For many both at home and abroad (we’re looking at you, Americans), the mere suggestion of an English getaway conjures up all manner of Downton-esque stately homes.

While the reality for many Brits is more ‘leaking mod-conned caravan’, there are still an incredible array of rentable cottages and manors to make your own incredible home away from home.

And with Christmas on the horizon, what better time to scout out all manor (gettit?) of festive fancies? Join us as we run through some of the UK’s finest, most stunning getaway properties?

Pennsylvania Castle, Dorset

An actual castle. Let’s say that again. AN. ACTUAL. CASTLE.

What with being A CASTLE and all, it’s a getaway that can accommodate groups of up to 20 people across nine rooms. The property’s 200-year-old history ensures each and every room is stuffed with proper ye olde character and charm. Throw in a heated indoor swimming pool, library(!), and an enormous dinner perfect for Chrimbo cooking, and you’re guaranteed festive, fancy runtimes.

'Find out how to book with Blue Chip Holidays.'

St Teresa’s Cottage, Cornwall

Century-old charm? Check. Grade 1 listed fanciness? Check. Log-burner, secluded gardens and an idyllic lounge room for all your present-unwrapping dreams? Triple check.

St. Teresa’s comes with four bedrooms and approximately 82,993 reasons to visit.

'Find out how to book withBlue Chip Holidays.'

Bar Lodge, Cornwall

Your search criteria for a stunning Christmas cottage may not automatically include ‘roof terrace’, but sweet muppety Odin does Bar Lodge prove it should.

With stunning, far-reaching sea views over the Land’s End peninsula, and a history that involves it being built by an actual CAPTAIN (John Peverell Rogers of Penrose - we’re not sure if he was a pirate, but we’re going to go out on a limb and guess he was), it’s the ultimate sea-side getaway for those after more seafaring break.

'Find out how to book with National Trust Holidays.'

Laburnham, Cornwall

Fancy a hyper-romantic, super-private getaway for you and your BAE? Say hello to Laburnham in Cornwall, a one-bedroom lodge that boasts 60 miles of uninterrupted panoramic sea views.

Between THAT view (oof), a private garden and decking area overlooking the sea, and a snuggle-worthy log burner, who needs family when you’ve got each other (and a sexy, sexy cottage)?

'Find out how to book with Blue Chip Holidays.'

The Turret, Worcestershire

How many times have you stayed somewhere that has wings? Well, exactly.

The Turret, in case you couldn’t tell from the name alone, is a Tudor stately home dream, and this apartment (located in the North West Wing of Charlecote Park) is perfect for those of you craving a historical bolthole getaway.

'Find out how to book with National Trust Holidays.'

Kingston Manor, Isle of Wight

Venture off the mainland and head over to the Isle of Wight for an 800(!)-year-old Grade II listed manor house that sleeps an astonishing 16 people - enough for you, your immediate family, and even some of those third cousins you see every leap year or so.

Between the carp pond (swish), a private lake (with its own island, obvs), an actual-named ‘Great Hall’ (Game of Thrones fans, eat your heart out) and an enormous outdoor hot tub, this is the ultimate family or friend festive getaway dream.

'Find out how to book with Blue Chip Holidays.'