Christmas cottage holidays in north east England

Rent a cosy self-catering cottage with an open fire or woodburner.

Lots of people are discovering the North East of England for their summer holidays. Both urban and rustic destinations offer the visitor countless opportunities to discover a unique culture and the countryside and coast contain many hidden gems. However, you may not have thought of booking a Christmas break in a cottage here. Seeing a place in winter, especially at a time of celebration, gives another perspective.

Gather all the family together and stay in a homely cottage (some owners will even add Christmas decorations) in an urban, seaside or rural setting for a Christmas with a difference. Log fires and twinkling Christmas trees can be yours in the location of your choice in the North East. This is a vibrant area with lots of activities to appeal to both adults and children.

Winter Festivals and Christmas Shopping

Arrive at your Christmas holiday cottage a few days before Christmas to allow time to do the food shopping and buy outstanding gifts.

If you favour the bright lights of Newcastle, the locals will tell you to make a beeline for Fenwick’s department store on Northumberland Street, where the window decorations are to be much admired.

Browse the Continental Christmas Market and take something savoury or sweet back home for a treat. The annual NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival is eagerly anticipated every year, delighting the crowds with live entertainment, Christmas markets and events.

It’s time to get your skates on if you visit Newcastle at this time of year. You can take to the ice at the open-air rink at the Centre for Life in Times Square, where lights will give the ice a festive glow as darkness falls. You can take your own skates or hire them at the rink. Of course, strolling down the iconic Newcastle/Gateshead Quayside is a favourite thing to do, no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

Bamburgh is a popular tourist spot, mostly because of Bamburgh Castle and the sweeping sands. This area has been chosen on many occasions as a location for films. For that special unique gift for a loved one, visit the annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fayre, hosted at the castle.
Another Christmas Market, but with a difference, is held at North Shields, with the North Shields Victorian Christmas Market in Northumberland Square. Victorian-themed entertainment takes place on the bandstand and street entertainers also play to the crowds. Children love the traditional fairground and goodies on sale and stall holders add to the atmosphere by dressing up in Victorian garb.

If you enjoy a carol service within the confines of a magnificent building, you will be most impressed by Durham Cathedral. Its programme of services includes a Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve.
Everyone enjoys a tea party and Santa’s Christmas Tea Party in Corbridge is rather special. Taking place at Brockbushes Farm, tickets for this event must be pre-booked and can be obtained at the Farm Shop.
Whether you hit the towns, the coast or prefer the wintry, epic landscape of the countryside in this part of the world, your cottage will offer a temporary family home and you’ll enjoy local hospitality, second to none.

Find a variety of country cottages in England to rent for the festive season and beyond.