Best UK Christmas breaks

Bond-style Boxing Day in Buckinghamshire

Glam it up over the holidays at stately home Hartwell House. Start with a black-tie Champagne reception in the elegant Georgian and Gothic drawing rooms on Christmas Eve. Then recover on Christmas Day, gliding down the carved Jacobean staircase to open presents by the Christmas tree and roaring fire. Spend Boxing Day being pampered in the spa before donning your most elegant attire for a thrilling Boxing Day casino evening. Doubles over Christmas from £180pp, B&B, including use of spa. Other meals extra. Boxing Day dinner and casino evening, £65pp.

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Hartwell House, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire: 01296 747444, www.hartwell-house.com