The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
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Hotels for Christmas
Featured Hotels with Special Offers
Homewood
Bath, Somerset
Christmas 2025 Package Complimentary Night GHG Reader Special Offer
The yellow submarine in the grounds and a hedge sculpture of a giraffe set the scene at this playful, quirky hotel, in a traditional honey-stone building that is both family and dog friendly.
Bishopstrow
Warminster, Wiltshire
Christmas 2026 Package 10% Discount GHG Reader Special Offer
This blissful country house hotel is even more beautiful at Christmas, when the whole family can gather for an unforgettable celebration. Sprinkled with tradition, it includes all the bells and whistles plus a little bit extra. They offer a three-night break including chef-hosted dinners, extravagant Christmas day breakfast and Champagne trolleys all around. Start with festive treats on arrival as well as Champagne, canapés, live music and a three-course dinner on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning enjoy Mimosas with breakfast before preparing for a four-course lunch, with coffee and petit fours. In the evening there's a festive feast with a tipsy tipple. Then on Boxing Day enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a festive cream tea in the lounges and a chef's kitchen garden feast followed by a hosted quiz. On the morning of 27th enjoy a superb breakfast before taking a refreshing a dip in the pool and saying your merry goodbyes.
The Cottage in the Wood
Malvern Wells, Worcestershire
Exclusive GHG Reader Christmas Stay Special Offer
At Christmas they include a range of packages to really help you celebrate the season. It includes fine dining with a five-course lunch on Christmas Day, welcome cocktails on Christmas Eve, a Bucks Fizz breakfast and lots of seasonal decorations.
The Bird
Bath
Three-Night Christmas Getaway with a Complimentary Extra Night Special Offer
Quirkiness abounds at this contemporary hotel in a remodelled Victorian mansion, decorated with witty eclecticism, featuring modish, well-equipped bedrooms and an all-day menu of modern British dishes served in the restaurant or on the terrace amid dining pavilions and fire pits.
Dukes Bath
Bath, Somerset
Christmas Three Night Special Offer
The latest member of Ian and Christa Taylor’s Kaleidoscope group, this hotel occupies two fine Georgian townhouses on a handsome and historic boulevard. The traditional interiors, with antique and hand-crafted wallpapers, are infused with some of the group's signature playfulness and vibrancy.
The Nare
Veryan-In-Roseland, Cornwall
'Get Away From It All' Special Offer
At this seaside hotel, Christmas is all about home-made mince pies, crackling fires and black-tie dining.
Forss House
Thurso, Highland
'Whisky Away' Special Offer
In the lead up to Christmas, this hotel creates a wonderfully festive atmosphere full of afternoon teas and beautiful decorations.
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Winter Escape Special Offer
On show through walls of windows, the sea is a huge presence at this family-run hotel on the cliffs above a surfers' beach, which offers craft sessions as well as a spa and kids club.
Harbourmaster Hotel
Aberaeron, Ceredigion
'Sundays by the Sea' 25% Discount Special Offer
Celebrate Christmas by the sea at the Harbourmaster.
Hambleton Hall
Oakham, Rutland
'Winter Break' Special Offer
With log fires and spectacular Christmas trees, this magical country house hotel is perfect for Christmas and New Year.
The Priory
Wareham, Dorset
'A Night To Remember' Special Offer
A lunch filled with festive classics and Christmas eve settling into your cosy surroundings - it's all about the senses at The Priory Wareham.
Shieldaig Lodge
Gairloch, Highland
'Whisky Lovers' Special Offer
At this magical Highland retreat, you're welcomed in festive style, with a wee dram and Christmas cake, before a three-course dinner. The enchanting surroundings are perfect for waking to on Christmas Day when you can enjoy roaring fires,
big breakfasts, afternoon teas and hot toddies, as well as the full Christmas lunch.
The Feathered Nest
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
25% Discount Two-Night Special Offer
The Feathered Nest Inn offers a warm, hearty welcome, great food, real ales, wines and spirits and sumptuous rooms.
Hartwell House
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
'Three Nights for the Price of Two' Special Offer
This historic house has many a compelling reason to visit during the festive season. It has a history as the periodic home of royalty and its palatial style continues to this day.
Knockinaam Lodge
Stranraer, Dumfries And Galloway
10% Discount Special Offer
A Victorian hunting lodge overlooking the Irish Sea, Knockinaam Lodge celebrates Christmas complete with a traditional Christmas lunch, boardgames, Boxing Day suppers, long walks and plenty of time for a good snooze
The Three Hills
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
'25% off all Rooms' Special Offer
There is a buzzy ambience to this refurbished, child friendly, dog friendly 17th-century village pub, named after local tumuli, with restaurant, smart bedrooms and alfresco dining.
Cuckoo Brow Inn
Ambleside, Cumbria
Two Night 15% Discount Special Offer
From sumptuous breakfasts to five course Christmas Day lunches, the festive season at Cuckoo Brow inn is a treat.
The Cavendish
Baslow, Derbyshire
'Chatsworth Experience' Special Offer
The Cavendish marries a sense of grandeur with the warm welcome of a boutique hotel. Exquisite food is the order of the day, while luxurious furnishings add a sense of plush decadence as well.
The Crown Inn
Surrey
20% Discount Midweek Stay Special Offer
History feels very present at this half-timbered medieval inn overlooking village green, with a choice of atmospheric four-poster rooms and contemporary accommodation, real ales on tap, and an eclectic menu served in a panelled dining room.
Southernhay House
Exeter, Devon
25% Discount Two-Night Mini-Break Special Offer
A Roman Doric portico makes a swanky statement about this Grade II listed Georgian house, but within lies a stylish yet relaxed and fun boutique hotel that is an oasis in the heart of the city.
The Scarlet
Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
'Two Night Spend Time Together' Special Offer
Eco values as well as enjoyment are fundamental to this cliff-top hotel, with sea thrift-covered roof, sweeping curves, reed-filtered pool and walls of windows to soak up the light and the seascape.
Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
Llandudno, Conwy
'The Great Half Price Break' Special Offer
This dreamy Elizabethan mansion-turned-hotel-and-spa with views of Snowdonia, comes to life at Christmas time as you can imagine - it's the perfect combination of tradition and modern luxury.
Cary Arms & Spa
Babbacombe, Devon
25% Discount Autumn/Winter Special Offer
A cosy beamed pub is the warm heart of this hotel, in the shelter of wooded, red sandstone cliffs that reminded the young Queen Victoria of 'a ballet or a play where nymphs appear'.
The Dog at Wingham
Canterbury, Kent
Super Special Two Night Special Offer
In a characterful village between Sandwich and Canterbury, Marc Bridgen's gastropub with individually styled bedrooms is committed to local sourcing, with interesting seasonal menus and regular celebratory themed evenings and events.
Widbrook Grange
Bradford-On-Avon, Wiltshire
'Stay & Savour' Special Offer
If the Borrowers opened a hotel, it would probably be something like Nick and Charlotte Dent's Georgian farmhouse, filled with upcycled objets trouvés.
The Devonshire Arms
Skipton, Yorkshire
'Spring Escape on the Estate' Special Offer
A former 17th-century inn, which is part of the Duke of Devonshire's 30,000-acre estate at Bolton Abbey, is today an impressive country-house hotel, with fine dining and a spa.
Ty Mawr
Brechfa, Carmarthenshire
'Winter Escape' Special Offer
Spend Christmas in Snowdonia tucking into homemade winter vegetable soups and a sumptuous festive menu at this homely retreat.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
York, Yorkshire
'Autumn and Winter Break' Special Offer
This magnificent property is the stuff that Christmas cards are made of, and over the festive season they turn everything from their spa to their afternoon tea into a festive treat.
Lords of the Manor
Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire
'Lords Fireside Retreat' Special Offer
A Cotswold Christmas would not be complete without the perfect country house to spend it in.
The Eastbury Hotel & Spa
Sherborne, Dorset
'Seasonal Getaway' Special Offer
Fun, food and relaxation await at The Eastbury on a Christmas festive break.
More Hotels for Christmas
The Bailiffgate Hotel
Alnwick, Northumberland
There are mesmerising views of medieval Alnwick Castle from the Duchy of Northumberland's new hotel, occupying the Georgian Commissioner's house and former school, with further rooms in a modern extension, and 'top-notch' cooking in the restaurant.
The Harper
Holt, Norfolk
You don't have to blow a fortune to stay at this relaxed yet refined hotel in some converted barns, the former home of Langham Glass, and featuring many charming nods to its heritage.
The Punch Bowl Inn
Cumbria
A chocolate box perfect inn, Christmas is all about award-winning food and traditional values during the holiday season.
The White Swan
Pickering, Yorkshire
The Buchanan family's 16th-century coaching inn offers a warm Yorkshire mix of traditional pub, smart food and modern bedrooms with character. Overlooking the market square, it's a popular locals' spot both for the ales in the fire-warmed bar and snug and the accomplished cooking.
The William Cecil at Stamford
Stamford, Lincolnshire
There is a wide choice of generously equipped rooms at this substantial, dog friendly, family-friendly hotel on the edge of the Burghley Estate, with a pleasantly informal ambience and imaginative, seasonally inspired food served in the bistro.
Beechwood Hotel
North Walsham, Norfolk
Agatha Christie memorabilia, murder-mystery weekends and Art Deco touches set the tone at Hugh and Emma Asher's creeper-clad hotel, former home of the author's doctor friends, in a bustling market town.
Alexandra Hotel
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Readers are unanimous in their praise of the welcoming, helpful staff at this family-friendly hotel at the top of the town, with lovely garden, light-filled restaurant, and glorious views over Lyme Bay.
The Ship Inn
Elie, Fife
The catch of the day could be Shetland hake in the restaurant or nifty fielding on the sands at this pub-with-rooms overlooking the Firth of Forth, with its own beach cricket team.
Biggin Hall
Buxton, Derbyshire
For a relaxed house party ambience, Biggin Hall is the perfect location for Christmas celebrations - settle in and join them from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.
Darwin's Townhouse
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Named in honour of Shrewsbury's famous son, this Grade II* listed Sandford House, moments from the Severn towpath, has evolved into a B&B full of Darwin references, with animal and plant wallpapers, maps and natural history objets.
The Old Bridge
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
The ivy clad 18th century townhouse hotel is all about festive parties and convivial celebrations at Christmas.
Chewton Glen
New Milton, Hampshire
Mince pies, mulled wine and afternoon tea are just part of the joys of Christmas at Chewton Glen spa and hotel.
The Middleton Lodge Estate
Richmond, Yorkshire
Leave the fuss and fret of the AI(M) at Scotch Corner to reconnect with the land at this idyllic hotel, centred on a Georgian coach house amid gardens, parkland and woodland.
Dart Marina
Dartmouth, Devon
Christmas with a view is what you get in this picturesque seaside town with the festive season by the waterfront.
The Rose & Crown
Snettisham, Norfolk
Work up an appetite and then enjoy the warm atmosphere and traditional foods at The Rose & Crown over the festive season.
Brockencote Hall
Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire
If you're looking for affordable luxury, this Victorian mansion in parkland, remodelled in the style of a French château, has spacious bedrooms, opulent suites, and a choice of small-plates dining or a tasting menu.
Burgh Island Hotel
Bigbury-On-Sea, Devon
Whether cosy or casual or stylish and sophisticated is your preference, it's all superbly chic at Burgh Island, where Christmas is experienced with sea views and a celebratory fashion.
The Yan at Broadrayne
Grasmere, Cumbria
Refreshingly different from some more traditional Lake District offerings, this contemporary hotel is in a beautiful setting overlooking Grasmere.
Corse Lawn House
Corse Lawn, Gloucestershire
A beautifully proportioned Queen Anne-style mansion overlooking a duck pond, this much-loved traditional hotel has a new owner, but, after 48 years, Baba Hine remains, overseeing restaurant, bistro and well-equipped, spacious bedrooms.
Summer Lodge
Evershot, Dorset
Country-house luxury abounds at this child-friendly, dog-friendly hotel, a Georgian mansion in ‘well-maintained gardens a huge joy to visit’.
Goldstone Hall
Market Drayton, Shropshire
The gardens are the great glory of John and Sue Cushing's Georgian manor house deep in dairy country, with abundant home-grown produce featuring on menus, and light summer lunches served on the rose garden terrace.
Watersmeet
Woolacombe, Devon
'An exceptional seaside hotel', with views from the rooms and terrace to secluded Combesgate beach below, this family-friendly hotel is a former Edwardian gentleman's retreat.
The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset
This foodie favourite is the perfect destination for the festive season, gorging on local delicacies such as Glastonbury Twanger Cheddar, Dorset Horn lamb and baked goods from the village bakery.
Another Place
Ullswater, Cumbria
Bring the dog, bring the kids, revel in the gorgeous scenery and the great outdoors at this ‘lifestyle hotel’ with private shorefront on Ullswater and plenty of activities on offer. It's the old, staid Rampsbeck Hotel reinvented (out with the chintz and swags, on with the wetsuits or hiking boots!)
The Pheasant
Helmsley, Yorkshire
In a former smithy, shop and barns overlooking the village duck pond, this popular hotel and restaurant is undergoing refurbishment and expansion under new owners the Rockliffe Hall Group.
Kilcamb Lodge
Strontian, Highland
Candlelit dinners, Bucks Fizz breakfasts, plenty of mince pies, canapés and even a take home a gift each are all part of Christmas here.
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Great Milton, Oxfordshire
For more than 40 years, Raymond Blanc has held two Michelin stars at this beautiful country-house hotel 'and in our opinion, it's a travesty that he hasn't been awarded three', say Guide insiders.
George and Dragon
Clifton, Cumbria
With smartl interiors and imaginative, locally sourced, restaurant-quality food, this dog-friendly country inn on the Lowther Estate is a happy mix of pub informality and country-house comforts.
Pentonbridge Inn
Penton, Cumbria
In the Debatable Lands, just south of the Scottish border, Gerald and Margo Smith's stylish, Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms scored very highly with a trusted Guide reader – and no debate about that!
The Pear Tree Inn
Melksham, Wiltshire
A lovely, wisteria-swagged, 17th-century Bath stone inn, this is a gastropub with a wide choice of characterful rooms, a serious attitude to food, regular comedy nights and an irrepressible sense of fun.
Christmas is an increasingly popular time for hotel breaks, so whether you're planning to celebrate Christmas quietly or with a bang, here are our recommended hotels for the festive period.
