Rural U.K. Hotels For A Cozy Christmas

Several recently enhanced hotels across the U.K. are getting into the festive spirit this year with a series of creative concepts.

The Grove

The recently transformed Grove hotel pairs a bucolic setting on 300 acres of woodland and gardens, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course, with the contemporary grandeur of the Georgian manor house, which now comes with the interior design of Martin Hulbert. At this rural retreat just 18 miles from central London, the experience is defined by exciting dining venues such as The Glasshouse using ingredients from Jemima’s Kitchen Garden, the wellness therapies of Sequoia Spa and countless outdoor activities.

Throughout the year, seasonal dining and drinking concepts take over pockets of the estate. This Christmas, The Grove is unveiling a brand-new sustainability theme, created through a collaboration between McQueens Flowers and the in-house gardens team. Guests during the festive period can expect interiors festooned in decorations crafted from botanicals to reflect the surrounding flora and fauna. Activities at this time will include arts and crafts sessions, as well as photo opportunities aboard Santa’s sleigh, and culinary concepts from a classic Christmas dinner to Cinder at The Grove, a pop-up bringing fire cooked cuisine to The Potting Shed’s surroundings.

The Fife Arms

An art-filled hotel set within Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms tells the story of its surroundings through each of its individually decorated rooms and within inviting dining, drinking and lounging areas ranging from The Flying Stag public bar to The Clunie Dining Room showcasing seasonal Scottish produce. The recently revealed Bertie’s Bar offering as many as 365 whiskies was designed by Russell Sage Studio and overall exhibits inspiration taken from Queen Victoria’s hedonistic heir, King Edward VII. Book a treatment in the onsite spa and peruse the collection of 16,000 artworks.

This Christmas, The Fife Arms is bringing the spirit of the Alps to the Cairngorms with a series of pop-up spaces and festive culinary creations, from Christmas in the courtyard offering mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in a space complete with sheepskin blankets and fire pits to raclette and fondue in The Fog House, festive afternoon tea in the Clunie Dining Room and festive chocolate paired with whisky by the crackling fire in Bertie’s Bar. Guests can book the Christmas Celebration experience including festive entertainment and activities, as well as the Hogmanay experience for New Year’s Eve.

Billesley Manor

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa reopened earlier this year following the multi-million-pound refurbishment of all its historic interiors by hospitality interior designers, DesignLSM. This ambitious redesign has brought the manor house’s heritage details back to life with contemporary flair, drawing on the property’s Shakespearean and literary links to reflect the property’s stories, past and present. The Elizabethan manor house lies within 11 acres of countryside just three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. The historic house’s 71 bedrooms are joined by the 16^th-century wood panelled restaurant and bar featuring period fireplaces and the sprawling Health Club & Spa complete with pool. A library now featuring a ceiling of floating books is where Shakespeare is said to have written ‘As You Like It’.

Over the festive period, Billesley Manor is hosting an array of activities and events ranging from wreath-making workshops with festive canapés, apple and cinnamon scones, mince pies and a glass of mulled wine to festive afternoon served with champagne in the Great Hall Bar or newly furnished Stuart restaurant. Twinkle Party Nights will be held each weekend throughout December and festive menus, including a Christmas Day Luncheon, are available to book along with festive hotel stays bringing the whole experience together.