Time for a super-festive family seasonal break
NOT long now until Santa will be on his merry way. With just a month to go until Christmas itself, it’s high time to plan how to extract the most sparkle and fun from the coming festivities.
A family seasonal break will transform any feelings of festive stress into something much more merry and bright, whether it involves Christmas markets, Santa-sightings or a five-course feast on the big day itself.
FOR lazy bones who don’t want to do any turkey basting, the ultimate seasonal solution is an indulgent hotel stay, where Christmas is all wrapped up without you having to lift a finger.
Hotels pull out all the stops to give families a merry and luxurious time, with carol singalongs, sumptuous meals and sparkling entertainment over the festivities.
And, of course, they also offer great-value festive breaks in the run-up, an ideal opportunity to splurge on seasonal fare, glug gluhwein in atmospheric markets and breathe in the aroma of roasting chestnuts.
The lovely Suffolk hotels of the Cameron Ventures Group, including Brome Grange, the Ipswich Hotel, the Priory and Cedars, are offering fantastic deals on Christmas and New Year packages with festive dinners, balls and parties.
Durley Grange, in Bournemouth, has also lined up great deals from now through to New Year, when guests will be toasting 2018 in style.
In the town, you’ll be able to skate under the stars, sample seasonal fare and mulled wine at the Alpine Market, visit Santa and hiss and boo at the baddy in Jack And The Beanstalk.
Or head further west for a magical break by the sea, with great views, candelit dining and visits from Santa at the Berry Head Hotel, near Brixham, Devon, or the Hannafore Point Hotel & Spa in Looe, Cornwall.
Meanwhile, the Pot and Barrel 5-star B&B at Bude, set yards from the Atlantic rollers at Crooklets Beach, is cosy and snug in winter — perfect for a reviving post-Christmas break.