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
Cambridgeshire
Abbotsley Country Homes
These stunning spacious five-star Norwegian Log Cabins are set in landscaped grounds amidst the tranquil Cambridgeshire countryside. The extremely spacious lodges have classic Scandinavian styling with comfortable open plan living. And your own BBQ, naturally, on the decked veranda outside your lodge. The Abbotsley Golf and Country Club adjacent to the site has two 18 hole golf courses to choose from, the bar and restaurant is open to our visitors so no need to take the car for an evenings entertainment. Their are also squash courts, a driving range and a gym within easy walking distance. Abbotsley is ideally situated for exploring Cambridge and the local historic market towns, sailing, cycling and fishing at Grafham Water or enjoying Fenland wildlife. London and the West End is only 35 minutes by train from nearby St Neots.
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. 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 Easter
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 August Bank holiday.
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, 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.
Built in 1858 as a country residence for the Bridge family, Lorton House sits in 22 acres near Weymouth in Dorset. It has a panoramic view over nature reserves to the sea, and the isle of Portland beyond, and offers an ‘away from it all’ setting for family reunions, groups of friends, or corporate meetings. Dining room with table for up to 18. Piano. Games room. Barbecue area. Additional coach house to accommodate 8 also available.
In the heart of 'Counstable Country' this Grade 2 listed cottage sits close to the water front at the center of Manningtree, Englands smallest market town. Oyster Cottage has 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin) - suitable for up to 4 people. Patio garden. Charming, stylish and comfortable with all mod cons! Sorry no pets. Ideally located to explore both the Essex and Suffolk coasts.
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.
A spacious, cosy one bedroom granary store conversion in beautiful rural Herefordshire. Exposed beams, log burning stove, full central heating. The cottage has wondeful views can sleep 2 to 4 people. Set on a working arable farm which is home to many rescued and home reared animals. Perfect for nature and animal lovers and anyone looking forward to a relaxing break in the country. The cottage has Broadband Internet and Sky TV.
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. Please click on the photograph to read more...
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
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.
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.
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. 3 bedrooms to sleep a couple and 2 singles.
Up to 2 dogs welcome by arrangement
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.
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.
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.
A highly unusual self-catering property, bound to become a favourite with railway enthusiasts, the Old Waiting Rooms is the converted old waiting rooms on a working railway line, with many of the original features. Trains run direct from the Station to Filey, Scarborough, Bridlington, Beverley, Cottingham and Hull, and with one change at Scarborough to Whitby and York, the Old Waiting Rooms offers the chance to explore North Yorkshire’s Coast and Moors entirely by train. Sleeps 2 adults. Contact Karen Hubbard 01723 891552
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.