Luxury cottages for Christmas in Dorset

It's a time for togetherness, a time for big group gatherings, a time for whisking yourself away from the everyday in a flurry of ribbon and glitter. With your own home covered in wrapping, head to one of our luxury homes for Christmas in Dorset; they're places where the halls are already decked and all that's left to do is set the presents under the tree and uncork the fizz. The private chef will be along in a little while with all the provisions, the little ones are already exploring the far reaches of the child-friendly rooms filled with gold coins and cabin beds. And when they're tucked under blankets, you'll chink glasses to the easiest Christmas gathering yet.

Just the two of you? Couples wishing to hide out for the Christmas week can hole up in a romantic retreat, escaping to a luxury cottage with sea views where there's no such thing as tiffs about whose family is hosting. Stir from festive dreams at your leisure, sink into the tub, or wrap in knitwear for Buck's Fizz al fresco, before indulging in a simple Christmas supper for two. After, set out for a romantic mitten-wearing walk by the sea at Lyme Regis. With rambling done, and back at your winter love nest, there's mulled wine to sip and old classics to watch by the fire. Staying in with the dog at your feet (and sand in your hair) is the new going out this season.