When it comes to a countryside escape, you can't get much better than the rolling hills and chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds. Take a look at some of our best homes in the area – you can't really get much better than these either. 

Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Pasties, cake, ice cream and pirates. If you stick Cornish in front of it, it becomes a tradition. So, here’s a very Cornish Cornwall 7 day itinerary. 


Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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Entertainment

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Kitchen

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Washing Machine

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Bedroom & Laundry

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Parking & Access

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Sunbeam House is a beautifully presented end terrace Edwardian property located in the serene coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Redcar and Cleveland. Situated on a quiet residential street, this charming haven offers guests a truly peaceful oasis. With its spacious and airy feel, Sunbeam House immerses visitors in a sense of tranquility and relaxation from the moment they step inside. Natural light floods through the large windows, creating a bright and warm atmosphere throughout the day. The property also boasts a stunning natural garden with an abundance of colorful flowers, providing not only a visual feast but also attracting bumblebees and butterflies for guests to admire. Just a short walk away from Saltburn's town center, transport links, sandy beach, and enchanting Valley Gardens, Sunbeam House offers guests the perfect blend of convenience and serenity for an unforgettable seaside retreat.

Vintage Beauty

Ironing Board

Dryer

Fireplace

Parking Available

Free Parking On Premises

Balcony

This charming stone cottage in North Wales accommodates two guests and one child, with spectacular views of the Snowdonia Mountains from a secluded position above the Eglwysbach valley. The Bodnant Estate offers ten luxury self-catering cottages, including Ty Newydd, sleeping eight guests, and Lletty, sleeping six guests. The estate features hilly and wooded countryside in the lower reaches of the Conwy Valley and various houses and cottages available for rent as holiday lets. The cozy cottage has been sympathetically extended to provide generous openings between the main rooms and includes a wood-burning stove, oak floors, an enclosed garden, garden furniture, barbecue, and Wi-Fi. Guests can explore over 20 miles of private paths winding through woods and farms across the estate or visit the world-famous Bodnant Garden owned by the National Trust. Fishing permits are available at Bodnant Garden Centre. Other nearby attractions include Zip World Fforest, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Welsh Mountain Zoo, sandy beaches of Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay, Penrhyn Castle and several Welsh castles.

The Time Machine

Barbeque

Outdoor Seating

This charming Tudor castle, built in 1560, has been fully restored to create the perfect romantic retreat for two. Set in the picturesque Teesdale landscape, this historic property is located near the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park, as well as the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guests can admire the ornate roof beams carved from oak trees felled over 400 years ago in the dining hall, and relax in the cosy living room with a wood-burning stove set within a Tudor fireplace. The bedroom features a double bed on an oak floor adorned with Persian rugs and offers stunning views of the walled garden and the high moors beyond. The property also boasts an enclosed courtyard garden and two designated parking spaces. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome for a small additional charge.

The Daffodil Garden

Satellite / Cable TV

This old dairy, set on the Burghley Estate, is a peaceful getaway for large groups and makes a pretty picture for small celebrations. Throughout the restoration of the dairy and its conversion into cottages, an emphasis remained on the history of this building, and plenty of the original features remain to make this a charming and comfortable stay. With two wings, it also grants everyone plenty of space, though the mezzanine bedrooms can only be accessed through several ground-floor rooms, which might not feel the most private. Still, it's a beautiful space, and the estate is within the Capability Brown Parkland, first landscaped in the early 1700s and still as lush and inviting, perfect for walks with the dogs.

The Cottage Soul

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Within a mile of Sheffield's city centre, this contemporary home makes a good base for your adventures. Broomhall is home to tree-lined streets, coffee shops and pubs, two universities, and Sheffield Botanical Gardens. It's quiet yet still close to all the action. Back home, you can enjoy sunny days in the private garden or spend chilly evenings getting cosy in the living area. In addition to the three comfortable bedrooms, the lounge features a sofa bed for one guest. Desks are available for digital nomads, a sleek kitchen is ideal for home chefs, and pets are welcome to tag along for a fee.

Broomhall in Bloom

Smart TV

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Child Friendly

Once the home to the estate’s Head Gardener, this Midlothian home is the perfect bolthole for a family on a back-to-nature retreat. We love the sense of history this home offers, along with all the modern touches you’d want for a relaxing stay. The cedar hot tub is sure to be a hit with all, while the outdoor fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a tipple to share tales from the day. With 3,100 hectares to explore, you’ll never be bored here – but if you fancy a change of scene, head to the Pentland Hills or hop in the car for a trip to Edinburgh, thirty minutes away. 

Scottish Tranquillity

Heated Pool

Private Pool

Whisk your loved one away to this rural retreat on the outskirts of Hungerford, Berkshire. The countryside surroundings are idyllic, especially from the heated pool – it’s exclusively yours to use between June and September. Guests don’t have access to the gardens, though. Inside, there is a lot of room for just two people, but the living area is still cosy with plush sofas. Bear in mind that it’s not suitable for children, including babies. Location wise, Hungerford’s antique shops, unique boutiques, and friendly pubs are just 6 miles away. 

Rolling Rest

This charming cottage is the perfect place for a couple or small family to relax after days spent exploring Oxford, just a thirteen-minute drive away. If you fancy stretching your legs, there are plentiful walks in the immediate area, as is the Seven Stars pub for when you need to wet your whistle. Inside, the living room is kept cosy by a wood-burning stove, and the kitchen has everything you need for rustling up a cooked breakfast. On sunny days, venture into the garden, where you might be fortunate enough to spot some peacocks.


The Peacock Feather

Access to Beach

Fancy a romantic getaway with a twist? This upside-down home places a firelit living area above the bedroom, where the en-suite bathtub enjoys a framed view of the creek. Upstairs, we think the waterside terrace might inspire a paddle to Salcombe – made easy by the three-seater kayak your host provides. It's worth noting that there is a bit of a hike to the front door here (thirty-six steps, to be precise), so this home won't be the best option for everyone. 

The Great Outward

Library of Books

Rain Shower

Free Parking

Situated in a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1878, we can't help but swoon over this Alnwick apartment. It doesn't lack character, that's for sure – vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and antique knick-knacks like typewriters and old books are in abundance. We think it's the perfect blend of old and new, and nowhere is a better example of that than the open-plan living area. Bright and roomy, there's more than enough space here to spread out and get comfortable, whether you're tucking into a feast around the table or snuggling up in front of the fire. Cooking is anything but a chore in the glossy kitchen, and on rainy days, head up to the mezzanine for board games and billiards. There's also a communal garden for the summer months, where you can sip tea in the sunshine or cocktails at twilight.

And the location is excellent, too. Alnwick is as charming as they come, sprinkled with history and magic – no wonder they filmed Harry Potter here. Spend afternoons wandering down the cobbled lanes, popping in and out of the independent shops, cafes and bookstores that line the high street. The famous Alnwick Castle is just a short walk away, while the Northumberland coast is a thirteen-minute drive. In the evenings, forgo the home-cooking for a pint, delicious pub grub and live music at one of the cosy inns in town.

Watching the Wheels

Luxury Toiletries

Cafetiere

Luxury Bedding

Bicycles

Desk / Workplace

Throws

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

If you're looking for somewhere that embraces slow country living yet has all the little luxuries you'll need for a getaway, this converted goat shed is sure to do the trick. Situated on the grounds of a family-run farm dating back as far as the 1300s, we think it's the perfect bolthole for a romantic, restful weekend in the great outdoors.

Inside, vaulted ceilings sport original wooden beams, while enormous glass walls flood the space with sunlight. Books and board games line the shelves, cushy sofas are perfect for snuggling and a delightful wood burner keeps everything toasty warm on chilly evenings. We love the small but well-equipped kitchen – you'll have everything you need to rustle up dinner – and the sumptuous bathtub is just the ticket after an invigorating walk through the countryside. On summer days, take your relaxing onto the private courtyard garden, gathering around the fire pit and firing up the barbecue for an alfresco feast when you grow peckish.

Spend sunny afternoons strolling around the farm, admiring the prehistoric ponds – they're some of the last remaining ones in the country. This home is nestled in the heart of the Brecks, where wild forests, craggy heaths and twisted pines are rife for rambling. It sits along the Peddars Way – ideal for walkers, cyclers and horseback riders travelling along the ancient route – plus it's within easy reach of Norwich and an hour's drive from Norfolk's stunning beaches when you fancy a day by the sea.

The Goat Shed

Ping Pong Table

Changing Table

Swimming Pool

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Sauna

Exercise Equipment

Single-Level Home

Hammock

Escape the ordinary at this riverside hideaway for two, nestled in over an acre of secluded woodlands and yet just a twenty-minute stroll from the historic centre of Cambridge. 

With a wood-burning stove to nestle up beside and riverside views from the luxurious four-poster bed, the charms of this cottage cabin are hard to resist. 

On sunny mornings, open the French doors wide and savour morning coffees from the deck’s swing chairs as swans and rowers glide on by. Then up the ante and take to the river with one of the home's boats or kayaks – you've direct access to the river from the garden. 

When thoughts turn to food, closeby you'll find a coffee shop for lazy brunches (ten minutes on foot) and a riverside gastropub (three minutes on foot). Or head into Cambridge's centre along the river towpath (twenty-minute stroll or ten on bike) to dive into one of its ancient pubs before a mooch about the shops. 

Just be sure to make it home for nightfall to get toasty beside the chiminea (which handily doubles as your barbecue). As the stars twinkle overhead, there's no finer place to be.


Float Your Boat

Netflix

Breakfast Included

Fancy staying in a seventeenth-century dovecote on a thousand year-old farm mentioned in the Domesday Book? We thought you might. This stone cottage in deepest Wiltshire is the ultimate countryside retreat. With original features maintained beautifully alongside modern comforts, you have all you need for a carefree stay.

Within the thick stone walls you’ll find exposed beams in abundance, complemented by a delightful mix of contemporary furnishings and fittings. Start your day in style with breakfast on the plush velvet dining chairs or wind down for the night with a soak in the freestanding bathtub.

During the summer months, the real star of the show is the heated saltwater swimming pool. Once you've spent all morning splashing about, you can head over to the terrace where you'll find a barbecue, firepit and ample seating. 

Back inside and up the stairs a fifty-inch Smart TV and sound system await you, with a bit of mood lighting to boot.

When you’re ready to venture out again, embark upon one of many walking routes through Dinton Park, a National Trust site just fifteen-minutes away by foot. And after a long ramble, nourishment awaits at The Wyndham Arms, a mere five-minutes from your door.

Dove's Rest

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Multiple Sets of Keys

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Umbrellas

This is an extra-special home in the grounds of an award-winning boutique vineyard. It’s been carefully curated to offer everything you might need during your stay, and for you to enjoy your visit in the lap of luxury. 

The home is a contemporary villa with vast windows looking out onto the vineyard and the rolling countryside that surrounds the property. The open-plan living and dining space is perfect for chatting over food and sipping wine – there’s even an honesty box wine bar for you to sample the wines produced by the vineyard. A striking nickel bar – like at The Ivy – has pride of place in front of the huge picture window overlooking the vineyard. There are also full height glass patio doors which open onto a wonderful private guest garden and patio.

Outside, pop open a bottle of chilled white or rosé wine and sink into the jacuzzi while the barbecue heats up. When the weather is fine, you won’t want to be anywhere else – there’s a comfy sofa and loungers, ideal for relaxing, and a tennis court if you want to work up a sweat. Dining outside with beautiful views laid out before you is utterly idyllic, especially when the sun starts to sink in the sky. 

If you feel the urge to explore, there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. The villa is a four-minute drive from Toppesfield village, where you can enjoy a meal in the community-owned pub. Finchingfield, the most photographed village in Essex is 10 minutes drive. For history enjoy a stroll around Castle Hedingham with its thatched cottages and amazing Norman castle. Saffron Walden, a medieval town – is thirty-six minutes away. There you’ll find a wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants around the buzzy market square as well as beautiful historic buildings, gardens, museum and art gallery. 

This is a memorable home for romantic visits to this picturesque area on the Essex/Suffolk border. Make sure you take a bottle of the vineyard’s award winning wine home with you – it’s the perfect memento.


An East Anglian Vineyard

Record Player

Safe

Nestled in the Pembrokeshire countryside, this sweet home will transport your away from everyday life. Surrounded by rolling pastures and organic farmland, it's a truly tranquil place to press pause and relax. 

The rustic wooden exterior gives way to a cosy living space that will instantly make you feel at home On chilly days, you can curl up next to the fireplace with a good movie, or an excellent book for a great night in. The kitchen is perfect for cooking up a delicious meal, made with fresh, local ingredients. And, if the weather allows, you can listen to birdsong as you eat outside in the glorious private garden. 

The coast is only ten minutes away – the dunes at Poppit Sands are a great place to paddle and picnic. Walkers can join the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, for a hike with stunning sea views. And, the charming market town of Cardigan is only twelve minutes away by car, where you can visit independent boutiques and dine on local seafood. 

Cabin Culture

Get off the beaten track at this remote retreat set deep within the Herefordshire countryside, close to the Welsh border. Originally the farm's dairy, it's been lovingly converted from a derelict outbuilding to stylish home from home in just a few short years.

Inside, discover a cute contemporary farmhouse style, with beautiful natural stone flooring, a sleek kitchen and an inviting seating area placed within warming distance of the wood burner.

Step through to the bedroom, where you'll find a comfortable bed with a skylight above, perfect for stargazing, and an elegant freestanding bathtub for indulgent evening pampering sessions.

The star of the show has got to be the wood-fired hot tub, with views across to the Monnow Valley. Spend your days hiking through the hills with your dogs, before hosing them down at the outside tap and jumping into the warm water – we can't help but feel that the dog's getting the raw end of the deal here.

Speaking of walks, there are plenty of public footpaths that pass across the farm, with your hosts able to provide OS maps and walking books should you need them. If you want to venture further afield, why not head up the Skirrid, Sugar Loaf and Black Mountains – all viewable from the garden.


Cider House Rules

Hidden away next to ancient woodland in rural Essex, this cabin is a British getaway that overflows with quirk and charm.

Inside, classically styled furnishings, such as the tufted Chesterfield, oak dining table and the four-poster bed that's come straight out of a fairytale, rub shoulders with the eclectic animal portraits that dot the wall, the antler chandelier and antique-style gramophone — which actually works in case you're in the mood for a boogie. The copper rolltop bathtub that lies just next to the bed is another decadent touch that we can't help but salute.

The home's exterior is full of pleasant surprises, too. When the weather's warm enough — and even when it's not — you can sit out in the home's hot tub, before drying off on one of the egg chairs next to the roaring fire pit. It's possible to hear the sounds of wildlife from the neighbouring forest, as well as the occasional roar from Colchester Zoo, which is less than ten minutes' drive from the home.

Elsewhere in the local area, the huge Abberton Reservoir takes five minutes to reach in the car and offers spectacular birdwatching opportunities. The local village of Layer de la Haye, with its pair of pubs and farm shop, is a ten-minute walk away, too.

Kooky Cabin

Balcony / Patio

Resort Access

This delightful townhouse is on the beachfront of quiet Rhos-on-Sea. For a coastal getaway and the chance to experience the charm of a small town, look no further. 

The house is just across the road from the beach, so each morning you’ll wake up to the sound of the sea gently rushing to shore. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room showcase the home’s prime beachfront location – if you’re anything like us, you’ll lose track of how long you spend gazing at the peaceful view. There’s a small garden at the front of the house, where you might enjoy a cuppa while watching the fishing boats in the distance, as well as a sunny patio at the back of the house, ideal for takeaway dinners of fish and chips after long days spent on the beach. 

When you’ve had your fill of sailing, swimming and sea fishing from the beach, there’s still plenty to explore nearby. You might like to bring your bikes and set off along the coastal track. Conwy and its gorgeous castle are just twelve minutes away by car, which makes for a lovely afternoon out. Pop into a cafe for lunch before visiting the castle and taking in the history. Snowdonia National Park is also within easy reach, so any hikers in your group will be happy – a thirty-two-minute drive will see you setting off on walks that guarantee gorgeous scenery. 


Sandcastles & Salty Air

DVD Library

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Piano

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Serene views, sleek interiors and seemingly impossible design elements come together to make an architectural feat of a home on Devon's coastline. The hosts built this home from the ground up – pulling up outside you'll immediately get the sense you're about to stay somewhere unique. And you'll get the personal touch too, as host Deborah and her family love to greet every guest on arrival. Style-wise, this home is equal parts classy and edgy; velvet upholstery and faux-fur throws contrast with neon signs and curious light fixtures in the bedrooms. The pièce de résistance is the gravity-defying fireplace in the living area, nothing short of a showstopper. You'll want to explore every room in depth to make sure you haven't missed anything. This is a level of design you might not necessarily expect from a sleepy part of coastal Devon – but that's part of the home's beauty. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking total tranquility in exceptional surroundings. 

The Early Risers

Amazon Prime

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Early / Late Check-Out Available

Pool House

A lot of time and thought has been put into converting the historic chapel that is now The Burrow. Nestled in a tranquil spot of countryside surrounded by rolling hills, the space feels authentically rustic but still comfortable and elegant. The tall arch windows provide floods of natural light and beautiful views of the landscape, including the inviting (and heated) swimming pool. While remote location would be difficult for guests without a car, it also makes it a great spot for a romantic getaway. 



The Burrow

Pool / Snooker Table

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Pet Bowls

Come for the countryside, stay for the drama. Set in the sprawling Wiltshire estate that once belonged to the twelfth Earl of Shaftesbury, this former riding house exudes the spirit of the original stables thanks to a meticulous restoration – modern comforts meet ancient artefacts and authenticity. It's one of those homes that takes your breath away from the second you open the front door. The owners have made no effort to cover up the fact it's from a bygone era – and that's why we love it, true to the past with period artwork, original features, beamed ceilings, even a banqueting hall for grand feasts (which feels very extravagant when you're having your cereal). The velvet furnishings and exposed brick only add to the step back in time. An honesty bar is housed in a secret cupboard by the billiard table, and there are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves where you can select a novel to lose yourself in. Each bedroom comes with a luxurious roll-top bath, and the wooden dividers that once separated horses have been cleverly repurposed to create privacy screens. Outside, vast acres of the manor's parkland are yours to explore, so remember to bring your welly boots. This home is a fine example of outstanding restoration – countryside lovers may never want to leave.

The Riding House

Games Room

If you fancy yourself as lord or lady of the manor, then you can live out your dreams for a few days at this Grade II listed Georgian home. The majestic house is set in two and a half acres of private grounds, bursting with flower gardens, apple trees and green lawns that are perfect for picnicking. Pay a visit to the local farm shop to stock up on fresh produce, and cook a delicious meal on the AGA to share alfresco on the terrace as you admire the views of the rolling countryside. After dark, you might decide to stay outside and huddle around the fire pit, or retreat to one of the cosy living rooms to play board games or watch a movie. The Yorkshire Moors are right on your doorstep, ideal for long, muddy walks through the windswept landscapes that inspired the Brontë sisters, and it's just a short drive to visit the Pennines, where you can hike through an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 


Wuthering Heights

Just ninety minutes outside of London, you will find this charming and character-filled home on a quiet lane in rural Suffolk. It’s over 500 years old, and still has many of the original fittings, from the inglenook fireplaces to the oak beams. Perfect for a family getaway from the city, there is plenty to do and see from the property by foot or bicycle, while lush gardens and cosy interiors are there to enjoy if you’d like to stay put. When it’s meal time, if you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, there is an excellent local pub just down the road.

Raspberry Scone

Overlooking Beazer Garden Maze and Pulteney Weir, Aquae Sulis is a beautifully curated home for two in one of Bath's traditional Georgian mansions. High ceilings, crown mouldings and double-height sash windows are just some of the features that have been lovingly restored to their full glory in order to give guests a magical experience without losing any twenty-first-century luxuries. With its central location, idyllic views and glamorous interiors, a cosy couple are sure to have an amorous trip to one of England's most romantic cities. Spend your days strolling through the streets, visiting the infamous Roman Baths or heading out into the Cotswolds for an afternoon in the countryside.

Aquae Sulis

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Book a stay in one of the best homes in United Kingdom

We selected the 9718 homes worth renting in this location

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