Three distinctive, privately-owned hotels – each with enchanting appeal and remarkable surroundings – unveil a seasonal selection of winter gatherings, overnight escapes, and whimsical house parties for December 2025.
TYLNEY HALL, HAMPSHIRE
Tucked at the end of a grand, tree-lined drive, Tylney Hall – a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian mansion – emerges in full festive regalia, aglow with Christmas trees and fairy lights. Set within 66 acres of parkland near Hook, in Hampshire, this quintessential country house hotel balances old-world splendour with modern comforts. Its award-winning restaurant and serene wellness offerings (including a glorious indoor pool) make seasonal indulgence feel effortless. The estate is home to Hampshire’s longest uninterrupted vista, flanked by towering Redwoods, and holds the distinction of being an RHS Partner Garden. Originally shaped by the visionary Gertrude Jekyll, the grounds offer winter magic in every corner.
Pre-Christmas treats for children
On Saturday 6 December, there will be a Festive Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas, brimming with sweet treats, warm sips, joy, laughter, and a little gift magic to take home. £40 per child; £50 per adult.
The total cost of a pre-Christmas overnight family stay is from £490 for a family of four, sharing a Junior Suite and including breakfast.
The Christmas House Party Experience
Tylney Hall’s three-night House Party begins on Wednesday 24 December. Highlights include:
On Christmas Eve
Ease into the festivities with sweet and savoury platters served fireside in a snug, lamplit lounge. As dusk settles, enjoy cocktails and canapés to the sound of a local choir weaving carols through the air. A leisurely dinner follows, underscored by the hotel’s resident pianist. As midnight nears, gather for a televised Westminster Mass, complete with hot toddies and mince pies to toast the hour.
On Christmas Day
Begin with mulled wine and a warm hello from Father Christmas himself. A light, wine-paired lunch sets a merry tone before tuning in to His Majesty King Charles III’s Christmas broadcast. Later, enjoy champagne and canapés before a traditional Christmas feast, all accompanied by the mellow tones of a live saxophonist.
On Boxing Day
Start with a sparkle – Bucks Fizz at breakfast – before settling in for a three-course lunch serenaded by the gentle strains of a harp. Come evening, don your finest for champagne, canapés, and a five-course Black Tie Dinner, rounded off with toe-tapping live jazz.
Prices from £1,296 pp (two adults sharing a Classic Bedroom) for three nights’ full-board, from 24 to 27 December. Children from £360 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room.
Make the most of your time in Hampshire over Christmas
Within easy reach of Tylney Hall, there is festive fun aplenty, including:
– One of the best Christmas Markets in the UK, at Winchester Cathedral
– Berkshire’s number one Christmas destination, Reading Winter Wonderland
– Blenheim Palace at Christmas, featuring a light trail and Neverland in the Palace
-The Watercress Line Steam Illuminations, with Christmas music
To book, or for further information, click on Festive Season at Tylney Hall, or call 01256 764881.
THE GRAND HOTEL EASTBOURNE, SUSSEX
Come Christmas, The White Palace transforms into a festive haven unlike any other. As one of the UK’s select five-star hotels right on the seafront, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne blends classic charm with contemporary luxury. Expect sumptuous rooms, award-winning dining, premier wellness amenities, and stunning vistas of the Sussex coastline.
Pre-Christmas fun for children
On Saturday 20 December, there will be an Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas. While his reindeer enjoy some carrots backstage, Santa will greet the children and bring festive cheer. Those on the nice list will receive a special gift. £28 per child; £46 per adult.
The total cost of a pre-Christmas overnight family stay is from £455 for a family of four, sharing a Junior Suite and including breakfast.
The Christmas House Party Experience
The Grand Hotel’s four-night House Party begins on Tuesday 23 December. Highlights include:
On 23 December
Enjoy Afternoon Tea with the enchanting Shelley van Loen and the Palm Court Strings, followed by dinner set to the lively sounds of the Simon Goodwin Band.
On Christmas Eve
A guided tasting with the Cellar Master, a Scandinavian buffet lunch, and Afternoon Tea paired with a fun quiz where the winner takes home a Fortnum & Mason hamper. The evening continues with champagne and canapés alongside St Mary’s choir, finishing with dinner and live music from the Co-stars Band.
On Christmas Day
After breakfast and opening gifts, stroll to the Bandstand for Christmas morning music. Sip Champagne before a buffet lunch, then relax with sandwiches, cake, and piano tunes while watching the King’s speech. Finish with Champagne and a black-tie four-course dinner, accompanied by the Simon Goodwin Band.
On Boxing Day
After a Best of British Buffet Lunch in the Garden Room, relax with snooker, table tennis and board games. Later, unwind with a light afternoon tea in the lounges. In the evening, sip Champagne and canapés before a black-tie Gala Dinner and live music from the Co-Stars Band in the Chatsworth Lounge.
Prices from £1,435 pp (two adults sharing a Classic Bedroom) for four nights’ full-board, from 23 to 27 December. Children from £460 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room.
Make the most of your time in Eastbourne over Christmas
– Get your skates on with a visit to Eastbourne’s Ice Rink
– A traditional pantomime: Peter Pan at The Devonshire Park Theatre
– Eastbourne Bandstand: festive favourites on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
To book, or for further information, click on Christmas at The Grand Hotel, or call 01323 412345.
ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB, EAST SUSSEX
Tucked away in 186 acres of enchantment – imagine mirror-like lakes, hidden gardens, and meandering woodland trails – Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club is a 19th century gem in the heart of Ashdown Forest, the very landscape that sparked A.A. Milne’s whimsical world of Winnie-the-Pooh. With top-tier hospitality, indulgent rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a fabulous spa, it’s a magical setting for a Christmas escape that feels straight out of a storybook.
Pre-Christmas excitement for kids
On Sunday 21 December, Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas in the Chapel promises a sprinkle of magic. While his reindeer refuel in the kitchen, Father Christmas will pop in to greet little ones, spread cheer, and hand out gifts. £33 per child; £46 per adult.
The total cost of a pre-Christmas overnight family stay is from £415 for a family of four, sharing a Superior Classic Room and including breakfast.
The Christmas House Party Experience
Ashdown Park’s three-night House Party begins on Wednesday 24 December. Highlights include:
On Christmas Eve
Afternoon Tea is served in the drawing rooms, ideal for unwinding. Later, enjoy Champagne, canapés, and carols in the Front Hall before dinner in the Anderida Restaurant. End the night with Midnight Mass – either televised with hot toddies and mince pies, or in person at Holy Trinity Church.
On Christmas Day
Wake to Santa’s surprises, then ease into Christmas with breakfast and a wander through the woods, a board game by the fire, or a book on the sofa. Mulled wine, mince pies, and festive treats await in the Lounges all day. From midday, enjoy a lavish buffet in the Richard Towneley Suite, with jazz and stained glass for atmosphere. Later, join the estate Treasure Hunt or unwind before Champagne, canapés, and a four-course feast in the Anderida Restaurant.
On Boxing Day
Spend the morning outdoors with classic Country Pursuits – clay pigeon shooting, archery, and falconry – or enjoy a peaceful walk or swim at the Country Club. A sumptuous buffet lunch awaits in the Richard Towneley Suite, followed by the General Manager’s Quiz and tea with hot crumpets in the lounges. As evening falls, sip Champagne and canapés before a gourmet dinner, then try your luck at the Fun Casino with live jazz to close the day.
Prices from £1,250 pp (two adults sharing a Classic Bedroom) for three nights’ full-board, from 24 to 27 December. Children from £225 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room.
Make the most of your time in East Sussex over Christmas
– Tulley’s Farm Christmas Experience
– The gardens and lake are transformed into a winter wonderland at Hever Castle
– Bluebell Railway’s magical steam train, adorned with thousands of colourful lights
To book, or for further information, click on Christmas at Ashdown Park, or call 01342 824 988.
