Twelve Stays Of Christmas
The Bull, Ditchling
This olde-worlde Sussex pub is a bit like stepping back in time. Think crackling, toe-thawing fires, wonderfully wonky beams, and cosy-hideaway corners. You half expect Scrooge to burst in at any minute. It’s festive magic, bottled, shelved, aged for decades, and left to deepen in flavour.
Upstairs, six snug, storybook-worthy bedrooms await – all rustic charm – with the occasional modern flourish (hello, posh coffee machines). If you’re dreaming of a curl-up-and-stay-forever Christmas escape, this place is pretty much the North Pole of pub getaways.
The Seagate, Appledore
Next stop: wild-and-wonderfully windswept Devon.
If you’re the sort to skip the seasonal hullabaloo in favour of donning your rambling-boots-and-bobble-hat combo and coddiwompling (yes, that’s a word) across the glorious outdoors, then this one’s calling your name. Brave the jaw-droppingly dramatic coastline (Insta-worthy at any time of year) and inhale that crisp, sea air – it’s Christmas magic.
After a blustery-but-brilliant day of exploration, scurry back to the pub for a few cockle-warming mulled wines, or several, we won’t tell, and tuck into something naughty-but-nice by the fireside.
Duke’s Head, Wallington
This much-beloved pub is a true Christmas hub. With its traditional, roaring-bar atmosphere, bustling with mistletoe-swinging merrymakers and regulars (who’ve been drinking here for donkey’s years); this is the sort of pub where you’re adopted into a makeshift family the second you step inside.
Dodge the snoozing dogs, soak up the happy hubbub all around, chin-wag with the impossibly friendly locals, and watch the team darting about like caffeinated elves – this pub hums with life, warmth, and fully-charged festive cheer. – especially on New Year’s Eve.
The Crown, Chertsey
With 49 bedrooms, this pub is the most hotel-y on our list. But with Carol Singing and wreath making classes, winter cocktails, lovely-and-local ales on tap, and the traditional festive feasts whizzing out the kitchen; there’s no doubt that this is a proper pub. You’ll find roaring fireplaces, welcomes as warm as the fireside, and an all-round holly-jolly Christmas vibe. Chessington World of Adventures is just around the corner too – and they’ve got a seasonal agenda that’s as jam-packed as Santa’s. Spot of for family-friendly festive stays.
The Station, Hither Green
In all her glory, this pub stands tall-and-proud – instantly recognisable as you hop off the train Hither Green railway station. Stunningly bedecked in miles-and-miles of twinkling fairy lights, she cuts an impressively festive figure and it would be impossible to resist popping in for a post-work pint.
Be sure to spot the miniature model railway that circles the Christmas tree (it’s very cute) when you do pop in. Not only is this a perfect pub for those spontaneous tipples (and festive feasting) but upstairs you’ll find 16 oh-so-cosy bedrooms. Spot on for sneaking off to bed after you’ll had a sleigh-full of your fave festive foods.
Worplesdon Place, Guildford
You’ll love this one. Set back in a green-and-glorious, countryside nook (though just 15mins from central Guildford) you’ll feel like you’re in a festive fairytale when you arrive at this pub.
Up on the first floor await comfortable, family-and-dog-friendly rooms, overlooking the trees and the lake – with beds so enormous they practically beg for a post-roast snooze.
This pub with rooms is perfect for those Twixmas getaways (the ones with zero responsibility or expectation). So, for those cuddle-up-in-bed people, simply prop yourself up on a pillow-cocooned perch (nightcap in hand) with a lapful of Christmas chocs. Absolute heaven.
The Alma, Wandsworth
Tucked away just moments from Wandsworth Town station and only ten minutes by train from Waterloo, The Alma, Wandsworth is a Christmas stay done properly. Fresh from a rooms refurbishment, our bedrooms upstairs are warm, welcoming and wonderfully snug, the kind of rooms that make you sigh with relief as soon as the door clicks shut.
Downstairs, the Alma hums with seasonal cheer. Fires glow, glasses clink, and the kitchen turns out hearty winter plates that beg to be lingered over. Whether you’re in town for Christmas shopping, a festive catch-up, or simply fancy a December escape without the long journey home, this is the sort of place that makes slowing down feel easy.
Christmas at The Alma is all about comfort, connection and a very good night’s sleep, just far enough from the rush, and close enough to everything.
The Pride of Paddington
If your Christmas plans include soaking up London’s festive magic without spending hours travelling, The Pride of Paddington is a standout seasonal stay. Set moments from Paddington Station, it’s one of the best-connected spots in the city. From the hotel, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is just a short walk or tube ride away, while Oxford Street, the West End and Covent Garden are all easily reached for Christmas shopping, shows and sparkling light displays.
Arriving from abroad? The Heathrow Express delivers you straight into Paddington in just 15 minutes, making festive arrivals refreshingly stress-free.
The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich
Christmas is best enjoyed slowly, and The Georgian Townhouse is made for exactly that. Just outside Norwich city centre, its bedrooms and generous apartments are perfect for festive stays with space to linger. Perfectly placed for seasonal shopping, twinkling city lights and local Christmas events, all just a short stroll away.
Spend your days browsing Christmas shops and local events, then head back for hearty seasonal food, good wine and a fireside pint, the kind of place where muddy boots, dogs and second helpings are all warmly welcomed.
The Waterman, Cambridge
Christmas in Cambridge is all twinkling streets, festive markets and bags full of shopping, and The Waterman puts you right in the thick of it. Spend the day browsing independent shops, seasonal stalls and local events around the city, then wander over to our newly refurbished King Street Brewhouse for a well-earned festive pint or supper.
With a cosy room waiting back at The Waterman, it’s the perfect place to drop your bags, warm up and properly settle into your City Christmas stay in Cambridge.
The Westgate, Winchester
Christmas in Winchester is all about indulgence, and The Westgate is right at the heart of it. With the city’s iconic Christmas Market running until 22nd December, days are best spent drifting between twinkling stalls, mulled wine in hand, pockets slowly filling with festive treats.
Then it’s back to The Westgate for hearty plates, good bottles and a proper night in, sink into a cosy room upstairs and let the glow of a well-spent Christmas day linger just a little longer. From spontaneous Christmas drinks by the fire, to that magical in-between time we call Twix-mas, there are a million-and-one reasons to stay in Winchester this Christmas.
The Canford, Poole
Christmas by the sea has its own kind of magic, and The Canford is made for leaning into it. Brisk coastal walks, rosy cheeks and the promise of a warm pub waiting after, with Christmas carols on 20th December bringing extra festive cheer. Settle in with good food, generous pours and cosy nights upstairs, then linger into the New Year for a relaxed New Year’s Eve brunch on 31st December and 1st January. Salt air, slow mornings and a Christmas stay best enjoyed at a gentle pace.