Category Archives: Holiday Inspiration

Britain’s Most Rural Holiday Locations

Bodmin Moor, rural Cornwall

Do you love the countryside and want to discover one of Britain’s most rural areas on a cottage break? If so, let Country Cottages Online inspire you with our hints, tips and list of possibilities! The UK is indeed a green and beautiful place and for when you want to escape the hustle and bustle and get away to a more tranquil pace of life and soothing rural scenery, there are plenty of options to help soothe your soul.

Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to bird song or love the idea of sitting out and watching the sunset over fields and farmlands, Britain is home to some wonderfully unspoilt areas where you can experience a taste of the good life.

Experience the Good Life on a Farm-Stay Holiday

The UK has retained a strong farming tradition and we are a nation rich in farmers. Luckily for holidaymakers a good number of UK farmers have converted old farm buildings in to modern, well equipped cottages. At one time stables or piggeries, many British farm buildings have now been lovingly converted in to rural retreats and country cottages where holidaymakers can come and stay in stylish well equipped surroundings and enjoy a taste of the good life on a farm. Some of these farm holiday developments are even complete with indoor or outdoor swimming pools where holidaymakers really can discover some of the very best of the British countryside.

Farmstay accommodation

For a real rural feel at some properties the owners will even let you gather eggs, help feed the chickens and may be even feed goats or pigs. This is fun not only for children but also for big kids out there (let your inner child rejoice in connecting with nature)!

Waking up to views of fields, farmlands, meadows and hills can also be good for the soul, as can watching the sunset across a country landscape. Rural Britain is just wonderful for reconnecting with nature and can help you de-stress and unwind too!

Find farm holiday inspiration

Remote Hideaways

When it comes to finding some of Britain’s most idyllic countryside, go remote! It is in some of Britain’s most remote places that you can discover a real slow pace of life where you can may see more sheep than people and really escape and unwind. Whether it’s Sutherland in the northern Highlands, Aberdeenshire or the Outer Hebrides, Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most remote and soulful destinations where you really can enjoy a truly rural and remote holiday. Ireland too is one of the UK’s very best places for experiencing some of the best of rural life on a break away, as well as plenty sense of ‘Craic’ and magic.

Find out more about remote holidays in the UK

Britain’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

If it’s quality of rural scenery you’re after, along with small pretty welcoming villages and attractive market towns, then a holiday in one of Britain’s National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty could be perfect for you. These areas are special because of the quality of scenery that they offer and are protected in many ways. Many of these parks and areas feature stunning rural scenery but if it’s the road less travelled you’re after be aware these places are no well kept secret and attract plenty of other tourists too.

Wherever you opt to explore on your rural holiday, we hope that Country Cottages Online can help you find your dream country cottage or rural retreat break.

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Best Cottages for 2017 Holidays

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With Christmas approaching, it will soon be the New Year and time to look forward to 2017 and perhaps a cottage holiday. With a new year many people start thinking about a self-catering cottage getaway and it’s important to a lot of travellers to get a holiday booked to look forward to. When it comes to booking the best cottages for 2017, remember that the most sought after cottages often book up early.

Finding the Best Cottage for your 2017 Holiday

What is the best cottage for you, will depend on your likes, needs and personal preferences. When it comes to finding the perfect cottage for your 2017 self-catering holiday here are some ideas to inspire you!

Splash around in a Cottage with a Pool in 2017

Coat Barn with pool Somerset

Perhaps because they’re great for holidays at any time of year, cottages with pools are always sought after. Having a morning dip, a relaxing evening swim or a splash around with the kids can be great fun and truly relaxing. Cottages with a swimming pool also appeal to both groups of friends and families, meaning that they are popular options. These sort of properties can book up fast so if you want to stay in a holiday home with a pool then booking early is recommended. Another popular option to consider is a cottage with a hot tub, another wonderfully relaxing possibility.

For a Splashing Holiday see Country Cottages Online’s collection of Cottages with a Pool.

Unique Holiday Homes Available for 2017 Holidays

The Tree House Somerset

Do you dream of staying in a holiday tree-house where you can hide away by the trees and enjoy a magical break? Or do you love the charm and unique features of converted chapels or mill-houses? Whatever type of quirky property you love, you can be assured you’re in good company as lots of people simply adore the idea of staying in a unique and memorable holiday home where you can make memories to treasure. If you’re thinking of staying in a quirky unusual holiday home, booking as early as possible in 2017 should be considered to make sure you can book your chosen unique cottage for your preferred dates.

See Our Choice of Unique Holiday Homes

A Cottage with a View for your 2017 Holiday

Stunning countryside views at Mill Barn in Cumbria

Whether it’s waking up to a holiday cottage with stunning countryside views where you can look out on fields or farmlands or gazing upon a shimmering sea view, cottages with a view are highly sought after. After all, with many properties it’s all about location, location, location and it’s no different with holiday homes.

What is the Best Cottage for your 2017 holiday?

The above are some ideas of some of the most typically desirable holiday homes, but what type of holiday home best suits you can be quite a personal thing. Perhaps you are searching for a remote hideaway, hidden far away in the Scottish Highlands? Or a cottage with a games room where you can keep the kids entertained. Finding the best cottage for you in 2017 is a personal decision and there’s no one-size fits all solution. For more ideas and inspiration on places to stay for your 2017 self-catering holiday, see our Holiday Inspiration section can help guide you.

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Discover Cornwall’s Poldark Country

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For fans of the BBC TV series Poldark, you may have been inspired not only by the drama unfolding on your screens but also by the stunning scenery and places featured on the programme. Stunning seascapes, beaches, coves, moors and historical towns all feature in this hit historical romantic drama. If you’ve been inspired by both the series and the landscape, you may be planning to discover Poldark Country on a self-catering break in 2017 or even before then.

Where is Poldark Country?

So let’s begin by explaining just where Poldark Country is. Set in Cornwall, Poldark features many picturesque areas of both coast and countryside in this part of the West Country.
Coastal areas featured in the Poldark series include seaside parts of the unspoilt Lizard Peninsula, as well as Porthgwarra Beach near Lands End and Porthcothan Bay near Padstow.
A number of inland scenes centre around the brooding scenery of Bodmin Moor.

Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor features in Poldark

The National Trust’s Botallack Mine is the cliff-side mine so often featured in Poldark. This mine is part of Cornwall’s Mining World Heritage Site and is an absolutely stunning place to visit whilst on a self-catering break.

When it comes to many of the scenes of Truro, the town of Charlestown near St Austell was used for much of the filming.

Charlestown in coastal Cornwall is Truro in Poldark

Places to Stay in and Near Poldark Country

Featuring locations across Cornwall, for those keen to discover Poldark country, a central base may make the most sense, from which to drive out and discover some of the varied locations featured in the TV series.

For those in search of a relaxing country break, a stay in or close to Bodmin Moor could make a lot of sense.

Whereas if you’d like to see some of the stunning coastal scenery featured in Poldark, do bear in mind that there is considerable distance between Lands End where some of the filming took place and places near like the Lizard Peninsula (around 34 miles from Lands End).

If you choose to holiday around Lands End, Botallack Mine is close by, as is Porthgwarra Beach whereas Porthcothan Bay and Charlestown are closer to Bodmin Moor.

Whichever part of Poldark Country you decide to explore on a cottage break, don’t forget to take your camera with you to capture some of the magical and inspirational scenery found in this part of Cornwall.

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Ideas for October Half Term Holidays

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If you have kids, your little ones may be counting down to the October Half Term Holidays. Lots of parents take time off too, whether staying at home or planning a break away, so they can spend time with their children during the Autumn holidays. Exact holiday dates may vary but the Autumn half term break is usually in late October. School holiday dates even in England can vary from region to region and school to school. One thing in common though for most parents is the need to think about what to do to keep your kids occupied over October Half Term. Taking the family away for a cottage break can be ideal for those keen to discover a new area and enjoy activities altogether.

Norfolk has Lots to Offer for Holidays with the Kids

Enjoy the great outdoors on holiday with the kids this Autumn

Open from mid to late October, Bewilderwood near Hoveton in Norfolk with its treehouses, boat rides, woodland walks and children’s play areas offer plenty of family fun in a largely naturally beautiful environment. Encourage your kids to enjoy spending time in the great outdoors with a trip to this family-friendly Norfolk attraction.

There are also lots of farm parks to take the kids to, to see the animals, dotted around Norfolk, as well as a zoo at Banham. There are also plenty of soft play centres, indoor play centres, bowling alleys and cinemas, so no matter how old your children are, there should be plenty of options when it comes to places for fun times in Norfolk.

Staffordshire for Theme Parks

Thrills and Spills on Offer at the UK’s Theme Parks

Staffordshire is home to Alton Towers, one of the UK’s best known theme parks. With rides and attractions to entertain all ages, from rollercoasters that will thrill teenagers to gentler rides and CBeebies land for toddlers, a holiday in Staffordshire close to Alton Towers could be a real hit with the kids.Also within an hour’s drive of Alton Towers is Drayton Manor Theme Park and zoo, where there is a Thomas the Tank Engine Land, lots of different rides, an indoor play area, shows and a Dinosaur trail.

Discover Dinosaur Related Attractions along the Jurassic Coast.

Discover Dinosaur-related attractions in Dorset

Lots of children, including both boys and girls, are fascinated by dinosaurs. Where better to take them then to feed this interest and help them learn more than Dorset’s Jurassic coast?

Enjoy fossil hunting along the Dorset coast and visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre where you can see a range of fascinating fossils. Seaton Jurassic is particularly family-friendly and aims to tell the story of the Jurassic coastline, taking you back in time. Also not to be missing is the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester when your kids can learn more about these fascinating creatures that once walked the earth.

Find Holiday Cottages for October Half Term holidays on Country Cottages Online and look forward to a break away with the kids this Autumn.

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In Pursuit of the Perfect English Country Cottage Holiday

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Think of an English country cottage holiday and images of quaint thatched cottages, wisteria-clad holiday houses and idyllic retreats may spring to mind. But what makes for the perfect English Country Cottage Holiday? Is it a thatched or a character property or a unique holiday house? Or is beauty in the eye of the beholder?

Thatched Country Cottages

Thatched Holiday Cottage

There’s something about thatched cottages, they just warm the heart. May be it’s because they make us think of a bygone age when the pace of life was slower and more tranquil, or maybe we just associate them with relaxed tranquil holidays and love them for that very reason. Whatever it is, thatched country cottages have the power to inspire and make us feel that warm fuzzy glow. Stay in Suffolk and you may even find thatched cottages which feature exterior walls with elaborate pargeting depicting country scenes. Some also have interesting looking decorative animals displayed proudly on top of the roofs. Stay in the West Country and you’ll also find many a delightful thatched holiday cottage, hidden down tranquil country lanes and shrouded by greenery. Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds is another area rich in thatched country cottages.

Historical Holiday Cottages

Historical Holiday Cottage

Historical holiday properties capture both the heart and the imagination and have the power to charm. Whether you prefer Grade I listed or Grade II listed properties, historical cottages often ooze warmth and character. Some historical holiday houses, particularly Victorian properties feature high elegant ceilings and decorative cornices and ceiling plaques and some love to stay in elegant high class surroundings. Other, typically older properties feature exposed wooden beams and cosy rooms which some adore for their character. What type of historical holiday home brings a smile to your face?

Unique Holiday Cottages

Unique Holiday House

For some, the truly perfect country cottage is one that is unique and therefore special. Unique country cottages include tree-houses, historical holiday homes and olde-worlde charming properties. Some people adore character features like stone-mullioned windows, oak beams and even features like arch-shaped windows and doors. If you like staying somewhere different, unusual and may be even slightly quirky, a unique holiday cottage may make for your perfect holiday home.

We hope we’ve inspired you as to some of the beautiful and amazing English Country Cottages out there. Whichever part of England you choose to explore on holiday, we hope you’ll find a fantastic place to stay on Country Cottages Online.

What’s clear is that English country cottage holidays mean something different to each individual but the common theme across all is the property’s picture-perfect quality, it’s visual appeal and its idyllic nature. Do you adore character properties or quaint thatched holiday houses? What’s your perfect English Country Cottage?

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Best Places in the UK to see Bluebell Woods on Holiday

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Bluebell Woods

The UK is home to some magnificent bluebell woods. Ancient bluebell woods are a joy to discover and to walk amongst and Britain is home to a surprising array of places where you can see carpets of bluebells amongst a forest canopy in Spring time. Take photos to preserve the special memories and visit from mid April to mid May to see the bluebells at their best.

• Wildlife Watch and Walk Amongst Beautiful Bluebells in Herts

Hertfordshire is one of England’s best places to see beautiful bluebell woods in season.
The National Trust’s Ashridge Estate is one of Hertfordshire’s best known beauty spots for seeing bluebells and you may be lucky enough to see some of the resident deer too when exploring these gorgeous woodlands. The best spot within Ashridge to see wonderful displays of purple carpeted woodlands is Dockey Wood. For taking photographs early morning tends to offer the best light and is also when you are most likely to spot deer and stags.

Deer in bluebells at Ashridge

After your walk head in to nearby Berkhamsted and enjoy a bite to eat or coffee in one of the good quality cafes in town.

Or head over the border in to Bucks, where at Wendover Woods you can also see bluebells from mid April to mid May and enjoy some great walks and woodland vistas along the way too. For refreshments, there is a café within Wendover Woods or head to nearby Wendover where the delights of the Chocolate Café are on offer.

Wherever you are holidaying in Hertfordshire, making the trip to Ashridge should make for a great day out.

Discover History and Bluebells on Holiday in Kent

Kent is a magnificent county to explore with its lush greenery, castles and pretty towns and quaint country cottages and is also home to some lovely bluebell woodlands. Combine visits to castles with walks through carpeted blue woodlands for special days out. Visit Scotney Castle near Tunbridge Wells and you can enjoy two wonderful sights in one day out. More wonderful woodlands complete with carpets of bluebells can be found within the gardens of Sissinghurst Castle near Cranbrook where you can discover history and gorgeous gardens in one visit too.
Other places to see the bluebells woods in season include the Hucking Estate near Maidstone, Hamstreet Woods near Ashford and Emmetts Garden near Sevenoaks.

Discover Stunning Somerset Attractions and Bluebell Woods in Somerset

Somerset in the West Country has a number of woodlands where you can see bluebells in season. For a chance to see bluebells next to the awe inspiring Cheddar Gorge head to Long Wood near Cheddar, this Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve is part of the Cheddar complex by the Mendip Hills where you can soak up stunning views over the Levels and Moors.

Other places in Somerset where you can see woodlands carpeted in bluebells include Thurlbear Wood near Taunton, Aller & Beer Woods near Langport, Leigh Woods near Clifton, and Snake’s Well Wood near Abbots Leigh. Also of note are King’s Wood and Urchin Wood near Wells, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest so are lovely unspoilt areas to explore and see bluebells and are also home to rare and endangered wildlife.

So wherever you are holidaying in Somerset, visit at the right time of year and there is a good chance that there will be a beautiful bluebell woodland near you to enjoy and explore.

• Explore one of England’s Best Loved Forests and See Beautiful Bluebells in Nottinghamshire

• Nottinghamshire can be a joy to discover lush woodlands, complete with carpets of ancient woodland flowers. One of Nottinghamshire’s oldest woodlands is the charming sounding Bunny Old Wood, also known as Bunny Wood, this is one of the best places in Nottinghamshire to enjoy walks amongst woodlands and bluebells. Another ancient Nottinghamshire woodland where you can see the bluebells is Ploughman Wood, where you can see carpets of wood anenomes, as well as bluebells.

Also in Nottinghamshire is the National Trust’s Clumber Park, near Worksop and in the heart of Sherwood Forest. Visit Sherwood Forest and you’ll be within one of England’s most special places. Within Sherwood Forest you can be amongst what may be Britain’s best known woodlands and home to the legend of Robin Hood. See the Great Oak where Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men were reputed to have hidden out and also explore gorgeous bluebell woods with a visit to the Clumber Park Woodlands.

Whether you’re staying in a country cottage in the Nottinghamshire countryside or in a townhouse or apartment within Newark or Nottinghamshire, there are some fantastic bluebell woods to discover in season.

The above are some of the best known and best loved places to see delightful bluebell woodlands in the UK but there are others including Skomer Island in Wales which looks stunning carpeted in hues of blue and purple, Sussex, Norfolk, Wrexham, Cornwall, West Yorkshire and even the Trossachs in Scotland.

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Best Places in Britain for Summer Holidays

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As the weather starts to warm up, thoughts turn to summer holidays and booking a break away. Planning a ‘staycation’ in Britain can be an appealing idea, particularly for those with pets. No one likes to leave their dog in a kennel and with a break in the UK you can take your precious pet pooch with you, without missing them whilst you’re away.

With summers getting warmer, the UK can be good weather-wise too, particularly for those that don’t like it too hot. For a special treat, booking a holiday cottage with a swimming pool can help your summer break feel extra special.

If you’re short on ideas of where to go for your summer vacation, we’ve got some pointers for you on some of the best of Britain when it comes to summertime getaways.

Experience Coast and Countryside this Summer in England’s West Country

Dartmouth in Coastal Devon

With award winning beaches and lush national parks, England’s West Country has to be one of the most popular parts of the UK when it comes to summer holidays. Perhaps it’s by virtue of the South West being a good bet when it comes to sunshine in the summer months or on account of the renowned beaches in the area, but nowhere quite says summer holiday like England’s South West.

So popular is this area in fact that some families return year after year to this beloved part of England. Whether Devon, Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset is your favourite, each part of the West Country has its own unique appeal and attractions. Take note though, holiday cottages in the South West get booked up early, particularly the luxurious ones or holiday houses with leisure facilities such as a hot tub or a swimming pool, so if you want to stay somewhere special in June, July or August then booking early is recommended.

Go Wild this Summertime in Wales

Pretty Pembrokeshire Coast

If there’s one thing people long for when it comes to summer holidays, it’s the chance to be by the seaside, feel the wind in your hair and breathe in fresh sea air. Wales with its expansive coastline can be a wonderful place for a coastal holiday. Whether you choose to explore the Snowdonia coastline (some of which falls within the National Park), the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park or the Gower Peninsula, each part of coastal Wales has its own unique appeal to offer and charm visitors.

Explore Scotland’s Coast in June, July or August

It’s a little known fact that Scotland has a stunning coastline. Summer can be the best season to visit Scotland as it’s the time of year when you’re least likely to get rain and most likely to get sunshine. Everything looks better in the sunshine and Scotland’s coastline is no exception where the sea glistens in the sun and the sand glitters in the sun’s rays. Whether you love walking, jumping from the sand dunes, boating or watersports, Scotland’s coast is wonderful for experiencing the great outdoors and all these activities are made all the better with the heat of the sun on your back.

One of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal areas is Argyll and Bute with its inlets, coves, beaches and quaint fishing villages. This is a fantastic part of Scotland to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits and see stunning sunsets.

Golden Sands of an unspoilt Aberdeenshire beach.

If you want to truly get away from it all, head for the Aberdeenshire coastline in Scotland. It’s a well kept secret that this area has miles and miles of golden sandy beaches (some of which can be deserted so you can enjoy them all by yourself!), pretty fishing villages and is one of the best places in Scotland to experience soulful scenery without crowds. For those keen to explore the road less travelled, a tranquil holiday along the Aberdeenshire coast could be just what you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated this summer.

We hope we’ve inspired you with our ideas on some of the best places in Britain to holiday in summertime.

Find a Cottage Available for Summer on Country Cottages Online.
Cottages for Summer Getaways

10 of the Prettiest English Country Cottages

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10 of England’s Prettiest Country Cottages

Searching for an idyllic picture-perfect English country cottage? We feature a great range of chocolate-box pretty countryside cottages in England on Country Cottages Online. With so many to choose from, it’s not easy to pick the 10 prettiest and the selection below is just to give you an idea of some of the options out there. We have a huge collection of beautiful country cottages which are each idyllic and attractive but too many to list here.

It’s probably no coincidence that many of the holiday homes we’ve selected are thatched cottages and that a large proportion are from areas renowned for their beautiful buildings such as the Cotswolds and Suffolk. Also making the list though are cottages in unspoilt Norfolk and the wonderful Forest of Dean.

Cocketts, Mendlesham Green.
Cocketts Picture-Perfect Cottage near Mendlesham Green

Painted pink and set in a traditional English garden, Cocketts in Mendlesham Green in Suffolk is one of the prettiest holiday houses we feature. Sleeping up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms, this pet-friendly holiday home with its log-burning fire and exposed wooden beams is a real gem and an idyllic rural retreat.

Oakleys, Long Melford

Picture-perfect country cottage near Long Melford

This terracotta coloured 3 bedroom holiday cottage is situated within the rural hamlet of Foxearth, next to some other pretty country cottages, close to the historical village of Long Melford. With a picture-perfect exterior and a history which dates back to the 15th century, this holiday house is wonderful both inside and out and indoors features lovely exposed wooden beams as well as charming historical features.

The Guildhall, near Colchester
Guildhall Cottage in the Dedham Vale

Thatched and painted cream, the Guildhall is picture-perfect and sits within beautiful gardens in the Dedham Vale. With 3 bedrooms and a dogs-welcome policy, this holiday house is a family-friendly property with much charm. The wooden beams and wood burner inside continue the theme at this idyllic Suffolk country cottage.
Little Orchard, Chipping Campden
Honey-coloured Little Orchard Cottage in picturesque Chipping Camden

Cottages really don’t come any prettier than Little Orchard in Chipping Campden. With 2 bedrooms and a thatched roof, this stone-built cottage isn’t just beautiful, it’s also historically significant as it’s the former home of the author Graham Greene. What’s more, it’s located in the appealing town of Chipping Campden and more beautiful buildings can be found close by.
Tythe Barn Cottage, Chipping Campden
Tythe Barn is a Pretty Thatched Cottage near Chipping Campden

If you’re looking for a chocolate-box pretty cottage to rent for your cottage holiday then Tythe Barn Cottage could be just what you’ve been searching for. Dating back to the 17th century, this stone-built holiday house with its thatched roof sleeps a family of up to 4 and enjoys an excellent location close to the picturesque town of Chipping Campden.

The Watermill, Bury St Edmunds
Historical watermill with an idyllic setting near Bury St Edmunds

There are few holiday houses with quite a magical setting as the Watermill near Bury St Edmunds. Originally a watermill, this Grade II listed property is situated on its own private island and is incredibly idyllic. Enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature with a stay at this superb 5 bedroom holiday house and escape to your own watery wonderland in Suffolk.
Bluebell Studio at Thatched Farm
Idyllic Suffolk Rural Retreat

When it comes to rural retreats, Bluebell Studio at Thatched Farm has to be one of the most idyllic. Set by trees and beautiful gardens, you can really enjoy a slice of country life with a stay at this pet-friendly cottage. Sleeping 2, this couple’s cottage is ideal for a romantic couple looking to escape from it all on a break close to Woodbridge in Suffolk.

The Old Monkey Cottage, Hadleigh
Picture-perfect Suffolk Holiday Cottage

Painted terracotta and nestled by trees is this gorgeous one bedroom country cottage. Sleeping 2, this is a romantic retreat, nestled close to the unspoilt Suffolk countryside. With exposed wooden beams, a warming open fire and plenty of historical charm, this is a very attractive couple’s cottage.

Secluded Brambles, Littledean
Beautiful Secluded Brambles Cottage near the Forest of Dean

Set by fields and farmlands where there are open country views where you can see for miles and miles, this cosy one bedroom holiday house with its wonderful setting and stone-built structure is one of the most appealing holiday houses that we feature and what’ s more it’s close to the wonderful Forest of Dean. Pet-friendly, this is a wonderful rural retreat for a couple plus a dog and inside the accommodation is modern and stylish.
Hoste Barn, Norfolk
Idyllic RustIc Barn Conversion in Norfolk

Hoste Barn offers plenty of county charm. This rural retreat sits within the grounds of a farmhouse, next to woodlands and close to Swanton Abbott. From the outside this is a very pretty rustic barn conversion whilst inside it’s a modern, stylish well equipped holiday home.

For more choice, we recommend that you take a look at our collection of holiday cottages in England. There are so many beautiful and idyllic options to choose from, it’s impossible to list them all.

England’s Magical and Fairytale Holiday Houses

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Think of fairytale or magical houses and the castles of Germany’s Rhine Valley or the chateaux of France’s Loire Valley may spring to mind. England though is also home to some spectacular buildings with an ‘other worldly’ or magical feel and amazingly some of these magnificent buildings are holiday homes! Enjoy our pick of some of the best.

Feel Over the Moon with a Stay at Hunter’s Moon

Hunter’s Moon Fairytale-Style Holiday House near Glastonbury

With its magical woodland theme, fans of fantasy movies such as the Hobbit should be over the moon with a stay at Hunter’s Moon. Live the dream and the fantasy with a stay at this 4 bedroom holiday house situated close to mystical Glastonbury. At this holiday home with its fairytale feel you can marvel at the wooden tree-like doors, and some amazing interior touches like the tree-like headboard in the master bedroom and the central tree-like structure which can be seen in the kitchen and master bedroom. The fantasy continues with the entertainment pod with 55″ TV and surround sound, where you can watch your favourite movies or fairytales in the fantastic home cinema room.

Bathe in a Tower-Top Hot Tub at the Fairytale-Like Tower House of Rower Fort

Rower Fort’s Amazing Roof Top Hot Tub

For those who love a sense of romance and history, Rower Fort in Devon with its fairytale style is a truly magical holiday home. The magic continues with an amazing roof-top hot tub, up on top of the tower where the views are superb and inside there is a Morrocan-themed indoor swimming pool. This 8 bedroom holiday house truly is the stuff of dreams.

Hideaway by the Trees at The Treehouse

Self-Catering Treehouse near Taunton

Nestled by the trees close to Taunton in Somerset is ‘The Treehouse‘. With a luxurious beautifully furnished interior this is no ordinary treehouse! Quirky features such as the unusual shaped windows in the bedroom as well as the warm bubbly outdoor hot tub add to this property’s already ample appeal. Feed your imagination with a holiday at the Treehouse where you can hide out amongst the trees yet enjoy being within reach of Exmoor National Park, the Brendon Hills, the Blackdown Hills, the Quantock Hills and Taunton for days out.

Relax by the Riverside in a Magical Setting at Waterfall Country House

Waterfall Country House in a magical setting by the Riverside in Gloucestershire

With a sublime riverside setting and picture-perfect appearance, Waterfall Country House in Gloucestershire is a truly magical holiday home. With river views from a number of the rooms plus a tranquil setting with the Golden Valley, this is a great place where you may be lucky enough to see otters and kingfishers happily play (the TV series the “Halcyon River Diaries” filmed the otters here). With a river flowing by, this 8 bedroom house is a great place for large groups to relax and holiday in a magical setting.

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Forest Holidays in England

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If you love greenery and trees, then a cottage holiday in one of England’s forests could be a perfect choice for you. Whether you long to stay in a rural retreat nestled by the trees or in a log cabin set within or by a forest, there is a surprising choice of accommodation in a woodland wonderland setting in England.

England’s Forests for Cottage Holidays

Cyclists enjoying the scenery of the New Forest on holiday

Thinking of taking a cottage holiday in or near a forest? If so, here’s our top choice of England’s best forested areas for holidays. Some of England’s best known and best loved forests have to include the New Forest in Hampshire, the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.

The New Forest is a great place to marvel at the heights reached by the Californian Redwoods and walk, cycle and wildlife watch. There is a great choice of cottages available in the New Forest National Park.

The Forest of Dean is a great area to soak up the wonderful greenery, enjoy being under the canopy of trees and enjoy a host of outdoor activities from walking and cycling to horse riding. Staying in a holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean can be a great choice for those looking for a home to home feel whilst on holiday.

Sherwood Forest is a great place to visit and holiday for those with a love for English legend. Who doesn’t love the story of Robin Hood? Whether you’re young or old, the idea of this hero who took from the rich and gave to the poor has such appeal that who wouldn’t be fascinated to visit Sherwood Forest, the old haunts of Robin Hood. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is truly a fascinating tree and for many years, visitors could step inside this hollow tree which has a girth of 10 metres. Said to have sheltered Robin himself, who could resist such a fantastic tale and a visit to such a legendary Forest? For entertaining both kids and the adults, a cottage holiday in Sherwood Forest could be perfect.

There are of course so many beautiful forests in England that it’s hard to choose the very best ones for self-catering breaks. Each forest or woodland area has its own unique appeal, and you may well have your own particular favourite.

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Experience the Good Life on a Farm-Stay Holiday

Find farm holiday inspiration

Remote Hideaways

Find out more about remote holidays in the UK

Britain’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Finding the Best Cottage for your 2017 Holiday

Splash around in a Cottage with a Pool in 2017

For a Splashing Holiday see Country Cottages Online’s collection of Cottages with a Pool.

Unique Holiday Homes Available for 2017 Holidays

See Our Choice of Unique Holiday Homes

A Cottage with a View for your 2017 Holiday

What is the Best Cottage for your 2017 holiday?

Where is Poldark Country?

Places to Stay in and Near Poldark Country

Norfolk has Lots to Offer for Holidays with the Kids

Staffordshire for Theme Parks

Discover Dinosaur Related Attractions along the Jurassic Coast.

Thatched Country Cottages

Historical Holiday Cottages

Unique Holiday Cottages

• Wildlife Watch and Walk Amongst Beautiful Bluebells in Herts

Discover History and Bluebells on Holiday in Kent

Discover Stunning Somerset Attractions and Bluebell Woods in Somerset

• Explore one of England’s Best Loved Forests and See Beautiful Bluebells in Nottinghamshire

Experience Coast and Countryside this Summer in England’s West Country

Go Wild this Summertime in Wales

Explore Scotland’s Coast in June, July or August

England’s Forests for Cottage Holidays

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