Hotel Endsleigh, Devon

A quintessential cosy country retreat opened in 2005 by Alex Polizzi and her mother, Olga (sister of Rocco Forte), Hotel Endsleigh looks like one of those iced gingerbread houses all year round, so, as you can imagine, it comes into its own at Christmas.

The house is wonderfully welcoming with corridors full of wellington boots to be borrowed and gorgeous drawing-rooms with roaring fires. Guests are often to be found with their shoes off in front of the fire, eating freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam.

Be sure to arrive on Christmas Eve in time for carols sung by the Milton Abbot Choir in the hall, followed by dinner (scallops, smoked quail, breast of duck – delicious). On Christmas Day, the Rev Greg Stanton will give a blessing before a traditional lunch, and then Father Christmas will bring presents to every guest. On Boxing Day, lunch is followed by a film screening in the ballroom. Those who want to do their own thing can head to the nearby small market town of Tavistock or strike out along a wild stretch of the River Tamar at the foot of the garden.

Doubles from £200. Minimum three-night stays over Christmas cost from £300 per night (01822-870000; hotelendsleigh.com).

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