When it comes to Christmas and New Year, sometimes it’s the bigger the better, whether it’s more mince pies or more of the people you love - after all, what’s better than rounding up the whole family for some festive celebrations, from Christmas Day feasts to the glamour of New Year’s Eve?
To make your family get-together even more special, we’ve compiled a collection of large cottages perfect for groups and multigenerational gatherings, welcoming and delighting everyone from the giggling baby to the proudly beaming grandparents.
So, whether you want a cosy cottage near a pub so mum and dad can sneak away knowing grandma and grandad are entertaining the kids, or you want a giant living room with a fire so you can spend your evenings playing charades and watching as many Christmas films you can, we’ve got a Christmas cottage for you.
Ready to plan your festive holiday with the family? Here are some of our favourite large cottages for Christmas and New Year…
Col Ros
Mullion, Cornwall | Sleeps 10
Best for: Christmas Day swims
Set atop the dramatic cliffs in South Cornwall, Col Ros is a captivating cottage that spells Christmas magic at every turn. The living room boasts uninterrupted views of the sea below, while the stylish kitchen has everything you need for crafting delicious festive feasts for the whole family. Nestled on the Lizard Peninsula, the South West Coast Path is mere moments from your front door, inviting you to soak up the fresh sea air at the drop of a woolly hat. And on the big day, two of Cornwall’s biggest Christmas Day swims are only a stone’s throw away at either Cadgwith or Coverack, while nearby Poldhu welcomes you to take the plunge alongside locals for the annual Boxing Day swim.
Out West Pembrokeshire
Newport, Pembrokeshire | Sleeps 13
Best for: Multigenerational getaways
Out West Pembrokeshire is made up of three gorgeous cottages, each with its own character and charm, inviting you and the family to holiday together and rest apart. With private outdoor gardens that boast a mix of outdoor showers, saunas, and hot tubs, and a shared dining area in Nol, Out West Pembrokeshire is perfect for a relaxing getaway that blends shared celebrations with moments of seclusion. Surrounded by rolling countryside yet close to the coast, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to winter walks. Explore the beautiful waterside town of Tenby, visit the smallest city in St Davids, or pause for some food in one of the excellent local restaurants, before returning for mince pies and Welsh cakes by the fire.
Coastview
Marazion, Cornwall | Sleeps 12
Best for: Coastal stomps and Christmas lights
This sprawling coastal pad is the ultimate multigenerational getaway, with six beautiful bedrooms ensuring the whole family can enjoy a Christmas holiday in Cornwall. Perched above the golden beach in Peranuthnoe, and just around the salt-kissed corner from Marazion, Coastview more than lives up to its name. Christmas here means wintry walks along the cliffs, taking in the iconic scenes of Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount, and button-popping Sunday lunches at the many fabulous pubs that fill every corner of West Cornwall - not to mention the famous Christmas lights in nearby Mousehole. Returning to your Christmas cottage, fill your days with storm watching and feasting, with the kitchen, dining, and living areas all boasting uninterrupted views across the sea.
Ferry Point House
Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute | Sleeps 6
Best for: Spectacular sea views
Another cottage with sweeping views across the water, Ferry Point House is a masterclass in waterside style. Large windows fill the walls, inviting you to kick back and watch the boats float by, or keep your eyes on the skies for Santa. You’ll find a piano on hand for those ever slightly off-key renditions of Silent Night and a choice of two dining tables for the all-important Christmas lunch. With two gorgeous super-king bedrooms and one king, Ferry Point House is perfect for holidays with family and friends. The spacious living areas promise many games of charades, while the waterside location tempts you to enjoy the age-old tradition of a Christmas Day swim. Argyll and Bute is full of fascinating days out, from scenic filming locations (Downton Abbey viewers in particular will love nearby Inverary Castle) to breathtaking walks framed by mountains and lochs.
Wreath Farm
Lyme Regis, Dorset | Sleeps 18
Best for: Large family gatherings
Perfect for families that want to holiday together but rest apart, Wreath Farm boasts three gorgeous, dog-friendly holiday cottages (The Apple Press, The Cowshed, and Wreath Farmhouse) that beckon for the cosiest of Christmasses. A shared games room ensures you can fill your stay with plenty of friendly competition, while fire-warmed living rooms invite you to curl up and enjoy a moment of toasty calm. A stone’s throw from the rugged Jurassic Coast, enjoy breathtaking strolls by the sea, fossil hunting as you go, before piling into a welcoming pub for a button-popping Christmas dinner or New Year’s toast. You’re also close to some of Somerset’s beautiful historic houses, which often dress to impress during the festive season.
Kingfisher Cottage
Leominster, Herefordshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: A quintessential Christmas
Nestled within the rolling countryside of Herefordshire, Kingfisher Cottage is a chocolate-box dream. Two double bedrooms and one twin room ensure grandparents, parents, and kids have a wonderful stay, while the welcoming living room invites you to play games before the fire. The beautiful terracotta kitchen has everything you need for creating a Christmas feast, and the lovely garden promises plenty of space for the pooch to run around. The historic black and white village of Pembridge is only a short drive away, and boasts a wonderful selection of village pubs and shops, or you can travel a little further and discover the beautiful city of Hereford, where cathedrals and cider museums await.
Driftwood
Croyde, Devon | Sleeps 9
Best for: A very nautical Christmas
Driftwood is a stylish haven situated a stone’s throw from the golden sands of Croyde Bay, one of North Devon’s top surfing destinations. An undercurrent of nautical style flows through the space, from the fabulous kitchen island that is made with reclaimed wood from Indonesian boats to the tide clock that helps you time your beach walks just right. Kids will love the bunk beds, while the cosy snug beneath the stairs invites you to sink into a good book in utter comfort. The beautiful beach in Croyde is perfect for Christmas Day strolls, while the South West Coast Path promises salt-kissed adventures followed by a pub stop (or two).
Park Farm Cottage
Malmesbury, Wiltshire | Sleeps 8
Best for: Cosy evenings in
Park Farm Cottage is cosiness incarnate, from the oh-so-sinkable sofas to the wood burners that fill the living and dining room with toasty warmth - perfect for Christmas in the countryside. If you have a dog or children with you, the large enclosed garden will be a holiday staple, with lots of space for running around and a charming wooden wigwam for the little ones to play in. Venturing from your holiday haven, you’ll find the sprawling delights of the Cotswolds on your doorstep. Honey-dipped cottages, rolling countryside, and cosy cafés are just the ticket for a day of exploring, or you can kick things up a notch and book a table at one of the incredible Michelin star restaurants in the area - Christmas dinner never looked so good!
Colwell Bay Cottages
Freshwater, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 8
Best for: A Wight Christmas
If, like us, you’re dreaming of a Wight Christmas, these two Island cottages are just the thing. Driftwood and Escape Away are moments from the beautiful Colwell Bay, where golden sands and Michelin recommended meals await, and boast endless charm throughout. Enclosed gardens ensure the pooches have plenty of space for sniffs, while the hot tubs invite you to sink into the bubbling depths as you stargaze (and Santa watch!). You can also use the park’s indoor swimming pool, which is open throughout December. The Isle of Wight is magical throughout the Christmas season, from the historic houses that dress for the occasion to the many festive attractions that provide fun for the whole family.
Low Shaw Farmhouse
Hawes, Yorkshire | Sleeps 8
Best for: A storybook Christmas
Low Shaw Farmhouse was made for fairytale festivities. The beautifully styled farmhouse boasts cosy interiors that immediately wrap you up in their warmth. The fabulous kitchen, with its large farmhouse table, promises big and beautiful Christmas dinners or swanky New Year’s Eve drinks with family, while the fire-warmed living room and cosy playroom invite you to pull out the board games to ring in the New Year with some friendly competition. Close to the pretty village of Hawes, Low Shaw Farmhouse is perfectly placed for some festive explorations. Uncover magical Christmas lights, spectacular displays at local landmarks, and a host of Christmas markets bursting with local goodies.
Eeyore’s Cottage
Dartmouth, Devon | Sleeps 6
Best for: A truly child-friendly stay
Filled with charming touches to make the little ones feel totally at home (including toys and children’s books), as well as offering a travel cot, high chair, and stair-gate to those who need them, Eeyore’s Cottage is a great choice for those holidaying with little elves. With ties to A A Milne (the cottage was once the home of the author’s son, and beautiful Winnie the Pooh drawings can be found adorning the walls), this family-friendly cottage will be adored by every member of the family who loves the tales of The Hundred Acre Wood. The house itself is ideal for some December decadence, with underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms and a roaring wood-burner in the sitting room – no cold toes allowed in this cottage! Oh, and let’s not forget Dartmouth Steam Train, which can be seen chugging through the surrounding countryside covered in Christmas lights – the perfect festive outing in Devon!
Excited for a Christmas surrounded by loved ones? Explore our fantastically large and beautiful holiday cottages and start planning your festive family getaway.
