Not everyone wants to spend Christmas at home, so where better than a cosy cottage to enjoy (or even escape from) the most festive day of the year!

The Bakehouse, Isle of Purbeck

It’s unlikely you will get a white Christmas down in Dorset, but stranger things have happened so don’t give up hope. This renovated countryside cottage has the perfect amount of wonk and charm that will captivate your imagination and make you sit by the fire for countless hours reading book after book.

Perfect for all types of travellers, I thought I would start with this one is it is particularly great for single travellers thanks to it being just one bedroom. Located close to the pretty market town of Wareham, visitors can pop into town and browse the local shops, eat in lovely cafes and spend an evening with a bottle of red in a cosy pub, you never know who you might meet!

There is no WiFi at the property, meaning no pressure to get work done or even speak to anyone if you don’t want to, and if you want to bring a furry companion, that’s encouraged too as the cottage own allows not just one, but two well-behaved dogs!

You can book via National Trust here.

Obriss Farm, Kent

Overlooking the beautiful Weald countryside, Obriss Farm is steeped in history, offering a very warm welcome in a convenient location to London. The gardens and farmland offer the perfect, peaceful retreat for a family that wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The farm boasts a collection of buildings, the first dating back to 1550. The timber framed house would have been the living quarters of the original tenants, it is thought it was once a bakehouse and a brewhouse! Guests cab expect a cosy farmhouse with exposed timber beams and warm fires, the area is surrounded by ancient woodland and there are plenty of historical landmarks nearby to enjoy.

Understandably, the property doesn’t accept dogs due to the historical significance of the building, the stairs are also relatively steep so this isn’t one for those with mobility issues either. There are three guestrooms, creating a wonderful space for families to experience a magical Christmas!

No pets allowed.

You can book via the Landmark Trust here.

Pollyanna, Worcestershie

Escape the daily grind and plunge into a real life fairytale book at Pollyanna in the Worcestershire countryside. This luxury thatched cottage is circled by some of England’s most beautiful rolling green hills and meadows, offering a place for families to reconnect and avoid the disturbance of the outside world.

The cottage is bursting in old-age charm with antique furniture, traditional beamed ceilings, perfectly uneven floors and luxurious bed linens. The grade-II listed cottaged is located in Birlingham village close to the edge of the Cotswolds which is home to a friendly pub and a popular cricket ground.

Couples can snuggle up in winter thanks to the woodburner, offering a beautiful getaway with a stunning master bedroom with ensuite alongside a double and single guestroom.

Small dogs are allowed at a £60 fee.

You can book via Unique Homestays here.

Rose Castle Cottage

Located in the breathtaking countryside of the Lake District in north west England, Rose Castle Cottage is a two bedroom retreat with heaps of character, creating a warm, fuzzy feeling for any visitor lucky enough to step through its doors.

The stone cottage has no neighbours for miles and sits just above the popular beauty spot of Tarn Hows. It is free from any hint of modern technology so be prepared to experience a stay with no television, WiFi and likely no phone signal either! Guests can take a Christmas day hike along one of the many trails before retreating back to the carefully restored cottage to warm their toes against the log burner.

No pets allowed.

You can book via the National Trust website here.

Tan Y Bwlch, Rhiw, Llyn Peninsula

Tan Y Bwlch is an adorable one bedroom cottage with panoramic sea views straight from the front door. The grade II listed traditional Penllyn crog loft cottage was built in the early 1800s and has undergone a sensitive restoration which has carefully preserved its interior, including an inglenook fireplace, slate, tile and wooden floors and original beams.

Located in one of the most sought after positions on the Llyn Peninsula, guests can simply sit and admire the sea rolling up onto the beach below, or head out to one of the local pubs before embarking on a coastal walk.

No pets allowed.

You can book via the National Trust website here.

Bryn Eglur, Carmarthenshire

This traditional Welsh cottage will transport you hundreds of years back in time with magnificent Welsh antique furniture and all the traditional features you would hope from a picturesque cottage such as this one.

Peacefully placed amongst 12 acres of pastureland Bryn Eglur is just 11 miles from Wales’ world-famous coastline. The property was built in 1755 and is one of the nation’s best-preserved historic interiors after it was rescued from ruin. Guests can enjoy peaceful walks in the countryside or the fantastic choice of beaches and coastal walks.

The cottage sleeps up to four guests, two dogs are allowed.

You can book via Under The Thatch here.

Philham Water Cottage, Devon

This one bedroom thatched cottage is what you may expect to find in a story book. Built in the 16th century, Philham Water Cottage oozes in rustic character with flagstone floors and large stone fireplaces.

Guests can enjoy surrounding meadows close to attractive coastal villages that are dotted across the Hartland Peninsula in Britain’s West Country. The two-storey cottage is supposedly one of the oldest of its kind in Devon, yet seemlessly blends modern comforts with its Elizabethan history.

The family kitchen will make you want to put your oven gloves on and rustle up a cake or something just as tasty, whilst the double bedroom is accompanied by the sound of the adjacent stream which babbles at the perfect volume to help you drift off into a deep slumber…

The property is dog and baby friendly.

You can book via Coolstays here.

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