Santa will soon be on his annual adventure around the world, and we’ll let you into a little secret – your chances of spotting him on Christmas Eve are at their best in one of the UK’s Dark Sky areas. Leave the city behind and head to the countryside for a magical festive getaway in a cosy cottage, and a chance to see Santa in the sky…
Christmas Eve traditions are part of a very special treasure trove of memories for all generations; leaving a carrot for Rudolph and a mince pie and sherry for Santa, hanging your stocking by the fireplace and gathering around the roaring fire for a board game before bedtime.
This year, you could make Christmas Eve extra special with a moonlit adventure - wrap up warm and keep your eyes peeled for eight reindeer, Santa himself, and a sleigh full of Christmas gifts flying through the night sky, accompanied by an unforgettable backdrop of twinkling stars. And don’t forget to keep track of Santa’s flight around the world once he’s left the North Pole! Here are our top cottages for stargazing and Santa spotting this Christmas…
Cape Wrath Lodge
Nr Durness, Scottish Highlands | Sleeps 16
Best for: A special adventure
Located within the magic of the Scottish Highlands, Cape Wrath Lodge truly is a special place for a festive getaway - with a sauna, games room, cinema room, and a wealth of incredible outdoor adventures on your doorstep. As night falls, this part of the world is wonderful for stargazing, and on a clear night, there’s a chance you might spot the Northern Lights! Then, return to your Scottish lodge for hot chocolate by the fire.
Ivy House
Nr Thirsk, Yorkshire | Sleeps 7
Best for: Cosy celebrations
Packed full of places to stargaze, Yorkshire is ideal for a winter stargazing escape, and nestled within Thirsk, Ivy House is the perfect spot for a cosy festive holiday with your favourite people. Close to both the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, wrap up warm and head out to admire the sparkling sky. Then return to light the wood burner and warm your toes by the fire. Sounds perfect to us…
Tal y Gaer
Nr Fishguard, Pembrokeshire | Sleeps 4
Best for: Incredible coastal views
With views as special by night as they are by day, head to Tal y Gaer to see Santa make his way along the spellbinding Pembrokeshire coastline. Garn Fawr Rock, an official Dark Sky Discovery Site, is located behind the cottage - perfectly placed to lose yourself in far-reaching coastal views during the day and the magic of the illuminated sky as night falls. Afterwards, return to your cosy cottage for a hot chocolate by the warming glow of the fire.
The Blue Hemmel
Nr Hexham, Northumberland | Sleeps 6
Best for: A secluded hideaway
Experience the magic of Christmas with a festive holiday at The Blue Hemmel. Situated in a Dark Skies area in Northumberland, The Blue Hemmel, with its dedicated stargazing platform complete with a telescope, is a rather special place to gaze at the night sky. You might even be able to spot the Milky Way! And on Christmas Day, open a gift or two, prepare a festive feast, and unwind by the fire.
Beacon Hill Barn
Nr Midhurst, Sussex | Sleeps 4
Best for: Winter walks
Beacon Hill Barn is a beautiful escape in the heart of the South Downs, promising glorious countryside views and an excellent choice of wintry walks. The South Downs is a Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great place to spot starry skies and flying reindeer, before returning to your cosy getaway to relax…Before the excitement of Christmas morning, of course!
Moss Farmhouse
Bodmin Moor, Cornwall | Sleeps 11
Best for: An unforgettable rural escape
Tucked away on Bodmin Moor in tranquil surroundings, Moss Farmhouse’s location is perfect for starry skies and seeking out Santa in the sky. With acres of countryside surrounding it, it certainly won’t be hard to find a good spot for stargazing and Santa spotting. And you can even keep an eye out from the blissful warmth of the hot tub!
Frogwell Cottage
Nr Dulverton, Somerset | Sleeps 5
Best for: National Park adventures
Tucked away within Exmoor National Park International Dark Sky Reserve, with uninterrupted views of the countryside and beyond, Frogwell Cottage is perhaps the perfect spot for Santa spotting and getting lost in the glitter of the night sky. And after your outdoor adventure, you can light the wood-burner and cosy up in this dreamy 19th-century rural retreat.
The Swallows
Nr Chagford, Dartmoor | Sleeps 6
Best for: The sights and sounds of nature
Nestled in a wonderfully peaceful, rural setting, watch the stars sparkle in the night sky with a stay at The Swallows. The dark skies in Dartmoor are ideal for keeping an eye out for Santa and Rudolph from the garden, whilst you wrap up warm and enjoy the most magical time of the year. And the oh-so-cosy interiors will beckon you back in to sink into the sofa and get stuck into a cheese board.
House of Logs
Totland, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 8
Best for: An Island retreat
The Isle of Wight is well-known for its stargazing opportunities. Perched along the west coast, where the stargazing is at its best, House of Logs is an oh-so-charming, cosy getaway - perfect for that special festive holiday. Pull on your hat, gloves and scarf, make hot chocolate and mulled wines to keep you warm, and head to the beach to see what (or who) you can spot!
Take a look at our collection of Christmas cottages and find your perfect winter escape for stargazing and Santa spotting. Enjoy…
