From family festive fun at the place that inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories to a romantic stay in a medieval castle and a traditional yuletide in a celebrity-run hotel, here’s how to celebrate Christmas in style this year without any of the stress (or washing up!)
Family Fun at Ashdown Park and Country Club, Forest Row
Set within 186 acres of stunning grounds, featuring lakes, secret gardens and woodland trails, there’s plenty of space for the kids to let off steam over the festive season at Ashdown Park. What’s more, the 19th century mansion is set in the heart of Ashdown Forest – the magical inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The hotel is famous for its afternoon tea and a special festive version is being served until December 23, priced at £34.50 per person, but if you want to spend Christmas here then you’ll be treated to the tea on Christmas Eve, along with Christmas carols and a Champagne reception, dinner and hot toddies and mince pies while watching a televised Midnight Mass from Westminster. Father Christmas will make an appearance on Christmas Day, and there will also be an estate treasure hunt for the children, while adults enjoy Champagne and canapes, before everyone tucks into a four-course lunch. Boxing Day delights include archery and clay pigeon shooting, a quiz and an evening casino with cocktails and a live jazz band. Three nights full board from £1,215 per person based on two adults sharing a classic room, children from £219 and under twos free. ashdownpark.com
Foodie Delights At The Pig in the South Downs, Madehurst
Whether you're looking to whisk yourself away for the big day, gather the gang for a Christmas party or raise a glass over a New Year's Eve lunch, you know the food is going to be good at THE PIG-in the South Downs in Madehurst. Think roasted root veg, hearty helpings and all the warming, comforting dishes you crave at this time of year – made with ingredients sourced from within a 25-mile radius. And don’t forget those tasty tipples from behind the bar – mulled wine to warm you from the inside out, garden-to-glass festive cocktails and plenty of English fizz to get the celebrations flowing. Three-night stays, arriving on Christmas Eve and staying in the smallest room, start from £855 for two and you can even sleep in a shepherd’s hut if you crave privacy away from the main house. Whether you decide to stay or not, you can tuck into a three-course Christmas dinner with nibbles, mulled cider, mince pies and tea or coffee included, from £150 per adult and £65 per child under 13 years old. thepighotel.com/in-the-south-downs
A Traditional Christmas at The Spread Eagle, Midhurst
With roaring log fires, muslin-wrapped Christmas puddings aging on the mantle and a whole host of good old-fashioned fun, The Spread Eagle, in Midhurst, is a dream for those who like to keep things traditional. Arrive on Christmas Eve for a quintessential Sussex afternoon tea, followed by Sussex sparkling wine and canapes and a delicious dinner. Guests who like to attend Midnight Mass don’t have far to stroll as Midhurst Parish Church is just down the road. Yet more Sussex sparkling will be served at breakfast on Christmas Day and if you’ve room after a sumptuous lunch, you can enjoy tea and Christmas cake while watching the King’s Speech. Spend Boxing Day recovering in the award-winning spa. Three nights, from £1090, based on two people sharing a room. hshotels.co.uk/spread-eagle
A Romantic Getaway At Amberley Castle, Amberley
Could there be anything more special than spending Christmas in a medieval castle?
Ancient architecture and history combine with contemporary cuisine for a Christmas to remember at Amberley Castle. Festivities begin with cream tea in the lounge on Christmas Eve, followed by dinner accompanied by the soft sounds of a string duo. Toast Christmas morning with a Champagne breakfast, followed by a feast fit for a king – five-courses with matching wine flight. The 12-acres of formal gardens within the garden walls provide the perfect place for a Boxing Day stroll – make sure you look out for the resident white peacock. The three-night Christmas Retreat package is £3,000 for two people sharing a room. amberleycastle.co.uk
An Adults Only Yuletide Break at The Gallivant, Camber Sands
If you’re yearning for a child-free Christmas, The Gallivant’s trendy yet laidback vibe, right on the East Sussex coast at Camber Sands is the perfect hideout. Enjoy invigorating walks and bracing yoga on the beach (even a chilly swim if you’re brave enough), before warming up indoors with mince pies and hot toddies in front of a log fire, delicious food from local suppliers, wine made by local vineyards, and long lie ins. Rates from £745 per person for a three-night stay arriving on Christmas Eve. thegallivant.co.uk
A Christmas Apres Ski Party at The Goodwood Hotel
Nestled in the heart of 11,000 acres of South Downs countryside, Goodwood’s historic estate is famed for its high-octane events throughout the summer but come winter, transforms into a festive hideaway. However, while there are plenty of places to cosy up by the fire with a glass of red at the Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant, those who like to live life in the fast lane can join the ultimate outdoor Aprés Ski Party at The Kennels clubhouse or dance the night away with a DJ at The Goodwood Hotel. Christmas week stays include cocktails and live piano music on Christmas Eve, a traditional Christmas Day feast with all the trimmings and festive films with popcorn and strolls around the estate on Boxing Day. Prices from £699 per person for a three-night break. goodwood.com
Garden glamour at Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead
Experiencing the quintessential beauty of Gravetye Manor and its famous gardens, designed by 19th century gardener William Robinson, this December will undoubtedly get you in the mood for Christmas. Wrap up and stroll through this manicured setting with a complimentary glass of mulled wine before enjoying a three-course dinner in the glass-fronted restaurant, where you can continue to appreciate the beauty of the gardens from inside the 16th century manor house. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast stars from £687 for two people this December. Stays over Christmas and New Year are already fully booked but there is space to get your glad rags on and join New Year’s Eve celebrations at the manor house. Tickets cost £370 per person and include a Champagne Taittinger reception, six-course tasting menu with wine and live swing band until 1am. gravetyemanor.co.uk
A Winter Wellness Retreat at South Lodge, Lower Beeding
Fancy kick-starting your Christmas Day with a cold plunge or hot tub? South Lodge’s 44,000 square foot award-winning spa is the perfect place to offset the inevitable overindulgence at Christmas or just spend time recuperating after a busy party season. Choose from a traditional five-course meal or delicious three-course carvery for your Christmas Day lunch and you can even try your hand at cocktail making or wine tasting with the hotel’s resident sommelier in the afternoon. This year every room will have its own twinkling Christmas tree, as well as games and puzzles so you can enjoy quality time opening presents and enjoying traditional screen-free fun with your loved ones in the comfort of your room. The two-night Christmas package starts from £3,030 based on two people sharing a Luxe Junior Suite and £3,750 for three nights in a comfy room. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge
A Village Vibe At The Star, Alfriston
Renowned as one of Sussex’s most picturesque villages, Alfriston is a fantastic setting for a festive break and at The Star you’re right in the thick of it. Pop in for a hot chocolate or mulled wine and mince pie under the Christmas tree in the courtyard (blankets and hot water bottles are provided) to break up a spot of Christmas shopping in the village’s independent shops. Christmas stays include carols and Champagne on Christmas eve, midnight mass at St Andrew's Church if you fancy it, a morning bellini, four-course traditional Christmas lunch and the Polizzis who own the hotel, have ensured Father Christmas stops at the hotel to leave presents for everyone. Buffet suppers are served in the evenings. Prices from £1,770 for two people. thepolizzicollection.com/the-star
A Pre-Christmas Warm Up At Tottington Manor, Henfield
Christmas lunch at Tottingham Manor may well be fully booked already but there are a whole host of events taking place throughout December at the Henfield hotel to get you in the mood for the big day. A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens festive tale, A Christmas Carol, takes place at 3pm on December 21 and 23 (Adult tickets from £12.50, children £8.50 and under threes on laps free) and if you hang around after you’ll catch carols by candlelight in the evening – bag a table on the terrace for the best vantage point. Rooms in December start from £145 per room per night including breakfast. tottingtonmanor.co.uk
