Quirky Guide

The idea of dormitories, bunk beds, queues for breakfast and communal TV rooms may not give you a glowy Christmas feeling. But you might be surprised.

Some British youth hostels now offer a luxurious three-day Christmas package for people of all ages at a bargain price. Take Hartington Hall, a historic manor house in the Peak District: roaring fires, squashy sofas, cauldrons of hot mulled wine, attentive staff, double and family rooms, children’s activities and beautiful walks on the doorstep. Breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and supper are included, made by its award-winning restaurant, and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings is served to your table. They’ll even make you hot chocolate with marshmallows before bed.

For an alternative, affordable, stress-free, stuff-your-face Christmas, it’s unbeatable.