Whether cosying up in front of a crackling fire or enjoying the crisp days when everything is decorated in twinkling lights, there's good reason why the festive season is called 'the most wonderful time of the year'. And it's also the perfect time for a UK getaway, with plenty of places to go on a winter retreat.
Travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have rounded up some of their top holiday lets across the country available to book this winter - some of which may remind visitors of certain iconic Christmas films thanks to their festive touches. The closest option to Newcastle on the list is Aspen Lodge, a three-bedroom stay in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire.
Priced at £1,172 for a seven-night stay with just a few spots left open this November and December, although the week of Christmas is unfortunately already booked up, this luxury wood cabin is described as "surrounded by peace and tranquillity" on the outskirts of the North York Moors National Park. With space for up to six guests as well as two dogs, it has been branded an "incredible" place to stay in reviews.
The travel experts added that the lodge wouldn't be out of place in the beloved Christmas film Elf, writing: "Now you can step into your own North Pole adventure at Aspen Lodge, where Buddy's festive magic comes to life in the form of cosy wood cladding, crackling wood burners and steaming hot tubs.
"Reminiscent of Santa's workshop, this Scandi-style retreat combines a rustic lodge design with modern comforts such as Smart TVs, on-site spa facilities, sumptuous furnishings and even farm surrounds - just pretend the livestock are reindeer!" the team at holidaycottages.co.uk added.
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Other places highlighted on the travel agency's Christmas list within easy travelling distance of the North East include Swaledale Burrow in the Yorkshire Dales, an underground borrow hidden in the hillside with a "one-of-a-kind appearance" that has earned comparisons to the Grinch's cave carved into Mount Crumpit. Located around an hour and 45 minutes from Newcastle, this unique getaway has spaces open in November and December from £608 for seven nights.
And up in Beattock, Scotland just under two hours away from Newcastle is Moffat Mansion, a Gothic period property perfect for large family getaways or friend reunions with seven bedrooms and room for up to 16 people. Described as "straight out of The Nightmare Before Christmas" by the travel experts, surprises at this stay include a hot tub, a putting green and a croquet lawn.
It's worth noting that many holiday lets hit their most expensive around the Christmas period but tend to be considerably cheaper in November and January, so if you're seeking a more budget-friendly staycation, consider an early or belated festive getaway.
For those in the North East looking for a Christmas getaway closer to home, one village in County Durham could be just the place to go this December. The village of Eastgate can be found just one hour away from Newcastle nestled between the picturesque market town of Stanhope and the North Pennines National Landscape, making it the place to go for those seeking stunning scenery.
And come Christmastime, tourists flock to see the decorations that light up the village. Stanhope Parish Council writes of Eastgate: "On 1st December each year the village Christmas lights are switched on and they can certainly rival Las Vegas. People travel many miles to see this spectacle."
When it comes to places to stay in Eastgate, one of the only holiday lets in this quiet part of County Durham is Parcel Cottage, which lies on the outskirts of the village and boasts views of the nearby hills from its garden where there's a hot tub to relax in after a day spent exploring the countryside. Priced from £954 for a seven-night stay, this cottage has a giant floor-to-ceiling window in the lounge to make the most of those rural views and a wood burner to cosy up on chilly days, as previously reported by Chronicle Live.
While the cottage is the only option available to book in Eastgate through holidaycottages.co.uk, there are other places nearby for staycationers to choose from, including in the town of Stanhope just a five-minute drive away. Accommodation that has earned top reviews from guests on Airbnb include a Grade II Listed Cottage with room for up to three people, and a Durham Dales Luxury Cottage, which has space for four guests.
Meanwhile, three of the top-rated options available to book through Sykes Holiday Cottages include the Cosy Cave, the Castle Keep, and the Knights Corner. Priced from between £502 and £806 for seven nights, these stays are located in Stanhope Castle, an 18th century house thought to have been built on the site of a 14th century castle and since converted into luxury holiday accommodation.