Put the hectic side of Christmas and winter to one side for a few precious days and make time to sip a fine wine in an intimate hotel bar with a roaring open fire for company while the seasonal weather provides a dramatic backdrop. From down-to-earth B&Bs to intimate hotels with a touch of luxury, make time for yourself here in The Lake District, Cumbria. Here’s just 10 of our picks to get you started...

1Why should only Father Christmas get the grotto?

Winter breaks don’t get much cosier than this. At Castlerigg campsite near Keswick, feel the true joy of getting away from it all in a camping pod – or the brand new Inspire Pod. Gaze at the winter weather through patio doors leading to a large wooden deck area for hot chocolate and marshmallows, before retiring inside to enjoy another Christmas movie on the large flat screen TV. In the words of the site’s team, this offers the ultimate pod experience this winter. Prices for the Inspire Pod begin at just £75 and £53 for a Castle Pod. Santa’s little helpers are welcome in the Castle Pods too; bring your dog for a mere £1.75.

2Carols by the piano

On a chilly winter’s day, there’s nothing better than receiving a warm welcome. That, along with a glass of mulled wine and mince pies is exactly what awaits you at the Rothay Manor hotel in Ambleside, where carols and canapes get your festive retreat off to the best start. Coal-fires and comfortable lounges provide the icing on the Christmas cake after a refreshing winter walk in the heart of the Lake District, followed by a long soak in a luxurious bubble bath where you can pour yourself another glass of festive tipple. Rooms for a three-night break (24-27 December) begin from £600 per person.

3Unwind in your steam-room with a view

It’s not often you can take deep breaths of fresh air at Christmas or around New Year without letting even the tiniest of shivers run through your body – but in a Tranquil Otter lodge, an outdoor hot tub will certainly make being outside easier this winter. Gaze through the steam and admire the lakeside location in the peaceful countryside on the outskirts of the City of the Lakes, Carlisle, from your private balcony haven and let total relaxation take on new meaning. Enjoy a seven-night January break in a four-person lodge from £1,180.

4Join the Inn Crowd

Named as the best pub in the Cumbria at the 2018 National Pub & Bar Awards, the George and Dragon at Clifton is a former 18th century coaching inn brimming with roaring log fires and bags of olde-worlde character. Known as a foodie hotspot, fresh produce comes direct from the nearby Lowther Estate and festive menus feature hearty comfort food including slow roasted soups, show cooked Shorthorn beef and mulled wine poached pear filo tart. B&B from £100 per room per night, based on two sharing. Festive menu £28.50 per person throughout December.

5Experience real peace on earth

There’s no shortage of peace and quiet this Christmas for those who choose to take a well-deserved seasonal break at The Leathes Head Hotel near Keswick, snugly cradled by the surrounding fells of the Borrowdale Valley. There’s twice the reason for merriment this winter too, after the elegant boutique hotel celebrated a double accolade of receiving the ‘Good Hotel Guide: Editor’s Choice for Walking’ and entered the prestigious Michelin Guide for the first time. Your silent night near the ‘Queen of the Lakes’, Derwentwater awaits, where a two-night Christmas break starts at £690 per person including a guided walk on Christmas Eve, mince pies, tea, coffee, hot chocolate & mulled wine upon arrival and midnight mass at a local church before fun, games, food, quizzes and of course, The Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day. Four-night breaks (December 23-27) are also available, from £345 per person, per night.

6Take a new year’s dip in wild swimming favourite

For an intimate winter break in the shadow of the dramatic Mellbreak fell, the Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater is also close to Crummock Water – a favourite among wild swimmers with a taste for a refreshing winter adventure. Whether you choose to make a bracing dip in the lake a new year’s resolution or just watch others take the plunge, this peaceful location will get 2019 off to a serene start. Enjoy a two-night B&B break for two people for just £264.

7Stay at Beatrix Potter’s House

Enjoy a festive stay at the only hotel ever owned by Beatrix Potter. Fresh from a £1million refurbishment, Lindeth Howe’s Christmas package includes the chance to explore the house and gardens which inspired some classic children’s favourites, as well as enjoying some traditional board games and festive quizzes with fellow guests. There’s even a luxury mini-coach service to take guests to Midnight Mass at a local church on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a four-night Christmas break (December 23-27), for £1,370.00 DBB.

8Enjoy a get together with friends on the other side of the lakes

The Lodges at Artlegarth, Kirkby Stephen, offer you, your friends and loved-ones luxury log cabins on the edge of the Lake District – complete with real log fires, along with stunning mountain views to really help you get away from it all this winter. Located in exclusive seven-acre private grounds in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, these exceptionally spacious cabins offer an open plan lounge with stunning views where a weekend breaks in the new year start from just £399.

9A winter break on the edge of the city of the Lakes

For those who want to fuse a memorable Christmas break with history and culture, The Sally at Irthington is perfectly placed for those who fancy a bit of city life with a countryside twist. From Carlisle Castle to World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall, the choice of newly refurbished rooms puts you within a stone’s throw of both. A short drive from the M6 and the West Coast Main Line, it’s also conveniently located for a quick winter’s getaway whether you’re coming from Scotland or south of Cumbria. Prices for a two-night stay begin from £180 per person, with a third night for free; and of course, a Christmas menu will see you fed from just £25 per person.

10Maybe where the hills meet the sea is where you want to be?

In the seaside town of Grange-over-Sands, the Cumbria Grand Hotel is perfectly placed to help you make the most of both the South Lakeland fells and the Furness coastline this Christmas. A four-night break over the Christmas period (December 23-27) is just £355 per person, with the festive package including carvery dinners and buffets, bed and full English breakfast and a glass of bubbly on arrival. Completing the seasonal experience are music and games in the lounge; and of course, The Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day.