When it comes to a countryside escape, you can't get much better than the rolling hills and chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds. Take a look at some of our best homes in the area – you can't really get much better than these either. 

Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Pasties, cake, ice cream and pirates. If you stick Cornish in front of it, it becomes a tradition. So, here’s a very Cornish Cornwall 7 day itinerary. 


Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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Located just a nine-minute walk from the centre of the lively and beautiful market town of Beverley, this home was built in the mid-eighteenth-century on one of the ancient streets that were once the route for pilgrims visiting the shrine of St John the Minster, and for traders using the Hessle ferry to travel to both Lincolnshire and the London market. 

On warmer days, we would love nothing more than to take our morning cup of tea and breakfast outside to the home’s courtyard to enjoy the fresh air. Then, explore everything that Beverley has to offer, from Saturday markets to antique centres, from its thriving music scene to competitive escape room fun. What’s more, the medieval skyline remains unspoilt, so why not stop at a cafe and enjoy the view?

Plus, Beverley Westwood is roughly a two-minute drive away from this home where you can enjoy leisurely walks, a round of golf or even watch some horse racing at the racecourse. 

In the evening, return to this home which combines period features with the modern lifestyle. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a cinema experience in the living room or curl up in front of the log-burning fire and enjoy a good back. You can even enjoy summer nights alfresco, and stay warm beside the firepit as you roast marshmallows.  

Pilgrimage Point

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Unspoilt countryside views, a wrap-around garden, wood burning fires and a games room – this home has everything you could need for a refreshing retreat in the Cotswolds. There’s also a heated swimming pool (available for an additional fee) and plenty of space across two reception rooms and the dining room for entertaining. Beyond this peaceful sanctuary, it’s just a ten-minute stroll into Hook Norton village where you’ll find two pubs and a village shop. There are great hiking trails and it’s just a short drive to Chipping Norton, Banbury and Soho Farmhouse. 

Light & Tranquillity

This is a stunning home in the beautiful village of Little Compton, near Moreton-in-Marsh. The property is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds and offers easy access to all the area has to offer. The cottage sleeps up to 6 guests and has three bedrooms, a spacious living room and a well-equipped kitchen. The property also has a private garden and a patio, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Washbrook Cottage

Welcome to this charming sanctuary nestled in the quaint village of Preston on Stour. Be enchanted by this bewitching 16th-century cottage, a picture-perfect fusion of history and modernity. Discover romantic adventures and Shakespearian escapes in the idyllic Warwickshire countryside. Bask in the luxurious warmth of a rustic lounge with a flickering fireplace and get lost in time exploring Stratford-upon-Avon's rich history. Every corner is outfitted to pamper you: an olive-green sofa perfect for relaxation, a four-poster bed ensuring serenity and golden slumber, a peaceful garden offering mesmerizing views of the village life. The cottage dazzles with character amidst original timbers, polished flagstones and vibrant colours. Delight your senses with home-cooked meals prepared in the well-equipped kitchen, indulge in spa-inspired showers, or simply gaze into the tranquility of the surroundings from the comfort of your historic hideaway.

Shakespeare & Juliet

Private Parking

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Through walls of glass, this Criccieth home welcomes the outdoors in. And when you catch a glimpse of the sea views from almost every corner of this home, you’ll know why it caught our eye. Having appeared on a couple of popular TV shows, it’s no surprise that this modern marvel is a perfect place to stay for friends and families alike. Cool and contemporary inside, it’s quite the contrast to the rugged landscape surrounding it. Just take care with the cliff edge – little ones and four-legged friends will need to be supervised. 

Clifftop Dream

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On a sprawling estate in the heart of Sherwood Forest, this manor is perfect for big groups looking for country strolls and myriad entertainment options. Apart from a private hot tub, tennis courts and a state-of-the-art barbecue station, there are woodland walks and lawn games to fill your days here. Come evening, retire to one of many lavish lounges inside, or gather in the banquet-sized dining table. Kids and big kids will enjoy the games room with its pool table and retro arcade games and if you’re hosting a special celebration, there’s a function room that can seat up to 50 people in grand surrounds. This is one of those spots where memories are made.

The Country Slicker

If you’re looking to experience the magic of the English countryside, this 17th-century thatched cottage delivers the perfect solution. Nestled in the little town of Winfrith, it’s just a five-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast and some of the most beautiful spots in Dorset. There’s also a village shop and a pub within walking distance and you’ll find private parking alongside the cottage. Inside, the rooms are cosy, classic and full of charm. There’s a fireplace in the living room along with board games for relaxing evenings at home. You’ll also have access to a little garden with a barbecue for warm weather days. 

Rose of the Heart

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Charming and cosy, this cottage is in the almost untouched village of Wyck Rissington, one of the Cotswolds’ hidden gems. It’s rich in character and original features, including an inglenook fireplace and wooden beams. Both bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom, making this home as convenient as it is comfortable. The kitchen leads to a terrace and a serene cottage garden, where there’s also a pond. You’ll be just 3 miles from beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water and 4 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold, right in the heart of the Cotswolds. 

The Carriage Door

This charming Tudor castle, built in 1560, has been fully restored to create the perfect romantic retreat for two. Set in the picturesque Teesdale landscape, this historic property is located near the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park, as well as the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guests can admire the ornate roof beams carved from oak trees felled over 400 years ago in the dining hall, and relax in the cosy living room with a wood-burning stove set within a Tudor fireplace. The bedroom features a double bed on an oak floor adorned with Persian rugs and offers stunning views of the walled garden and the high moors beyond. The property also boasts an enclosed courtyard garden and two designated parking spaces. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome for a small additional charge.

The Daffodil Garden

This old dairy, set on the Burghley Estate, is a peaceful getaway for large groups and makes a pretty picture for small celebrations. Throughout the restoration of the dairy and its conversion into cottages, an emphasis remained on the history of this building, and plenty of the original features remain to make this a charming and comfortable stay. With two wings, it also grants everyone plenty of space, though the mezzanine bedrooms can only be accessed through several ground-floor rooms, which might not feel the most private. Still, it's a beautiful space, and the estate is within the Capability Brown Parkland, first landscaped in the early 1700s and still as lush and inviting, perfect for walks with the dogs.

The Cottage Soul

Sauna

If you fancy yourself as lord or lady of the manor, then you can live out your dreams for a few days at this Grade II listed Georgian home. The majestic house is set in two and a half acres of private grounds, bursting with flower gardens, apple trees and green lawns that are perfect for picnicking. Pay a visit to the local farm shop to stock up on fresh produce, and cook a delicious meal on the AGA to share alfresco on the terrace as you admire the views of the rolling countryside. After dark, you might decide to stay outside and huddle around the fire pit, or retreat to one of the cosy living rooms to play board games or watch a movie. The Yorkshire Moors are right on your doorstep, ideal for long, muddy walks through the windswept landscapes that inspired the Brontë sisters, and it's just a short drive to visit the Pennines, where you can hike through an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 


Wuthering Heights

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If you're looking for a classic country cottage – call the search off. With its idyllic walled garden and a luxury interior, this Grade II listed home is the perfect romantic retreat – just the ideal place to spend quality time with loved ones. Host Aisha has lovingly decorated this place with distinguished collectables and antiques, including the wonderful wardrobe in the master bedroom. Watch the sun set over the Somerset hills from the lush grounds – we love the stunning views from here. Later, relax in the hot tub or have a soak in the gorgeous slipper bath. When you're ready to venture out, the Georgian splendour of Bath is a twenty-minute drive away. Spend the day exploring the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the Roman Baths, as well as the many museums such as the Jane Austen Centre. Then unwind at the Thermae Bath Spa with its roof-top pool. For a more relaxed pace, there's a pub and café for lunch in Timsbury, around a five-minute stroll. Or put on your hiking boots and explore the glorious Somerset countryside.

The Parish Stone

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Slap bang in the national reserve of Malvern Hills, this collection of barns is based in an official Area of Outstanding National Beauty, and the home itself isn't far off that description, too. With vast arched glass windows, cool and contemporary spaces filled with natural light, original wooden beams everywhere, and an indoor pool so luxurious it belongs in a Bond villain's home, you'll want to spend your whole trip at this retreat. The lounge has sweeping views for when you want to relax with a film between glances at the stars, and the dining space is the perfect place to serve an elegant dinner spread or a lazy round of coffees. Explore the national reserve and its diverse landscape on your doorstep, and take a hike to Midsummer Hill - a walk or quick drive away. Bathe in luxury in either the huge shower or the sleek bathtub - the best way to wake up on a getaway.

Around The Paddock

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Take in unrivalled sea views from this charming home directly on the beach at Whitby. Best suited for a family due to the layout of the bedrooms, Anchor & Sail offers guests a cosy home with brilliant access to all that Whitby has to offer, and more importantly, direct access to the sea and beach. You're also located just a short walk from the infamous 199 Steps, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes for the best views in town. 

Anchor & Sail

The honey-coloured stone buildings, wisteria-adorned doorways and misty green hills of pretty Painswick couldn't get more Hollywood movie set if it tried. In fact, this town is so disarmingly attractive that it's known as the Queen of the Cotswolds. Well, adjust your crown because we've got a very princely stay right here for you. This 16th-century cottage is in the heart of the town, opposite the legendary 99 Yew Trees Church with its magnificent yew trees – can you take a wild guess how many?

Once inside you'll feel like a modern-day Henry VII thanks to exposed stonework, regal purple sofas, aged wooden beams and hefty wooden beds. In the second living room you'll find an honesty bar where your host has thoughtfully provided a selection of spirits – all donations made by you for the drinks you make are given to Emmaus, a local homelessness charity.

Outside you'll find the very private, very sunny courtyard garden is a delight, with lush, mature trees and immaculately manicured shrubs creating that Hampton Court Palace garden feel - albeit on a much smaller scale. It's a right royal escape.

The 99 Yew Trees

Hammock

Step into this achingly romantic wooden hut in St Kew, Cornwall, for a whirlwind getaway unlike any other. Decorated in an eclectic, bohemian style, you’ll want to fire up the stove and sink right into a pile of embroidered cushions with a mug of hot chocolate. You’ll also have your own private deck on which to drink tea with scones or enjoy hot Cornish pasties from the local bakery. The mezzanine bedroom area was made for sleeping to the sound of rain falling on the roof – just hope that it clears up quickly in the morning – or listening out for the call of a barn owl passing by. And the north Cornwall coast, with some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, is just a ten-minute drive away. Spend a day at charming Port Isaac, or hop on your bike to take on the Camel Trail – and don't forget to stop in at the country pub across the lane on your way home. 

A New Belonging

Always fantasized about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic stable building (dating back to 1900) is part of a family estate located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Along with the estate’s gatehouse (also available on Plum Guide), it's been recently refurbished and is accessible to outsiders for the first time. We loved the balance between period features and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom and kitchen gadgets. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane, near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are plenty of shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight.

The Manor Stables

Sonos

If you’re looking for a real away-from-it-all retreat that’s truly one of a kind, then look no further than this home on the Norfolk Coast. Featured on Channel 4's Homes by the Sea, it’s located right next to the dunes at Winterton-on-Sea, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A former working lighthouse, it’s perfect for a peaceful stay with a surreal fairytale quality. When we visited, we were particularly impressed by the unusual round rooms that stack up on top of one another. Once filled with nautical equipment, these are now well designed spaces with beautiful furniture and objects, including an impressive library, bunk-bed room for kids, living room, and finally a lofty viewing platform bedroom (not for the faint hearted). Down on ground level you’ll find a contemporary open-plan space where you can cook in the shiny stainless steel kitchen or bask in the warmth of the wood burner as you eat dinner in the relaxed dining area. Folding doors give access out into the small garden for picnics or al fresco breakfasts. Families in particular will love the easy access to seaside life, including great fish and chips, good local pubs, parks and boat-trips. The Norfolk Broads is also nearby; the UK's largest wetland area, it's perfect for boating, cycling and walking. In short, this is a great home for those who want to experience everything a Norfolk staycation has to offer, while staying somewhere with real wow factor. 

The Norfolk Beacon

Set in Ford, an attractive hamlet along the banks of the River Windrush, this romantic cottage offers the highest levels of charm and comfort for your Cotswolds escape. It’s hidden away within the grounds of the host’s own home, but offers complete privacy. There’s a small but well-equipped galley kitchen with a Nespresso machine and milk frother for a little luxury morning coffee. But our favourite bit is the four-poster, king-size bed which guarantees a luxurious night’s sleep. just what you need after a day tackling some of the best hiking routes in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds Way runs right by the cottage and walks around Sudeley Castle are just a few miles away.

Country Honey

Free Parking

Green is the theme at this beautifully restored historic farmhouse; rolling pastures all around and exquisite emerald, olive and moss hues inside. Recently featured in Elle Décor, the owner is an interior designer and a lovely host to boot. Welcoming your whole brood and then some, there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out in the three gorgeous sitting rooms, seven individually styled bedrooms, large bespoke, country kitchen and expansive garden. Those travelling with young children will love the playroom, chock-full of games and toys to keep them quiet for hours on end. There is billiards and table tennis in the outhouse if the big kids want to get involved, too. A boot room makes a no-stress entrance for muddy wellies after yomps through the surrounding countryside and the endless lawns call for picnics and croquet in the sunshine. Your nearest village is Piercebridge, situated three miles away, with its own farm shop and proper pub. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales, Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Barnard Castle are all within a forty-five-minute drive – perfect for family days out in the fresh air.

Enchanted Forest

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Part of a nineteenth-century groom’s cottage on the grounds of St Giles House in Dorset, this maisonette in a former stable block looks like a scene straight out of Bridgerton. A stylish mishmash of antique brickwork, vintage pieces and modern design touches, every inch has been cleverly renovated by Lord and Lady Shaftesbury to enhance the history and character in an uber-cool way. Think bold paint colours, jazzy wallpapers, traditional flagstone floors, hand-crafted bespoke showers and a drool-worthy copper roll-top tub. While the Egyptian cotton bedding and plush dressing gowns are modern luxuries worthy of a boutique hotel, the estate's rolling green fields, the stable views and the cosy living area – complete with a wood-burning fire – feel authentically rural. You'll love strolling among the manor's private garden, or, when you crave a bit of adventure, enjoy day trips to the beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest and cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth. Larger groups can even rent the neighbouring cottages and lodges, all beautifully designed by Lady Shaftesbury. If you're looking for a glamourous stay in the stunning English countryside, this is it.

Serving Up Style

English charm and elegance await at this pretty seventeenth-century cottage in the countryside. Grade II listed but modernised to create a comfortable home with all modern conveniences, it's a beautiful place to relax with family and friends. Packed with exposed beams and period features, and boasting a stunning galleried landing, it's furnished with a mix of antiques and classic country pieces. We love the open-plan kitchen-dining room with bi-fold doors which open straight out onto the garden and the vaulted ceiling in the romantic master bedroom. Spend mornings sitting out in the private gardens before heading out for a day on the golf course – one of the finest clubs in Surrey, Burhill Golf Club, just happens to be next door. After a day of golfing, there's nothing better than relaxing in front of the log fire in the inglenook or sitting outside on the delightful patio with after-dinner drinks.

Tea Up

Single-Level Home

Even before you enter, it’s clear that there’s something special about Faerie World. The high position of the cottage gives a heavenly view of the stream below, and you can hear the babbling water from the terrace, which is itself surrounded by flowers, and makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale. Once inside, the living room and bedroom don’t disappoint. The bedroom in particular, with its Farrow & Ball colours, stands out. The kitchen doesn’t have the same aesthetic charm, but that’s a small gripe, and shouldn't give you any cause for concern.

Faerie World

Spread out across three floors in this modern townhouse. Unique wooden furniture imported from India adds a touch of elegance to the minimalist, white decor. Get together for movie night in the modern living area (there’s Netflix on the smart TV). Breakfast can be made that bit brighter by throwing open the French doors and letting the sunshine in. Or, take the whole show out to the patio on a summer morning. If the kids tire of playing in the Wendy House in the garden, there’s a play park just around the corner. Locally you’ll find a convenience store, café and gym. Walk a little further for a major supermarket, pubs and restaurants. Or jump in your car (there are four private parking spaces at your disposal, you don’t have to worry about parking) and you’re in the bustling heart of Reading town centre in just 10 minutes.

Teak On White

If a taste of rural English life is what you crave, this brick barn retreat smack-dab in the rolling countryside more than fits the bill. While we adore the calm and cosy interior, the tranquil location is what really shines here. Though host Gaynor lives on-site, it's utterly peaceful. The view took our breath away, and every inch of this home has been designed with it in mind – whether you're lounging on the cosy sofa with the French doors wide open or washing up in the kitchen, you can admire the idyllic Staffordshire scenery. Begin your morning with a cup of tea on the terrace – Gaynor leaves milk and biscuits for you to snack on – then don your walking shoes and head out for a ramble on one of the many walking paths in the area. After a day in the fresh air, reward yourself with a pint and hearty meal from the pub down the road, or if you're in the mood to cook, rustle up dinner in the modern kitchen. For a change of pace, Lichfield's charming array of shops, cafes and restaurants is just twenty minutes away, while adrenaline junkies will love Alton Towers, only a thirty-five-minute drive. No matter what you get up to, we recommend finishing off the evening with a glass of wine out in the garden, soaking up the last of the day's sunshine.

Ramble On

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Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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Book a stay in one of the best homes in United Kingdom

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Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

Cornwall Itinerary for 7 Days: How to Spend Them

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