HOTEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Having the family round at Christmas can be a lot of work – check into a gorgeous hotel instead!

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For many of us, Christmas is something we look forward to all year, anticipating the merriment, the presents, the parties and... the washing up. Yes, that's an inevitable part of entertaining family and friends, so wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to? Why not let one of Britain's most picturesque hotels look after you instead, providing beautiful decorations, delicious food and, best of all, no housework. Here's our pick of the best places to book.

Dornoch Station
SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND
Enjoy a glorious Highland getaway at Dornoch Station, a traditional grand hotel situated in the seaside town of Dornoch. Thanks to its proximity to the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, the interiors nod to the sport, with pillars decorated with golf clubs and fairway-green-hued tiles in the bar. Rooms are plush and comfortable. Christmas sees the hotel brightened with locally-sourced greenery, candlelight and crackling log fires, and a festive stay involves Christmas Eve dinner at The Golden Gorse restaurant, and a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch.

HOW TO DO IT: Christmas Package, with breakfast, a champagne cream tea and festive dinners, costs from £488 for two nights (£122pp pn); marineandlawn.com.

Slieve Donard