A New Forest hotel has been featured among the best UK Christmas breaks to take this year according to a new list.

The Lime Wood Hotel in Lyndhurst was included among 24 others in a write-up from The Times.

Discussing the creation of the list, the publication wrote: "If the thought of enduring yet another highly combustible family Christmas is filling you with more fear than festiveness, there is a solution: dodge the whole thing altogether — book yourself a festive getaway instead and let someone else worry about the catering for once.

"With this idea in mind, we’ve taken a spin around the UK to find our top places to celebrate Christmas in style — and, more importantly, without the stress.

"However you choose to spend the big day — pampering yourself in the spa, singing carols in the village, crafting Christmas baubles or gorging on a Michelin-level lunch — we wish you the very merriest of Christmases."

The full list of the best hotels for a UK Christmas break can be found on The Times website here.

What was said about the Lime Wood Hotel?

The Lime Wood Hotel was praised by The Times for its spa, food offerings and "attractive" main rooms.

However, for those looking to enjoy a special Christmas break, they recommend booking one of their forest cottages or lake cabins.

They wrote: "Mists and frosty mornings cloak the New Forest in midwinter, and there’s nowhere nicer in the national park to stay than Lime Wood — a contemporary country house which has the area’s fanciest spa and its top restaurant — Hartnett Holder & Co — overseen by supremo chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder.

"The rooms in the main house are attractive but for a Christmas treat book into one of the secluded forest cottages or lake cabins.

"All are individually designed with rustic beams, log fires to snuggle by and views over fields and meadows.

"You’ll almost certainly spot one of the forest’s famous stubby ponies while out on your winter walks, though you might need more luck to spy one of Santa’s reindeers."

The Lime Wood Hotel has been well-received on Tripadvisor, earning a 4.5/5 score from 1,910 reviews.

One person wrote of their stay: "We stayed at the hotel last month for 3 nights and were absolutely blown away.

Recommended reading:

"The staff, the rooms, the views, the forest, the food, wine, reception areas, all absolutely on the money. I can be difficult to please but these guys beginning to end were just outstanding."

Another shared: "Just the most beautiful luxurious hotel with warmth and character in the middle of the New Forest. Did some walks through the forest; enjoyed the spa; wonderful food; nice pool. A real highlight of our trip!"

Meanwhile, another posted: "The stunning decor, top-notch service, welcoming can do approach from all the staff and exquisite dining options made my visit unforgettable. It is one for a great recommendation on Tripadvisor to spread the word. It is a precious gem, and one we will continue to go to. It is my home from home."