It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, the season for family, food, and festivity. It's also the perfect time to take a much needed break. Whether you’re looking for a city break or want to escape the hustle and bustle of the festive period, join CrossCountry as we explore our top choices for family Christmas breaks in the UK.
Darwin Forest
Darwin Forest might just be one of the most magical places to spend Christmas as a family. The resort is sprinkled with adorable log cabins, perfect for a festive evening games night or a spectacular roast dinner on the big day. There's no end of activities to get stuck into during the day too, from tennis to archery to zorbing. Visitors can even take a ride on the mini jet skis and sea scooters in the park's indoor swimming pool. During the holiday season, take a winter walk through the forest, enjoy a relaxing spa visit or beauty therapy session, or have some fun in the warm at the soft play centre. Darwin Forest often has its own festive activities too, like carol singing, festive crafts, or even visits from Santa.
The Foresters restaurant is open seven days a week, serving up dishes to suit even picky eaters. From 10oz rump steak to herby chicken Caesar salad, visitors are sure to leave feeling happy and full. The kids' menu is equally exciting, with gooey, chocolatey desserts that are sure to be a hit.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is easily one of the best theme parks in the UK, and a visit there doesn't get any more special than at Christmas. The Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers gives families the chance to stay in themed lodges and experience Christmas activities throughout the park during the most wonderful time of year. Kids can meet Santa and his elves, enjoy festive shows, and even take a ride on the park's attractions. One unmissable highlight is the park’s beautifully illuminated Winter Wonderland, a perfect destination to make some magical memories.
We recommend staying at the Enchanted Village for the full woodland Christmas experience, the cosy lodges are the perfect place to settle in for a winter break. Alton Towers is located close to Stoke-on-Trent station, a taxi ride here will take just 25 minutes.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
For a quieter, more nature-focused family Christmas break, the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers a real sense of peace and escapism. Christmas here is all about enjoying the great outdoors, whether that’s through winter walks through snow-dusted hills, a visit to one of the many charming market towns, or snug evenings by a roaring fire. Festive events often take place in local villages too, such as Grassington's Dickensian Festival, where you can step back in time and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas with costumed characters, market stalls, and entertainment from yesteryear.
Spend Christmas Eve exploring the Ribblehead Viaduct, or visit Bolton Abbey for a candlelit Christmas carol service. For accommodation, there are plenty of adorable cottages and lodges in the area, offering a warm and inviting space to celebrate Christmas in the heart of the Dales.
There are plenty of things to do in the Yorkshire Dales all year round, and it's entirely accessible with CrossCountry trains. Leeds station provides numerous connections to the national park, as do Darlington and York station, making it convenient for travellers from various regions.
Gullivers Valley Theme Park
For a true family adventure, Gulliver's Valley Theme Park near Sheffield is an ideal choice. Children can visit Santa's Grotto to share their Christmas wish lists with Father Christmas himself. Alongside this, there are thrilling Christmas shows and gentle rides tailored for younger visitors. The park couldn't be better suited for families with younger kids looking for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
The entire month of December is full to the brim with festive goings on. The park's Christmas Spectacular brings holiday cheer to life with festive parades, magical storytimes with Santa, and a host of interactive attractions that will keep the kids entertained all day. Plus, the Twilight Christmas Adventure is perfect for families who want to experience the magic of Christmas in the evening, with pretty lights and special nighttime entertainment.
Gulliver’s Valley offers family-friendly themed accommodations, including an impressive Princess Suite inside a castle, complete with pink walls, pink bedspreads, and pretty much pink everything. Gullivers Valley is about an hour from Sheffield station by bus, there are multiple services available but you may need to change onto a connecting train from Kiveton Bridge.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel And Spa
For a taste of real luxury this Christmas, head to Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa in Scotland. This 13th-century castle is everything a wintery escape should be. Spend Christmas Eve exploring the castle’s historic halls, then relax in the award-winning spa with a beauty and wellness treatment. On Christmas Day, enjoy a show-stopping Christmas lunch in the castle’s atmospheric dungeon restaurant.
The hotel offers a variety of packages around Christmas time, which often include special activities suitable for all ages, like falconry displays, archery lessons, and guided tours of the castle’s grounds. Visitors can also experience a traditional Scottish Christmas with live bagpipe performances, ceilidh dancing, and a delicious afternoon tea in the drawing room.
For those looking to use public transport to reach Dalhousie Castle, there are a variety of bus services from Edinburgh Waverley. Alternatively, catch a connecting train to Newtongrange, it's roughly forty minute walk from the station - though, perhaps not the best option if you've got luggage! CrossCountry services trains to Edinburgh Waverley from all over the UK, including Glasgow Central, Newcastle station, and Manchester Piccadilly.
If you’re planning some time away with the family this Christmas, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Seb