Whether it’s Christmas in a Tudor castle, a magnificent stately home, an historic royal hunting lodge or a quintessential seaside hotel, why not skip the stress this year and treat yourself and the family to something a little special.
After the madness that December always brings with present shopping, school nativities and festive celebrations, slow down and let someone else do all the hard work for you!
As part of its 2015 festive offering, Luxury Family Hotels is offering packages so that everyone will be able to enjoy the day, without one person being stuck in the kitchen!
Perfect for families, each hotel provides activities and games for the younger guests, two-hours free childcare a day in the Ofsted-registered Den, a games’ room for older kids and free baby listening services*.
1. A ‘Royal’ Christmas at Thornbury Castle, Cotswolds
Treat yourself to a royal break in the same castle Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed in during their honeymoon tour, Thornbury Castle.
Here guests will enjoy a cream tea on arrival and get into the Christmas spirit with a Black Tie champagne reception, entertainment from local carol singers and a fabulous five-course gourmet dinner prepared by head chef Mark Veale. Christmas Day will be laid back with a leisurely breakfast in the bedchamber.
There will also be a falconry display by one of the country’s leading falconers on Boxing Day.
2. Christmas in the heart of the New Forest at New Park Manor
Alternatively, Christmas in the heart of the New Forest at New Park Manor might be right up your street. Former hunting lodge and residence of Charles II’s mistress Nell Gwynn, New Park Manor’s sense of history and original features make this hotel a cosy option.
Last minute gift-wrapping can be done away from prying eyes of children, who will be able to enjoy a supervised childcare session in the hotel’s Ofsted registered Den on Christmas Eve.
Grownups can then unwind with either a treatment in the hotel’s spa or a glass of mulled wine and mince pies around an open log fire in the lounge. As well as the special themed activities the hotel has lined up, kids will also get a chance to watch a festive film in the hotel’s cinema room with popcorn, hot chocolate and sprinkles.
3. Christmas in a magnificent stately home: The Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds
If its glamour you’re after why not enjoy Christmas in a magnificent stately home, The Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds. Set in over 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland, The Ickworth is a stunning setting for a seasonal break. With the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights and the flickering of the open fires, families of all ages will enjoy a traditional few days.
Upon arrival on Christmas Eve, guests can start to enjoy the facilities as soon as possible. These include an indoor swimming pool, spa treatment rooms and extensive grounds to explore. For those who prefer to put up their feet and relax, The Ickworth’s famous traditional afternoon tea will be served from 3.00pm in its lounges.
After dinner, children will be able to take a front row seat in The Old Kitchen Cinema room and watch a festive film, before scattering reindeer food for Rudolph and the other reindeer.
Christmas Day will no doubt start early for many families with excited children stocking and present unwrapping. A hearty breakfast will be served to guests ahead of the arrival of Father Christmas at 11.00 am, who will be dropping off more presents. Pre-lunch drinks will be served followed by a delicious three course Christmas lunch prepared by the hotel’s chef.
4. Christmas by the sea at Polurrian Bay, Cornwall
Finally, for something really different, why not enjoy Christmas by the sea at Polurrian Bay, Cornwall. From the afternoon tea, mulled wine and carol singing on Christmas Eve afternoon, to the candlelit dinner for parents while the kids are enjoying a movie, this is a great way to spend the festive season.
After Santa has delivered his presents, it will be time for a Bellini breakfast; prosecco and canapés will be served pre-Christmas lunch and a magic show will stave off that post-lunch snooze (temporarily at least).
The plucky participants of the Boxing Day swim at Poldhu Cove can be seen just a short walk from the hotel, and after a breath of fresh air guests can return for delicious Cornish pasties and kids entertainment. The final night can be savoured by parents as the children will enjoy high tea followed by a festive movie.
For information on prices and booking, head to the Luxury Family Hotel website or telephone the Central Reservations team on 0844 482 2152.
* Please note that the above-mentioned children’s facilities are not available at Thornbury Castle.
