Winter breaks in Landmarks
The magic of a Landmark holiday transcends seasons. Yet for some of us, winter breaks hold a particular appeal: the promise of warming fires in historic hearths, donning knitwear for frosty walks culminating in pub roasts or watching the sun set across quiet landscapes. Welcoming in the New Year seems particularly special within walls which have stood witness to many centuries of change. Here we select five Landmarks with winter availability – including for New Year - within reach of appealing seasonal activities.
North Street
North Street lies on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park in the village of Cromford, famed for its water-powered cotton spinning mill. There are numerous walks to explore the village and surrounding area, and book lovers should visit the Narnia-wardrobe of Scarthin Books. Half an hour’s drive hour north is Chatsworth House, each year dressed for Christmas with spectacular displays. This year’s ‘Enchanted Garden’ theme will see 20 rooms filled with Christmas wonder, a feast for the eyes, ears and noses.
Cowside
As the return of All Creatures Great and Small inspires a new generation of viewers, many may wistfully dream of venturing to the Yorkshire Dales. Standing in for the fictional village of Darrowby is Grassington, a 35-minute drive from our 17th-century farmstead Cowside. Situated in the Langstrothdale valley in the heart of the North Yorkshire Dales National Park, Cowside is surrounded by drystone walls and green hills. The River Wharfe passes by along the foot of Cowside’s north-facing fell and walks in any direction offers a wealth of spectacular landscapes and picturesque villages.
Auchinleck House
Winter months in Scotland guarantee a warm welcome, particularly at the nation’s famous Hogmanay events. Auchinleck House sleeps 13 with generously proportioned rooms and grounds, ideal for gathering friends and family for your own special celebrations and rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Alternatively, an hour away is the South Lanarkshire town of Biggar, where preparations for the Biggar Bonfire build across the final weeks of each year and culminate in a warm, fiery glow to welcome in each New Year. Nearer to home, Dumfries House hosts tours, events and Sunday markets, with a café and quality restaurant too.
St Edward’s Presbytery
Built by Augustus Welby Pugin in 1850, St Edward’s Presbytery formed part of Pugin’s grand masterplan perched on the West Cliffs of Ramsgate, also including a church, monastery and his own family home. Today the seaside town is vibrant in its revival, with cafes and bars complimenting quirky shops. Further round the coast sits edgy Margate, home of Tracey Emin and the Turner Contemporary - this winter presenting 'Learning to See', an exhibition by Bridget Riley.
Llwyn Celyn
Dated to 1420/21 thanks to a ground-breaking research project, Llwyn Celyn is a medieval hall house of the highest quality. The wooden beams and generous log-burning stove bring winter comfort, while views towards the Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley, where the dramatic Black Mountains give way to broader open pastures, will lure walkers outside. Just 10 minutes by car or taxi is Abergavenny, where the Market Hall will be hosting two special Christmas markets in November and December. Further afield is Hay-on-Wye, famed for its bookshops and this year hosting a Winter Festival from 26- 30 November 2025.
Gothic Temple
As festive celebrations return to Stowe, many may find themselves dreaming of experiencing its history and beauty first-hand. The Gothic Temple, an extraordinary 18th-century folly designed by James Gibbs, sits high above sweeping avenues, lakes, and classical monuments, offering uninterrupted views of one of England’s most remarkable designed landscapes. Just moments away, Christmas at Stowe transforms the gardens into a glittering winter experience, with illuminated trails, seasonal displays, and atmospheric evening walks weaving through the parkland. A stay here offers not only architectural drama and heritage charm, but also a rare chance to explore this magical landscape at its most enchanting.
The Station Agent's House
With the return of Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets drawing visitors from far and wide, many may find themselves tempted to make a festive escape to the city. The Station Agent’s House, once part of the world’s first passenger railway, offers a unique place to stay in the historic Castlefield district, where canals, brick viaducts and industrial heritage form a striking backdrop. This handsome Georgian building is perfectly placed for exploring, and just a short journey away the markets fill the streets with wooden chalets, warming food stalls, twinkling lights and seasonal cheer.
Hole Cottage
As the evenings grow longer and the festive lights begin to shimmer, a stay at Hole Cottage offers a timeless escape into the heart of the Weald. This late-medieval timber-framed dwelling, tucked beside a woodland stream in Kent, brings quiet charm and history to your doorstep. When night falls, just a short drive away the Glow Wild 2025 trail at Wakehurst transforms the botanic landscape into an illuminated wonderland, lanterns, glowing fauna and sparkling pathways invite you on an atmospheric adventure. Together, the cottage’s wood-lined serenity and the light-filled magic of Glow Wild deliver a winter break rich in heritage, calm and seasonal enchantment.
The Wardrobe
Perched high in the attics of a medieval house in Salisbury Cathedral Close, The Wardrobe offers a rare and atmospheric retreat, its windows framing sweeping views of the Cathedral spire by day and its floodlit grandeur by night. Built well before 1600 and once used to store the Bishop’s robes and relics, this historic home now combines heritage charm with a sense of quiet elevation. Just steps away, Salisbury’s annual Christmas on the Square turns Guildhall Square into a cosy winter haven, with a modern heated chalet, live music, festive stalls, and Santa’s Grotto. Staying here gives you the best of both worlds, an extraordinary heritage hideaway in the heart of the city, and the warmth and sparkle of Salisbury at Christmas.
The Old Parsonage
Tucked away in the heart of Oxfordshire, The Old Parsonage in Iffley is a quietly elegant retreat, its 19th-century heritage charm offering guests a warm, historic welcome. Just a short drive from its doors, Blenheim Palace comes alive at Christmas, with a magical illuminated trail winding through its gardens, an outdoor festive market of wooden chalets in the Great Court, a covered ice rink, and a dazzling “Palace of Oz” experience inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Together, the tranquil sophistication of the Old Parsonage and the shimmering spectacle at Blenheim create an unforgettable holiday escape, rich in history and seasonal wonder.
Iron Bridge House
Overlooking the majestic Severn Gorge and right beside the world-famous Iron Bridge, Iron Bridge House offers a striking base steeped in the industrial heritage of the Ironbridge Gorge. The house, once the grand store and home of a 19th-century grocer, lets you soak in the very heart of the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Just a short distance away, Blists Hill Victorian Town comes alive for a Victorian-style Christmas: the streets are decked with traditional decorations, costumed characters re-enact Dickensian scenes, and there’s a festive trail, choirs, brass bands, and seasonal craft-making for all ages.
