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This page is for those times when you just need to escape the city, the noise and traffic congestion of London.  There are numerous scenic green spots within 2 hours of London that you can escape to for either a short or longer break.

The length of drive will very much depend on which part of London you are starting your journey from, but generally, the counties within consideration are: Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex.

North East of London:  Essex and Suffolk

5 star luxury apartment, which is self-contained and on two floors, forms part of Pump House, a large house in the country village of Great Burstead in the county of Essex. The village is close to Billericay - a small country town with strong US connections. London, Canterbury, Cambridge, Colchester and "Constable Country" can all be reached within an hour by road.

There is a fast rail link to London (30 - 40 minutes).  A regular bus service is available close by. Whilst a car is not essential, it would enhance your enjoyment. The accommodation in the apartment (up to 1,500 sq. ft.) has two living rooms, a dining room, a fully-fitted kitchen and the choice of one, two or three bedrooms with one to three bath/shower rooms (two en-suite).  

Telephone John on  01277 656 579 or click on the image for more details.

5 bedroom holiday home within 1 hour's train journey to London

Beautiful Georgian House nestling in the rolling North Hampshire countryside, not far from Winchester. Lovely garden which stretches into a vista featuring grounds of 4 acres.

Each of the 5 double bedrooms in Belmont House have been designed with comfort and style in mind. The house is perfect for stylish entertaining or cosy house parties.

There is plenty of space for outdoor entertainment.

The house is only 1 hour from London. Please click on the photograph for details.

The Granary in north Essex 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.     Travel from London Liverpool Street by rail to Manningtree.  Telephone Robert on 01206 392166

This lovely 16th Century thatched cottage is one of our 7 romantic little cosy cottages that make up 'The Grove Cottages'. Enjoy the special atmosphere of your own 300 year old English farm cottage. 

With all the lovely original features of ancient oak beams, a traditional baking oven and 'copper kettle', open log fires, original brick or wood floors, authentic farmhouse furniture, ducks, roses and a touch of luxury that bring alive the Romance of Rural Living. Surrounded by lovely Suffolk countryside, just 2 hours from London. Click on the photograph of the thatched cottage to view.

South East of London: Kent and West Sussex

The Gun Emplacement  (sleeps 2-6 in 3 bedrooms) is perched on the cliff top on Lighthouse Down, the National Trust's protected coastal expanse, which has come to be known as The White Cliffs. It was formerly the home of Sir  Peter Ustinov who was billeted there during the Second War.  It is now a very comfortable one-storey, centrally-heated residence in a unique location, with uninterrupted views across the Channel to Calais, gardens back and front and offers total peace in glorious unspoiled countryside.  Ideal for some glorious late summer sea air. Take a day trip to France, or go shopping at fabulous Bluewater. 

Available all year round. Telephone: 0207 622 0897/020 8946 9394 ,  or Email 

West of London: Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds

Bruern Stable Cottages in Oxfordshire, are a collection of  5 star cottages with an outdoor swimming pool. They were the   'Sole National Winner of the English Tourism Council's England for Excellence Award 1998' and the cottages can sleep from 2-8 people. They are ideally situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, within easy driving distance of London, Birmingham and Bristol.

Oak Cottage (sleeps 5) in Oxfordshire.   Less than an hour to London. Situated entirely within the walled garden of Oak House, the cottage is a new conversion of a Victorian coach house in the heart of historic Wallingford's conservation area. Oak Cottage features exposed oak beams and Victorian leaded light windows.  The River Thames for scenic strolls, cinema/theatre, pubs, restaurants and Waitrose are all within 500 yards walk. Oxford, Henley, Reading and Newbury are 15-30 minutes drive away. The Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon are within easy reach.  Telephone Philip on 01491 836200, or 07900 690 369.

The Stable - sleeps 2-5 in Whitminster near Gloucester is a newly available and renovated property.

Formerly used for cider-making and stabling working horses, this thoughtfully converted 200-year old detached cottage features a wealth of splendid elm timbering. 

Cosy and comfortable with oil-fired central heating, electricity, linen and towels provided, it is located on a quiet working farm (producing free range eggs) set well back from a singe track no-through country lane. 

Downstairs: large, well-equipped Kitchen/Dining Room with oil-fired Range Cooker, CD/Radio and sitting area. 

Upstairs: spacious bed/sitting room with king-size bed, sofa, widescreen TV, Video and views across the garden to fields; a twin-bedroom with additional pullout bed; separate bathroom/WC with shower over bath. 

Outside: fenced-in, lawned garden lined with mixed trees; patio with garden furniture and barbecue. 

The village, half a mile away, has a post office, Chinese Takeaway/Chip Shop,  shop and a pub serving meals.  Public Footpaths can be joined directly from the farm.  Short breaks welcome in low season.

Telephone Ashley on 01452-740969  or email for bookings.

Luxury holiday cottage in rural Oxfordshire near the Cotswolds - sleeps up to 4

This newly converted luxury 5 star cottage situated within easy reach of the Cotswolds and Oxford, The Ancient Ridgeway and Thames footpath, The Stables are ideally situated for all manner of country pursuits and are perfectly located for touring Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.

There is a golf course next door and the championship courses at Frilford Heath are less than 10 minutes by car. A wide range of great local pubs and restaurants are also close by. For the angling enthusiast, there is a varied choice of coarse and fly fishing on the Cotswolds lakes, the Thames and the Cherwell.

Bicycles are available for guests use, or for those who just want to relax and enjoy the south facing garden there is a secluded barbeque area within the walled garden to while away the hours……Pure indulgence awaits you!

Telpehone Patricia on 01367 870540 or 07971 207188 for this weekend retreat in the country.

North West of London: Bedfordshire - 30 minutes north of London, not far from Luton

Two country cottages, just north of London (half an hour's drive of north London), with good countryside views. Each cottage sleeps 2-6 people. Private garden area with furniture. 

Many places to visit and plenty of things to do in. Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, only 10 minutes drive in the car, and the beautiful National Trust Ashridge Forest and Ivinghoe Beacon with fantastic views and many different walks for all abilities. Woburn Safari Park and Woburn Abbey - 15 minutes away.

The centuries old village of Aldbury, just below Ashridge, with it’s famous stocks is well worth a visit.

Telephone 01525 210621 or click here for more details of these cottages.

Beautiful house on a small country estate in Surrey, 1 hour south of London

Trout Grange is a small country estate comprising of a large Gothic style country house (4,000 sq feet) with a commanding hill top setting (views 360 degrees) set in 5 acres of park-like grounds and a further 15 acres of paddocks one hour from London.

A wonderful place to relax with friends and family and enjoy either outdoor pursuits or stay in and watch films on the cinema, read in front of the open fire or party until dawn in your own private night club/ dance studio in the basement! The house has 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and sleeps 10 to 16 people.

Please click on the photograph of the house to find out more about this special property.

Find addition self-catering cottages, houses, apartments and other holiday accommodation within 2 hours drive of London by taking a peek at Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, Berkshire in the Quick Browse menus on the left.

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• Cottages within 2 hours of London
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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.