When it comes to Christmas and New Year, sometimes it’s the bigger the better, whether it’s more mince pies or more of the people you love - after all, what’s better than rounding up the whole family for some festive celebrations, from Christmas Day feasts to the glamour of New Year’s Eve?
To make your family get-together even more special, we’ve compiled a collection of large cottages perfect for groups and multigenerational gatherings, welcoming and delighting everyone from the giggling baby to the proudly beaming grandparents.
So, whether you want a cosy cottage near a pub so mum and dad can sneak away knowing grandma and grandad are entertaining the kids, or you want a giant living room with a fire so you can spend your evenings playing charades and watching as many Christmas films you can, we’ve got a Christmas cottage for you.
Ready to plan your festive holiday with the family? Here are some of our favourite large cottages for Christmas and New Year…
Greystones
Staithes, Yorkshire | Sleeps 9
Best for: Sandy strolls
Situated within the beautiful seaside town of Staithes, Greystones invites you to enjoy a very merry Christmas by Yorkshire’s beautiful coast. Beamed ceilings combine with modern luxuries to create a fabulous escape for the whole family - dogs included! Gather around the gorgeous farmhouse table for your Christmas feast or settle in the cosy snug for some holiday reading. Minutes from the beach, enjoy a revitalising stroll along the sand on Christmas morning or travel a little further for some historic explorations in Whitby where the famous abbey towers above the cliffs. There’s a lovely dog-friendly pub a mere 30 yards away, perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Brockhill Chapel
Crackington Haven, Cornwall | Sleeps 10
Best for: A little bit of luxury
Spellbinding sea views and sleek interiors await at Brockhill Chapel, a gorgeous converted chapel on the North Cornish coast. An open plan kitchen, living and dining room is the perfect space to unwind over the Christmas period, with uninterrupted views towards the ocean offering a spectacular backdrop to the festivities. A multi-use games room encourages a bit of lighthearted competition over pool, while five sumptuous bedrooms promise cosy nights galore. When the fresh sea air calls, simply pull on your walking boots and enjoy the short walk down to the beach where you can partake in some wave-watching with a mince pie in hand.
Nettlebed
Hawes, Yorkshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: Seasonal stomps
You're sure to fall in love as soon as you lay eyes on the gorgeous fireplace at Nettlebed. The original black leaded range promises oh-so-toasty moments in front of the roaring fire, while beautiful wooden beams and cosy corners add even more character to this charming cottage, making it perfect for a storybook Christmas. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the wholesome warmth of Nettlebed for a Christmas Day stomp, you’ll find some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes on your doorstep, from the tumbling delights of Hardraw Force to the winding sights along the Pennine Way.
The Old Dairy
Ryde, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 7
Best for: Gin-spired celebrations
A beautiful space near the beach at Ryde, The Old Dairy is great for those who want to holiday together while still enjoying some peaceful seclusion. The Little Dairy Park Farm is a dog-friendly cottage that sleeps five, with fabulous wooden stairs leading to a mezzanine snug, while The Studio sleeps two in a charming setting that blends rustic chic with modern touches. Come together for Christmas Day as you open presents in the open plan living room and head out for some blustery walks along the beach, before going your separate ways for a dreamy night’s sleep in your cosy abode. Oh and did we mention there’s a gin distillery nearby? It’s the ultimate place to get into the Christmas spirit!
Wetley Abbey Cottage
Leek, Staffordshire | Sleeps 8
Best for: Dog-friendly adventures
With the Peak District National Park on your doorstep, Wetley Abbey Cottage invites you to enjoy a wonderfully adventurous festive season as you spend your days exploring the many wondrous trails and landmarks. The stylish boot-room is the perfect place to shrug off your walking kit, while the cosy sitting room invites you to warm your toes by the fire as you sip mulled wine and tuck into a mince pie (or two). Beautifully decorated throughout, this welcoming cottage has everything you need for a memorable New Year with the family, including some lovely pubs and restaurants on your doorstep.
Beech Cottage
Bridport, Dorset | Sleeps 9
Best for: Fireside memories
With a fabulously large sitting room with a flickering wood-burner at its centre, Beech Cottage invites you to enjoy a wonderfully relaxed start to the new year. The gorgeous stone farmhouse is utterly unique in its setting, with a sprawling 450-acre nature reserve run by Dorset Wildlife Trust on its doorstep that’s yours for the walking - ideal if you’re holidaying with the pooch! The lovely dining room/conservatory is a wonderful spot for a sun-soaked meal, while nearby towns and villages promise some rather cosy pubs that are sure to get you in a celebratory spirit.
St Morwenna
Tintagel, Cornwall | Sleeps 8
Best for: Dramatic Christmas Day walks
Christmas in Cornwall is truly a magical time, with Christmas lights twinkling in the waves and the Bude Christmas Day swim attracting hundreds of brave swimmers excited to take the plunge. Tucked away off the coast at Tintagel, St Morwenna welcomes festive guests for a truly memorable Christmas. One of the most dramatic spots in Cornwall, the North Coast comes alive in winter as giant waves crash against the cliffs and fill the air with a salty spray – there really is no better place to walk (especially if you fancy a hearty stroll with a pub stop). After your breath-taking coastal ramble, fall into the warming embrace of the living room with a mug of hot chocolate and the wood-burner roaring and throw on your favourite Christmas film for utter festive bliss!
Tap Cottage
Stockbridge, Hampshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: Cosy pub stops
With a pub quite literally on your doorstep, Tap Cottage is perfect for those who love soaking up a bustling atmosphere on New Year’s Eve while also enjoying a wonderfully short stroll (we’re talking several steps) back home. Once a drinking establishment itself, this former inn promises cosy corners aplenty, with lots of space for the whole family - plus dogs! Close to London, this dreamy escape in the pretty village of Stockbridge is a wonderful way to round off the year, whether you fancy waterside strolls or a bit of shopping along the colourful highstreet before falling into a welcoming pub for a pint and a slap-up meal.
Eeyore’s Cottage
Dartmouth, Devon | Sleeps 6
Best for: A truly child-friendly stay
Filled with charming touches to make the little ones feel totally at home (including toys and children’s books), as well as offering a travel cot, high chair, and stair-gate to those who need them, Eeyore’s Cottage is a great choice for those holidaying with little elves. With ties to A A Milne (the cottage was once the home of the author’s son and beautiful Winnie the Pooh drawings can be found adorning the walls), this family-friendly cottage will be adored by every member of the family who loves the tales of The Hundred Acre Wood. The house itself is ideal for some December decadence, with underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms and a roaring wood-burner in the sitting room – no cold toes allowed in this cottage! Oh, and let’s not forget Dartmouth Steam Train, which can be seen chugging through the surrounding countryside covered in Christmas lights – the perfect festive outing in Devon!
Restormel Manor
Lostwithiel, Cornwall | Sleeps 18
Best for: Unforgettable special occasions
Surrounded by the tranquil countryside of Fowey Valley, Restormel Manor is part of the fabulous Restormel Estate, which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. Deeply historic and wonderfully welcoming, this exceptional manor enjoys many features to ensure your seasonal stay is memorable, from the shared swimming pool, sauna, and tennis courts to the beautifully styled rooms that make up the glorious interior. Spend your days exploring the sweeping grounds or playing a round or two of charades with the family around a roaring fire.
Excited for a Christmas surrounded by loved ones? Explore our fantastically large and beautiful holiday cottages and start planning your festive family getaway.
