and book at OwnersDirect

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Awel-Y-Mor,-Cardigan-wales-holidaycottages

8/9 Seven nights in Cardigan, Wales, 23-30 December, £739

Located a mile from the sandy beaches of Aberporth, this pretty nautical-themed cottage surrounded by gardens is ideal for a quiet family break. Skomer island is a boat trip away and guests can look forward to enjoying days spent sailing on the lookout for dolphins and seals. The cottage has a large garden with an outdoor play area for children, lawn and fire pit for evenings snuggled around the fire. The cottage has two bedrooms and sleeps up to four people.

What: Seven nights’ self-catering accommodation in a coastal two-bedroom garden cottage

Where: Cardigan, Wales

Price: £739

Find out more and book at holidaycottages.co.uk

Cotsworld---Cirencester-homeaway

9/9 Seven nights in the Cotswolds, 23-30 December, £1311

Enjoy the convenience of town life while still being a stone’s throw from the scenic countryside of the Cotswolds with a break in this luxury apartment. The 17th century property has an open plan living area and an outside terrace and is within driving distance to horse riding centres, bird watching sanctuaries and children’s playgrounds. The local area has many top family-friendly restaurants so parents can enjoy putting their feet up and saving the beautiful kitchen for a glass of wine in the evenings.

What: Seven nights’ self-catering accommodation in a two-bedroom luxury town centre apartment (sleeps four)

Where: Cirencester, Cotswolds, England

Price: £1311

Find out more and book at HomeAway

Find more fabulous UK places to stay with kids

Want to get in the spirit? Here are the Best European Christmas markets for 2017.