Celebrating Christmas in London & the Countryside in the Cotswolds

Arrive in London the day before Christmas Eve to acclimate and get your bearings before the holiday. Take a walk through the city to shake off jet lag and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Start at Borough Market for artisanal treats, and wander around one of the many Christmas markets London has to offer, including Buckingham Palace, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Leadenhall Market, Mayfair, and Southbank Centre for holiday cheer. As night falls, head out to admire London’s famous Christmas light displays—Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, and Marylebone Village are all aglow this time of year. For something truly magical, book a ticket for Christmas at Kew and experience the botanical gardens lit up in a spectacular display.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then warm up with a pint at one of London’s most festive pubs. Favorites include Churchill Arms, The Holly Bush, The White Lion, The Feathers, and The Grazing Goat. Spend the afternoon shopping along Bond Street and Regent Street, where iconic department stores like Harrods and Fortnum & Mason put on dazzling window displays. In the evening, attend a Christmas Eve service or carol concert at Royal Albert Hall or St. Paul’s Cathedral. Cap off the night with dinner at 34 Mayfair or Dalloway Terrace—both known for their elegant, festive ambiance.

Start your morning with a stroll through Hyde Park, enjoying the peaceful quiet of London on Christmas morning. Then, indulge in a traditional Christmas lunch and afternoon tea at The Ritz. Their Palm Court transforms into a red-and-gold winter wonderland, complete with a choir singing carols, and it's the only time of year where they host afternoon tea. Other festive tea experiences worth noting: Claridge’s, Harrods, Sketch, Ting at Shangri-La, and Grosvenor House. Reservations are essential, as these fill up months in advance.

Pick up your rental car and make your way toward the Cotswolds. Stop in Oxford to visit Oxford University, stroll through the historic colleges, and enjoy a cozy pub lunch at The Head of the River. The drive is about 90 minutes from London, so take your time—half the joy is in the journey.

We stayed in Cheltenham, a lovely base for exploring, but there are countless towns to choose from, each offering its own version of countryside charm. Whether you prefer a boutique inn or a cozy cottage, you’ll find thatched roofs, roaring fireplaces, and friendly locals everywhere you turn. Spend the evening wandering the town, stopping in a local pub and soaking up the peaceful pace that defines rural England.

Dedicate a full day to exploring nearby towns and villages—Bourton-on-the-Water, Cirencester, and Castle Combe are all must-sees. Cirencester offers a livelier scene with charming shops, cafés, and pubs, while Castle Combe is postcard-perfect and home to The Manor House, a five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant and elegant afternoon tea. Bourton-on-the-Water, known for its low stone bridges and festive Christmas markets, is another gem worth visiting. Movie lovers will appreciate that The Holiday’s iconic countryside scenes were filmed at Cornwell Manor, just outside the village.

Use this day to explore another cluster of Cotswolds gems—Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, or Chipping Campden are all worth visiting. Take it slow: pop into small boutiques, grab a traditional roast, and enjoy the slower rhythm of country life.

Begin your return journey east. If you’re a fan of The Holiday like me, take a scenic detour through Surrey, where much of the film was shot. Stop in Godalming and Shere, the towns featured in the movie, and visit the White Horse Pub for lunch. For your final night, check into Heckfield Place—a countryside estate in Hampshire with a spa, organic farm, and cozy interiors that feel straight out of a British film.

Savor a slow morning with room service before indulging in one of Heckfield’s spa treatments or nature walks. As evening approaches, enjoy a special dinner to toast the new year—whether it’s a tasting menu at the hotel or a relaxed countryside meal by the fire.

Enjoy a final morning of coffee and tea while taking in the peaceful countryside views. If you have time before your flight, venture into a nearby village for a final pub lunch or browse local shops for last-minute souvenirs. Depart refreshed, inspired, and ready to plan your next English escape.