Luxury cottages for Christmas breaks (UK & Ireland)

It's a time for togetherness, a time for big group gatherings, a time for whisking yourself away from the everyday in a flurry of ribbon and glitter. With your own home covered in wrapping paper, consider one of our unique stays for your next Christmas cottage break; they're places where the halls are already decked and all that's left to do is unpack the car, set the presents under the tree, and uncork the fizz. The private chef will be along in a little while with all the provisions, the little ones are already exploring the far reaches of the child-friendly rooms filled with gold coins and four poster beds. And when they're tucked under blankets, you'll chink glasses to the easiest Christmas gathering yet.

Just the two of you? Couples wishing to hide out for the Christmas week can hole up in a romantic retreat, escaping to a luxury cottage in the country where there's no such thing as tiffs about whose family is hosting. Stir from festive dreams at your leisure, sink into a rolltop, or splash in a hot tub, before indulging in a simple Christmas supper for two. After, set out for a romantic mitten-wearing walk along Cornwall's bare coastline or the snow-capped Welsh mountains. With festive rambling done, and back at your winter love nest, there's mulled wine to sip and old classics to watch by the fire. A luxury, dog-friendly Christmas season is nothing new for families, and staying in with the dog at your feet is the picture-perfect setting for your next family festive break.