Spend Christmas in a Wye Valley country house hotel

It is the middle of summer but some people are already booking special Christmas breaks to the Pilgrim Country House Hotel near Ross-on-Wye in rural Herefordshire.

Comments Steve Boyle, ex-England and Lions rugby international who owns and runs the hotel: “It might seem crazy to be thinking about Christmas whilst in the middle of summer but our festive breaks are very popular and get snapped up quickly.

“We are very lucky in that we have some very loyal customers, many of whom spend Christmas with us every year. The festive season can be stressful so it’s nice to be spoilt for a change and let someone else take care of all the cooking and washing up!”

The Pilgrim Country House Hotel Christmas break begins on Christmas Eve with a welcome warming glass of mulled wine and a brandy mince pie in the cosy bar with its roaring fire and beamed ceiling. Later on, canapés and a pre-dinner cocktail will be served before an à la carte dinner in the restaurant.

Christmas Day starts with the Pilgrim’s famous full-English breakfast, accompanied by a glass of Buck’s Fizz (find a table in the conservatory and enjoy the amazing views across the border towards Wales and the Black Mountains).

The rest of the morning can be spent playing board games in the lounge or taking one of the circular walks that start from outside the hotel (free maps/guides available from reception).

Christmas lunch is an elegant 4-course meal with something to tempt every palette, after which you might want to have a digestion-aiding walk or maybe a well-earned siesta! If guests are still peckish in the evening, there will be a buffet which can be eaten at leisure.

On Boxing Day a late Brunch will be served in the restaurant and bar leaving the rest of the day free to maybe visit some local attractions such as the quaint market town of Ross-on-Wye or Hereford Cathedral where the world famous Mappa Mundi is housed.

During the afternoon a sumptuous tea of homemade scones and fresh cream will be served in the lounge and bar. A candlelit three course farewell dinner will then be served in the restaurant between 7.00–9.00pm.

Guests depart after breakfast on the morning of 27th December.

The three night package costs from £340 pp (two sharing) including three nights’ accommodation & meals as detailed (stay a fourth night from £60 pp, dinner, B&B).

Well-behaved dogs welcome in some rooms (£7.50 per dog per night).

For more information, visit pilgrimhotel.co.uk.