Twixmas: The best breaks to book between Christmas and New Year
Keep the post-Christmas blues at bay with a luxurious break at one of the finest hotels in the UK and beyond
The period between 27 and 30 December is the only time of the year when it’s deemed acceptable to stay in your pyjamas all day, eat leftovers and, quite honestly, not leave the sofa. This stretch of time between Christmas and New Year is often referred to as Twixmas and, for those out of the loop, can only be described as a series of Groundhog Days – where some seem to thrive in the post-festive slumber, while others struggle with the lack of routine.
Whichever camp you fall into, if you’d like to change up your usual Twixmas routine this year, allow us to introduce the best luxury hotels offering rejuvenating and restful breaks to tempt discerning travellers to escape normality before New Year. Whether you’d prefer to spend your days walking the Jurassic Coast or the rugged Cornish cliffs, or fancy booking a decadent stay further afield in Scotland, here’s our pick of the best breaks to book for Twixmas 2024.
For dog-friendly trips: Fowey Hall, Cornwall
From 27-30 December, luxury hotel Fowey Hall is inviting those with four-legged friends in tow to the Cornish coast for its Recharger three-night package offering a stress-free festive family Twixmas. Take the pressure off and enjoy the best of the south-west from this luxurious Victorian mansion boasting commanding views over the Fowey estuary. With an indoor pool, outdoor play area and just a 10-minute walk from Readymoney Cove and walking distance to Michelin-starred restaurants in Fowey, it’s the perfect spot for the whole family.
Start your break with afternoon tea (there’s even a dog-friendly iteration), before enjoying a three-course dinner at the in-house restaurant and digestif by the crackling fire. Other highlights on the itinerary include Crufts – an annual competition for furry friends with treats and prizes for the waggiest tail, best trick and best dressed – exploring the great outdoors with a bracing winter’s walk (pop by reception for local walking maps and recommendations), and don’t miss the ping pong competition, where the winner will receive a bottle of fizz.
From £467 per night.
For country breaks: Penicuik Estate, Scotland
For an easy Twixmas trip fay beyond London, Penicuik Estate offers the perfect retreat for a tranquil break just 30 minutes outside of Edinburgh. The estate’s collection of Palladian architecture ranks as one of the finest and most original in Scotland – book one of its self-catered cottages for a restful interlude between Christmas and New Year.
Each dog-friendly cottage features a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, sitting room with a wood burner, and an ensuite bedroom with a roll-top bath. Step outside to discover your own private terrace, complete with a fireside dining area and a secluded cedar hot tub – perfect for post-hike relaxation. From exploring the Penicuik grounds, to making use of the 20km of walking and cycling trails, and hiking the Pentland hills, the estate is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a Twixmas getaway. Of course, you can also pop to Edinburgh to make the most of the last moments of its famed Christmas market.
From £220 per night.
For spa getaways: Scarlet, Cornwall
Situated on the rugged Cornish cliffs of Mawgan Porth, four-star spa hotel Scarlet is hosting a three-night package from 27-30 December to help guests switch off after a hectic festive month. Indulge in a spa treatment – and dip your toe in the indoor pool and outdoor natural reed pool – before relaxing in your sea-view room, perfectly positioned for wave watching, alongside a restorative three-course menu at the Scarlet Restaurant. Join the invigorating sea dip on 28 December, take advantage of complimentary wellbeing classes or take your pups for a long walk along the north Cornish coast to help you reset and unwind.
From £1,485 for three nights for two people.
For families: Moonfleet Manor, Dorset
Overlooking Chesil Beach, Moonfleet Manor is a place to step out and explore the unique flora and fauna of the Jurassic Coast. The Manor's newly-renovated Verandah, an extensive indoor activity hub perfectly suited to inclement British weather, features a traversing wall, skittle alley, retro arcade games, crazy golf and a play area to keep youngsters thoroughly entertained. Plus, from 27-30 December, the hotel will host its Winter Wonderland grotto where little ones can meet Father Christmas before enjoying story time in the cinema, taking part in the gingerbread competition and getting up close with a variety of reptiles and animals.
From £724 per night.
For foodies: New Park Manor, Hampshire
Tucked away within the National Park, the newly renovated New Park Manor is a well placed bolthole to explore the enchanting woodland of the New Forest. Boasting a family-friendly spa, with an outdoor pool with panoramic views of the countryside, an indoor pool, a steam room, sauna, two outdoor hot tubs, a Somadome meditation pod and a dedicated healthy spa menu available in the cafe, it makes for the perfect place to relax after Christmas.
Foodies can start their three-night festive interlude with a buffet-style afternoon tea on arrival, before dinners at either the casual Vinery Restaurant or the more up-market Stag, serving local produce in the form of grilled cod fillet with parsnip puree, calves liver and bacon with spring onion mash, and salmon and miso tartare. Post-dinner, warm up by the fire pit on the terrace and back your own smores.
From £168 per night.
