East midlands

York is a fine place to visit at this time of year, with medieval streets such as The Shambles and the towering York Minster lending it a romantic Christmassy atmosphere. Nearby adults-only York Carav

Dray House, Dyrham, near Bath, Gloucestershire. A detached family home next to the historic grounds of Dyrham Park. It has a terrace with pizza oven, an electric-car charging point, and a wooded area

Christine Faughlin sings the praises of a converted chapel on the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey estate in the Yorkshire Dales

CRADLED IN THE rolling green hills of Derbyshire, Matlock is where Victorian spa-town elegance meets Peak District wilderness. Once famed for its healing waters, today it’s a gateway to leisurely rive

Smytham Holiday Park is a relaxing affair, but with plenty on site to entertain, too. There’s an outdoor pool, a games room, play area, a family-friendly bar, a shop, a dog wash, and a dog exercise pa

Comfortable seclusion is on offer at three historic houses, each beautifully presented and set in glorious landscapes worthy of God’s own county