If you’re planning a festive family break but want to avoid the stress of long-distance travel during the holiday rush, there are plenty of child-friendly UK destinations that offer a truly magical experience.
From pre-Christmas stays to celebrating the big day itself in the comfort of a luxurious home-away-from-home, these hotels provide an array of festive activities for all ages — and yes, meeting Santa is always on the itinerary.
Whether you’re keen to glide across an ice rink with the little ones, decorate gingerbread houses, wander charming Christmas markets, join in carol singing, or simply cosy up by a beautifully decorated tree and crackling fire, these hotels make it easy to create unforgettable seasonal memories with your family.
England
Hilton London Bankside, London
For families looking to combine London’s festive magic with modern luxury and comfort, Hilton London Bankside is a standout choice. Situated on the South Bank, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Tate Modern, Borough Market, the Millennium Bridge, and the Thames, making it a perfect base for exploring the city’s Christmas lights, markets, and theatre shows.
The hotel’s interconnecting family rooms give parents and children their own space, while little touches — such as welcome treats for children, plush toys, and themed bedding — help make the stay feel extra special. The 17-metre heated indoor pool is ideal for family fun, and the hotel also offers a gym and modern amenities for adults.
Dining is relaxed and family-friendly, with OXBO Restaurant serving family friendly meals and The Distillery Bar providing a cosy spot for adults to unwind. With its central location, stylish interiors, and thoughtful family services, Hilton Bankside provides a stress-free festive city break..
Address: Hilton London Bankside, 2–8 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0UG
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: Hilton Bankside
New Park Manor, New Forest
New Park Manor is one of those rare hotels that genuinely manages to keep both parents and children happy — and Christmas is when it really shines. Set deep in the New Forest, it offers that cosy, country-house feeling that feels tailor-made for a festive family escape.
For families with younger children, the facilities are a huge draw. There’s a dedicated Ofsted-registered kids’ club, plenty of indoor spaces for colder days, and a swimming pool that works well for relaxed family swim sessions. Parents will also appreciate the hotel’s attention to detail — from child-friendly dining to thoughtful in-room touches that make travelling with little ones feel effortless rather than overwhelming.
Christmas at New Park Manor is all about balance. The days are filled with low-key festive activities like craft workshops, seasonal baking sessions and evenings spent outdoors by the fire, while the adults can carve out proper downtime in the spa or sink into the outdoor hot tubs with views across the surrounding woodland.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here over Christmas is how well the hotel supports parents. Children can enjoy early evening meals and supervised activities, leaving grown-ups free to enjoy a quieter dinner or simply switch off for a few hours. With babysitting available, it’s easy to enjoy the festive period without feeling like you’re constantly on duty.
For a family Christmas that blends festive fun with comfort and convenience, New Park Manor ticks every box.
Address: Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7QH
Price: Mid-range (££)
Website: New Park Manor
The Grove, Hertfordshire
Often described as London’s country retreat, The Grove sits just beyond the M25 in Hertfordshire, yet at Christmas it feels reassuringly removed from the pace of the city. December is when the hotel comes into its own, leaning fully into the festive season without losing its sense of polish, it’s also a great hotel as your base for visiting Hogwarts in the Snow at the Making of Harry Potter.
Arrival sets the tone immediately. Guests enter beneath an oversized bow — part of the hotel’s long-standing festive partnership with Jo Malone — before stepping into interiors filled with roaring fires, Christmas trees, and decorations that feel more cinematic than contrived. It’s an atmosphere that invites you to slow down from the moment you arrive.
Festive programming is thoughtfully split by age. Younger children can spend time in Dasher’s Den, joining seasonal craft sessions or enjoying supervised play in the Ofsted-registered creche. Older children — and adults — are drawn to hands-on workshops such as wreath making, bauble decorating, and gingerbread house building, which run throughout the season. Evenings often centre around relaxed traditions: carols by the firepit, mince pies in the lounge, and scheduled visits from Santa and his elves.
The estate itself becomes part of the experience. Families can head outdoors for winter walks across the 300-acre grounds, while younger children can try mini Land Rover driving, designed specifically for ages two to eight. For adults, there’s the option to escape into the spa or take advantage of the championship golf course for some fresh air and perspective.
Accommodation adds flexibility to the festive stay. Alongside the main hotel, self-catering cottages are decorated for Christmas and offer a quieter, more independent option for families. Pantry-stocking services remove the need for planning ahead, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of a Christmas at home — without the usual preparation.
For families looking to stay close to London while still enjoying a properly festive escape, The Grove is a great choice.
Address: Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: The Grove
Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
For a festive break with a coastal twist, Watergate Bay in Cornwall is hard to beat. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s top beach hotels, this resort proves it’s just as magical in winter as in summer. In December, the focus shifts from surfboards to Santa, with children getting the chance to meet the man in red and receive a personalised gift.
Little ones can enjoy supervised sessions in the Ofsted-registered Kids Zone, designed for children aged six months and up, while teens have their own hangout space featuring pool tables and computer games. Guests are welcomed with mince pies and mulled wine, and families can take part in festive activities including wreath-making workshops, carols around a beach bonfire with hot chocolate, and skating on the hotel’s very own outdoor ice rink.
Accommodation options are plentiful, from self-catering apartments to family suites and interconnecting rooms, all designed with comfort in mind. The hotel is also dog-friendly. Dining is flexible and family-friendly, with three on-site restaurants to choose from. Parents can relax in the stunning indoor pool overlooking the Blue Flag beach or enjoy the spa, while adventurous guests can even take a bracing dip in the sea with instructors from the on-site surf school (wet suits recommended!).
Address: Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: Watergate Bay
The Langham London
For a festive family escape that truly captures the magic of the season, The Langham has teamed up with the world-famous toy store Hamleys to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Families can enjoy a children’s Christmas Afternoon Tea at the elegant Palm Court, where cakes and pastries are whimsically shaped like iconic toys. Little ones can also explore the exclusive Langham Hamleys Christmas Grotto, meeting Santa and his elves, enjoying seasonal treats, and receiving a special gift.
If you choose on of their family suites, you can even have a personal Christmas tree set up to add an extra touch of festive cheer. The five-star concierge team is on hand to plan everything from sightseeing trips to West End theatre visits, ensuring your stay is effortless. After a day of adventures, return to the hotel for a festive dinner, complete with a children’s menu designed for younger diners.
Address: 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, London, W1B 1JA
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: The Langham London
Bovey Castle, Devon
Set within 275 acres of stunning countryside in Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is an impressive country house offering plenty of activities for families who love the outdoors. Children can explore nature trails through ancient woodland, spot deer roaming the grounds, and enjoy a host of organised activities including archery, bushcraft, falconry, and even meeting the hotel’s friendly ferrets.
Adults have plenty of opportunities to unwind, from indulgent treatments at the Spa to swimming in the Art Deco pool with panoramic views over the hills. For a more relaxing pace, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea or soaking up the peace and quiet of the Dartmoor landscape.
Accommodation ranges from spacious family rooms to luxurious granite lodges, complete with kitchens and just a short walk from the main house — perfect for families wanting extra space. For added convenience, hot meals can be delivered to your lodge if you prefer a night off from cooking.
Address: Bovey Castle, North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, TQ13 8RE
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: Bovey Castle
Fairmont Windsor Park, Berkshire
For families seeking a luxurious festive escape just outside London, the Fairmont Windsor Park delivers an unforgettable Christmas experience. Set within beautifully landscaped grounds and offering spacious, contemporary accommodation, this hotel is ideal for children and adults alike. Over the festive season, the hotel brings the magic of Christmas to life with a variety of activities designed to delight younger guests while keeping grown-ups pampered.
Children can enjoy visits from Santa in his grotto, festive arts and crafts sessions, and seasonal workshops, while the indoor pool and outdoor play areas provide plenty of opportunities to burn off energy. Meanwhile, adults can unwind with indulgent treatments at the spa and outdoor pool, or simply relax with a festive drink while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Family-friendly dining ensures everyone is catered for, from hearty festive lunches to specially crafted children’s menus, and the hotel’s concierge is on hand to organise day trips to Windsor Castle, West End shows, or local Christmas markets. With spacious family suites and rooms designed for comfort, plus thoughtful touches to make the season extra special, the Fairmont Windsor Park is a perfect base for a magical Christmas getaway close to London.
Address: Bishopsgate Rd, Windsor, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0YL
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: Fairmont Windsor Park
Wales
Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
Set within the rolling countryside of South Wales, Celtic Manor Resort feels more like a festive destination in its own right than a single hotel. Its scale allows it to cater to very different ages and interests at once, which is exactly what makes it work so well for family Christmas breaks.
Outside of the festive period, the resort already offers plenty to keep everyone occupied, from championship golf courses and a well-regarded spa to a fully equipped health club. At Christmas, those year-round facilities are complemented by family-focused experiences designed to bring everyone together. Children have space to burn off energy at the adventure playground, tackle the forest high ropes course, or join family swimming sessions across two of the resort’s pools.
Seasonal touches are woven throughout the stay rather than feeling like an add-on. The reception becomes a focal point, dominated by a towering Christmas tree and a detailed model railway display that quickly becomes a favourite with younger guests. Festive events, including Santa-themed tea parties, add structure to the days without overwhelming the overall experience.
Dining is family-friendly, with a choice of restaurants that suit both relaxed meals and celebratory occasions. Accommodation options are equally flexible. Alongside hotel rooms designed for families, the resort’s Hunter Lodges offer a self-catering alternative for larger groups, sleeping up to ten guests and working particularly well for extended or multi-generational Christmas gatherings.
Address: Coldra Woods, Newport, NP18 1HQ
Price: Mid-range (££)
Website: Celtic Manor Resort
Scotland
Gleneagles, Perthshire
Gleneagles is a truly exceptional destination for families seeking a luxurious festive break in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Spread across an 850-acre estate, the hotel combines classic Scottish charm with modern luxury, offering something for every member of the family. Over the festive season, the estate comes alive with ice skating, axe throwing, and whisky tastings for adults, alongside cheese and wine pairings — all designed to create an indulgent yet wholesome Christmas experience.
Children are equally well catered for, with activities such as pony grooming sessions, outdoor adventures, and storytelling by the fire. Guests staying over Christmas can look forward to special visits from Santa, ensuring that even the youngest family members experience the magic of the season.
Accommodation ranges from luxurious rooms to spacious suites. Dining features family-friendly menus alongside fine dining options for adults, making it simple to enjoy a stress-free festive getaway where every detail is taken care of.
Address: The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder PH3 1NF
Price: Premium (£££)
Website: Gleneagles
Macdonald Resort, Aviemore
For families who dream of Lapland but prefer to stay closer to home, the Scottish Highlands deliver a festive setting that feels every bit as magical. Macdonald Resort Aviemore, set within the Cairngorms National Park, fully embraces the season with a structured Christmas and winter programme that runs from November through to January.
Festive experiences are at the heart of the stay. Children can step into Santa’s Grotto, get hands-on in the Elves’ Workshop, and meet Rudolph alongside the UK’s only free-range reindeer herd — a highlight that feels uniquely Highland rather than staged. These events give the resort a sense of occasion, turning a winter break into something closer to a Christmas experience.
The resort itself is well designed for families. Four-star accommodation includes practical bunk-style rooms that sleep four, giving children their own dedicated space, with cots and highchairs available for younger guests. On-site facilities ensure there’s always something to do, whether that’s watching festive films at the cinema, tackling the wave machine in the indoor pool, burning off energy in soft play, or heading outdoors to the playground when the weather allows.
Dining is relaxed and geared towards families, with children’s menus available across the resort. Beyond the hotel, the town of Aviemore is easily explored, and a visit to the nearby ice rink is a natural addition to the stay — made even more appealing by the discount available to hotel guests.
For families looking for a Christmas break with real seasonal atmosphere, outdoor scenery, and festive experiences that feel rooted in place, Macdonald Resort Aviemore offers a Highland alternative to Lapland that’s both memorable and manageable.
Address: Grampian Road, PH22 1PN
Price: Mid-range (££)
Website: Macdonald Resort Aviemore
Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Cameron House is one of those hotels that feels like it was designed for Christmas. Set on the banks of Loch Lomond, the whole resort takes on a magical Highlands glow in December, with roaring fires, tartan touches, and the kind of winter scenery that makes you want to wrap up warm and head outside.
For families, the festive programme is exceptional. Think gingerbread decorating, kids’ discos, festive movie nights, and visits from Santa that feel genuinely personalised. Outdoors, you can cruise Loch Lomond or take scenic walks around the estate, or warm up afterwards with hot chocolate by the fire.
Adults are just as well catered for: whisky tastings, Champagne afternoon teas, festive dining in the Michelin-starred Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond, and a beautiful thermal spa with heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the snow-dusted grounds.
Guests staying over Christmas or Hogmanay can expect multi-course gala dinners, live entertainment, pipers, ceilidhs, fireworks over the loch, and that cosy but polished hospitality Scotland excels at.
If you want a Christmas that feels traditional, scenic, and indulgent — but still incredibly family-friendly — Cameron House is unbeatable.
Price: Mid-range (££)