There are still some "rooms at the inn" for a hotel break over Christmas in a choice of three of the finest quality independently-owned hotels in England.

Situated in chocolate-box Grasmere at the heart of The Lake District, Rothay Garden is one of the Lake District's finest 4-star hotels and recently won the Cumbria Tourism "Small Hotel of the Year" award.  Couples can stay over Christmas in luxury in one of the hotel's romantic Loft Suites, or a guestroom overlooking the babbling river Rothay or the hotel's two acres of gardens and Riverside Spa. Christmas Breaks at Rothay Garden (tel. 01539 435334) are priced from £695 per person for an inclusive package of three days' festivities and great food, prepared by Masterchef of Great Britain Andrew Burton.

Over the Pennines and into The Yorkshire Dales, The Coniston Hotel nestles in 1,400 acres of beautiful grounds, with its own 24-acre lake.  The hotel and estate, which offers a wide range of activities including shooting, Land Rover off-road driving, archery, falconry and fishing is the ideal destination to enjoy a lovely Christmas in a traditional countryside setting, and many rooms have superb views and private terraces or balconies overlooking the lake. The Coniston's three night Christmas package costs £440 per person and includes afternoon tea on Christmas Eve and a five-course spectacular on Christmas Day.

Further south, The Cottage in the Wood is a beautiful country house hotel in the lovely Malvern Hills, and handy for the Cotswolds, with what has been described as "the best view in England". For many years, it was the favourite UK hotel of Baroness Thatcher. This is Elgar Country, and the historic cities of Worcester and Gloucester are just a short drive away. Three night Christmas Breaks at the Cottage in the Wood (01684 588860) start from £585 per person for a relaxing break in superb surroundings, or guests can stay individual nights over Christmas if they wish.

          
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Notes to Editors:

All the hotels are running full and varied programmes this Christmas, which can be seen on their respective websites.  Further information, photographs or press visits to any of the hotels, please contact Martin Evans at The Tourism Business on tel. 01904 438100, email - martin@thetourismbusiness.com

Contact details for the hotels are:

- Rothay Garden, Lake District - tel. 01539 435334 - www.rothaygarden.com

- The Coniston Hotel, Yorkshire Dales - tel. 01756 748080 - www.theconistonhotel.com 

- The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern Hills - tel. 01684 588860 - www.cottageinthewood.co.uk