Where to go for Christmas to get away from it all..

[Lovemusic33]

I am feeling really anxious about Christmas. Last Christmas I went through a really tough time, was advised to leave my home 2 days before Christmas to go to a woman's refuge but I didn't go (I went to a family member house), lots went on, police in and out of my house, me having to give several statements and the fear of ex returning. My mental health reached rock bottom.

I'm scared of ending up in that dark place again this Christmas ( mentally ). I would love to take the dc's somewhere for a few days so we don't have to do Christmas. Somewhere away from my family who will all be jolly and happy. My dd's are getting older and Christmas isn't a huge deal for them.

Where can we go to get away from all the hype?

Do you have a large budget?

Not a huge budget, ideally needs to be in the U.K. As my dc's have ASD and won't cope with a busy airport.

Center parcs
Hire a cottage
Youth hostel

Looked at centre parks but the prices were crazy. Would ideally like a lodge with hot tub but most places are either closed at Christmas or are booked up.

Christmas has crazy prices and often you can oy go for a week. DARWIN forest or forest lodges may be an option.

Very sorry to hear all of this, we are doing a Darwin Forest hol over Christmas this year and although our booking is for 10 I found it reasonable. Although we have no reason to want or need to get away, I'm really looking forward to the change! Swimming on Xmas eve etc!!

We went to Egypt for Christmas -was amazing ! Drinking cocktails by the pool on Xmas day -would definitely do it again

Random suggestion based on nothing but the fact I'd love to do this myself - what about a caravan park? Much cheaper than places like centre parcs, but lovely and cosy in the cold weather. Self catering so can control food costs etc.

The YHA in Stratford on Avon is lovely and has private rooms, Cardiff one is the same. I don't know if they have anything special at Christmas but in general they're fab and the staff are friendly.