I'M DREAMING OF THE RIGHT CHRISTMAS.
ARDTARA COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL
HOSPITALITY IN A NORTHERN IRISH CHRISTMAS
This splendid Victorian mansion, snuggled into the South Londonderry village of Upperlands, combines the best of old and new – a captivating place full of atmosphere and history, blending modern amenities with timeless service. The hotel’s eight bedrooms are all very tempting, offering roaring fires and views over its eight acres of grounds. Chef Oliver Boudon offers his own speciality of Irish cuisine; the terrine of duck appetizer is popular, as is the stellar poached fillet of lamb with buttered cabbage entrée. Working up an appetite is certainly no problem either, with an all-weather tennis court, and some of the world’s best golf to be had at nearby Royal Portrush.
Anglers, too, can have an afternoon on the River Bann, and if you’re just up for a walk, there’s much to be enjoyed along the splendid, rugged Londonderry coast and in particular the Giant’s Causeway – a wonder of geology.
To book or find out more click here or call 028796 44490 Christmas: minimum stay 2 nights, full board from £250pp
CENTER PARCS
CHRISTMAS AMONGST THE FORESTS AND LAKES
Originally a Dutch idea, the Center Parcs concept is to create a resort which is both in a natural setting and in harmony with its environment. So each of Center Parcs’ four UK sites are in forests where the centrepiece is a lake. Accommodation is in comfortable, well-appointed chalets in wooded glades and the whole area is a car-free zone, except for a brief period for moving in and out. Cars are otherwise left in dedicated parks ensuring the site is quiet and safe, especially for the young cyclists in the family who can be given free rein.
Indeed, guests are encouraged to hire bikes or bring their own. Outdoor swimming may be off the winter agenda, but even at Christmas Center Parcs’ sub-tropical Swimming Paradise means you can still have fun in the water.
And they’ll be hungry after all that exploring, cycling and swimming – but you can either cook in, using your chalet’s fully-equipped kitchen or if that feels too much like home, Center Parcs’ restaurants will tame their hunger. To book or find out more click here or call 08700 673 030
A Chalet for four at Center Parcs, Longleat costs £1049 for one week (minimum Christmas stay)