Ring in the New: The Top Twixmas and New Year’s Eve Breaks in the UK
26 November 2024
As December's final days unfold, Britain's finest country houses and coastal retreats transform into havens of sophisticated celebration.
From the hushed interlude of Twixmas to the champagne-filled revelry of New Year's Eve, these carefully curated New Year breaks in the UK offer moments of both reflection and jubilation. For those wondering "what is Twixmas?" – it's that cherished pause between Christmas and New Year, when the festive chaos subsides and tranquillity reigns, making it perfect for Twixmas breaks that restore and refresh.
Whether seeking the grandeur of a Scottish castle, the sophistication of a coastal retreat, or the intimacy of a country house celebration, these carefully chosen venues offer distinctive ways to bridge the years. Each provides that essential combination of exceptional cuisine, thoughtful service, and an authentic sense of place that transforms a simple break into an unforgettable passage between years.
Scotland's Finest
In Scotland, Glenapp Castle orchestrates what may be one of the most refined Hogmanay celebrations in the country. This New Year break experience includes curling in Stranraer, guided by world-class coaches, before returning to champagne afternoon tea accompanied by the castle's resident pianist. The black-tie Hogmanay banquet showcases six courses of Scotland's finest ingredients, while midnight brings the skirl of pipes and traditional Scottish dancers, followed by a ceilidh that continues into the small hours. The following day offers falconry displays and archery lessons in the castle's 110-acre estate, culminating in a prize-giving ceremony for the curling competition.
Just north in Aberdeenshire, The Fife Arms presents its own distinctive take on Hogmanay grandeur. Housed in a restored Victorian coaching inn, the celebration begins with bubbles and canapés, leading into an exquisite four-course dinner in the atmospheric Clunie Dining Room. As midnight approaches, gather to watch fireworks illuminate the Highland sky, while New Year's Day promises Buck's Fizz with a hearty Scottish breakfast, followed by a traditional Highland Feast. The hotel's remarkable collection of contemporary art provides an intriguing backdrop to the festivities.
Welsh Wonders
Palé Hall in North Wales delivers New Year's Eve holidays worthy of its Victorian heritage. Chef Laurence Webb orchestrates a seven-course tasting menu with paired wines, while live music sets the tone for an elegant evening. The night culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the hotel's magnificent grounds, with bacon rolls and dancing continuing into the early hours. The following day invites gentle exploration of the estate's gardens or peaceful moments by roaring fires.
Across the border in Abergavenny, The Angel Hotel offers an elegant approach to Twixmas breaks. Their between-Christmas-and-New-Year retreat provides a sophisticated pause in the festivities, with dinner in the acclaimed Oak Room restaurant showcasing local Welsh produce. Executive rooms come with complimentary upgrades (subject to availability), while the hotel's central location provides easy access to the Brecon Beacons for those seeking winter walks.
In Pembrokeshire, Grove of Narberth’s black-tie evening begins at 7pm with champagne and canapés beside roaring log fires, before Executive Chef Douglas Balish presents an extravagant five-course menu. As midnight approaches, guests gather on the front terrace for a magnificent firework display that illuminates the Welsh countryside, creating a memorable finale to the year.
Themed Thrills
The Swan at Lavenham transforms its 15th-century setting for a 1920s-inspired celebration that would make Gatsby proud. The medieval timbers and leaded windows provide an atmospheric backdrop for a six-course dinner, while the Bristol jazz ensemble 'Trip for Biscuits' provides the soundtrack. New Year's Day brings guided walks through Lavenham's historic streets, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the previous night's revelry.
In Sussex, Park House brings unexpected flair with its Country & Western-themed celebration. This imaginative take on New Year breaks in the UK proves that sophistication and playfulness can coexist, beginning with drinks and canapés before evolving into an evening of line dancing and music. The following day offers access to the hotel's spa facilities or guided walks in the South Downs, and an additional night can be added for those wishing to extend their escape.
Coastal Countdowns
Cornwall's The Nare approaches the year's end with understated elegance, combining maritime tradition with refined celebration. The New Year's Eve festivities begin with a coastal walk to Portloe, followed by reels practice, a champagne reception, and a festive dinner crowned by fireworks over the bay. The celebrations continue on New Year's Day with champagne cocktails in Ken's Bar and a Grand Buffet Luncheon, followed by house roulette in the Drawing Room – a tradition that perfectly captures the hotel's blend of formality and fun.
Meanwhile, The Headland offers one of the finest UK Twixmas breaks, where guests can brave a winter sea swim before retreating to the warmth of the Aqua Club's heated pools. The "Days In Between" package includes breakfast in Restaurant RenMor and evening entertainment, with access to The Gazzle for Christmas-themed movies and the hotel's signature sweetie trolley – a charming touch that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Sparkling Spas
In Devon, Boringdon Hall's sprawling manor house offers a distinctive approach to the season with their spa-focused retreat. Available from December 27th, their packages combine luxury accommodation with nourishing GAIA spa treatments and dining experiences in their Michelin starred restaurant, Àclèaf. Guests can choose between one, two, or three-night packages, each including a continental hamper breakfast and access to the award-winning adult-only spa facilities.
Durham's coast plays host to one of the more meditative New Year's Eve breaks at Seaham Hall. The focus shifts from celebration to mindful transition, with a five-course tasting menu in The Dining Room serving as a prelude to peaceful moments in private hot tubs under starlit skies. The following day centres around the award-winning spa, where thermal suites and treatment rooms provide space for restoration and renewal.
Experience an intimate New Year celebration at The Elms in Worcestershire, where the festivities begin at 7 PM with champagne and delightful canapés. Indulge in an exquisite six-course tasting menu served in the elegant dining room, and as the clock strikes twelve, welcome the New Year in style. On New Year’s Day, embrace a relaxed pace with a delicious breakfast served until 11 AM, followed by a special lunch. For a truly rejuvenating experience, guests may choose to unwind at the luxurious Greenhouse Spa to treat themselves to soothing treatments that refresh the mind and body, setting the perfect tone for the year ahead.
Find more festive packages on our offers page and open the door to a magical Twixmas or New Year's Eve break.
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