Is there any better way of escaping reality than having rural holidays in a rural retreat somewhere in the UK countryside? If you’re looking for a quiet holiday with few reminders of the daily grind and minimal interactions with the outside world, have a look at this selection of carefully curated country cottages we’ve found for you.
Rural Holidays In England
Yorkshire
Set against the side of a moor, you’ll have panoramic views from every main room and some rooms giving far-reaching views across the sheep-grazed fields of the Aire Valley. From the study, you can see up the Pinnacle, a historic stone monument set on the crest of the moor above the cottage.
This is a smallholding with the owners living, unobtrusively, in a neighbouring cottage. Free-range hens wander around and at times there will be lambs being bottle-fed, as well as pigs living in the nearby woodland!
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West Dorset
So secluded is this West Dorset house that you probably won’t encounter another human soul whilst you’re here.
Instead, you can truly relax, stroll through wildflower meadows, explore the woodland, climb the treehouse or lookout for birds and other wildlife. Wait until the sun sets to watch the starry skies and see if you can spot a shooting star.
Just one mile away you’ll find a traditional thatched pub, and close by are the towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis.
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Sussex
This is a beautiful, detached oast house. An oast house or hop kiln is a building designed for kilning (drying) hops as part of the brewing process. At first, these buildings were square but around 1800 AD round kilns were developed in the belief that they were more efficient.
Located within the grounds of a 50 acre estate, the oast has its own private, spacious and lawned garden overlooking the surrounding fields and paddocks. When the sun is shining, enjoy an afternoon on the terrace in peace and quiet.
The house is perfectly located to walk by footpath to Bewl Water, the largest lake in the south-east of England. Here you will discover a 13-mile circular path with beautiful waterside walks and a variety of birdlife. You can even cycle or ride around the perimeter in the summer months. In addition, why not spend the day sailing, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing or fishing on the lake.
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Warwickshire
Stay in this idyllically peaceful cottage situated in a secluded location on the banks of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
Sit outside on the patio, overlooking the fields and a waterside area where you can watch the passing narrowboats.
The nearest villages are Aston Cantlow and Wilmcote – both are about a 40-minute walk. Walking south down the canal towpath you’ll reach Stratford in about 1hr 40mins or 30mins by bike. Walking north on the towpath takes you to Wootton Wawen where you’ll find a craft centre and cafe in about 30mins.
If you fancy a day out, you’re just a short journey away from England’s longest aqueduct allowing narrowboats to travel across the valley 80ft above the ground.
If you’re looking for rural perfection, we think this might be it.
Worcestershire
How do you fancy staying in a picture-book stone thatched cottage with many period features? Set on the slopes of Bredon Hill in a truly idyllic and tranquil location, you could spend an entire week just in the garden alone.
If you’re quiet enough, you may be able to spot deer and other wildlife close by as well as enjoy beautiful country walks. Situated on the edge of the charming village of Elmley Castle in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this amazing cottage provides a peaceful haven for relaxation and if you want to explore locally, the unspoilt beauty of the Cotswolds.
The pretty village also has a pub within walking distance and nearby riverside market towns are both a short drive away.
Stay In The Cotswolds In This Thatched Cottage
Merseyside
On the outskirts of the rural village of Hale, you’ll find this period feature cottage with a traditional reed thatched roof.
The area is quiet enough to provide a few days of rest and solitude but it’s ideally placed to visit the thriving Liverpool with its historical, Grade I listed, Albert Dock.
Local beaches are close by as are country walks and even a lighthouse. Visit New Brighton with its promenade or West Kirby with its thriving cafe culture. Further away is Formby with its bird sanctuary and red squirrel habitat. More walks can be found in Wales which is just an hour’s drive away.
If you stay here, pop over to Chester for the day and visit the city’s old walls and old town. This really is a cottage with it all.
Rural Retreats In Scotland
Highlands
Built by an award-winning architect, this Highlands House combines the outdoors, inside. Mixing the look of Scottish blackhouse with floor to ceiling glass doors, you’ll likely spot deer in the vicinities.
What’s most likely to amaze you is the idyllic scenery. The garden stretches down to the River Slatach and you’ll also be able to spot the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steam train that passes nearby.
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Highlands
18 miles from Thurso, this rural croft dwelling is on the outskirts of the pretty hamlet Forsinard. This listed building was previously used as a school and a local place of worship.
The property is situated within a small working croft where organic vegetables are grown (and sold for a fee) and chickens and ducks roam freely. The croft working family love showing people around and introducing holidaymakers to the chickens and ducks.
Hugging the rolling Scottish countryside, the Croft boundaries a picturesque river that is perfect for daily walks. Locally is a bird-watching centre and slightly further afield you’ll find a number of award-winning beaches which even offer whale watching.
If you’re looking for more adventurous activities, you’ll find water sporting activities, such as sailing and kayaking as well as hiking, gorging, Via Ferrata and bungy jumping.
Take a drive towards the thriving coastal town of Thurso to discover a wealth of pubs, restaurants, shops and supermarkets for all of your amenities.
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Ullapool
A detached cottage situated on a private, family-owned estate and set amongst the dramatic scenery of the Northwest Highlands is available for you.
Just a few minutes walk from the cottage and you’ll arrive at the water’s edge where there are breathtaking views of the Summer Isles and where you can pick up The Postman’s Path, a famous coastal walk to Achiltibuie.
Stay in your own little piece of Highland heaven but where you’re only 10 minutes from the vibrant town of Ullapool. You could even board a ferry to the Outer Hebrides should you fancy a spectacular sea journey across The Minch.
Why not travel northwards and explore the wonderful empty unspoilt countryside with amazing beaches and views?
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Country Hideaways In Wales
This charming, secluded cottage is the perfect retreat to enjoy nature. Situated at the foot of the hill, it enjoys stunning mountain views and is just around the corner from the Elan Valley.
Enjoy scenic walks with the stunning Cwm Rheidol Reservoir nearby and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales, Devil’s Bridge.
Dolgellau
If you are afraid of sheep, don’t like the woods or expect to have neighbours nearby, then this is not the place for you as this property is completely surrounded by forest and woodland.
Tucked away, down a secluded track just outside the town of Dolgellau, this cottage is entirely off-grid and the electricity and water you use while here are all from a natural supply. The nearest pub is over 3 miles away, so if you’re looking for absolute solitude, this is it.
Boasting magnificent views over the surrounding woodlands and over to the mountains, you’re also conveniently located within the Snowdonia National Park. Keep an eye out for deer and birds of prey.
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