Self-catering cottage holidays near nature reserves or in the countryside where you can enjoy the delights of nature in England.
These nature holidays are for people who delight in walks spotting wild flowers or bird watching, or for wildlife photographers who enjoy nothing more than being in the depths of the English countryside.
Please click on any cottage photographs shown to find out more about each of the cottage holidays in England and the countryside or nature reserves around them.
Accommodation in England
Cumbria
The Coach House
Coach House (sleeps 2). The accommodation is a converted coach house with a homely feel and a wealth of exposed beams. It has plentiful storage areas with lots of space for outdoor gear, boots etc. Ideal for couples because of double bed. It is double-glazed, fully carpeted (except for the kitchen which has an original slate floor) and tastefully decorated. Outside, there is a patio and garden area in which to sit and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Parking for one car. Availability for Christmas and New Year - don't stay at home, escape to the hills. Book ahead for the summer because of the increased demand for holidays at home.
Orchards Apartment (sleeps 4) has a spacious feel with large rooms. Plenty of storage space with enough room for outdoor gear, boots etc. Everything but the twin bedroom is at ground level. Fully carpeted and tastefully decorated. Outside are places to sit and enjoy the tranqil surroundings with pleasing views down the valley to Muncaster Fell. Parking is provided for two cars. Accommodation: lounge (bay window, living flame gas fire set in an original marble fireplace, TV, stereo and video), double bedroom with a wrought iron bed and a triple wardrobe, kitchen (lots of fitted units, dining table, electric cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, auto washer and dryer) and stairs leading up to the twin bedroom. Through the kitchen is another hallway that leads to the bathroom (bath with electric shower over, basin and wc). Although the Apartment sleeps 4, a coach house is also available in the grounds to sleep an additional two people. Availability for Christmas.
Fabulous reverse-level barn conversion sleeps 5-11 in South Pool. A short drive to the market town of Kingsbridge; the sailing centre of Salcombe and the National Park Dartmoor. Situated in the renowed area of outstanding natural beauty known as the South Hams in Devon. Creek-side property with coastal path, sailing, walking, fishing and beaches all in walking distance and with surfing, golf and many other amenities close by.
A selection of 4 star Cottages set in a lakeside nature reserve with excellent shared leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, a well equipped games room (with table tennis, pool table and toddlers’ play area), outdoor children’s play area (including swings and slide), hot tub for 4-5 people, outdoor giant chess and ball games area for football and cricket. What’s more the cottages are set in 12 acres of nature reserve with picnic tables, trees, wild flowers and lakeside footpaths. There is something for all the family. Cots and high chairs, bedguards and Z-beds are available free of charge on request. Barbecues are available and some cottages have gardens with patio area and/or decking.
Large, luxury eco-friendly barn conversion in its own private enclosed garden and courtyard, located at the heart of Beer Mill Nature Trails. Sleeps up to 10 plus2 in 5 bedrooms; 3 kingsize - 2 with ensuite shower rooms and 1 with double sofabed, 2 twin rooms, a further feature bathroom and and additional shower/wc, large open plan living/dining/kitchen area arranged around huge stone fireplace with double sided log burner. Wildlife walks from the doorstep, close to North Cornwall coast.
Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Spring Cottage sits in a sunny corner of the courtyard of Sheplegh Court, originally a 19th Century country estate. The property is set in 30 acres and now consists of 17 apartments and cottages.
The cottage sleeps 4 and has just been completely refurbished and has a new kitchen and bathroom. It has an outside area with table and chairs. Sheplegh Court has extensive grounds and guests have full use of a heated swimming pool, all weather tennis court, sauna with plunge pool and a snooker room. The nearest village is Blackawton, although Kingsbridge, Dartmough and Totnes are also close. The area is a haven for all kinds of wildlife and there are beautiful coast and country walks nearby.
All linen is included in the price, but we regret that we cannot accommodate pets. The cottage is a non-smoking area. Ideal for families or couples.
Manor House in Braunton, Nr. Woolacombe, North Devon, England, UK with distant sea views.
Manor House in 2 units or as a Whole with Indoor Pool and Huge Games Barn.
Glorious Views, 3 miles from Saunton Sands, Croyde. Wedding license.
House or Apartments (Sleeps up to 30).
Indoor swimming pool and 25 acres of grounds including extensive woods. BBQ. Games Barn. Kingsize beds in most bedrooms. Dogs welcome. Licensed for weddings.
Six comfortable cottages (sleeping 2 - 6) with gardens, woodburners and views set in a tranquil wildlife valley. King-size beds and woodburners for your comfort.
Pets welcome with twenty acre nature trail for guests use.
Close to Slapton National Nature Reserve and historic village with two excellent dog-friendly pubs.
Great walking nearby - close to beautiful beaches of South Devon and the South West Coast Path.
We offer our guests temporary Membership to Dartmouth Golf and Country Club with two golf courses, spa, and gym facilities.
Free Wifi in all cottages.
In the heart of 'Constable Country' this charming Grade 2 listed cottage sits close to the water front in the centre of Manningtree, England's smallest market town. Oyster Cottage has 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin) - suitable for up to 4 people. Courtyard garden. Charming, stylish and comfortable.Ideally located to explore both the Essex and Suffolk coasts and Constable's Dedham Vale.
If this is not available try our other cottage, 1 Threadneedle Street, in nearby Dedham.
Oysterbed Cottage is a lovingly restored Mersea Island mariner's house set in the old village area of West Mersea. Guests can now enjoy a self-catering seaside retreat graced by Victorian period features plus modern conveniences. A mere 6 minute stroll from the beach and ideally located for Mersea Island’s renowned seafood restaurants and charming seafront, Oysterbed Cottage offers a stylish, family-run home by the sea. The cottage sleeps 5. Cot available. Click on the photograph to see what a lovely cottage this is.
Available for Christmas bookings.
Spring Hall Cottage is a charming 200 year old Grade II listed thatched cottage in the North Essex/South Suffolk borders. Recently refurbished to a very high standard with a new kitchen and bathroom complementing the wealth of exposed beams. There are two separate airconditioned double bedrooms one of which can be made into two single beds if required, the lounge is 23 feet long which features the original inglenook fireplace, the dining room area seats 8 comfortably so you can entertain your family and friends in style. The cottage has an enclosed garden of approximately one third of an acre laid down to lawns and flowerbeds with views overlooking farm land. Well-behaved pets also welcome.
This is a very creative conversion of an old Barn; very cosy and relaxing, the sun streaming in through the many windows and a wonderful log wood burner to enjoy in the evenings.
This magnificent 4 bedroom farmhouse is on a quiet lane and has stunning views over the countryside for miles to the northwest. Space is its feature - long walks on private land along the cliff edge over the quiet village of Welbourn make this a unique opportunity to enjoy a special experience. Piano in lounge. Sleeps 6
The three cottages have been sympathetically converted, preserving original features, to provide comfortable and spacious holiday accommodation for 2 to 5 people. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy fly fishing in the peaceful setting of a private lake, or to play croquet on the lawn or wander the woodland nature trail through private woods. Pet-friendly cottages, up to 4 dogs welcome at no extra charge. Please click on the photograph to read more...
Exchange the noise of city traffic for the birdsong of the Lincolnshire countryside whilst staying in our wooden cabin, affectionately known as 'The Shed', in the grounds of Redhurst B&B located in the small village of Holton-cum-Beckering nestling on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
The Old School Cottage can accommodate 2-4 people in this charming 2 bedroom cottage in the peaceful village of Great Hockham near Thetford, Norfolk. The cottage has an open fire in the lounge for cosy evenings. Old School Cottage offers plenty of home comforts including a washing machine, tumble drier,electric cooker,fridge, microwave, dishwasher, colour TV, video recorder, CD player, cot, high chair etc. There is a secluded sun trap of a garden with a picnic table and benches. The cottage is well situated for exploring Norfolk - lots of walks and cycle trails nearby.
Hoste Barn is a stunning spacious Grade II 17th C tithe barn featuring a 50ft vaulted timber framed roof. The barn sleeps 4-6 in 2 bedrooms. Ideally situated near Norfolk coast, the Broads and Norwich. Standing in unspoilt countryside. On site tennis court. Broadband Internet. Cycles available
Mendham Mill is in a stunning setting in Mendham on the Norfolk Suffolk border literally over the River Waveney. The self-catering accommodation consists of 4 luxury cottages ranging in size from a one bedroom cottage for couples to the 4 bedroom Miller's House. The cottages are luxuriously furnished with kingsize beds, handmade curtains etc.. There is a modern grand piano in one of the cottages. Canoeing and fishing available at the property. Please click on the photograph to read about this group of self-catering cottages in a beautiful setting. Lots of lovely places to visit, Thetford Forest, Suffolk coast, Minsmere Nature Reserve, Norwich.
Two spacious award winning luxury self catering cottages at East View Farm in Norfolk, close to Wroxham the capital of the Norfolk Broads National Park. Visit Britain 4* properties with a Gold Award 2009/1010 for Plum Tree Cottage. Set in 10 acres of landscaped grounds. Ideal for Norwich, the coast and for perfect peace and relaxation. All cottages centrally heated, with woodburners, sunny patios, well equipped kitchens and every bedroom en-suite with each cottage having a downstairs bedroom with level access. Fully inclusive with on-site owners for personal attention.
Unusual apartment in a former mill in Waren Mill, just 3 miles from Bamburgh and near Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6. The sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages, magnificent castles and coastal islands along the dramatic Heritage Coast are all close to the village of Bamburgh - the ideal base for exploring Northumberland. One dog welcome.
Available for Christmas bookings week commencing Mon 21st December. Each lodge is available at the very special offer price of £1500 (usual price £2950 per week).
2 luxury 5 star spacious cottages, each sleeping upto 12 people, set in their own 35 acres of woodland. Booked together, they can accommodate up to 24 people. Ideal for large families, reunions or group holidays. Each cottage has its own hot tub, play area and patio area with BBQ and garden furniture. Please click on the photograph to explore details of these beautiful self-catering holiday cottages for large groups.
Welcome to The Cleeve - a large spacious country house set in the Exmoor National Park, perfect for large groups and celebrations of all kinds.
The house can sleep up to 16 people in luxurious comfort in 8/9 bedrooms or 28 guests with children. We offer the ideal house for entertaining with a dining room to happily accommodate up to 28, roaring log fires, beautiful bedrooms for guests, luxury kitchens for preparing those sumptuous banquets and parties. Plus we can arrange for outside caterers and additional services for you should you require them. WiFi Broadband Internet. SKY TV. Fully booked for Xmas 2009, reserve 2010 soon.
Delightfully quaint single-storey holiday cottage with an open log fire in historic market-town, just 8 miles from Aldeburgh on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 4 people (Kingsize bed). Perfect location for walking or visiting Aldeburgh, Southwold and RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve. Excellent golf courses. Romantic short breaks 90 mins from London!. Dogs welcome. Available all year - incl. Christmas & New Year which are currently available.
Warren Lodges are a group of four carefully designed spacious timber lodges, situated in a sheltered hollow at the end of a farm track and surrounded by farmland, on the edge of the Minsmere marshes. The pine-clad interiors are furnished and fitted to a very high standard, well insulated, double glazed and heated by gas convectors, with a log effect fire in the lounge area. Accommodation all at ground level comprises: steps up to south facing verandah and entrance, lounge/kitchen/diner approx 20 x l6 feet, hall to bathroom with bath (shower over), handbasin, wc; one double bedded room with 4ft 6in bed, one twin bedded room with 3ft beds. Marsh harriers, barn owls kestrels and sparrow hawks hunt regularly over the surrounding land, skylarks and nightingales can be heard in the season, and many rare and interesting birds can be seen at the nearby RSPB Minsmere reserve. Rabbits share the hollow, and deer can sometimes be seen at dawn and dusk. The price includes bed linen towels (except beach towels), gas and electricity. BBQ for summer evenings. Z bed available for third child at £15 per week. Availability for Christmas and New Year.
Spacious single storey barn conversion in a quiet country setting on private 10 acre nature reserve. (see sketch map on www.elmtreecottage.net. Availability for Christmas New Year. Come and stay in a beautiful part of East Anglia, take country walks, visit Christmassy market towns or pop into one if Suffolk's famous ancient churches and listen to the carol singers.
Charming period country cottage 7 minutes from the seaside at Aldeburgh, it backs onto a lovely nature reserve and is very cosy, boasting a working ancient iron kitchen range in the sitting room – it has a proper kitchen as well of course. 2 bedrooms to sleep a couple and 2 singles.
Up to 2 dogs welcome by arrangement
5 minutes from both Woodbridge and Waldringfield, Thatched Farm is set in 2 acres of beautiful gardens and surrounded by open countryside, winding lanes, woods and footpaths. An ideal rural retreat yet we are only 5 minutes from the River Deben, golf, shops, several pubs for dining and easily accessible to the A12 so you can explore the lovely Suffolk countryside, towns and attractions. 2 Cottages in the grounds of Thatched Farm - Daffodil Cottage sleeps 3/4 Bluebell Studio sleeps 2. Wifi access. Available for New Year.
Luxury log cabins set in beautiful Suffolk countryside around our small fishing lake. Our lodges are furnished to a high standard, each with private outdoor hot tub. Guests have use of covered, heated pool and fishing lake. Close to the coast and many top attractions. Open all year. Please note our pool is open from Easter to end of October.
Self contained small Log cabin at the end of a wooded shingle lane in rural setting at the edge of a small village. Within easy reach of broads and beaches, close to hotels and restaurants. Local amenities in the village and frequent bus service at the end of the lane. A full 18 hole Golf Course within walking distance, also features a 9 hole pitch and putt. Availability for half-term, easter and May Bank holiday if you fancy a quiet break in the spring.
5 minutes from both Woodbridge and Waldringfield, Thatched Farm is set in 2 acres of beautiful gardens and surrounded by open countryside, winding lanes, woods and footpaths. An ideal rural retreat yet we are only 5 minutes from the River Deben, golf, shops, several pubs for dining and easily accessible to the A12 so you can explore the lovely Suffolk countryside, towns and attractions. 2 Cottages in the grounds of Thatched Farm - Daffodil Cottage sleeps 3/4 Bluebell Studio sleeps 2. WiFi Broadband Internet access.
Laundry Cottage is a beautifully restored Elizabethan cottage full of original character and quirky features like the Breton (cupboard) bed. The cottage was once home to the miller of Plomesgate Mill. This luxury cottage is filled with original features, stunning textiles and the finest attention to detail. Laundry Cottage is situated 7 minutes from the pretty coastal town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk and is surrounded on three sides by a stunning nature reserve. This 5 star cottage is not to be missed !
Sleeps up to 5 people in 3 bedrooms.
The Pump House is surrounded by its own beautiful wildflower meadow with a small stream and the Pilgrims Way running through it. The medieval village of Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk is just up a tiny single track lane, the setting could hardly be prettier. This Holiday Cottage is ideal for guests who enjoy wonderful walks and being close to nature. The cottage is a Grand Designs conversion of a Water Pumping Station and has incorporated all the latest ecological systems for heating and water treatment - a very unique and enjoyable cottage to stay in. Pets are welcome.
The cottage sleeps 2 but there is a chill-out room in the roof space where a friend or 2 can also sleep on a sofa bed (therefore sleeping 4)
The cottage is eco-friendly and embraces the most modern ‘green’ Heat Transfer system for under floor heating and hot water and an ecological waste water Reed Bed system.
Available for Christmas.
1 bedroom terraced cottage in Sewerby near Bridlington - 1.8 miles and Filey - 10 miles. The cottage can sleep up to 4 people with sofabed. All ground floor, ideal for older people. 1 dog welcome.
WINNER, BEST SELF CATERING, FILEY & DISTRICT TOURISM AWARDS 2009. The Old Waiting Rooms, Hunmanby Station, nr Filey is a tasteful convertion of station waiting rooms situated on a working railway station. Many original features. Trains run direct to Filey, Beverley, Scarborough, Bridlington, Doncaster, Hull and Sheffield. Sleeps 2 adults, pet friendly. Contact Karen Hubbard 01723 891552. www.oldwaitingrooms.co.uk
Welcome to Smithy cottage, a charming and unique 200 year old former village blacksmiths set in the small rural hamlet of Grindale close to the Yorkshire Heritage coast. This detached spacious 4 star rated cottage boasts a large inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, period features, and a four poster bed. Perfect for a romantic retreat or family holiday. Pets welcome. Special offers available
Self-catering cottage holidays near nature reserves or in the countryside where you can enjoy the delights of nature in England. 
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