Indulge yourself this christmas - enjoy a festive short break in the UK

July 24th 2006

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts offers a wide selection of sumptuous hotels with tradition and character – the perfect Christmas bolt-hole

Get away from it all this Christmas by relinquishing the seasonal organisation and cooking to the team of experts at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, so with a little advance planning, you can maximise your bank holiday allowance and experience three nights in festive splendour!

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts offer a wide range of cosy retreats throughout the UK, in locations from chic city centres to remote country houses. So recharge those batteries and book into a Macdonald Hotel, each one promises a warm welcome and exceptionally fine food. Each hotel’s Christmas package offers full board hospitality with lots of little extras to make Christmas away from home extra special.

Sample three night packages beginning Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 th December, such as those below:

Scottish Christmas in the Lochs from £355 per person:
Head to Scotland this Christmas and stay in at the Macdonald Loch Rannoch Hotel, a 19th century hunting lodge set within 250 acres of beautiful Perthshire highland countryside.  In December the hotel boasts stunning views of Loch Rannoch and the snow-capped mountain of Schiehaillion. The festivities commence on Christmas Eve as guests arrive to the sounds of the resident piper, then relax with a local malt and home-made shortbread.  Dinner follows before a torch-lit procession to the local church, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.  A bucks fizz breakfast kicks off proceedings on Christmas Day before a traditional lunch.  Later on there's a buffet supper followed by live entertainment.  Boxing Day begins with breakfast followed by a wide choice of leisure pursuits ranging from a Highland Land Rover safari to board games in the lounge or a leisurely swim in the pool.  A traditional Scottish evening follows with fine cuisine and music from a Scottish Ceilidh band.  The Christmas break ends on Wednesday 27th December after a full Scottish breakfast.  A three night break costs £355 per adult (based on two adults sharing a twin or double room) and £195 per child when sharing with parents.  To make a booking, contact the Macdonald Loch Rannoch Hotel on: 0844 879 9059 or visit: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Romantic Christmas in historic Woodstock from £450 per person:
For romantics, this location can't be bettered.  One of old England's original 13th century coaching inns, situated in the heart of Woodstock, the Macdonald Bear Hotel was a one-time retreat for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during their long on-off love affair.  Christmas festivities begin on Christmas Eve with a traditional Cotswold tea on arrival, followed by a champagne reception.  Carol singers from the local church will sing, and a festive quiz takes place before a candlelit dinner.  Midnight mass beckons followed by a glass of mulled wine.  Christmas Day begins with a hearty breakfast and the opportunity to take a winter stroll around nearby Bleinheim Park.  A festive lunch is served in the restaurant and includes a visit from Father Christmas.  The Queen's speech can be enjoyed in the lounge, followed by tea and Christmas cake, card and board games!  A buffet supper is served with the evening informal.  On Boxing Day after breakfast  an early light lunch is served for those going to see Mother Goose, with a formal Gala Dinner accompanied by Jazz on your return.  The Christmas break ends on Wednesday 27th December after breakfast.  A three night break costs from £450 per person based on two adults sharing a standard twin or double room.  To make a booking contact the Macdonald Bear Hotel or visit: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Traditional English Christmas in the Lakes from £450 per person:
How does staying in a Georgian mansion on the shores of Lake Windermere for Christmas sound?  The Macdonald Old England Hotel boasts unrivalled views of Windermere and is ideal for exploring the Lake District.  Christmas celebrations begin on Christmas Eve with guests welcomed with a traditional Lakeland afternoon tea accompanied by hand bell ringers!  Pre-dinner drinks and canapes precede a sumptuous four-course meal, before Midnight Mass and hot chocolate and mince pies on return.  Christmas Day begins with breakfast overlooking the Lake, followed by a champagne cocktails and a six course traditional lunch with Santa.  Afternoon tea is served with the Queen's speech, with a delicious buffet in the evening and a Christmas Day quiz with prizes!  Boxing Day begins with a Lakeland breakfast, followed by a cruise on Windermere accompanied by hot punch and gingerbread.  In the evening a black tie candlelit dinner dance takes place with a caberet band.  Guests depart after breakfast on Wednesday 27th December.  A three night break costs from £450 per person based on two adults sharing a standard twin or double room.  To make a booking contact the Macdonald Old England Hotel on: 01539 442444 or visit: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Family Christmas near Edinburgh from £270 per person:
Just ten minutes drive from Edinburgh airport lies the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, set within 20 acres of mature woodlands and including the original 16th century tower house.  Christmas festivities kick off on Christmas Eve with mulled wine and canapes served by the fire before a relaxing dinner.  Christmas Day begins with a champagne breakfast followed by a Family Extravaganza Christmas Lunch which includes a special buffet for children (and the all-important visit from Santa Claus!)  That evening a special Christmas Ceilidh and buffet takes place.  On Boxing Day full Scottish breakfast is served after which the day is yours to enjoy at leisure - perhaps taking advantage of the hotel's 18-metre pool and fitness club to work off a few calories!  Choose between a formal dinner in the restaurant or a less formal atmosphere in the Steakhouse - perfect for families.  Guests depart after breakfast on Wednesday 27th December.  A  three night stay costs £270 per adult based on two adults sharing a standard twin or double room.  Children are charged at £30 per person per night when sharing with two paying adults.  Children under five are complimentary; if children require their own room this will charged at 75% of the adult price.  To make a booking contact the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel on: 0844 879 9043 or visit: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Historic Christmas in the heart of Bath from £435 per person:
This Christmas head to the historic Macdonald Francis Hotel, located on Queen Square within walking distance of Bath's major attractions. The hotel dates back to 1728 and is full of Georgian character, and just a hop and a skip away from the new Thermae Bath Spa, the Roman Baths and Pump House, and the Royal Crescent. The festivities begin on Christmas Eve with full afternoon tea, followed by a pre-dinner drinks reception and Black Tie dinner on Christmas Eve before Midnight Mass at Bath Abbey. On
Christmas Day enjoy a hearty breakfast and spend the morning at leisure - attending one of the local church services or simply unwrapping presents! A four-course traditional lunch is served along with a visit from Father Christmas. At tea-time Christmas cake is on offer before a delicious Christmas Night buffet. After breakfast on Boxing Day a walking treasure hunt around the city takes place before an early lunch in time to catch the matinee performance of Cinderella at Bath's prestigious Theatre Royal. Mulled wine is served before dinner. Breakfast on Wednesday 27th December marks the end of the festivities - but guests are invited to enjoy a glass of sherry or a coffee before they make their way home. This three-night break starting December 24th costs £435 per adult based on two sharing. Pantomime tickets are charged at £21.50 per person. Children occupying their own room will be charged at 75% of the full rate. Children up to the age of 15 occupying adults room (maximum one extra bed per room) will be charged 50% of the full rate. To make a booking, contact the hotel
or visit: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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