NYE breaks in the UK that are perfect for ringing in the new year in style

Bath is one of Britain’s most attractive small cities and the Francis Hotel one of its most stylish and sophisticated hotels. Full of character, the rooms are beautifully styled with the added delight of luxurious four-poster beds in the Feature rooms. The bar area is so charming though, that you may find yourself preferring to relax there of an evening rather than heading up to your room.

There are lots of lovely restaurants nearby but my advice is to start your night with cocktails and a delicious Italian meal at the Ponte Vecchio overlooking Pulteney Bridge—book ahead for their New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner; the menu looks amazing. Afterwards, stroll on over to Hideout, a cosy whisky bar which rumour has it, used to be a meeting place for lawless reprobates to share drinks and stories.

Due to the central location of the hotel, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city. Don’t leave without seeing the Royal Crescent, the grand cathedral and the Roman Baths. The 2,000-year-old baths are renowned for being a place of relaxation and rejuvenation and are thought to have healing powers. Whilst you can’t jump in for a dip, it’s certainly a great place to start off the New Year.

The Midland Hotel is, by far, my favourite hotel in Manchester and if like me, you are a bit of a foodie, it’s definitely the ideal New Year’s Eve getaway for you. It has two restaurants. Mr Coopers House & Garden is the one to choose for a beautiful dining experience with dishes full of flavour, desserts you will fall in love with and an impressive selection of cocktails. The French is a Michelin-starred restaurant known across the UK for its incredible tasting menu intricately put together by winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu, Adam Reid. Both are sure to be busy on New Year’s Eve so reserve your table as soon as you book your room.

The hotel itself has been delighting guests since 1902. Once built to serve rail travellers from London, it’s grand entrance and hallway leaves you dreaming of how impressive its ballroom once was. Its beauty has attracted rock stars, politicians and even royalty but its staff have a way of making us ordinary folk still feel special. Whether you choose to stay here for its food, serene spa or local sightseeing, The Midland is a great hotel for a really special New Year’s Eve break.

New Year’s Eve is an evening that most people choose to spend with their nearest and dearest. The Unicorn Hotel, in the delightful village of Stow-on-the-Wold, welcomes pets meaning that you can celebrate the new year with your furry friends, too. Different to a hotel, the recently refurbished Grade-II listed building has been transformed into nine spacious suites, each with a kitchen and living area. It’s a home away from home and a great place to book up with friends and family. Celebrate the night together and follow it up with a hearty New Year’s Day dog walk.

While you’re in Stow-on-the-Wold, pop in to England’s oldest Inn, The Porch House for lunch, and afterwards stop by and see the unique ‘Tolkienesque’ North door to St Edwards’ church which is flanked between two ancient yew trees. It would be a shame not to take some time to explore the surrounding picturesque villages, too. They’re famous for their honey stoned cottages and stunning countryside. It’s a New Year’s Eve getaway that your pet will certainly thank you for.

If you have a special occasion to celebrate or have had a particularly busy 2019 and fancy a relaxed New Year’s Eve, this next one’s for you. Take a look at Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa and imagine yourself spending the day unwinding with a massage or an aromatherapy treatment. Follow that up with a drink in the elegant cocktail bar and dinner in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, both of which sit on the edge of Lake Windermere. It’s the ideal way to start 2020 feeling completely and utterly pampered.

The four-star property boasts its own beautiful garden but with Holehird Gardens and the Lake District National Park close by, there are plenty of places to head out for fresh air and a refreshing New Year’s Day walk. If you find yourself a little peckish and in need of a pick me up, meander to pretty Ambleside and Chesters By The River. Don’t leave without sampling one of their mouth-watering bacon sandwiches along with a pot of tea. The neighbouring interiors shop will catch the eye of anyone with a love of homeware, too.

For a romantic New Year’s Eve break, the Chester Grosvenor Hotel is the ideal destination. Located in the heart of Chester overlooking the famous Eastgate clock, it’s as impressive on the inside as it is from the outside. From the moment the top-hatted doorman greets you and welcomes you into the incredibly grand entrance hall with its breath-taking chandelier, it’s a hotel that you will never forget.

It’s famous for its Michelin starred restaurant, Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor, which serves a world-class tasting menu and is a restaurant where Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood once served as head baker. There’s something about the atmosphere in the restaurant paired with the ambient lighting that makes you feel instantly relaxed. New Year’s Eve will see the restaurant hosting a Big Band Party with live music and a four course set menu created especially for the occasion by Simon Radley. It’s sure to be popular so book in advance. Although I’m sure the staff will do their best to squeeze you in closer to the time if you’re a guest of the hotel.

The rooms are traditional but not dated, all beautifully designed and featuring the softest guest robes, slippers and a minibar. The hotel has its own spa with sauna, salt grotto, themed shower and offers a range of treatments. Why not take a romantic walk around the walls of Chester and watch the fireworks light up the sky at midnight? I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of a new year.

For the party animals amongst us, look no further than The Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a city I’m always excited to visit, I love the atmosphere and the friendliness of its people and of course, it’s whisky. Each New Year, the crowds flock to Edinburgh for Hogmanay, with concerts, ceilidhs and street parties running from 30th December to January 1st. They claim it’s where the world comes to party and with Mark Ronson headlining, this year’s celebrations are sure to be truly amazing.

The Rutland Hotel is in the perfect location for joining in with the festivities as it’s a mere 10-minute walk from the main party area on Princes Street. If you’re feeling up to sightseeing on New Year’s Day, it’s also just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, which is included in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque old town and The Scotch Whisky Experience.

The boutique hotel is modern, trendy and stylish and has executive rooms and suites for those who would like a little extra space. It’s home to the Kyloe restaurant, known for its delicious steaks and also the Huxley bar which serves more informal meals in a friendly setting, making it the perfect meeting place for drinks with friends before heading out to party.

Anglesey, an island off the North West coast of Wales, is famous for its beaches and ancient sites. The Outbuildings in Llangefni is a beautiful, budget B&B in an excellent position to explore the island. It couldn’t be more ideal for a cheap New Year’s Eve getaway with a whole load of sightseeing opportunities on the doorstep.

Must-sees on Anglesey include Llanddwyn Island, a small tidal island named after St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. The island has a lighthouse with spectacular views of Snowdonia, but take care to check the tide times to avoid being stranded.

Llanddwyn Island is reached by one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, Newborough beach, but there are other gorgeous beaches in Anglesey worth a visit, too. Pop to Rhosneigr and the local dog-friendly The Oystercatcher pub and restaurant, and Trearddur Bay with its lifeboat station and lovely restaurants: The Sea Shanty, which serves amazing breakfasts, and The Black Seal, a fantastic dining experience next to the sea with its own gin menu.