Lochview House, Fort William
Spectacular views come as standard in this comfortable house on the banks of Loch Lochy, on the edge of Fort William. Opposite the house, the chestnut slopes of the Great Glen rise above the lake, while the Nevis Range – offering breathtaking walking and skiing – is just a 15-minute drive away. The house can accommodate six people, with an open plan living space and an outdoor terrace complete with patio heater, making it possible to sit outside and enjoy the view even on the most wintry 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 a 10-minute drive away.
One week from £1,300; millhousecottages.co.uk
Lough Erne, Enniskillen
Slow down the pace before Christmas with a few wonderful days at the Lough Erne resort, staying in one of the charming turreted lodges on the edge of the loch. Pleasantly luxurious, with Egyptian bedding, rain showers and an elegant living and dining room that looks directly out onto the lake. A stay at the lodge includes full use of all resort facilities, including the Thai spa and indoor infinity pool, sauna and steam room. rooms and an excellent treatment program. Surrounded by 600 hectares of unspoilt nature, the resort also features a 36-hole golf course and two restaurants.
From £164 per night; lougherneresort.com
Blyth Rise Stays, Laxfield, Suffolk
Book one of the wooden lodges on the shore of Blyth Rise Lake and you’ll step into a quieter, more tranquil world, with herons flying past, carp emerging from the water and the richly colored deciduous forest slowly shedding its leaves. Two comfortable en-suite bedrooms flank the living and dining room, ideal for two couples (no children or dogs), with cozy blankets and an outdoor fire pit making it possible to sit outside even on winter days. A menu of spa treatments is available, taken in the privacy of your lodge, with a footpath connecting the site to the nearby village of Laxfield.
Three nights from £595; blythrisestays.co.uk
The greenhouse, Ceredigion
Gather the gang for a special birthday or celebration in this beautifully designed home, with an open-plan living room with glass walls offering front-row seats above the sinuous curves of the River Teifi. Five bedrooms provide plenty of space for everyone, with a state-of-the-art kitchen, welcome pack and caterers available for festive dinner parties (or to cover your entire stay). Cold-water swimmers can take a dip in the Teifi, with walks from the door through the tranquil wetlands of the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.
Four nights from £289pp, based on 10 parts; uniquehomestays.com
Liming Lodge, Cotswold Water Park
Located on Windrush Lake – one of 180 lakes that make up the 42 square kilometer Cotswold Water Park – this three-bedroom lodge is ideal for a family getaway, with a huge range of activities right on your doorstep, including paddle boarding, canoeing and water skiing , with tennis, croquet and boules for those who prefer to stay on dry land. On cold, wintery days, the cozy lounge has a Smart TV, board games and DVDs, while the small wooden terrace is an ideal spot for morning coffee. Cirencester, a short drive away, is ideal for Christmas shopping.
Three night breaks from £595; watersidebreaks.com
The Boathouse, Belford, Northumberland
Located on the family-owned Middleton Hall Estate, the Boat House is in a wonderfully secluded location overlooking one of two private lakes. Elevated above the lake shoreline, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the sparkling water into the spacious living room, meaning you can be warm and cozy inside while still enjoying the tranquil lake views. Sleeping two, this is a great choice for a romantic few days away, with walks around the grounds, the chance to see otters gliding through 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
Situated on the banks of the River Leven, the southern outlet of Windermere, this comfortable two-bedroom apartment is a great base from which to explore the Lake District at the quietest time of year. Bring bikes and canoes or kayaks, the house has secure storage for everyone, with a fire-lit lounge to warm up after an hour or two on the water. Just 100 meters over the bridge, the Swan Hotel & Spa offers an alternative to self-catering, while the Holte Spa is the ideal counterpart to brisk walks across the Cumbrian hills.
Three-night breaks from £403; lakelovers.nl
Portnellan, Trossachs
Just a 90-minute drive from Glasgow, Portnellan is a collection of lodges spread across a private Highland estate, nestled among the lochs and peaks of the Trossachs, offering you the chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of southern Scotland . The price of a stay includes use of rowing boats, kayaks, fishing on the lake and in the river. and a welcome pack, with one, two and three bedroom options, all with well-equipped kitchens, Egyptian bedding and private balconies to enjoy the views. Despite the isolated feel, there are a number of good pubs in the area and a well-stocked village shop in Crianlarich, two miles away.
Four nights in a two-bed lodge from £782; portnellan.com
Waterside Lodge, Bodiam, Sussex
This chic Scandinavian-style retreat, all white walls and glossy blond wood, makes a great base for a weekend away with friends, with the two bedrooms offering spacious, comfortable accommodation. Located on the Oastbrook Estate and vineyard, the outdoor terrace has a hot tub overlooking the pond, with a wood-burning stove to cozy up in front of after a dip. Bodiam Castle is within walking distance and the vineyard offers pre-bookable tours and tastings, while The Curlew in Bodiam is a charming former coaching inn serving upscale modern British cuisine.
One week from £972; originalcottages.co.uk
Lakeside Lodge, Thetford, Norfolk
Located right on the lake on the owner’s private estate, this handcrafted wooden lodge is a dreamy retreat for two, with a large glass-walled terrace offering fantastic views over the water. The lodge is compact but comfortable, with a well-stocked kitchen and a double bedroom with en suite bathroom. The pretty village of East Harling is close by, home to the excellent Nags Head (nagsheadharling.com), which offers tasty home-cooked pub food for a night off without cooking. Bring walking boots and bikes to explore Thetford Forest, or simply walk from the lodge door.
Three-night breaks from £332; sykescottages.co.uk