Category Archives: Country Holidays

Top Things to do on Countryside Holidays or Farm-stays in England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland

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1.      Wildlife Watching

Pheasant on haystack

Spot wonderful wildlife on a country break

One of the best benefits of staying in a farm or in a countryside location is the wealth of wildlife opportunities available to you from the doorstep.

Whether you love to watch birds or larger animals, keep your eyes peeled and watch out at the right time and your persistence should pay off.

Avid wildlife watchers know that sightings can never be guaranteed but are usually more likely when there is peace and quiet. The early hours of the morning and evening just before sunset offer the best opportunities. From deer to badgers and awe inspiring birds such as owls and pheasants, Britain’s green and tranquil countryside is teeming with fascinating wildlife.

If you are someone who likes to watch animals but wants more of a sure thing or have children who want guaranteed sightings, why not book a stay at a farm where you can feast your eyes on and meet farm animals?

On some farms there are ample opportunities to meet animals. Some places offer opportunities to meet and pet goats or cute friendly animals like ponies, which are sure to bring a smile to yours and your child’s face.

2.      Walking

When holidaying in the country or in a rural location, there is usually ample opportunity to discover walks on site or footpaths that criss-cross across the countryside nearby.
To make walks more interesting why not enjoy some wildlife watching en-route or take snapshots of your favourite scenes?

3.      Photography

Stunning sunset

Some of the best sunsets can be enjoyed in the countryside

When staying in a scenic green place why not capture some scenes to look back on and enjoy fond memories of in the future? Whether you love to take snapshots of family, friends, farm animals, wildlife or sunsets, there are plenty of scenes and fantastic photography opportunities to inspire you in the Great British countryside.

4.      Relax

When enjoying a rural treat break it may sound obvious but a great thing to do is relax whilst on holiday and just enjoy some quiet downtime. Whilst sightseeing and getting out can be great fun, spending time making the most of your countryside location is highly recommended and can often help you feel relaxed.

Whether there is a garden where you can laze around and may be read a book, grounds where you can enjoy a picnic with family or friends or jut an outdoor dining space where you can enjoy eating al-fresco, spending time outdoors in the countryside can really help you reconnect with nature and discover that inner calm.

Outdoor pool set in countryside

Outdoor pool in countryside

Large country houses or complexes of farm cottages also sometimes offer excellent leisure facilities to help you fully relax. Facilities on offer can include swimming pools, hot tubs, games rooms and even tennis courts. With opportunities to relax as good as this, you may not be able to bring yourself to leave your rural idyll at all.

5.      Cycling or Horse Riding

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, taking to 2 wheels and biking around the farm or country lanes can be great fun. Feel the wind blowing through your hair and enjoy the exhilaration of a bike ride. For those who haven’t cycled for a long time, it really is something that you never forget to do and once on a bike again it won’t be long until you are re-experiencing the long forgotten thrill of riding.

Another great way to discover some of the best of Britain’s countryside is on horseback. Whether you have in mind a gentle pony ride in the local area or a trek around tree-lined bridleways, taking to a horse can help you feel at one with nature again and offer a new perspective on your surroundings.

 

Find out more about rural retreat breaks and farm-stay holidays on our Countryside Holidays page.

Quintessentially English Holiday Homes

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Thatched Essex country cottages

Picture-perfect thatched cottages in Essex

Staying in comfortable accommodation in a nice area is on everyone’s list when thinking about going on a self-catering break in England, but choosing a holiday home filled with charm and character is something quite different and is a simply wonderful way of having a holiday that you will never forget. There are plenty of quintessentially English holiday homes dotted around the country, where you can soak up the old charm and wonderful appeal of these other-worldly dwellings and feel like you are stepping into a time long gone by. If you are visiting England and want to really soak up the traditions of the place, or if you are from here already but wish to stay in special accommodation filled with a quintessentially English personality, then renting one of these holiday homes may be ideal for you.

Many of these holiday homes are cottages that look as though they appear in a different time. Houses with thatched roofs are a great choice as they have a wonderful look about them and are rare these days. Inside, they may have original features such as wooden beams running along the ceilings, stone flooring and wood burning stoves, as well as fantastic country kitchens. These types of accommodation can be found in historical and traditional parts of England, in villages and towns in Suffolk, Kent, Devon or Cumbria.

Suffolk thatched cottage

This idyllic Suffolk thatched cottage is the stuff of dreams

As well as all of the old-fashioned and quintessentially English features, all of these accommodations do of course have a modern touch, so that you can experience the best of both worlds. With flat screen television sets, DVD players and a selection of DVDS, hot tubs and power showers and spacious bedrooms with cosy beds, these English holiday homes may look old-fashioned and traditional but you can keep up to date with the present time when inside!
Exploring the culture and history of a little village in Norfolk or a seaside town in Cornwall is a wonderful way of making your holiday even more quintessentially English. You can step outside your Tudor lodge and visit a castle for a day, or walk down a cobbled lane, home to historical pubs and traditional boutiques. If you love all things English then there are countless places for you to reside in and explore your surroundings, soaking up the scenery or taking part in a festival that has been taking place for hundreds of years.

Quintessentially English holiday homes are fantastic for those looking to do something a little different when taking a self-catering break with friends and family. You will be able to stay in a historical building and wake up to beautiful views of traditional villages that have barely changed in many, many years. If you wish to explore a part of England that you have never heard of before but which is home to traditions which may have died out elsewhere, then you can choose to stay in a house or cottage that is the epitome of English culture, for a holiday like no other.

Best Places to Discover Englands Natural Beauty

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England is indeed a green and beautiful country with many stunning areas to discover on a short break or longer holiday. Those who enjoy walking will discover footpaths and trails which guide you through the greenery of the British countryside.

Yorkshire Dales England

Stunning countryside of the Yorkshire Dales

England’s National Parks
There are 10 National Parks in England to choose from, each of which has its own unique landscape and appeal. In the south of England choices include the New Forest and the South Downs, whereas in East Anglia there is the New Forest, in the West Country there are two parks; Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park whereas the north of England is blessed with five parks; the Peak District National Park, the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors and Northumberland National Park. Staying in a holiday cottage within the greenery of one of the National Parks is ideal for those looking to enjoy rural tranquil surroundings.

Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The naturally beautiful landscape of the Chiltern Hills.

English Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
There are 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) protected by Natural England and these landscapes are renowned for their beauty and the quality of their countryside. For walks, cycling and taking photographs, these are protected, special places to visit where you can enjoy peace, tranquility and wonderful fresh air.

English Valleys
It is Wales that is best known for valleys but England too has a few valleys for those looking to discover beautiful unique landscapes on holiday. A few choices include the Suffolk River Valleys with its network of grasslands, rivers and heathlands, the tranquil rural farmlands by the Severn Valley and the Tamar Valley in Cornwall, a lovely river valley by the River Tamar nestled by woodlands close to Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.

National Trust Gardens and Country Homes in England
The National Trust has a fantastic collection of gardens and country houses which are free for members to visit. These wonderful outdoor spaces are either beautifully maintained or left to grow wild to ensure sustainability and to keep England beautiful for future generations.

Finding cottages with country views

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If you want the very best of the country you may want to rent a cottage with a stunning rural or country views.  Up and down the UK, there are some amazing rural areas to visit where you can immerse yourself in greenery.  To help you find what you are looking for quickly and easily click for cottages with country views.

When it comes to recommending wonderful rural areas, there are so many great options in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland that it is not easy to recommend one single area.  Sometimes the best places are those off the beaten track that you discover independently on your travels.

Large Country House for Short Breaks and Weekly Bookings

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Take a look at this large self-catering cottage in Berwickshire, Scotland.  With stylish, comfortable accommodation this house is located along with a few other properties on a small farm near the coast in the Scottish Borders.   What’s more, being both dog friendly and child friendly, this house could be a good choice for families or groups of friends.  Hen parties and stag parties are welcome here.  For more resources and inspiration on things to see and do in Scotland, take a look at our area guides.

The stunning Tree house near Exmoor National Park

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Ever dreamed of a self catering holiday in a tree house?  A stay in an unusual property like a tree house is the stuff of fantasies and childhood dreams but this dream can now become true for you.  Take a look at the Tree house near Exmoor and other unusual self catering cottages to rent for some truly inspiring places for holiday stays in the UK and Ireland.  Prepare to be amazed.  Could there be anything better when it comes to a holiday to remember?

Top rated places for countryside breaks

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When it comes to rural self catering holidays which are the best areas in the UK to visit?  Some people like to spend time in Britain’s National Parks where they can be assured of protected woods, moorlands, mountains and more.  These places are known as Britain’s breathing spaces.  Others opt for areas of outstanding natural beauty which are nationally recognised areas which many enjoy due to their pristine qualities.  There are 46 of these and efforts are made to safeguard these for all to enjoy.  Others still head for countryside which is less discovered and less well known.  If you need some inspiration take a look at our free guide on Best Country Areas.  Wherever you go, have a wonderful cottage holiday.

Best of the British Countryside

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Ever wondered where the best places for rural cottage breaks are?  We’ve compiled our own guide to the best country areas in the UK.  Take a look and see where we recommend.  If you know of somewhere we should add to the list, do get in touch with your feedback.  We’d love to hear from you.  See our Best of the British countryside for cottage breaks guide.

Cottage Holidays in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Did you know that it is possible to rent cottages located within and just outside areas of outstanding natural beauty.  England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland are all beautiful green countries with plenty of opportunities for restful or activity filled holidays.  With 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout the UK there is plenty of choice when it comes to where to go.  Or may be you prefer to holiday instead in one of Britain’s amazing National Parks, also known as ‘Britain’s breathing spaces’.  Britain has 15 National Parks in total and the landscapes of these vary.  Could there be anything better than a cottage stay in the national parks?

Hilltop Barn in rural Lincolnshire

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If you love the idea of making an escape to naturally beautiful pastures then how about Hilltop Barn in Lincolnshire?  Set in a 4 acre paddock, all within 20 acres of conservation countryside with captivating wildlife, this self catering barn sleeps up to 6 people in 2 bedrooms.  This rural idyllic area has won a Lincolnshire Environmental Award.  Click the link above to find out more about hill top farm holidays.