Imagine a warming fire with a hot chocolate, playing your favourite board game or just curled up with a good book in one of these cosy cottages situated across England and Wales.
Then you can explore the glorious British countryside on foot, by boat, or on a bicycle, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Check out our hand-picked selection and make your choice.
1. Converted James Bond themed windmill, Norfolk
Bond Island Windmill
Bond Island Windmill (sleeps five, plus two dogs) has never before been available to rent. Brand new and exclusive to holidaycottages.co.uk’s portfolio, this 300-year-old converted windmill, once owned by actor Roger Moore, combines features from yesteryear.
The windmill has modern comforts and has been lovingly restored and furnished to reflect the Norfolk Broads countryside with splashes of James Bond here and there. There is a feature wood burner for cosy winter nights, a large Smart TV and DVD entertainment system with a selection of DVD’s, board games, CD’s and for the stargazers … a telescope.
Enjoy 360-degree views of beautiful scenery and wonderful wildlife; or simply while away the hours, relaxing in one of the many sunspots, outside dining areas or bar; do a spot of fishing off the private mooring or take a boat trip on the beautiful broads.
How much: a seven-night stay costs from £367 per person (£1,831 total).
2. Lakes Edge, Herefordshire
The beautiful cottages, luxurious barns and two gatehouse lodges of Lakes Edge, set in the grounds of the 50-acre private estate Pudleston Court, offer guests an exclusive cottage experience in the heart of rural Herefordshire.
Dog and family-friendly, the cottages are perfectly positioned for woodland walks and keen anglers can take to the river with their rods.
Their proximity to the market town of Leominster will appeal to antique buffs and those that enjoy a mooch around vintage shops.
Other great local activities include visits to local National Trust properties such as Brockhampton, horse riding, golf and a day out in the cathedral city of Hereford.
The newly added six-bedroom Barn and three-bedroom Poachers Barn offer a serious wow factor with their own indoor heated pools!
How much: prices for Poachers Barn start from £450 per night. Cottages can be booked together or separately.
3. Watermillock Cottage, Lake District
The Quiet Site
Set within the heart of Cumbria’s Lake District National Park, the Quiet Site is an award-winning holiday park which includes two self-catering holiday cottages. Occupying a magnificent position overlooking Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District.
One of these cottages, Watermillock Cottage, is a Grade 2 listed farmhouse with oak floorboards and exposed beams. It dates from 1680 and has recently undergone a full refurbishment.
The large reception room features an open fire, comfortable sofas and widescreen TV. The dining room has a large oak refectory table and kitchen features an AGA, oak units and slate worktops. The utility room contains a washing machine, tumble dryer and a large fridge/freezer so you can stock up on delicious nosh and a few bottles of vino (or whatever you prefer).
4. Clifftops, Portland, Jurassic Coast
Clifftops residence (c) Jonathan Gooding
Clifftops consists of five beautiful self-catering apartments, each with a unique design focus, nestled into the cliffs just below the Estate and Pennsylvania Castle. Designed by Morrow + Lorraine Architects, the building forms an integral part of the historic Estate landscape.
Providing uninterrupted panoramas of the English Channel, each lodge is angled out to face the natural environment. The lodges are individually named and styled to reflect the surrounding environment that created Clifftops: Blue, Stone, Copper, Silva and Ope.
You may find yourself drawn to the ancient fossilised sea creatures, captured within the stone walls of Clifftops. The stone itself has been selected from Portland’s Albion Mines and cut just minutes away from the Penn Estate – lookout for the local mason’s inscriptions and doodles. The copper wrapped lodges will sustainably age to retreat into the natural landscape over time.
How much: Prices start from £630 off-peak for a 2-night weekend stay in a two-bedroom lodge.
5. Fritton Lake, Somerleyton Estate, Norfolk-Suffolk coastal border
Cottage at Fritton Lake
Fritton Lake is part of the family-owned Somerleyton Estate on the Norfolk-Suffolk coastal border set within the estate’s 1000-acre wildland project which is being fenced to allow grazing animals to lead the way in eco-restoration.
The lake, which stretches for two miles, is situated near to the resort’s cabin retreats and farm cottages, each of which contains a wood-burning stove, private hot tub and a lake or forest-side terrace – all surrounded by 250 acres of unspoilt sustainable wildland and beautiful wildlife.
Practice yoga in a lakeside garden or discover a new sense of adventure with wild swimming, trail running, cycling, paddle boarding, sailing and adventure play.
There is also a 22-meter heated swimming pool, volleyball, croquet, pétanque, grass and clay tennis courts.
The Fritton Arms boutique hotel is the social hub of the club where members and guests can relax and enjoy critically- acclaimed, honest food made from locally sourced ingredients and less honest cocktails. For lazier days there is a food delivery service.
How much: Prices start from £1636 for a weekend break and £2098 for a week-long break.
6.Luxury lodges at Dylan Coastal Resort, Laugharne, South West Wales
Lodge at the Dylan Resort
Explore Carmarthenshire’s lush green landscapes, secluded ancient forests, and unspoilt golden sands in the heart of South Wales, and book a stay at Dylan Coastal resort.
These high-end hotel-standard lodges combine the most efficient, sustainable and ecologically sensitive methods of building and have been extremely popular with post-lockdown staycationers since their unveiling last year.
Each lodge features two bedrooms, an open plan living area, modern furnishings, a balcony, a hot tub and sweeping views across the estuary.
You can take advantage of the state-of-the-art £7m Milk Wood House Spa and world-class dining facilities.
The resort is currently operating under the Welsh Government guidelines regarding COVID-19.
How much: A stay in a Dylan Lodge costs from £1000 for four nights (sleeps four).
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