Whether you’re spotting seals on Norfolk’s coast or curling up by a firepit under the Welsh stars, these cottages offer a slice of Christmas bliss so you can channel your inner Cameron Diaz.
There’s something magical about switching off your phone and retreating into a cosy hideaway, especially at Christmas. As the festive season looms, and inboxes overflow with emails, the thought of a peaceful escape becomes irresistible.
We can’t guarantee you’ll cross paths with a dashing Jude Law, but these charming cottages and cabins are tailor-made for a restorative getaway à la the festive romcom The Holiday.
With availability in December, the delightful stays are sprinkled across some of the UK’s most scenic regions, each offering just the right balance of seclusion and seasonal charm.
Rose Cottage in Rye, East Sussex
For a quintessentially English retreat, look no further than Rose Cottage in Rye, known as one of the country’s most beautiful villages. Amid crooked lanes, the two-bedroom property has a terrace overlooking the river and a patio for mild winter days.
Full of medieval charm, the cottage captures the essence of a classic cosy Christmas. It’s the perfect spot for families or couples looking to escape to the countryside and soak up The Holiday vibes.
Booking.com, from £200 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Read more: 5 of the best family-friendly getaways for a winter wonderland
The Coach House in Shere, Surrey
This beautifully restored coach house is in the heart of Shere, where much of The Holiday was filmed. It offers a luxurious stay for up to six guests, and an inviting base from which to explore the scenic Surrey Hills.
Imagine brisk, invigorating walks through the countryside, discovering grand estates like Polesden Lacey, or visiting the gardens of RHS Wisley. And the nearby village pub makes for an ideal pit stop to channel your inner Iris Simpkins.
Boutique-Retreats.co.uk, from £2,108 for a long weekend or midweek break
Read more: ‘I tried everything in Marks & Spencer’s 2024 Christmas food range – these are my top picks’
Olea in Amberley, West Sussex
This fairy-tale, thatched-roof cottage is a dream come true for a snug winter escape. Tucked in the West Sussex countryside, Olea exudes old-world charm with its dog-friendly features, open-plan living and room for up to four guests.
Walking distance from the Littlehampton seaside, and under an hour’s drive from East and West Wittering beaches and the rolling South Downs, Olea offers an idyllic retreat for couples and families alike — perfect for making holiday memories.
Boutique-Retreats.co.uk, from £836 for a long weekend or midweek break
Read more: This underrated UK town could be the restorative break you need
The Smithy in Abercastle, Wales
The Smithy is a perfect perch for an enchanted winter stay. In the harbour village of Abercastle, with the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path nearby, this renovated cottage brims with charm and comforts such as underfloor heating.
Hike to Porthgain for a pub experience worthy of The Holiday, then return to your cosy haven where up to four guests — and furry friends — can settle in for a merry retreat.
CoastalCottages.co.uk, from £1,389 for a week in December
Lower Porthmawr in Whitesands Bay, Wales
Looking for the ultimate seaside escape? This five-person cottage captures the rustic magic of a classic Christmas by the sea: it offers breathtaking views of St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from almost every angle, including the roll-top bath in the Victorian-inspired bathroom.
Warm up by the firepit after a day exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and gaze at the stars for a glimpse of Saint Nick himself.
CoastalCottages.co.uk, from £1,789 for a week in December
April Cottage in Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk
Modernised but delightfully cosy and dog-friendly, April Cottage — in the serene village of Winterton-on-Sea — is just a stone’s throw from the beach. Come November, this area becomes home to thousands of grey seals: an unforgettable sight for the family to enjoy.
Stroll along Winterton Dunes, which is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and soak up the coastal beauty. It feels straight out of a Christmas card.
WintertonCottages.co.uk, from £390 for two people for three nights in December
Porthilly Beach Holiday Park, Cornwall
Technically a cabin rather than a cottage, this is too stunning to gatekeep. Once a farmer’s home, now a romantic escape for two, it has all the charm of a winter wonderland retreat.
On Cornwall’s Camel Estuary, it sits just a few minutes’ walk from the idyllic Porthilly Beach. With French doors that open to a sunny deck, a wood-fired hot tub and a sauna, this gem is perfect for a hygge holiday to rival anything in Iceland or Scandinavia.
Airbnb.co.uk, from £561 for three nights
Mazzard Farm, Devon
From its bustling annual Christmas markets to its varied food and craft fairs, Devon presents a perfect setting to enjoy some quality time with a side of mulled wine. At Mazzard Farm, you’ll find a selection of stunning cottages set across 17 acres of woodland, orchard, gardens and play areas. The destination prides itself on its energy-efficient ethos, with all of its heating and hot water generated by biomass. Quarenden and Damson Cottages are ideal for large groups, offering five bedrooms and three bathrooms. You’ll even get your own fully decorated Christmas tree. mazzardfarm.com from £252 for three nights.Â
