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 As long as you're warmly dressed and properly equipped, a winter break can be absolutely brilliant. The countryside lies under a snowy white mantle, the air is crisp and fresh. What better time to explore the lowlands of the Lake District or a ramble on the Yorkshire Dales?
Prices of self-catering cottages are lower during the winter and many bargains abound, especially just before and after Christmas and New Year. Lots of people try to get away for a Christmas or New Year cottage break, which is a lovely thing to do but prices and demand at that time during the winter are at their highest. My personal favourite is a short break to see one of our Christmas Markets in the big cities. Take a peek at the locations for Christmas Market cottage breaks - these are guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit and may just provide ideas for gifts.
All it takes is that initial effort to book a cottage in a possible winter wonderland and you too could be enjoying a different type of holiday with your family. Some cottages have open log fires to come back to, which are a treat for many of us, spa baths and swimming pools.
Another great place to visit in the depths of winter is the Eden Project. Take yourself off to the tropics or temperate zones whilst it snows outside. There won't be queues at this time of year, so you will be able to saunter throught the warm biomes at your own pace. So, take a look at what's on offer and arrange a winter break to blow away those post Christmas blues.
Need some inspiration for special places for winter breaks? Click photos to find out more about any special offers currently available:
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 Cosy winter luxury with log fires and spa baths on the west coast of Scotland |
Looking for a really special setting for a winter break? At Melfort Pier and Harbour, there is a collection of high quality lochside self-catering properties by the shores of Loch Melfort. Each property offers a real opportunity for relaxation with its own sauna, spa bath and satellite TV.
Many also have a log fire, just perfect for cosy winter nights in.
This could be an ideal location for a relaxed winter luxury self-catering break. Relax in the tranquil surroundings or if you wish enjoy some of the many activities on offer such as hill walking, wildlife watching, golfing and rambling. What’s more, if you wish you can also bring your pets and your boat! |
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Telephone: +44(0)1852 200 333 or to request a brochure.
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| Fell House in Sedbergh - sleeps 12-16 in Cumbria |
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 If you are searching for a unique self-catering property for a winter break then read on. Fell House could be just what you had in mind. This unique property was previously a Victorian grain warehouse and now offers comfortable accommodation for up 8 people in the main house and 2 or a small family in the flat.
This special house is located in the charming historical town of Sedbergh and near to Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales and Windermere in the beautiful Lake District National Park. A stay here could therefore be excellent for keen walkers. Just 100 metres from Fell House and you arrive at the foot of the Howgill Fells which leads on to excellent walking country and the Cautley Spout waterfall.
Click on the photograph for a description of Fell House and its images.
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| A beautiful Georgian 5 bedroom house for winter lets - visit Winchester |
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 Classic spacious Georgian House nestling in the rolling North Hampshire countryside, not far from Winchester and only one hour from London. The house has a lovely garden which stretches into a vista featuring grounds of 4 acres. Perfect for a spot of walking or exercise.
The 5 individual double bedrooms in Belmont House have been elegantly designed for comfort. The house is perfect for stylish entertaining or as a cosy home from home for an extended winter let.
There is plenty of space for outdoor entertainment.
The house is only 1 hour from London. Please click on the photograph for details.
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| A cottage in Worcestershire for a short winter break |
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 Peacock Barn (sleeps 4) in Worcestershire. The cottage is ideally placed for walks in the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills. Malvern itself is developing well with a refurbished theatre/cinema.
Excellent winter programme with several pre West End performances. Promote Arts in the Provinces with easy parking excellent restaurants and a thoroughly relaxed evening.
Tel: +44(0)1386 750 570
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| A cosy and secluded cottage in a Norfolk Village |
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 For a treat for 2-4 people, take a short winter break in Old School Cottage in the pretty village of Great Hockham, on the edge of Thetford Forest in Norfolk. The cottage has an open fire for a cosy feel.
There are 143 tourist attractions to visit during winter in the area. The owner will be pleased to advise about places to visit. These include houses and gardens, historic sites, nature reserves, animal centres, museums, vineyards and breweries and venues for family fun.
Many Norfolk villages are specially decorated for Christmas. A short break in Norfolk will help to brighten up the duller days and provide some festive cheer.
Telephone Colin on 01953 498 277 or view Old School Cottage.
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| Escape to mountainous and snowy Snowdonia for a real taste of winter |
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 Country Cottage, Snowdonia.
Comfortable riverside cottage for four adults, open fire plus central heating. Bracing winter walks in the valley or up in the mountains. Pets welcome. Flexi-breaks available on a daily basis up to Easter.
Daily fees include all electricity and central heating costs. Good local pubs serve warming meals and drinks.
Ideal location for walks with winter views. Relax around an open fire if you wish. More details under Wales and Gwynedd in the menu on the left.
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| Self-catering winter break in Devon |
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5 star Hembury Court Barns near Honiton in Devon for a truly peaceful and relaxing holiday at any time of year.
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| four very comfortable cottages with all mod cons, hot tub, gas barbeque, fitness suite, games room |
interior view of one of the holiday cottages - smart decor - scrupulously clean |
- You will receive a warm friendly welcome from Robert and Mandy
- Four Luxury 5 star-rated cottages ranging in size from a one bedroom cottage for 2, to a large cottage to sleep 6. The cottages van be booked individually or as a group for a reunion or special occasion.
- There are 2 barns with extensive beams, each containing a large room with a table that could be used for joint meals, parties or celebrations.
- Linen and towels provided, bring own towels for hot tub
- prices are inclusive of heating with no hidden extras
- Wireless broadband Internet access
- 8 person hot tub looking out on to the glorious Devon countryside
- Fitness suite with running machine, rowing machine and cycle, sh
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- Open all year round - ask about short breaks - flexible arrangements possible
- Set on a farm in the quiet of the East Devon countryside
- Ample parking
- Duck pond with unique duck feeder
Telephone Robert and Mandy on 01404 841 202 for bookings and availability. They will be pleased to send you a brochure or click on one of the cottage pictures above to explore the website and find out what makes Hembury Court Barns so special.
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| Most likely locations for a snowy winter break |
| If you're looking for snow, then the areas you need to consider hilly or mountainous areas, starting soon after Christmas until the end of March.
Each year snow seems to fall on emerging daffodils and other spring flowers - even in the south of England.
Wales, Scotland, the Lake District and Northumberland all have hilly country with a greater chance of snow.
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Scotland also has its own ski resorts with ski hire, ski shops and apres-ski. A winter landscape from Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland is shown below.
Please view holiday cottages in Scotland using the menu on the left.
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| Use the menu and Feature pages to find your ideal cottage for a winter break in the UK or Ireland. |
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