By Ken Bennett.

There is absolutely nothing like keeping the home fires burning at Christmas … particularly if they are somebody else’s!

Because if you see the frantic, almost hysterical, run-up to a Christmas Day blow-out as just one big hassle, there is a whole host of exciting options on hand to give you the very best Yuletide – without lifting a finger!

Newly-formed Visit Britain, which proudly markets English tourism, has come up with a wide and diverse series of breaks guaranteed to give you the very best of Christmas crackers.

For example, you could live like the lord of the manor, wining and dining in sumptuous style at one of England’s finest old properties.

Or maybe you would rather spend your well-deserved break on a down to earth ‘Pud and Parties at Pontin’s’ break?

Then again, you could share a stylish house party at the four-star Gibbon Bridge Hotel (pictured below), set in a beautiful Lancashire forest.

The hotel, in the Forest of Bowland, near Preston, promises a haven of peace and tranquillity only 20 minutes from the motorway.

The 29 bedrooms – some set on a split-level – have commanding views over the local hills. Many suites have whirlpool spa baths and four-poster and Gothic brass beds – ideal for a quick nap between the three nights of eating and partying.

Beginning on Christmas Eve with a welcome cream tea in front of a roaring open fire, champagne, canapés, good food and wine are on offer throughout the break.

They have even laid on transport for guests who want to attend a special midnight mass at a local church.

Prices for the package range from £315 to £425 for a VIP suite. For full details, visit their website: www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk Meantime, The Woolacombe Bay Hotel, a splendid three-star in Devon, offers extensive free sporting facilities to help fight the flab during the holiday.

Their three-night, half-board Christmas break includes a packed programme of family entertainment, a crèche, excellent cuisine, a visit from Satan – and presents for everyone!

Priced from £465 per adult, based on twin share, children under-14 pay an extra £130 if they share with parents and take supper instead of dinner.

For further information and bookings, call 01271-870-388 or click on to: www.woolacombe-bay-hotel.co.uk.

The lofty Fawsley Hall (01327-892000), a four-star Tudor manor house, set in the heart n Northamptonshire, near Daventry, promises you’ll live like a lord on their three-day break.

And visitors to Okehampton in Devon are assured they will be to the manor born in a sparkling Christmas package at Lewtrenchard Manor, a beautiful Jacobean stonewalled pile.

There is a treasure hunt, cream tea, gourmet gala dinner and a chance to even walk with a hawk in its stimulating package. Call 01566-783332 for further information on the packages which start at £475 per head.

The Great Inns of Britain have a wide range of options, including a three-night deal with a five-course gourmet dinner at the Crown in Exmoor National Park priced from £395-a-head. For information and brochures, contact 01423-770152.

Alternatively, you could have a capital Christmas at the Britannia International Hotel, set in the heart of London’s Docklands, with magnificent views over Canary Wharf.

Priced from £325 per person for three nights, there are discounts for children aged between six and 16 years and senior citizens, while children under six go free. For information and bookings, call 0207-7120-100, or website: www.britanniainternationalhotel.co.uk.

Visitors to London can also share a medieval Christmas at the Tower of London, with feasting, music and dancing, while City Cruises have a romantic Christmas Day sail on the Thames priced form £29.50 per person. For information, ring 0207-740-0400 or www.citycruises.com.

Families are sure to enjoy a four-night Christmas beano at Pontin’s, which starts from just £63 per person based on four sharing a self-catering budget apartment.

On offer at Hemsby, Southport, and their Wall Park centres, it includes a visit from Santa, parties and disco dancing.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a half board packages from £249 per adult in one of their Classic accommodation, based on two sharing with children paying half the adult rate. Call 08705-331199 or click on to: www.pontins.com for more information and brochures.

But if you really fancy a good old-fashioned family knees-up – why now rent a hostel? The YHA (0870-770-8868) has a wide range of youth hostels for hire in superb locations across England and Wales.

They are currently offering reduced prices from £400 for a four-night break.

Visit: www.yha.org.uk for moredetails.