Emma Getaway to the seaside, to the railway and to the Loire Valley
This winter, South Devon Railway is serving up a festive experience to savour a feast of fine local flavours, vintage charm and breathtaking DartValley scenery, all enjoyed aboard one of Britain’s most nostalgic rail journeys.
In the lovingly restored 1950s Restaurant Car, diners can enjoy a Festive Ploughman’s Lunch brimming with local cheeses, chutneys and rustic breads or settle in for a Festive Afternoon Tea, complete with dainty sandwiches, scones and seasonal treats.
Reviving a disused ski lift station at 2,400m altitude and turning it into a vibrant temple of taste and conviviality. That is what the Reversade family will unveil on 29th November 2025 with La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale.
The largest kitchen piano in France, live cooking performances, a pastry bar where treats are crafted before your eyes, children’s workshops, and of course La Folie Douce’s iconic signature shows, La Petite Cuisine.
La Folie Douce Val d’Isère, La Daille Gondola, 73150 Val d’Isère
Christmas Eve in the land of chateaus – let yourself be enveloped by the magic of winter at Les Sources de Cheverny. In the tranquillity of the Sologne forests, the rooftops are dusted with frost and the estate is bathed in a soft light. Here, Christmas is celebrated in the peaceful setting of an elegant country house, amidst shared moments, gourmet delights, and the warmth of home. (read our review here)
Enjoy a relaxing stay: a stroll in the park, a treatment at the Spa des Sources, a glass of wine by the fireplace…before savouring one of the festive dinners created by our chefs for the occasion.
At Le Favori, a Michelin-starred restaurant, the chef offers a Christmas menu for €230 (excluding drinks), a tribute to nature and exceptional produce. The menu features foie gras with pink peppercorns, scallops and sea urchin tongues, line-caught turbot with yuzu, Sologne capon with black truffle, before a finale of freshness and intensity featuring kiwi, shiso and 75% Tanzanian chocolate ( see the detailed menu ).
At L’Auberge, the atmosphere becomes more familial and welcoming with a Christmas menu at €95 (excluding drinks) and €55 for children, available for dinner on December 24th or lunch on December 25th. A generous and comforting festive meal: foie gras terrine, grilled line-caught hake, roasted blue-legged chicken, and a Black Forest-style Christmas wreath to finish on a sweet and joyful note ( see the detailed menu).
A suspended moment where sharing, generosity and the simple pleasure of being together in the heart of Sologne come together.
Stay 3 nights for a midweek Wee Winter Break and receive a discount of £25 per night on published room rates. Offer is not valid for the Superior Sea View Rooms and is applicable on Sunday-Thursday nights from the beginning of November 2025 to the end February 2026.
Only available with direct bookings by telephone. Call The Pierhouse Hotel on 01631 730 302 to check availability. (Click here to read about our review of The Pier House Hotel)
Step into 2026 with an indulgent celebration at The Black Bull. Their exclusive New Year’s Eve Package, from £499 for two sharing a Classic Room, promises an evening of sophistication and culinary excellence.
Your unforgettable experience includes: A welcome glass of Black Chalk English Sparkling Wine to toast the night; an exquisite eight-course Tsuchi tasting menu, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients and masterful craftsmanship; and a leisurely breakfast on New Year’s Day, the perfect start to a year of new possibilities. Click here to read our review of The Black Bull Sedbergh.
In the days between Christmas and New Year, Mar Hall offers the perfect retreat. After the excitement of the festivities, take time to slow down and recharge in their luxury spa. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, and the Primal gym, the ideal way to refresh body and mind before the year ahead. Whether you choose to explore the Boxing Day sales in nearby Glasgow or simply relax and savour the tranquillity of the estate.
