A Magical Cotswolds Christmas
There’s something wonderfully cosy about the Cotswolds in December. As daylight fades early and the countryside settles into winter stillness the honey-coloured stone villages glow beneath their twinkling Christmas lights. Staying at Whatley places you at the heart of this seasonal charm, perfectly positioned for some of the region’s most enchanting festive evenings and Christmas things to do in the Cotswolds.
Just a short drive away, Westonbirt Arboretum transforms into a magical world of colour and light with its Enchanted Christmas trail. Wandering beneath illuminated branches and shifting displays feels almost otherworldly, as if the forest itself has come alive for the season. The atmosphere is a blend of woodland wonder and festive cheer, complete with mulled drinks and cosy winter treats. Wrap up warmly, book ahead, and let one of the Cotswolds’ most captivating winter experiences unfold around you.
*Book our Westonbirt Winter Offer and enjoy a full refund on your After Dark Experience tickets.
For a livelier festive outing, the iconic Bath Christmas Market is an easy drive from Whatley. Bath’s elegant Georgian streets fill with wooden chalets offering artisan crafts, local produce and seasonal indulgences. The glow of Bath Abbey above the market and the sound of carol singers drifting through the streets create a truly magical atmosphere. It’s bright, bustling and full of festive spirit.
If a quieter, more traditional evening appeals, the surrounding Cotswold villages are at their most charming after dusk. Tetbury glitters with warm shop windows, garlands and lanterns, and on late-night shopping evenings the whole town feels wonderfully nostalgic filled with friendly festive bustle. A little further afield, Bourton-on-the-Water offers its own kind of magic, especially when the riverside Christmas tree glows against the still water, creating postcard-perfect reflections and a peaceful setting for a slow evening wander.
And, of course, no winter visit would be complete without ending the night beside a crackling fire settling in with a warming drink and good food is one of the great pleasures of the season.
Whatley offers a peaceful, luxurious base with effortless access to the very best of the Cotswolds at Christmas, close to the festive hotspots yet wonderfully tucked away from the crowds.
*Book our Westonbirt Winter Offer – this includes a full refund on your tickets to the After Dark Experience
