A Festive Escape: London, Country Christmas, and the Sea
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or returning to a city you already love, this holiday itinerary blends festive sparkle, countryside warmth, and elegant travel into one unforgettable experience. You’ll start with a few days in London, spend Christmas in a stately countryside home, and return to New York by way of a luxurious Queen Mary 2 transatlantic voyage.
Start in Festive London
London in December is pure holiday magic. Shop under the lights at Regent Street, warm up with mulled wine at Southbank’s Winter Market, or enjoy holiday concerts and theater performances across the city. I have several hand-picked hotel and restaurant recommendations for your pre-Christmas stay, whether you want a lively Soho vibe, a classic Kensington base, or a quiet boutique hideaway with city views.
After exploring the city, it’s time to slow things down.
Celebrate the Holidays at Hartwell House
Just over an hour from London, Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire sets the scene for a storybook English Christmas. From December 24–26, 2025, enjoy a three-night holiday house party in a grand stately home surrounded by 90 acres of gardens.
What’s included:
Christmas Eve: Cream tea on arrival, Champagne reception, three-course dinner with wine pairings, and optional transport to Midnight Mass
Christmas Day: Cooked English breakfast, Bucks Fizz toast, four-course Christmas lunch with wine, tea, and Christmas cake in the library during the King’s Speech, and a light supper
Boxing Day: Hartwell brunch, Prosecco reception, black-tie four-course dinner with wine, and a fun casino night
Another option is to ring in the New Year at Hartwell House with their elegant two-night New Year’s House Party, running December 30 and 31, 2025. Guests are welcomed with cream tea on arrival and a welcome dinner with wine pairings on the 30th. On New Year’s Eve, the celebration begins with a Champagne reception and fireworks in the East Parkland, followed by a black-tie candlelit four-course dinner with wine pairings. After dinner, dance into the early hours with a live DJ. On New Year’s Day, enjoy a leisurely Hartwell brunch to start the year refreshed. This festive package combines stately charm, fine dining, and celebration in a truly unforgettable countryside setting.
The peaceful countryside setting provides a serene space to unwind. This experience is more than a holiday; it’s a fully immersive English tradition.
Post-Holiday Relaxation or Day Trips
After Hartwell House, return to London for a few quiet days, or extend your journey with time in nearby towns like Oxford, Windsor, or the Cotswolds. I have curated options for where to stay and what to see during this “in-between” stretch, including charming hotels, spa options, and easy day trips.
Cross the Atlantic in Style
On January 11, 2026, travel from Southampton to New York aboard the Queen Mary 2. This eight-night transatlantic voyage is all about elegant simplicity, no jet lag, no rushing, just fine dining, live music, afternoon tea, enrichment programs, and time to breathe.
You’ll arrive in New York on January 19 refreshed, rested, and having celebrated the season with a perfect mix of city energy, countryside comfort, and classic ocean travel.
Let’s Plan Your Holiday Journey
I’ll help with every piece, London hotels, Hartwell House holiday booking, post-Christmas stays, and your Queen Mary 2 sailing. I can also help with transfers, day trips, and personalized travel enhancements to make this a seamless and unforgettable end-of-year experience.
📩 Contact me to get started on your custom holiday itinerary.
