Lochview House, Fort William
Spectacular views are standard at this comfortable home on the banks of Loch Lochy, on the outskirts of Fort William. Opposite the house, the sandy slopes of the Great Glen rise above the bay, while the Nevis Ranges, offering breathtaking walking and skiing, are just 15 minutes away by car. The house sleeps six, with an open-plan living area and outdoor decked area complete with patio heater, making it possible to relax outside and enjoy the views even on the coldest days. It is an ideal base for exploring the west coast. The village of Spean Bridge, home to one of Scotland’s best restaurants, Corriegour Lodge, is just 10 minutes’ drive away.
A week from £1,300; millhousecottages.co.uk
Lough Erne, Enniskillen
Slow down your pre-Christmas pace by spending a few days at the Lough Erne resort and staying in one of the charming turreted lodges that dot the lakeside. Extremely luxurious with corn linens, rain showers and an elegant living and dining area overlooking the mountain directly, staying at the lodge includes full use of all the resort’s amenities, including a Thai spa and indoor infinity pool, sauna and steam. rooms and an excellent treatment program. Surrounded by 600 acres of unspoilt countryside, the property also includes a 36-hole golf course and two restaurants.
From £164 per night; ougherneresort.com
Blyth Rise Stays, Laxfield, Suffolk
Book one of the log cabins on the shores of Blyth Rise Lake and step into a quieter, calmer world where herons dart past, carp leap out of the water and richly coloured, deciduous woodland slowly sheds its leaves. Next to the living and dining area there are two comfortable en suite bedrooms; This bedroom is ideal for two couples (no kids or dogs), with cozy blankets and an outdoor fireplace that makes sitting outside possible even on winter days. A menu of spa treatments are available in the privacy of your lodge, with a footpath connecting the resort to the nearby village of Laxfield.
Three-night stays from £595; blythrisestays.co.uk
Sera House, Ceredigion
Bring the gang together for a special birthday or celebration in this gorgeously designed home with a glass-walled open-plan living area that provides front-row seats over the meanderings of the Teifi River. It offers plenty of space for everyone, with five bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, welcome basket and catering for celebratory meals (or to cover your entire stay). Cold-water swimmers can dive into the Teifi by walking from the gate through the tranquil marshes of the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.
Four-night breaks from £289 per person 10 shares; uniquehomestays.com
Liming Lodge, Cotswold Water Park
Located on Lake Windrush, one of the 180 lakes that form the 42-square-mile Cotswold Water Park, this three-bedroom lodge is ideal for a family holiday and offers a wide range of activities including paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking right outside the door. Water skiing, tennis, croquet and ball for those who prefer to stay on land. On cold winter days, the cozy lounge has a Smart TV, board games and DVDs; The small, paved terrace is the ideal place for morning coffee. A short drive away, Cirencester is ideal for Christmas shopping.
Three-night breaks from £595; watersidebreaks.com
Boat House, Belford, Northumberland
Located on the family-run Middleton Hall Estate, the Boat House has a wonderful, secluded location overlooking one of two private lakes. Rising above the lake’s shoreline, floor-to-ceiling windows bring glistening water into the expansive living space; This means you can get warm and cozy inside while enjoying the tranquil lakeside views. Sleeping two, this hotel is the perfect choice for a romantic few days out, with walks around the grounds, the chance to spot otters gliding across the water and the dramatic coastline at Seahouses and Bamburgh just a short drive away.
Three-night breaks from £595; middletonhall.co.uk
Riverside Hideaway, Newby Bridge, Cumbria
Located on the banks of the River Leven, the southern outlet of Windermere, this comfortable two-bedroom apartment is a great base for exploring the Lake District at the quietest time of year. Bring a bike, canoe or canoe; The house has safe storage for everyone, and a fire-lit lounge where you can warm up after an hour or two on the water. Just 100 meters across the bridge, Swan Hotel & Spa offers a self-catering alternative, while Holte Spa is an ideal alternative for fulfilling walks on the Cumbrian moors.
Three-night breaks from £403; lakelovers.co.uk
Portnellan, Trossachs
An easy 90-minute drive from Glasgow, Portnellan is a collection of lodges scattered across a privately owned Highland estate, nestled among the lochs and peaks of the Trossachs and offering the chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of southern Scotland. The accommodation price includes the use of rowing boats, canoes, lake and river fishing. and a welcome suite of one-, two- and three-bedroom options, all with well-equipped kitchens, Egyptian linens and private balconies to take in the view. Despite the feeling of isolation, there are many good pubs in the area and a well-stocked village store at Crianlarich, three kilometers away.
Four-night breaks in a two-bed hostel from £782; portnellan.com
Waterside Lodge, Bodiam, Sussex
This stylish, Scandi-style retreat with all-white walls and bright blonde wood is a great base for a weekend with friends, with two bedrooms providing spacious and comfortable accommodation. Located at Oastbrook Estate and vineyard, the outdoor deck features a hot tub overlooking the pond and a wood-burning stove to relax in front of after a dip. Bodiam Castle is within walking distance, and the vineyard offers pre-bookable tours and tastings. The Curlew in Bodiam is a charming former coaching inn serving upscale Modern British cuisine.
A week starts from £972; originalcottages.co.uk
Lakeside Accommodation, Thetford, Norfolk
Located on the owner’s private lakefront property, this handcrafted wood lodge is a dream getaway for two with a large, glass-walled deck area offering spectacular views of the water. The lodge is compact but comfortable, with a well-stocked kitchen and one en suite double bedroom. Nearby is the pretty village of East Harling, home to the excellent Nags Head (nagsheadharling.com), which offers delicious home-cooked pub grub for a self-catering night out. Grab walking boots and bikes or walk out the lodge door to explore Thetford Forest.
Three-night breaks from £332; sykescottages.co.uk