From a pre-Christmas getaway in a Gothic temple to a grand family gathering in a Scottish country house, the building conservation charity The Landmark Trust offers no shortage of options for a December trip, with each of its properties blending history and charm.
Whether basking in the quiet of a medieval cottage, hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration in a Lutyens masterpiece, or enjoying yuletide events in the local area, these handpicked properties promise to provide a magical base for December.
Best for… a festive December getaway
Gothic Temple
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Sleeps 4
Set within the renowned landscape gardens at Stowe, this unusual Landmark property (lead image) has a spiral staircase and expansive grounds to explore. Gothic windows in the temple reveal sweeping views of the surrounding monuments, lakes, and temples in this eighteenth-century landscape.
The bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom are tucked into the turrets, while the main sitting room stretches upward to a magnificent, gilded dome.
For those looking to get into the Christmas spirit, take a short walk from the temple and marvel at the giant Christmas tree that fills the New Inn courtyard in the Stowe Gardens.
From 30th November until 5th January, visitors can see how wishes are sorted at the Wish HQ Sorting Office before embarking on a festive “wish walk”, solving wish puzzles, wishing upon a star in the Temple of Venus, and adding a wish to the wish tree.
Check-in on 9th December for £53 PPPN (4 nights).
Best for… a big family Christmas
Auchinleck House
Ochiltree, Ayrshire
Sleeps 13
This impressive 18th-century country house is set within its vast grounds, which include fields, woodlands, and riverbanks.
The spacious dining room (below), adorned with intricate plasterwork, adds a touch of elegance to every meal, while the library invites conversation and reflection, just as it once did for famed biographer James Boswell. The goal of most walks here is to find the property’s ice house and grotto.
The nearby village of Ochiltree, with its charming main street of single-storey cottages, is one of the oldest in East Ayrshire. Explore amazing castles like Dean, Culzean and Dundonald Castles, just some of the many scattered throughout the area. Dean Castle will host its Starry Nights light show from 6th until 23rd December.
There’s no shortage of activities for both adults and children alike, such as Singing Trees, a fairy den, Marshmallow Land, Candy Cane Lane, the Snowball Blizzard and even the mischievous Grinch.
Check-in on 23rd December for £62.69 PPPN (7 nights).
Auchinleck House photography by Jill Tate.
Best for… a cosy and quiet Christmas
Hole Cottage
Cowden, Kent
Sleeps 4
Hole Cottage is a charming remnant of a late medieval timber-framed hall house, with its surviving cross-wing offering a rare glimpse into Kent’s rich architectural heritage. When the rest of the house was dismantled in 1833, this portion was spared, showcasing the top-heavy design characteristic of Kentish vernacular style from the period.
This picturesque retreat is perfect for a Christmas getaway. The nearby woods invite wintry walks, and for some festive day trips, the grand halls of Chartwell, Hever Castle, and Penshurst Place—all nearby—offer enchanting decorations and seasonal events to capture the Christmas spirit.
Check-in on 23rd December for £72.25 PPPN (7 nights).
Best for… hosting a New Year’s Eve gathering
Goddards
Abinger Common, Surrey
Sleeps 12
Goddards, designed by the renowned architect Edwin Lutyens between 1898 and 1900 and expanded by him in 1910, is regarded as one of his most significant early works. Built in the traditional Surrey style, the house features a garden designed in partnership with the famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.
Found on a small green in Abinger Common, the house is approached through almost tunnel-like woodland lanes near Leigh Hill. This serene location offers its own vast grounds, perfect for activities like croquet, energetic games, or simply unwinding in the courtyard garden.
Nearby pubs worth visiting include The Volunteer and The Abinger Hatch in Sutton Abinger. For scenic walks, consider exploring Nymans Gardens’ romantic ruins and woodland.
Are you hoping to see some fireworks? Mount Hillside near Guildford is less than a 30-minute drive away from the property, and visitors can see the London fireworks and several other displays all around. The advice is to park on Wodeland Avenue and walk up to enjoy the panoramic views.
Check-in on 30th December for £127.98 PPPN (4 nights).
Those looking for a New Year getaway can now enjoy four nights for the price of three when booking to stay over the New Year period (30th December to the 3rd January), with the code NY2025offer4for3 at the checkout.
About The Landmark Trust
Celebrating its 60th birthday in 2025, The Landmark Trust was founded in 1965 and is one of Britain’s leading building conservation charities.
With the help of their supporters, The Landmark Trust’s mission is to save and sensitively restore historic buildings across Britain, the Channel Islands and Italy that are at risk of being lost forever.
The charity has saved more than 200 buildings since its inception, with all of their properties are available for self-catering holidays, providing these “landmarks” with a new life and the opportunity to be enjoyed and used again.
With The Landmark Trust’s properties, the building is often the destination rather than just the base for a getaway. From a transformed pigsty to former royal castles, there are landmarks to suit every occasion.
Each property is fully kitted out with comfortable traditional furniture, modern bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a rich history and wealth of stories from its past.
For more information on The Landmark Trust, please visit www.landmarktrust.org.uk.
Unless indicated, all photographs are copyrighted and courtesy of The Landmark Trust.
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