Christmas is a wonderful time to spend moments with families, friends and loved ones in celebration of the year that has passed. Although these are always experiences to be cherished, it does mean the calendar fills up pretty quickly and it can be a challenge to find spaces to hold where one can truly relax and reenergise during the thick of it all.
Considering a break in the UK over the New Year period is a wonderful way of carving out the time needed to do exactly that. It may be that you would like to arrange a romantic getaway, a memory-making trip for the whole family or perhaps even a solo journey of discovery and reawakening. In all of these cases, there are plenty of beautiful locations and experiences in the country that can accommodate your plans perfectly.
Our guide to the best New Year breaks in the UK is a collection of the very finest among them to help you decide.
1. Cropton Forest
North Yorkshire
Initially, it may seem an odd choice to suggest taking residence in an English forest at the height of midwinter, but locations like Cropton Forest will easily change your perception. This is an ancient collection of woodlands and glades full of pine, oak and birch trees in the North York Moors that houses 58 woodland cabins complete with hot tubs and log burners. The interiors of these fantastic creations hold a stripped-back elegance of warm lighting and soft textures to make everything as cosy as possible during your stay, too.
This is sophisticated wilderness living in the most extraordinary surroundings. Nature trails, woodland walks and even the stirring prospect of forest bathing are all available with the nearby town of Cropton just a stroll away if any essentials are forgotten. The hush and serenity of the evenings with a canopy of stars overhead is more than enough to make the journey from the city worthwhile.
2. Amaranta
Falmouth Cornwall
Inevitably, any idea of a break or getaway leads one to ideas of the coast and the sea. Amaranta is a brilliant example of a boutique retreat by the water that blends contemporary stylings with the eternal allure of the landscape. A large open plan living space opens to the terraces that surrender to the Cornwall scenery in a beautifully unrushed way, and the private spa room & sauna has wellness in mind at all times. The wildflower gardens that surround the space lead to a gentle slope towards the water that can be as dramatic as it is captivating, at this time of year.
The real advantage of this type of homestay arrangement is the ability to conduct everything at one’s own desired pace, with the nearby village of Flushing just a walk away for any provisions. This way, you can stay on the terrace to entertain your party and make the most of the feast available for all your senses.
Hort’s Townhouse
The city of Bristol has been an important part of the fabric of south west England for centuries. It has deep-rooted ties with ideas of rebellion, culture and art, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This strikingly restored Grade II listed hotel has a clearly defined Art Deco aesthetic that makes the most of the existing architecture with added flourish. Using this place as the base to explore the best of Bristol is a great idea, with so many of the city’s greatest attractions such as the cathedral, Cabot Circus and the Street Art Trails, all within a walkable distance too.
When the evening arrives, the downstairs is transformed into an elevated British pub experience with excellent menus built from local produce and crafts. The flight of Scotch Eggs that are available here is a must for any stay, as a great example. A break at Holt’s can easily be viewed as a more elegant version of the traditional UK New Year’s Eve celebrations.
3. The Ickworth Hotel
Suffolk
This impressive neoclassical masterpiece on the grounds of Ickworth House is a representation of the classic English Stately home experience with all the amenities required in 2025. Many of the suites here include garden access or terraces to provide the most appropriate platform to view the tumult of an English winter across the trees and wilds of nature. For daytime activities, there are 1800 acres of sweeping lawns, cedar groves and inviting tracks and trails to occupy the itchiest feet with the stark beauty of ancient land everywhere that the eye can see and the boot falls.
When these journeys do come to an end, there is an intimate boutique spa waiting with Elemis treatments, indoor swimming pool and saunas that overlook the gardens, ready to revitalise. Afternoon Tea at the hotel restaurant is an inspired way to experience this country house in true Georgian style, with live music from a pianist waiting to transport you back in time for a unique New Year experience.
4. Fingal
Edinburgh
When a boutique luxury hotel employs a theme, it is incredibly important that the balance between an engaging story and overall quality is right. Fingal in Edinburgh is one of the rare examples that manages this with a first-class floating experience that lives on the beautiful Leith docks. 23 cabins all use the maritime theme to fascinating effect with brass fittings and polished mahogany, each named after a genuine Scottish lighthouse that the vessel was originally created to maintain.
The setting itself is a triumph of regeneration, with the harbour lights and cranes watching over a waterfront lined with Michelin-starred restaurants and galleries, all beautifully housed in the grand 19th century warehouses. Far from being all at sea, there is everything one could want on board here, including an elegant cocktail bar and a top deck restaurant that is definitely worth a mention. With the world-famous Edinburgh Royal Mile also just a short drive away, Fingal provides the perfect port for a perfect storm of a New Year break.
As the end of one year draws nearer, new opportunities line the horizon, offering a unique time for reflection and new journeys. It is a chance to invest in and reconnect with what makes us excited, invigorated and interested in the year ahead. Arranging a trip to one of the destinations above may be the only resolution one needs to make this happen.
