10 Cottages for Pre-Christmas Getaways in the UK

The weeks leading up to Christmas hold their own kind of magic. It’s a time to slow down, savour the season, and reconnect before the festivities begin.

Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful countryside escape, a coastal hideaway, or a soothing wellness retreat, these luxury cottages offer the perfect backdrop for a pre-Christmas getaway. Think festive catch-ups with friends, crackling fires and mulled wine, enchanting Christmas markets, and moments of calm amidst the sparkle of the season.

Discover the places where your festive memories begin and let the joy of Christmas unfold early.

1. Plum Cottage - A Cosy Barn Conversion in the Lake District

Tucked away in the heart of the Eden Valley near Appleby, Plum Cottage is a beautifully renovated barn that perfectly blends rustic character with modern luxury. With its oak beams, roaring log burner, countryside views and a hot tub under the stars, this retreat is pure winter bliss. Take long, crisp walks through nearby fells, then return to the warmth of the cottage with a glass of mulled wine. For a touch of festive cheer, explore Appleby-in-Westmorland’s charming winter market or head into Keswick for their seasonal lights and local food stalls. Rise early and soak in the hot tub as the valley mist lifts – a moment of pure winter magic.

Book Plum Cottage

2. Tamarind Tide - Sunsets and Sea Air in North Cornwall

Perched above the village of Portreath, Tamarind Tide captures the essence of Cornish living with sweeping sea views, a bubbling hot tub and elegant indoor-outdoor spaces. It’s perfect for gathering friends or family to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic before retreating indoors for festive feasts and board games. Just a short drive away, Padstow’s Christmas Festival brings the harbour to life with food stalls, lights and live music – a joyful seasonal experience by the sea. Don’t miss a golden-hour stroll along the cliffs – winter light on the Cornish coast is truly spectacular.

Book Tamarind Tide

3. Serenity Retreat - The Ultimate Wellness Escape

As its name suggests, Serenity Retreat is dedicated to calm, comfort and wellbeing. This luxurious haven – set in South Devon – is ideal for couples or small groups who want to recharge before the holiday season. Think log-burner warmth, slow mornings with scenic views, and deep relaxation in every detail. For a festive twist, visit the nearby spa town of Sidmouth, where you can explore artisan winter markets, boutique shops and beautifully lit promenades. Then return to schedule a massage or private yoga session back at the retreat and step into the holidays feeling completely renewed.

Book Serenity Retreat

4. Kingfisher Forge - Rustic Charm and Artisan Style in Shropshire

True to its name, Kingfisher Forge combines craftsmanship and comfort in a peaceful rural setting near Market Drayton, Shropshire. Perfect for couples or small families looking to slow down before the holidays, this home exudes warmth and creativity. Spend your days exploring nearby Shrewsbury, where cobbled streets, glowing shopfronts and festive stalls bring a magical atmosphere. Return to the cottage for evenings by the fire and a sense of artisan charm that feels tailor-made for a cosy December escape.

Book Kingfisher Forge

5. Fable Cottage - Seaside Serenity in Cornwall

Set in the picture-perfect fishing village of Portloe, Fable Cottage offers breathtaking sea views, a smart upside-down layout and luxurious interiors. December brings the Cornish coast at its most peaceful – dramatic waves, quiet beaches and charming coastal pubs serving festive menus. Stroll through nearby Truro for its enchanting Christmas market and cathedral lights before returning to curl up by the bio-fuel burner, listening to the rhythmic sound of the sea for the ultimate coastal comfort.

Book Fable Cottage

6. Apple Tree Cottage - Quintessential Countryside Comfort in Beckford, Gloucestershire

Charming, welcoming and full of character, Apple Tree Cottage is perfect for couples or families seeking peace and simplicity before Christmas. Nestled in the village of Beckford on the edge of the Cotswolds, it offers a wonderful mix of rural calm and easy access to local charm. Spend the day exploring nearby Tewkesbury, with its riverside Christmas market and historic abbey adorned in festive lights, or browse Broadway’s boutique shops for unique gifts. Back at the cottage, embrace slow living with hearty home-cooked meals, mulled wine by the fire and quiet evenings surrounded by countryside serenity – a perfect way to welcome the season in classic Cotswold style.

Book Apple Tree Cottage

7. Macduff House - A Scottish Country Retreat Near the Coast

Nestled in Aberdeenshire, Macduff House is a tranquil country retreat near the coast, where bracing sea air meets rolling rural landscapes. With its blend of character, comfort and stunning views, it offers a restorative escape from the festive rush. Spend your days browsing the local craft and farmers’ market in Macduff – held monthly and full of handmade gifts and local produce. The northern countryside is wonderfully peaceful in winter, inviting long, fireside evenings and leisurely walks through frost-touched glens and quiet coastal paths.

Book Macduff House

8. The Bridge House - Winter by the Water in Hampshire

With its elegant architecture and serene riverside setting in Bursledon, Hampshire, The Bridge House offers a peaceful escape surrounded by gentle water views and countryside charm. Enjoy tranquil mornings on the terrace or cosy evenings by the fire as the river reflects soft winter light. Take a stroll along the Hamble River Trail, or head to nearby Winchester, whose famous Christmas Market and ice rink create one of the most enchanting festive scenes in the country. Return to your riverside haven for mulled wine and the soothing sounds of the water – the perfect pre-Christmas getaway.

Book The Bridge House

9. Puddle Duck Cottage - A Spa-Style Countryside Hideout in Somerset

Located in the heart of the Somerset countryside near Glastonbury, Puddle Duck Cottage is a beautifully restored 17th-century retreat that combines period charm with high-end modern comforts. Inside you’ll find oak beams, a log-burning stove and indulgent in-bed nickel bathtubs, while outside you’ll discover access to an indoor heated pool, sauna and 18 acres of grounds to explore. It’s perfect for a pre-Christmas recharge: wander through frosty woodland paths on the estate, then return to cosy up by the fire with mulled cider in hand. For added festive fun, head into Glastonbury or nearby Wells, both of which host delightful December Christmas fairs and twinkling light displays.

Book Puddle Duck Cottage

10. Crescent House - Elegant Living in Bowness-on-Windermere

Stylish, spacious, and refined, Crescent House in Bowness-on-Windermere is designed for easy entertaining and pure relaxation. Overlooking the shimmering waters of Windermere, it’s ideal for families or groups wanting to reconnect before the festive rush. Best of all, the house is completely in-house catered, so guests can forget about cooking and simply enjoy delicious, locally inspired meals prepared by a private chef. Spend a day exploring Bowness’s boutique shops and twinkling Christmas lights, or take a short trip to Ambleside’s winter market before returning for fireside drinks and lakeside tranquillity.

Book Crescent House