Self-catering cottages holiday accommodation for walkers and ramblers in England

One of Britain's best features is its beautiful countryside. Each part of the country has something special to offer both serious and and casual walkers. This is a selection of cottages that provide comfortable accommodation for walkers around the UK and Eire.

The Pennines, Cumbria and the lake district in northern England are ever popular areas for walkers.

cottage near the Pennines and Pennine Way

Eastcroft Cottage in Weardale, County Durham. Eastcroft is a charming miner’s cottage renovated to a high standard to include central heating and modern appliances and yet still retains its old country charm and home from home appeal.

The cottage is set in the village of Stanhope, near to the stepping stones over the River Wear, and is an ideal place to return to after a day exploring the surrounding moors and waterfalls of the Durham Dales.

The sitting room seats 6 comfortably and has a wide selection of books of local interest, maps, DVDs’s. The dining kitchen is well equipped for catering for a family and has seating for 6 at the large oval table.

In the spacious family bedroom there is a double and a single bed also a cot, TV and video and a charming period fireplace.

The second bedroom contains a full size double bed with a single bunk bed above and ample fitted units.

The bed linen, towels, electricity and gas are all included in the price of this non smoking accommodation.

There is level access at the rear of the premises, into a secure courtyard garden, ideal for bicycle storage after a day spent exploring the cycle ways of nearby Hamsterley forest. For our less able visitors there is an electric stair lift to the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom also an electric recliner chair in the lounge. The cottage is child friendly having a stair gate, high chair and selection of toys and books.

Whether you wish to use Eastcroft as a base for exploring the North Pennines or for a quiet retreat with river and moorland walks directly from the cottage then we can offer you a relaxing holiday in comfortable accommodation serviced to a high standard.

Please click on cottage photographs to find out more about our holiday cottage near the Pennines and to email us.

Headon Farm award winning cottages near Scarborough. Enjoy our truly peaceful setting. Located along a quiet country lane, this unspoilt corner of Yorkshire was once part of the Wyedale estate and the nearby Hall is still used as a retreat by the Diocese of York. It is a world away yet only a mile from the A170 Scarborough-Pickering road giving easy access to coast, moors, York and Vale of Pickering. Village Shops and pubs are only a few minutes drive away. We try our best to provide the quality and standards we ourselves would expect, which we feel is reflected in the number of guests who return each year. Telephone 01723 859019

In the Warwickshire countryside are Hipsley Farm Cottages at Atherstone. Six warm, comfortable cottage conversions are to be found 3 miles from J10 M42/A5, off the beaten track where it is quiet and peaceful. All have fully fitted kitchens, TV/VCR, gas c/h, bed linen and towels provided. Ideal for gentle strolls around the farm and surrounding countryside but not too far from Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lichfield or Warwick for day trips.

The Camel Trail in Cornwall stretches for 17 miles, through beautiful and peaceful Cornish countryside, ending within a stone's throw of Bodmin Moor. It is ideal for families with young children, either walking or cycling, because it is safe and traffic free. Poldue Farm is a secluded semi-detached farmhouse with 2 bedrooms, plus a sofa-bed in the hall to accommodate an extra two people, or six in total. It's set at the top of a secluded wooded valley just one field away from Bodmin Moor. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's the perfect place to watch the sun set and the wild ponies that roam the moor. The Eden Project is just a 20 minute drive away, as are beaches on both coasts. Poldue is a good base for anyone wanting to explore Cornwall. Please phone for brochure. Tel: 01208 850 189,07742548805

Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages (sleep 2-5) near Minehead in Somerset are set in 3 acres of beautiful gardens in the countryside looking towards Exmoor National Park but only 1.5 miles distant from Minehead seafront with the beach and all its attractions. Wonderful walking and scenery - perfect for both families and those looking for a quiet break in the country.

Another secluded cottage that will sleep two in cosy comfort is Beechwood, near Cromer in Norfolk. It is located in a secluded and rural area. The Weaver's Way walk is accessed just across the field, and takes you over Thwaite common into National Trust land and through Blickling Hall grounds with many more wayside-marked footpaths. The North Norfolk Coastal Path is only a short drive away and the sandy beaches are particularly suited to walking from one pretty town to the next.

Also in East Anglia, on the Essex and Suffolk border you will find the Tallow Factory - a beautiful 16th century timber-framed cottage in the heart of Dedham village. It sleeps 8-10 people in spacious comfort. The historic village of Dedham lies on the Essex-Suffolk border surrounded by miles of unspoilt countryside. During your stay in Dedham you can take long walks along the river Stour and explore the landscape made famous by the paintings of John Constable. Telephone Louise on +44(0)20 7221 0381 or contact via the website.

Old School Cottage (sleeps 4 in a double and twin bedroom) in Great Hockham, near Thetford, Norfolk is close to numerous walks. It's on the edge of Thetford Forest, the largest lowland forest in England with miles of paths and cycle trails, a mile away from the 8 mile Great Eastern Pingo Trail with it's highly unusual range of habitats, shetland ponies, and rare flowers. Email , for availability and bookings, Telephone: 01953 498277

On the Suffolk coast, you will find Southwold, and the more prestigious area, 9 Park Lane (sleeps 11). It's a 17th Century beamed cottage with loads of character and just a short walk from the beach and centre. Whether you fancy a walk in the country to explore ancient woods and Churches or along the Coastal Trail, part of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, see the ruins at Dunwich and drop by the Ship Inn for refreshment before exploring Westleton Heath National Nature Reserve, one of the last surviving expanses of the East Suffolk Neolithic heathland. Take in some birdwatching at Minsmere or Benacre Broad. There is no shortage of choices. Telephone +44 (0)1509 416670 or click on photograph to reserve this historic cottage now.

A little further south west you will find 'The Granary' in Manningtree, in north Essex, close to rivers and the estuary. The Granary is a real treat for anyone who appreciates the finer things of life. Not only does it provide comfort, attractive decor and furnishings, but also a Finnish sauna, hot tub on the patio, TV and video in each bedroom, ice maker in the kitchen, and more. Located close to some of the most beautiful landscapes in 'Constable Country', and close to the sandy beaches of Clacton and Frinton, book this cottage now for a truly relaxing experience. Telephone Robert on 01206 392166.

Over to Wales where the scenery is wilder, houses and people fewer, hundreds of paths and trails for walkers....

Smart 4 star self-catering holiday cottages in Conway Wales

Situated in rural surrounding along side a stream with magnificent views of surrounding hills and open fields, yet just over 1 mile from the historical walled town of Conwy, local beaches and golf course.

The cottage has 2 bedrooms - one double and one single. The bedrooms have beautifully romantic pure Egyptian cotton sheets and deep duvets to dream and relax in. The cottage has a comfortable and cosy lounge suite, fully equipped with colour TV, DVD player, music CD system, and original inglenook fireplace with log burner - all beneath the original beamed ceilings,a beautifully designed and very well equipped kitchen and dining area. You'll find a fully automatic washing machine, tumble dryer and deep freezer available in the laundry room.

Outside, you can relax in our beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, sun house, pagoda and even a raised decked area with stream running beneath, also with various lawns.

Please click on the photograph to find out more about this Welsh country cottage.

St. Nons Bay Cottages. 3 delightful 5 star luxury cottages in the fishing village of St. David's or the Pembrokeshire National Park. Perfect for families with many family friendly features - cots, high chairs, stair gates and baby sitting all available. Close to safe sandy beaches and the Pembrokeshire coastal path. All Cottages have enclosed sheltered gardens with a patio and garden furniture and a games room with table tennis or a pool table. A mere 5 minutes walk takes you to the shops, restaurants, local beauty spots like Bryn y Garn and the historic cathedral itself.

Tel: 01437 720 616

welsh holiday cottage for self-catering breaks in wales

Gogarth Hall Farm holidays is set within the Snowdonia National Park, we offer three WTB rated five star self-catering cottages, and a five star secluded farmhouse, a luxury caravan and 4 star bed and breakfast accommodation is offered at the Hall. The area offers peace and tranquillity that is rich in wild life and is a haven for rare birds. Our farm is situated in the county of Meirionethshire, the most southern point of the park opening out onto Cardigan Bay.

The self-catering cottages: Cwm Ffernol: This charming farmhouse is set in the hills, with a river flowing by in its own valley – away from everyone, it offers peace and tranquillity.

The accommodation consists of three very spacious bedrooms, one twin and two double. The large bathroom has a walk-in shower and a bath. The lounge/dining area has a large open fireplace with its original bread oven and salting hole either side. The L-shaped lounge with its television and video area opens to the dining area. There is a reading room downstairs. The spacious kitchen accommodates an oil Rayburn and all essentials including dishwasher. The accommodation has a payphone and a garage.

A delightful designer decorated cottage awaits walkers in Lyonshall, in Herefordshire, on the English/Welsh borders. Here you will find Field Cottage (sleeps 2-5). Set in an orchard on farmland, close to the Offa's dyke path in wonderful unspoilt countryside, this cottage offers you a haven of tranquillity. Telephone Jo on 01544 340241 or Email now for further details and availability.

Much further north to Scotland, Hollybush House near Aberlour, in Speyside, famous for fishing, the whisky trail, wonderful walks and dolphin watching in Spey Bay. The cottage which can sleep up to 9 people overlooks a river is not far from the famous Speyside Way and wonderful walks in Fochabers and surrounding area. Telephone 01651 851 485

On the west coast of Scotland, 16 miles south of Oban is a luxury complex of 15 houses on the Loch side with their own private beach and harbour. Melfort Pier and Harbour has everything for walkers - perfect hills for all levels of fitness, beautiful scenery, wildlife - do not forget your camera! Then a comfortable base to come home to and relax in your own sauna and spa bath. Email for brochure.

A small leap west over the Irish Sea and we're at St. Anhtony's Cottage in Kerry, south west Irelan. This area is also popular amongst walkers for the variety of walks to choose from, namely: the Kerry Way - this long distance walking path stretching from Glenbeigh to Glencar, and further into the Black Valley and home by Killarney, for approx 55 km. The Gap of Dunloe is another picturesque area and is renowned worldwide for its beauty. Its rugged mountains, numerous lakes and its memorable panoramic walks. The tourist can enjoy a leisurely walk or a pony ride and a boat trip through the Gap of Dunloe up to the Black Valley. Find out more about St. Anthony's cottage in a very peaceful setting near a small village. The cottage can sleep 2-4 people, click on the cottage photograph for more information about the cottage and fishing in the south west of Ireland.

Lios Dana is a large self catering holiday house, sleeps up to 18, for families, walking groups, ramblers, re-unions or business retreats, overlooking the beach and sea at Inch near Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland. The location is spectacular.

Leicestershire in England is not necessarily known for its spectacular scenery but is does have attractive aspects for families with children. You can wander safely through Robin Hood country in Sherwood Forest, view the Major Oak and Robin Hood displays, or walk in one of the many attractive country parks. It's a place where you can combine walks for families with places of interest and entertainment for kids. New Farm Cottage, with its exclusive heated indoor pool and sauna, is situated in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir, on a working arable farm. The 4 bedroom cottage can sleep up to 9 adults plus a child in a cot. Telephone 01949 860 640

There are just so many wonderful places for walkers and country lovers in Britain and Ireland - too many to mention. The Yorkshire and Derbyshire Dales, Snowdonia in Wales, the moors in the south west of England are all popular with walkers. Norfolk and Suffolk have some great countryside. Counties Kerry and Meath in Ireland are simply majestic.

Click on the cockerel at the top left of the page to return to the Country Cottages home page and extra self-catering accommodation options at any time.