Under £100
Stay at the centre of Lancashire's own Middle Earth in the Forest of Bowland, the area said to have inspired Tolkien to write his Rings trilogy. The Gibbon Bridge Hotel (01995 61456) for from £55 per person per night and sample the delicacies from the hotel's on-site bakery and restaurant before setting off on a local hearty hikes.
£69 per person for a three night weekend break for Friday departures up to 12 December with Modern Hotels (01534 735511). Includes Fastcat crossing from Weymouth, transfers and accommodaton with breakfast at the Mayfair Hotel, St Helier.
Under £200
The historic Estonian capital of Tallinn is a spectacular backdrop for a Christmas shopping trip staying at the beautiful five star Schlossle Hotel (00 372 699 7700) which also runs its own festive market in the nearby Town Hall Square. Prices start at £120 for a double room with breakfast and include Christmas treats and a private guided walking tour of the old city. Return flights with Estonian Air are currently about £180.
Kickstart your Christmas shopping in Leeds, at 42 The Calls (0113 244 0099). Its December package is £138 for one nights' B&B accommodation (for two sharing), mulled wine and Stollen, and a £20 Harvey Nicks gift voucher per person. Excludes Christmas and Boxing Day.
Two nights' B&B at the three-star Hotel Cliper, Madrid, for £179 with The Real Spain (020 8686 3638). Book by 17 November for travel before the end of March.
Under £400
Romantic Verona is perfect for a two night weekend break. Lakes and Mountains (01329 844405) has two nights B&B at the three star Hotel Mastino and scheduled flights from Gatwick for £332 available travelling Fridays and Saturdays up until early April.
Ireland's romantic five-star Ashford and Dromoland castles are offering three nights for the price of two staying between Sunday and Wednesday until the end of February (excludes Christmas and New Year); €320 (about £219) includes breakfasts and dinner on one evening. Phone quoting SM03 to Ashford, near Galway (00 353 9495 46003) or Dromoland, near Shannon (00 353 6136 8144).
Dive Worldwide (01794 389372) has a long weekend ice-diving in the Austrian alps resort of Weyregg. Thaw out in the Pension Stallinger; £399 includes flights, transfers, four nights' B&B and a beginners diving course. Flights excluded.
Under £600
Sherpa (020 8577 2717) is resuming its eight day Spanish Catalan walking holiday combined with two nights in Barcelona. November/December departures cost from £572 (land only) or £782 (inclusive flights). This covers seven nights B&B and four evening dinners in various types of accommdation from three star hotels to farmhouses and a monastery.
Under £700
Five nights in San Sano, Tuscany, with The Italian Connection (020 7520 0470) in November costs £625 including guided truffle hunting, car hire and a three-hour cookery class with lunch or dinner. B&B is in the Relais Noveschi. Flights extra.
Under £900
Cadogan Holidays (023 80 828313) has announced new low prices for its Christmas special departure to Madeira with savings of up to £675 staying at the five star Crowne Plaza Resort in Funchal. Nine nights B&B from 24 December is now £899 (children £649) including flights, transfers and use of the extensive spa facilities.
