Crashing waves, blustery breezes or clear starry skies – the coast in winter is just as magical as in summer. Take the stress out of having everyone to yours by booking a Christmas escape instead, and spend the festive season by the sea.
WORDS ANNE-CLAIRE HEELS, ALEX FISHER & CAROLINE WHEATER
For… The Best Sea Views
Casa Blanca, Camber Sands, East Sussex
Casa Blanca Outside Pizza Oven
This beautifully decorated beachfront property has room for 10 people in four bedrooms, with a small reading room where a sofa could be turned into another double bed. It has a brilliant kids’ room, sleeping four, as well as three large doubles and four bathrooms. Decorated in simple white, with lovely wooden fixtures and fittings and natural textiles, it exudes stylish calm. Sitting right on the beach, there are uninterrupted sea views from some bedrooms, the balcony and terrace, the living room and the dining room. The dining room and kitchen are open plan so that the chefs don’t need to be separated from the rest of the family when dinner is being prepared. There’s also a huge, indoor hot tub and a pool table, for fun on a rainy day. This is the dream location for long walks across the sand dunes, or even a dip in the sea for those brave enough. You can also explore nearby Rye, with its lovely array of antique shops and cool cafés. Well-equipped for both adults and young children, there is a huge TV downstairs, and another in the kids’ den, along with a stair gate and outdoor swing, and it’s dog-friendly too. Prices from £2,600 for a weekend in low season up to £6,950 in high season for a week. To book, go to camberholidaycottages.co.uk/casa-blanca-beach-house-camber
For… Outdoor Space
The Willows, Fowey, Cornwall
The Willows
Arrived at via the leafy lanes that flank the River Fowey in South Cornwall, The Willows is a luxurious staycation spot, perfect for a family gathering over the holidays. Set within three acres of meadow and established garden, the old stone barn and adjacent stables brim with heritage, from exposed stone walls to huge roof timbers. The property sleeps up to 10 in five bedrooms (three of which have super-king-size beds), kitted out with contemporary furniture and gorgeous bathrooms. For those guests who like a little more privacy – Grandma and Granddad, for instance – the old stables across the courtyard is a self-contained annexe for two. Winter warming highlights include a first-floor living room with cosy woodburner, stretch-out sofas, and 50” smart Apple TV. While for whizzing up rib-sticking meals to serve at the long wooden dining table, the kitchen has a Lacanche electric oven plus a wine fridge to keep the grown-ups happy. You’ll find the nearest beach at Readymoney Cove, accessed via a beautiful walk across coastal fields, while the town of Fowey and its idyllic harbour is full of charming little streets, independent shops and restaurants to explore. Prices from £3,759 for a week’s stay. To book, call 01872 218240 or visit cornishgems.com
FOR… A Cornish Christmas
The Terrace, Port Isaac, Cornwall
The Terrace
If you are looking for a Cornish holiday base that’s both spacious and luxurious, then The Terrace in Port Isaac will fit the bill perfectly. Sleeping 10 people in five bedrooms spread out across a huge footprint, this beautiful north coast property has uninterrupted views across the harbour to the Atlantic Ocean, large sociable living areas for quality time catching up, a sun terrace with a huge hot tub and panoramic views, and ample parking just outside too. You can take a gentle stroll into pretty Port Isaac, the location of the popular Doc Martin TV series, and have a pint overlooking the sea then return home to get cosy beside one of two log burners and settle in for a movie marathon (there are two smart TVs to avoid any arguments!) or family fun with board games. There’s a large kitchen that opens onto two dinning areas, so plenty of room for Christmas cheer. You will also find a high chair, travel cot and stair gate here, and three of the bedrooms are on the ground floor –making it very accessible – plus you get to bring the dog as well, so it’s truly a great location for the whole family. Prices start from £2,850 per week. No short breaks. High season costs £5,100 per week. To book, go to latitude50.co.uk
FOR… A CASTLE CHRISTMAS
Ballygally Castle, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ballygally Castle Hotel
From a festive afternoon tea to meeting Father Christmas himself, there is something for everyone this December at Ballygally Castle hotel. Every Sunday, guests will be able to enjoy a five-course buffet filled with family favourites and Christmas treats, before meeting Father Christmas, who has turned the Kintyre Ballroom into a winter wonderland with the help of his elves. The hotel is also offering exclusive Christmas stays. Families can stay one, two or three nights over the Christmas period and indulge in the Christmas Day Grand Buffet Lunch. This can be followed by a good walk along the famously scenic Antrim coast or a shorter stroll along Ballygally Beach. For Game of Thrones fans, guests can visit key filming locations with a guided tour through Hastings Hotels. Ballygally Castle has six large family rooms, so it’s ideal for families. The One-Night Christmas Day Package costs £255pp and includes the Christmas Day Grand Buffet Lunch, an overnight stay and a full Irish breakfast on Boxing Day. Book at https://www.hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle/christmas.html
Discover more Christmas Hotel breaks by the sea, large family homes for all the family to stay in or pick up the latest copy of coast magazine for more seaside destinations.
Crashing waves, blustery breezes or clear starry skies – the coast in winter is just as magical as in summer. Take the stress out of having everyone to yours by booking a Christmas escape instead, and spend the festive season by the sea.
WORDS ANNE-CLAIRE HEELS, ALEX FISHER & CAROLINE WHEATER
For… The Best Sea Views
Casa Blanca, Camber Sands, East Sussex
Casa Blanca Outside Pizza Oven
This beautifully decorated beachfront property has room for 10 people in four bedrooms, with a small reading room where a sofa could be turned into another double bed. It has a brilliant kids’ room, sleeping four, as well as three large doubles and four bathrooms. Decorated in simple white, with lovely wooden fixtures and fittings and natural textiles, it exudes stylish calm. Sitting right on the beach, there are uninterrupted sea views from some bedrooms, the balcony and terrace, the living room and the dining room. The dining room and kitchen are open plan so that the chefs don’t need to be separated from the rest of the family when dinner is being prepared. There’s also a huge, indoor hot tub and a pool table, for fun on a rainy day. This is the dream location for long walks across the sand dunes, or even a dip in the sea for those brave enough. You can also explore nearby Rye, with its lovely array of antique shops and cool cafés. Well-equipped for both adults and young children, there is a huge TV downstairs, and another in the kids’ den, along with a stair gate and outdoor swing, and it’s dog-friendly too. Prices from £2,600 for a weekend in low season up to £6,950 in high season for a week. To book, go to camberholidaycottages.co.uk/casa-blanca-beach-house-camber
For… Outdoor Space
The Willows, Fowey, Cornwall
The Willows
Arrived at via the leafy lanes that flank the River Fowey in South Cornwall, The Willows is a luxurious staycation spot, perfect for a family gathering over the holidays. Set within three acres of meadow and established garden, the old stone barn and adjacent stables brim with heritage, from exposed stone walls to huge roof timbers. The property sleeps up to 10 in five bedrooms (three of which have super-king-size beds), kitted out with contemporary furniture and gorgeous bathrooms. For those guests who like a little more privacy – Grandma and Granddad, for instance – the old stables across the courtyard is a self-contained annexe for two. Winter warming highlights include a first-floor living room with cosy woodburner, stretch-out sofas, and 50” smart Apple TV. While for whizzing up rib-sticking meals to serve at the long wooden dining table, the kitchen has a Lacanche electric oven plus a wine fridge to keep the grown-ups happy. You’ll find the nearest beach at Readymoney Cove, accessed via a beautiful walk across coastal fields, while the town of Fowey and its idyllic harbour is full of charming little streets, independent shops and restaurants to explore. Prices from £3,759 for a week’s stay. To book, call 01872 218240 or visit cornishgems.com
FOR… A Cornish Christmas
The Terrace, Port Isaac, Cornwall
The Terrace
If you are looking for a Cornish holiday base that’s both spacious and luxurious, then The Terrace in Port Isaac will fit the bill perfectly. Sleeping 10 people in five bedrooms spread out across a huge footprint, this beautiful north coast property has uninterrupted views across the harbour to the Atlantic Ocean, large sociable living areas for quality time catching up, a sun terrace with a huge hot tub and panoramic views, and ample parking just outside too. You can take a gentle stroll into pretty Port Isaac, the location of the popular Doc Martin TV series, and have a pint overlooking the sea then return home to get cosy beside one of two log burners and settle in for a movie marathon (there are two smart TVs to avoid any arguments!) or family fun with board games. There’s a large kitchen that opens onto two dinning areas, so plenty of room for Christmas cheer. You will also find a high chair, travel cot and stair gate here, and three of the bedrooms are on the ground floor –making it very accessible – plus you get to bring the dog as well, so it’s truly a great location for the whole family. Prices start from £2,850 per week. No short breaks. High season costs £5,100 per week. To book, go to latitude50.co.uk
FOR… A CASTLE CHRISTMAS
Ballygally Castle, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ballygally Castle Hotel
From a festive afternoon tea to meeting Father Christmas himself, there is something for everyone this December at Ballygally Castle hotel. Every Sunday, guests will be able to enjoy a five-course buffet filled with family favourites and Christmas treats, before meeting Father Christmas, who has turned the Kintyre Ballroom into a winter wonderland with the help of his elves. The hotel is also offering exclusive Christmas stays. Families can stay one, two or three nights over the Christmas period and indulge in the Christmas Day Grand Buffet Lunch. This can be followed by a good walk along the famously scenic Antrim coast or a shorter stroll along Ballygally Beach. For Game of Thrones fans, guests can visit key filming locations with a guided tour through Hastings Hotels. Ballygally Castle has six large family rooms, so it’s ideal for families. The One-Night Christmas Day Package costs £255pp and includes the Christmas Day Grand Buffet Lunch, an overnight stay and a full Irish breakfast on Boxing Day. Book at https://www.hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle/christmas.html
Discover more Christmas Hotel breaks by the sea, large family homes for all the family to stay in or pick up the latest copy of coast magazine for more seaside destinations.
