Whether small and intimate or large and lavish, the Luxury Coastal Christmas holiday collection has the perfect property in the South West for your festive break.

There is something rather lovely about spending Christmas away from home. No rushing around trying to fit everyone in, no worrying about who is sleeping where and, if you’re lucky, no washing up on Christmas morning. Instead, you can settle into a beautiful holiday home, cook a proper Christmas dinner, head out for a bracing walk and come back to a warm and cosy space of your own.

Our Christmas collection includes holiday homes across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, from intimate cottages for two to larger properties made for getting the whole family or a group of friends together.

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Holiday Homes for Christmas in Devon, Cornwall & Somerset

Christmas in the South West is a little different. The beaches are quieter, the coastal paths are wonderfully peaceful and there is plenty of fresh air to be had between Christmas dinner and the next mince pie.Whether you choose Devon, Cornwall or Somerset, a Christmas break gives you the chance to enjoy the area at a much slower pace.

Christmas in Devon

Christmas in Devon is a great choice if you like beaches galore. There are two very different coastlines to explore, from the beaches and cliffs of North Devon to the sheltered coves and seaside towns of the south. Brixham, Torcross, Woolacombe and Croyde are just some of the places where you can enjoy the coast without the summer crowds.

For a Christmas break, it is the simple things that often work best. A walk along the beach, lunch in a cosy pub, a wander around a seaside town and then back to your cottage for the evening.

Christmas in Cornwall

Cornwall is hard to beat if being beside the sea is high on your Christmas wish list. Winter brings a quieter side to places such as St Ives, Mousehole, Falmouth, Fowey and Marazion, while the coast is every bit as dramatic as it is in summer.

A Christmas Day walk on the beach, a windy afternoon watching the waves or a stroll around a harbour followed by a pub lunch all make Cornwall a lovely place to spend the festive season.

Our guide to Christmas in Cornwall will give you an idea of just how magical a festive stay here can be.

Christmas in Somerset

Somerset offers something slightly different. Head inland and you’ll find rolling countryside, historic towns, country pubs and plenty of places to get out and walk. Our luxury lodges and cottages can be found in Wells, Cheddar, Wedmore and Somerton.

Which is best for a Christmas break: Devon, Cornwall or Somerset?

There isn’t really a wrong answer – it depends what you want from your Christmas holiday. Choose Devon if you want a good mix of gorgeous coastal spots, countryside and seaside towns. Choose Cornwall if the sea, beaches and rugged coastline are the main attraction. Choose Somerset if you’d prefer countryside, historic towns and a quieter rural setting.

Wherever you go, you’ll have your own holiday home to come back to after a day out.

Christmas Cottages with All the Trimmings

Part of the fun of Christmas away is choosing somewhere that feels properly festive.

Many of the properties in our Christmas collection are decorated for the season, with Christmas trees and festive touches to make your stay feel special. As all our holiday homes are individually owned, the decorations and extras vary from one property to another. If there’s something particular you’d like to know about before booking, our team will be happy to check for you.

Depending on the property, you might find:

    • A Christmas tree and festive decorations
    • A fireplace or woodburner
    • A large dining table for Christmas dinner
    • A well-equipped kitchen for cooking up a feast
    • Comfortable living space for Christmas films, games and lazy mornings
    • A garden, terrace or other outdoor space
    • A private hot tub
    • Sea views
    • Space for the whole family

Bringing the dog along? Our dog-friendly cottages mean nobody has to miss out on Christmas.

What makes a good Christmas cottage?

We think it’s not necessarily about having every possible Christmas extra. A great Christmas cottage needs to have somewhere everyone actually wants to spend time.

A good kitchen makes cooking together easier. A decent dining table means everyone can sit down for Christmas dinner. Comfortable sofas matter when you’ve had a lavish lunch and want to settle down for the afternoon. And a logburner or fireplace is always a bonus when you’ve just come back from a cold walk.

If a real fire is top of your Christmas wish list, take a look at our cottages with woodburners. And if a hot tub sounds more your thing, browse our hot tub holidays.

Christmas Getaways for Families & Groups

Christmas is one of the best times of year to get everyone together, but finding somewhere that works for a whole family isn’t always easy.

Our larger Christmas holiday homes give you room for everyone without everyone having to be on top of each other. Multiple bedrooms mean grandparents, parents and children can all have their own space, while big kitchens, dining areas and living rooms give you somewhere to come together when you want to.

Is a large holiday home better for Christmas with extended family?

If you’re bringing grandparents, children and several households together, a larger holiday home can make Christmas much easier. You can cook together, sit down for a proper Christmas dinner, give the children somewhere to play and still have enough room for anyone who wants a quiet hour away from the rest of the family.

Look for properties with:

  • Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Large kitchens
  • Plenty of dining space
  • Comfortable communal living areas
  • Space for children
  • Outdoor areas
  • Hot tubs or other extras
  • Dog-friendly facilities if you’re bringing the family pet

If you’re planning a big Christmas with family or friends, our group holiday homes are a good place to start.

A Coastal Christmas in the South West

Is Christmas by the sea a good idea?

Absolutely – particularly if you like getting outside and don’t mind wrapping up warm. The beaches are quieter, the coastal paths are often empty and winter weather can make the coastline look spectacular. You might get a bright, crisp morning for a Christmas Day walk or a wild, windy afternoon watching the waves from a clifftop.

And then there’s the best bit: coming back to your holiday home. Boots off. Fire on. Kettle on. Christmas jumper on. A coastal Christmas is less about packing every day with things to do and more about having somewhere lovely to come back to. You can walk along the beach, explore a seaside town, stop for lunch in a cosy pub or simply sit and watch the weather roll in. If you’re staying somewhere with sea views, even better.

For anyone who normally visits Devon or Cornwall in summer, Christmas is a chance to see the coast from a completely different perspective.

Things to Do on a Christmas Break in the South West

You don’t need to fill every day with plans, but there is plenty to do if you fancy getting out and about.

Christmas markets and festive events

Christmas markets, light trails and festive events take place across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset in the run-up to Christmas. They’re a good excuse to get out for the afternoon, pick up a few last-minute presents or simply have a look around somewhere new.

Winter walks

This is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the South West at Christmas. Head along the coast path, walk across the beach or explore the countryside around your holiday home. A Christmas Day walk is even better when the beach is almost empty.

National Trust houses and gardens

Several National Trust properties across the South West put on seasonal events and decorations over Christmas, making them a good option when you fancy something a little more organised.

Winter surfing

For the brave, the South West’s beaches are still very much open for business in winter. Cornwall and North Devon are particularly popular with surfers, although you’ll definitely appreciate that warm cottage afterwards.

Pubs and restaurants

A good local pub can be the answer to a lot of Christmas questions. Find somewhere for a festive lunch, warm up after a walk or simply settle in for a pint before heading home. And if you’d rather stay in, having your own kitchen means you can stock up before you arrive and make the most of your Christmas cottage.

Looking for a gift for someone who has everything?

Our Luxury Coastal gift vouchers make a lovely gift for anyone who loves Devon, Cornwall and time by the coast.

Choose to receive one of our beautifully designed vouchers by post, or, if it’s a last-minute gift, by email instead. Vouchers start from £25 and can be put towards a stay in one of our holiday homes.

So, whether you’re treating someone to a few nights in Cornwall, a weekend in Devon or simply helping towards a much-anticipated coastal escape, it’s a Christmas present they can look forward to long after the tree has come down.

 

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