Christmas Tree and Fireplace Experiences at three Country House Hotels
• Owned by the National Trust, Historic House Hotels are no ordinary hotels
• Christmas is the ideal time to enjoy the complete country house experience
• New Year two night parties celebrate the arrival of 2026
Hartwell House – Buckinghamshire
Hartwell House is a magnificent stately home in the Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, standing in 94 acres of landscaped parkland, and just one hour from central London.
Several Christmas trees are located around the house and also at the entrance to the house. Hartwell House offers guests several public rooms with fireplaces including The Drawing Room, The Library, The Morning Room and The Great Hall. The hotel is home to an award-winning restaurant and a spa with an indoor swimming pool.
New Year Party at Hartwell House: The New Year’s Eve House Party at Hartwell House has always been a wonderful time to enjoy the marvellous atmosphere and the best of everything in this remarkable country house. A two-night celebration to welcome in the New Year from £2,450 per room, based on double occupancy on 30th and 31st December. Includes dinners, breakfasts, champagne reception, afternoon tea, fireworks, DJ and dancing. hartwell-house.com
Bodysgallen Hall – Llandudno, North Wales
Bodysgallen Hall is a delightful 17th Century Grade 1 listed country house hotel situated in 220 acres of wooded parkland on a hill above the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno with stunning views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle.
Several Christmas trees are located around the house and also at the entrance to the house. Guests can enjoy cosy moments around the hotel in front of several fireplaces. The main entrance to the hall is the ideal place to sit in front of the historic and stunning fireplace after entering a beautiful grand door. The Library with open fireplace is ideal for pre and after dinner drinks or afternoon tea following a walk through the gardens. The hotel is home to an award-winning restaurant and a spa with an indoor swimming pool.
New Year Party at Bodysgallen Hall: Spend the evening at Bodysgallen Hall and arrive for afternoon tea on 31st December and later enjoy a five-course celebration dinner with wine pairings. The Fun Casino offers guests the chance to enjoy Roulette and Black Jack. A magician will also entertain guests as they look towards midnight. New year’s day brunch is served to all before checking out. From £1200 based on two guests sharing. bodysgallen.com
Middlethorpe Hall – York
Middlethorpe Hall is an historic 300-year old red brick and limestone house, influenced by Sir Christopher Wren, set in 20 acres of gardens and parkland.
Several Christmas trees are located around the house and also at the entrance to the house. Guests can enjoy cosy moments around the hotel in front of several fireplaces. Public rooms with fireplaces include The Drawing Room, The Library, The Upstairs Sitting Room, The North Hall and The Dining Room. Some of the bedrooms also have their own fireplaces. Middlethorpe Hall has been elegantly decorated in the manner of the 18th Century and furnished with antiques and fine paintings, so that its look and ambiance is that of a well-kept, well-furnished private country house rather than a hotel.
New Year Party at Middlethorpe Hall: Guests can enjoy a two night break of delicious fine dining, wines and great house party atmosphere. Welcome in the New Year with a firework display and dance into the early hours of 2026. The stay includes afternoon tea, champagne reception followed by a six-course dinner. The night also includes a jazz band and a firework display. On new year’s day guests can enjoy brunch and dinner. From £1710 based on two guests sharing. middlethorpe.com
Now owned by the National Trust and filled with antique treasures, Historic House Hotels are no ordinary hotels. The service is made up of small acts of kindness. Local area knowledge is also key on historic places to explore. Expect all the classic country-house hotel treats, but offered with a level of charm and warmth to suit the discerning modern customer. Every inch of these National Trust-owned hotels has a story, and the knowledgeable staff have plenty of stories to help bring it to life.
Historic House Hotels was founded over forty years ago to acquire and rescue run-down country houses, then restore and convert them to hotels. Each building is at least 300 years old, and there are few hotels of such charm and historic interest.
In the past, each has been home to remarkable people. At Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, the exiled King Louis XVIII of France lived for five years with his Queen and members of his Court. Bodysgallen Hall, in Llandudno, North Wales, was the home of the Mostyn family, who have featured prominently in Welsh history. And Middlethorpe Hall near York was once occupied by the 18th-century bluestocking and diarist, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.
All three hotels have outstanding restaurants and serve delicious food, sourced locally and using seasonal produce grown on the hotels’ estates, for menus that are mainly British, with a few light continental inspirations. Every day, the head chef takes his pick of fresh ingredients from the huge kitchen garden bursting with salad leaves, vegetables, fruit and herbs.
Guests can relax in the superbly appointed Spas, where swimming pools, gymnasia and beauty treatments await.
Dogs are also invited to enjoy the country house hotel experience with each hotel welcoming dogs in selected bedrooms. Each hotel provides a dog bed, water bowl, snacks and those all-important little bags and there is no charge to bring the well-behaved pooch along.
Each stay, meal and spa experience at the three hotels supports the National Trust. So, you can book a guilt-free stay and help fund one of our great British institutions and celebrate the arrival of 2026 in style.
