Get into the festive spirit with these quirky and creative spaces from Canopy & Stars can offer, complete with Christmas decorations and festive themed activities. Enjoy spectacular views and wintry walks followed by hot toddies in front of woodburners inside cosy cabins. Tis the season to get away from it all!
Earn your wreath making badge at vintage scouts hut – Vintage Vacations, The Missions and The Scout House, Isle of Wight
Sleeping 8, the halls at Vintage Vacations are ideal for big groups looking for a winter trip with a difference. Kitsch interiors (including a half-barrel bar in the Elvis-themed room), far-reaching views across the coast and, of course, Christmas decorations. With central heating throughout, a DVD player and a whole range of board games, those who don’t want to venture out will be happily occupied. Don’t miss the wreath-making workshops.
From £125 per night throughout December (sleeps 8), wreath-making courses £15 per head for 2.5 hours.
Outdoor lovers rejoice with nature reserve tour – Elmley, Kent (pictured)
A unique setting for lovers of the outdoors and city dwellers. Nestled in Elmley National Nature Reserve, views from the huts are spectacular with a cheeky warm sloe gin or warmed elderflower toddy (courtesy of the hosts). Take a complimentary tour of the 3200 acres to catch sight of December’s migrant birds, before retiring to the large Victorian barn; a communal lounge space complete with honesty bar and Christmas decorations.
Prices from £80 per night throughout December inc. complimentary national park tour for stays of 3 nights or longer. (sleeps up to 2 adults and 2 children)
Get curing and crafting – The Humble Hideaway, Upper Meend Farm, near Monmouth
In December, the Humble Hideaway at Upper Meend Farm becomes a hive of creativity with Christmas courses including meat curing, as well as wreath and willow decoration and chocolate truffle making courses. Cosy up inside the renovated shepherd’s hut with the woodburner on; with plenty of blankets and a mattress stuffed with wool from the farm’s own sheep, it couldn’t be toastier.
From £80 per night throughout December (sleeps 2). Canopy & Stars guests receive a 10% discount on all course bookings. Wreath making £35, meat curing £75, chocolate truffle making £30, Christmas street food supper club 12th Dec £32.50 (not eligible for discount)
Champagne hamper in a Christmas cabin – Balleswidden Cabin, near Penzance
With uninterrupted views across wild moors and undisturbed peace inside, getting away from it all has never been easier. Originally built as a writer’s lodge, there are shelves of books and a big, red leather Chesterfield to curl up on. A roaring fire, Christmas tree and guest hamper greets visitors with mince pies, spiced cider and a cheese board. For extra luxury, splash out on the Christmas Champagne hamper with salmon, ham hock and Veuve Clicquot alongside the customary Christmas pud and port.
Prices starting from £100 per night (sleeps 2) inc. complimentary Christmas hamper, champagne hamper available at an additional £96
Northumberland skies at the old station – The Waiting Room, Northumberland
A restored Victorian waiting room with original features, homely interiors and NASA approved thermal insulation! Walk through the door and relax – kindly hosts prepare a warming broth (vegetarian option available) with homemade scones and light the woodburner before guest’s arrival. Sleep in the ticket office and step outside to the old platform, the trains may not arrive here anymore, but the Christmas tree has!
Prices from £58 per night in December (sleeps 2) inc. hot broth and homemade scones on arrival
Winter wonderland with showman’s sloe gin – Molly Croft, Yorkshire
A lovingly restored 1940s showman’s living van, The Mollycroft is a slightly eccentric blend of bright yellow and green décor that complements the authentic dark wood interiors. In December, it’s perfect for lazy days in the countryside with two cosy woodburners on, warm up with complimentary homemade sloe gin and prepare for Christmas.
Prices start from £85 per night throughout December (sleeps 4), inc. complimentary homemade sloe gin
50 gins and a taste of the orient Roulotte Retreat, Scottish Borders
With rich colours and intricate carvings, each Roulotte feels like a sojourn into an elegant past. Inspired by the east, there are rich colours, oriental rugs, silk curtains and Indian style daybeds, along with concealed radiators and a woodburning stove for warmth. Join the Christmas gin tasting event on the 13th December and sample from over 50 different gins – the majority of them produced in Scotland – before making a perfect seasonal G&T with a personalised gin report.
Prices start from £95 a night during December (sleeps 2). Gin tasting event Sat 13th Dec £25 per person inc. dinner
Eco-friendly octagonal Welsh retreat The Cabin, Nant yr Onnen, near Llandovery
This octagonal timber structure was created by local craftsmen with sustainability in mind; electricity is powered from the stream and the newly built wood-fired hot tub was made using local oak and larch. The Cabin is a simple, elegant and cosy space immersed in glorious countryside, ideal for winter walks. Look out across stunning views from the veranda with a glass of complimentary mulled wine, and head inside to warm up amongst Christmas decorations.
Prices start from £85 per night throughout December (sleeps 2), mulled wine available between 15th Dec – 4th Jan
To book any of the above, visit www.canopyandstars.co.uk
