Home Log Cabins to Rent

2185 Log Cabins with a restaurant in the UK

Log cabins are self catering accommodation, but that is not a sentence of one week in the kitchen. It’s an opportunity to start the day at your own pace with breakfast as you like it, and to come and go as you please. But it’s lovely to have a restaurant close by so that you only use that kitchen when you want to. The log cabins below will ensure you never feel chained to the hob or the sink.

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Crooksbury Hill House 16

Surrey, South of England

Crooksbury Hill House From £10750 Availability

Crooksbury Hill House holds a fantastic position, set within four acres of grounds, the home boasts direct access on to Crooksbury Hill and Common where guests can enjoy stunning views over southwest Surrey and east Hampshire across to the South Downs. While guests will enjoy a tranquil stay, the Georgian market town of Farnham which offers a selection of excellent eateries, independent shops, and supermarkets, is just a 5-minute car journey away.

The beautiful home has been lovingly modernised by its current owners to provide the perfect setting for a multi-generational escape to the country, comfortably accommodating up thirteen guests across it’s eight well-appointed bedrooms. The accommodation is split between the main house and a detached three-bedroom cottage, ideal for grandparents or those in search of a little peace and quiet from the rest of the group!

In the main house, the ground floor offers vast entertaining space, comprising of an impressive sitting room, formal dining room with marble fireplace and cosy snug, there is plenty of room for the group to get together and socialise in the evenings. The kitchen comes fully equipped with all the tools you could possibly need to create delicious meals, while also offering a relaxed, breakfast dining area, which leads through to the bright conservatory. Upstairs, are the five bedrooms, a super-king master room and five double rooms. Guests staying in these room share the use of a fantastic family bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub, a family shower room and a handy cloakroom. The cosy cottage offers a second living room and kitchen, three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Outside, the whole family will enjoy Summer afternoons spent splashing around in the private pool or enjoying some friendly competition on the tennis court! Although in the autumn & winter the pool is not available, the tennis court and indoor gym room & games area with table tennis and table football are available all year around. There are beautiful autumnal & winter walks in the surrounding forests, and the whole family can enjoy relaxing with a great selection of family boardgames in the cosy living room next to the fire.

Crooksbury Hill House holds an excellent position within the popular county of Surrey. Located in the parish of Tilford, it is less than a 10-minute drive from the town of Farnham where a wide variety of helpful amenities, including shops and restaurants, can be found.

There is plenty for guests of all ages to see, do and explore in the surrounding area. Thought to of been built by William the Conqueror, impressive Guildford Castle is just 20-minutes away. The beautiful RHS Garden Wisley, one of the world’s great gardens, is less than 25-minutes away and makes for a lovely day out. Family-friendly Birdworld, home to over 1,200 birds and other animals, is less than a 15-minute drive away. The owner recommends families to visit Frensham Ponds just  5 mins away and Alice Holt Forest, 15 mins away with treetop adventures and walks/bike trails.

Keen walkers shouldn’t miss Bourne woods with wonderful woodland walks, where films such as Gladiator and Ridley Scott’s new film Napoleon being filmed. Along with, Wonderful walks in Surrey Hills including Devils Punchbowl and The National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum.

Windsor is just a 40-minute drive away, here you will find Windsor Great Park and, of course, the famous Windsor Castle, scene of many a Royal event. For any teens or thrill seekers, Thorpe Park, is a must-visit while Legoland Windsor is ideal for any younger children, both less than 40-minutes away. For keen sporting fans, Ascot Racecourse, home to the annual Royal Ascot event is a real society highlight, with Ladies’ Day something of a fashion event too and just 30-minutes away. Sunningdale Golf Club, regarded as one of the finest golf clubs in the UK, is also less than 30-minutes away.

Glen Rest 4

Ardgay, Highland, Scotland

Glen Rest From £3924 Availability

Glen Rest is an idyllic, beautifully appointed, two bedroom lodge that is nestled alongside the River Alladale in the wildly beautiful, twenty three thousand acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Ideal for two couples or a small family, Glen Rest offers total privacy, peace, scenic beauty and a fabulous sense of freedom. The rugged beauty of this superb location allows guests to experience the Highlands in its wildest form while offering easy access to the picturesque seaside resorts of Dornoch and Ullapool, whisky and gin distilleries, outstanding golf courses and sensational walking trails. Spending a week exploring this dreamy wilderness reserve will be an unforgettable experience where you will discover rugged landscapes, heather covered mountain slopes, wildflower meadows, lush forests, meandering rivers and much wildlife including red squirrels, red deer and the famous Scottish wild cat. It is a nature lover’s dream destination! There are three other properties within the reserve, all enjoying the magical scenery and absolute seclusion. The Victorian manor house Caledonian Lodge is the largest of the properties, sleeping up to fourteen guests. Highland Retreat offers three bedrooms and Wilderness Lodge boasts five bedrooms. If you have friends that are thinking of taking a holiday in the same area, you may want to take a look at our web pages. One of the biggest draws of these fabulous properties is that apart from Wilderness Lodge, they are booked on a catered basis. Delicious breakfast foods will be ready for you to prepare and two course lunches and three course dinners are freshly made by the reserve’s wonderful chef using local and seasonal organic ingredients. They are delivered to you daily with simple instructions on how to heat them up. The reserve’s one and a half acre aquaponic gardens, orchards and beds produce tasty vegetables, salads, herbs and berries. There are three bee hives and over four hundred brown trout. Their ethically culled wild venison is available and they enjoy fantastic regional suppliers of fresh and wild caught seafood and local trout. Just think of venison stew, hearty pies, creamy soups, freshly caught trout and sticky date puddings in salty caramel sauce! What an amazing treat! You can walk in the hills, visit beautiful places and return to put your feet up and feast on yummy meals!

The Alladale Wilderness Reserve is simply stunning, an Instagrammer’s paradise! The nearest village is Ardgay, a small Scottish village on the south west shore of the Dornoch Firth at the entrance to Strathcarron, the valley of the River Carron and at the mouth of the Kyle of Sutherland. To the west you will find the pretty fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom. You can also explore Inverness easily, the Black Isle and the picturesque seaside town of Dornoch with its cosy shops, beautiful cathedral, stunning beach and famous championship golf course. Chanrony Point and the Cromerty Firth are among the best spots in the UK to see bottle nose dolphins. Sports lovers can enjoy canoe trips down the Kyle of Sutherland, fishing, watersports and much more. The location makes it very easy to visit quiet Highland beaches, historic buildings and lush green landscapes sprinkled with waterfalls, challenging hills and mountains. A day trip to Aviemore brings the thrills of white water rafting, skiing, quad biking, an aerial adventure course and various watersports. You can also canoe on the River Beauly or sea kayak in the Firth.

Offering an oasis of gracious and glorious living deep in the Scottish Highlands, Glen Rest is wonderfully remote and is surrounded by extraordinary wild views. It is beautifully appointed throughout with the majority of rooms on the ground floor. The living room is a bright and airy space with a very high ceiling into the eaves, a delightful stone exposed wall, a comfy sofa, accent chair and a giant leather bean bag. It enjoys dazzling white walls that are beautifully accented by flashes of burgundy in the rug and scatter cushions, a wonderful blend with the cool mellow stonework. Just the other side of the living room is a fabulous dining area that is drowned in natural light streaming through its many windows. You will be dining in style while enjoying the fabulously hillside and mountain views through the windows. The galley kitchen comes with beautiful cabinetry, a Nespresso coffee machine, coffee grinder, juicer, Nutri-bullet and all the other appliances you could ever need.

The master bedroom lies to the other side of the kitchen with its sumptuous kingsize bed, gorgeous Scottish fabrics, oversized headboard and co-ordinated rugs. You will deep dive into some serious shut-eye in luxury linens. The lodge’s family bathroom is also on this level with a bath and walk-in shower. A modern staircase takes you upstairs where you will discover the loft room with its two single beds that can be made up as a double and a little open landing space. It is super cute!

Outside, there is a delightful terrace, space for bikes and those magical hilly views. You will just love Glen Rest and exploring the natural Alladale Wilderness Reserve!

Glen Rest is nestled alongside the River Alladale in the wildly beautiful, twenty three thousand acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the closest village is Ardgay. It is a fabulous location brimming with forests, mountains, hills, rivers and splendid views. Ardgay lies on the Dornoch Firth, close to where it becomes the Kyle of Sutherland. Ardgay owes its existence to the 3rd Duke of Sutherland whose estates were so extensive when the railway was built from Inverness in the early 1860’s that he had some control over the route. Ardgay lies at the entrance to Strathcarron, the valley of the River Carron that extends far into the mountainous area to the south west. Some walkers hike from the Kyle of Sutherland in the east to Loch Broom in the west, crossing Scotland in a day.

The cute fishing village of Ullapool is very popular. In this area you can enjoy a variety of fabulous walks in the mountains, along the rock coast and following inland footpaths with an excellent selection of fine summits. Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides are a ferry ride away. Ullapool and its surrounding area has been described as an outdoor paradise with a ‘Scandinavian twinkle in winter and Canadian-style adrenaline in summer’ and voted as one of the top ten outdoor destinations by Outdoor Fitness magazine. The Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, just like the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, is home to a wonderful array of wildlife including pine martens, wildcats, buzzards and golden eagles.

Dornoch is just under an hour away with its stunning cathedral where services were held as early as 1239, its breathtaking sandy beach, its Royal Dornoch Golf course and its wonderful shops, restaurants and bars. The links golf course has been played on since the 16th century. You might like to take a look in The Carnegie Whisky Cellars while you are there at its unique range of malt whiskies from all over Scotland. On the way there or on the way back, you may like to stop at the Whisky Distillery at Glenmorangie or at the famous ANTA Pottery and Tain Pottery studios.

Horse lovers can visit the family run Hollingwells Equestrian Centre near Edderton. You can enjoy excellent equestrian tuition or day long treks through stunning landscapes.

If you enjoy boat trips and looking for dolphins, there are plenty of opportunies. You can take a memorable day trip to see these beautiful animals from Chanrony Point or the Cromarty Firth on the Black Isle. You can take a wonderful stroll on pretty Rosemarkie Bay, enjoying a coffee at the local beach cafe before taking out your binoculars to spot the majestic animals. Another popular trip is to Lairg, a fifty minute drive from the cottage to the small, family run Go Wild Highlands where you can take canoe trips down the Kyle of Sutherland. A day trip to Aviemore offers the thrills of white water rafting, skiing, quad biking, an aerial adventure course and various watersports. As well as Royal Dornoch, other spectacular golf courses within easy reach are Castle Stewart and Fortrose and Rosemarkie. If you take a trip to Loch Ness you will enjoy a boat cruise, stopping at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The Black Isle is also beautiful with plenty of quaint seaside villages, smoked fish shops, craft shops and cute cafes as well as its own Black Isle Brewery where you can stop and taste the beer.

High View Lodge 6

White Cross Bay, Cumbria, North of England

High View Lodge From £391 Availability

Ambleside 80 is an attractive, detached lodge set in a peaceful setting alongside the woodlands of the Lake District's White Cross Bay. With three bedrooms including one king-size double with TV and en-suite shower room, plus one twin and one twin with 2'6" beds, this cottage can sleep six people comfortably. There is also a luxury family bathroom and an open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with an electric fire. Outside is off road parking for two cars and a lovely, spacious decked area to the front with furniture. There are also extensive shared grounds offering woodland walks, along with access to Lake Windermere, just a couple of minutes' stroll away. With fabulous on-site facilities including an indoor heated pool, plus a restaurant and a bar, Ambleside 80 has all the elements needed for a fabulous holiday in the Lake District.

Rosy Lodge 8

Shorefield Country Park, Hampshire, South of England

Rosy Lodge From £434 Availability

Rosy Lodge is a single-storey lodge on Shorefield Country Park. The lodge is single-storey and has two doubles, a twin room and a twin room with smaller beds, suitable for children. There is a bathroom, and an open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area. Outside is off road parking for two cars and a private deck with furniture. The 100 aces of landscaped park are available to explore, and a pass can be purchased which gives access to the many on-site facilities including swimming pools, gym, tennis court, play areas, bar and restaurant. Pets are welcome, so the whole family can enjoy their time here. Rosy Lodge makes an ideal base for enjoying the New Forest, day trip to the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth and more.

Runton Cottage 8

West Runton, Norfolk, East of England

Runton Cottage From £2002 Availability

Bursting with natural light and vibrancy, Runton Cottage invites guests to relax, unwind and settle into comfort in style!

The interiors are wonderfully open, not just to the outside world but also within, flowing seamlessly from one room to the next, each delightfully styled with soft monochrome fabrics and geometric patterns. You can rustle up a treat in your expansive kitchen, perfectly blending traditional charm with modern ease, whilst chatting with others sitting along the breakfast bar, and laughing along with those at the dining table all at once! And from here there’s even a lounge area at the far end of this beautiful sunroom. Meanwhile there’s a beautifully cosy lounge tucked away from this social space for when you want to just pop your feet up in front of the TV and switch off!

The master bedroom echoes this air of relaxation, with nautical colours, the same enchanting wooden flooring blending beautifully with the rustic themed decor. A vast king-size bed sits at its heart, while an ensuite with a double vanity unit and enormous walk-in shower completes this exquisite room. The same palette of dazzling whites and gentle wood textures continues into the second bedroom, also complete with a king-size bed, with all-wooden furniture and flooring enhancing this beautiful natural ambience. A second ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower ensures you’ll all be pampered in perfect privacy here. There is one more double ensuite, while the two remaining single rooms share an elegant bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bathtub for long, lazy soaks!

You’ll delight in this wonderful garden bursting with life and subtle charm. Dine in style at this dazzling alfresco table and listen to the waves washing in and the sea breeze rustling the leaves overhead. There’s plenty of space for children to run and play safely within the grounds, and you can even sit inside and still keep an eye on them thanks to this fabulous sunroom!

Tucked in the quaint village of West Runton, and just a short walk from the beach and the breath-taking, world-famous coastline of North Norfolk, Runton Cottage is a superb choice for a peaceful, memorable holiday with friends or family.

The Broads National Park, the Fens and Thetford Forest are just a handful of the breath-taking nature parks to visit, while Norfolk’s coastline is bursting with wide open, empty beaches perfect for a proper bucket-and-spade holiday with the family! This is where the expanse of the skies truly bursts with life and fills you with joy.

Dotted along the horizon are yachts and power-boats while nearer to shore you’ll find surfers, kayakers, kite-surfers and so much more! While lining the beaches are hundreds of candy-coloured beach huts, dazzling promenades with candyfloss and fish and chips and of course, the romantic dunes with endless hidden spots for barbeques and family-fun. And what’s more - you’ll find tons of great local produce at the farmers’ markets and local shops as well as the many pubs, restaurants and cafes nearby, including fresh seafood and locally produced beer!

If it’s fine dining and a city stop you’re after, you’re just a short drive from Norwich, the ‘City of Stories’, with its beautiful and deeply historical winding cobbled lanes, abounding with old merchant houses, quaint shops and medieval stone churches! While out here at the coast, seaside treats, cosy cafes and endless miles of nature in which you can picnic, stroll and play are perfect for groups of families or friends.

The vast skies stretch in every direction, over the Broads teeming with life and the wetlands, nature reserves and so many exceptional beaches along 90 miles of coastline! And as the driest county in the UK, Norfolk is ideal for an outdoor adventure, whether on sea or land! The nearby Cromer beach is delightfully sandy and home to delicious fresh crab which you can pick up from several local fishmongers, while the Pavilion Theatre on the Pier boasts annual summer and winter shows which draw crowds from far and wide! There’s truly something for everyone!

St Mawgan Cottage 6

St Mawgan, Cornwall, South West of England

St Mawgan Cottage From £1112 Availability

The very pretty St Mawgan Cottage is a delightful four bedroom retreat with beautiful gardens, just a short stroll from St Mawgan’s village pub and shop.The quintessential Cornish village of St Mawgan boasts a gorgeous village green, a warm and welcoming award-winning pub and a tardis of a village shop. The village is characterful and very friendly. The cottage is just two miles from Mawgan Porth Beach.

It is very easy to relax at St Mawgan Cottage. The secluded gardens are stunning with a variety of sunny spots for your morning coffee, alfresco dining or a pre-dinner drink. Children will love the garden for games and you will definitely feel away from it all in your very own garden of Eden. The cottage is built in gorgeous traditional Cornish stone and has been renovated to a very high standard.

The living room is bright and airy with light flooding in from both windows. Deep comfortable sofas surround the cosy wood-burning stove. It is a great place to relax with the Sunday newspapers and a cup of tea or to watch some television. The kitchen diner is modern and smart with cool grey cabinetry, polished wooden countertops and stainless steel appliances. Guests can keep the chef company at the pine dining table. This is a very sociable space with a lovely brick fireplace and woodburner adding to the warm and inviting ambience. With windows at both ends of the room, the light is wonderful and the garden views are a delight.

The bedrooms are equally bright and beautiful with stunning garden views. There are four bedrooms, one master with a double bed, one pretty twin bedroom and two singles. All of the bedrooms are spacious and decorated with calm, neutral palettes. The country style furniture and accessories are delightful. The bedrooms share two immaculate bathrooms, one with a bath upstairs and a modern shower room downstairs.

Outside you will find the sun-drenched patio, ready for alfresco dining using the cottage barbecue or you may choose to relax in the orchard or dine by the glorious wisteria. This is a fabulous garden on different levels and with mature trees and shrubs making it all the more interesting. You will definitely be admiring the lush green lawns, the pastel hydrangeas, the orchard and the mature colourful wisteria if you happen to be there when it is blooming. It really is a place to rest and appreciate the tranquility and seclusion that St Mawgan Cottage offers.  

If you can drag yourselves away from this enchanting cottage and garden, a Cornish paradise, the scenic Vale of Lanherne landscapes and the renowned Cornish surf awaits. 

The charming village of St Mawgan is situated four miles north of Newquay and 2 miles east of Mawgan Porth Beach. The St Mawgan Church is very pretty and thirteenth century. Nestled in the wooded Lanherne Valley, the River Menalhyl runs through the village. The village pub serves delicious food and is very handy as you can walk there from the cottage. The Japanese Garden combines the beauty of nature with artistic refinement using shaping and styling of plants and natural elements. It is stunning and very tranquil.

For an incredible, one-off, experience you can take a personal flight experience from Newquay Cornwall Airport which is very close to the cottage. Flyngy Pilot Training gives you the opportunity to see Cornwall from a different perspective. You will enjoy its unique coastlines, cliffs and beaches as well as its rural villages and towns. Depending on the duration of your flight, you could see Newquay, St Ives, Boscastle, Falmouth, Truro, Bodmin, Padstow, St Austell and even the Eden Project. When you are not taking photos, your pilot will hand you the controls of your two seater Cessna 152, three seater Robin DR400 or four seater Piper PA28. Of course you will have a full flight briefing. What an experience!

Mawgan Porth has a lovely sandy beach in a cove with a little stream running though which is great for the little ones. At low tide you can walk out to see the cliffs and rocks and enjoy all that fresh sea air. There are a number of cosy cafes and pubs across the road to enjoy as well as a wonderful art gallery.

If you have had enough of chilling in the garden or on Mawgan Porth Beach, you may want to head to the buzzy seaside resort of Newquay. It has been voted ‘One of the Nation’s Favourite Seaside Towns’ in the prestigious Which Holiday Survey and won Gold for ‘Best Seaside Towns for Families 2019’ by Days Out with the Kids. The beaches and surf are renowned and the tourist entertainment is phenomenal. It is home to some of the world’s best watersports competitions with the Boardmasters Festival and surfing championships held in the resort. There are some wonderful spas in Newquay for relaxation, not to mention the fantastic restaurants to choose from. Children will be happy with Newquay Zoo, Lappa Valley, Pirate’s Quest, Oasis Fun Pools and the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre amongst plenty of other attractions.

Not far from St Mawgan Cottage you can discover the delights of the very popular Padstow. Padstow is a charming working fishing port surrounded by glorious sandy beaches at the head of the Camel River. It is very much a foodie destination with Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant a popular choice. It is the start and end of the Camel Cycle Trail and a good base for watersports. Across the water is the wonderful town of Rock.

Southwold Beach House 14

Southwold, Suffolk, East of England

Southwold Beach House From £3536 Availability

Are you looking for a special holiday home in the fashionable and popular Southwold? How about if we tell you that this amazing one is right on the seafront with stunning views of the beach and the iconic Southwold Pier? What if we tell you that this property has just been refurbished to an incredible luxurious standard? What if we tell you that its spacious dining room can fit all fourteen of you for dinner and all fourteen of you will sleep like kings in the sumptuous luxury beds? Maybe Southwold Beach House is just the one for you?

Southwold Beach House is a stunning six bedroom property offering supremely comfortable and stylish living. With high quality furnishings throughout, beautiful interior design, a fantastic kitchen and five immaculate contemporary bathrooms, it certainly carries a real air of luxury. Many of the rooms boast exceptional panoramic sea and pier views and there is even a table for fourteen on the front terrace where you can open a bottle of fizz and watch the sun go down!

The lavish kitchen is a chef’s dream. With shaker style cabinets, a gorgeous colour palette and top-of-the-range appliances, you can cook up a storm here. Not only that, it is incredibly spacious and offers a breakfast table so that the chefs can have company while they prepare dinner, or you can feed your young ones early before they retire to their wonderful bunk room. The open plan living and dining room is a wonderful sociable space too with separate lounging and dining zones. The living room is brimming with plush cool grey sofas and boasts a welcoming wood-burning stove. The neutral palette walls are decorated throughout with wonderful paintings of beach scenes and fabulous mirrors. The dining area comfortably seats your whole party, unlike some holiday getaways, and boasts an attractive fireplace. The brightly coloured dining chairs are great fun and beautiful. At the back of the house you will find a wonderful, glamorous snug with stylish leather seats. It is lovely and the perfect place to sneak off to with the Sunday newspapers or for children wanting to play. It has access to the small private courtyard garden.

The first floor is home to four of the six spectacular bedrooms. The master bedroom suite is very special with a super king bed, impressive views over Southwold Beach, a luxury en-suite bathroom and even a sofa, perfectly positioned to admire the beach and pier. Each bedroom is beautifully decorated. The twin bedroom offers a pretty feature fireplace and an en-suite bathroom. There is another bedroom with a king-size bed and a bunk room for four with quad bunk beds. How much fun is there going to be had in that room! There is an additional outstanding family bathroom.

The remaining two luxury bedrooms are situated on the second floor. Both offer pristine en-suite bathrooms. The front bedroom enjoys those fabulous sea views. There are some flexible bed arrangements as the house boasts two sets of zip and link beds so they can either be set up as large king-size beds or singles.

Southwold Beach House occupies one of the best, most prestigious positions in Southwold. It is right across the road from the beach with wonderful views of the pier. There are few seaside towns quite so quintessentially British as Southwold. It is little wonder that it is so popular! Pretty pastel painted beach huts line the promenade and the sandy beach is vast. The iconic pier was refurbished and blends in perfectly. It is lined with shops, eateries and amusements.  Southwold lies between the pretty resort of Aldeburgh and the busy town of Lowestoft on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Southwold is almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the East, by the River Blyth and Southwold Harbour to the South West and by Buss Creek to the North. There is only one road in and out of the town which adds to its magic. Southwold is home to the famous Adnams Brewery with its brewing rooms set just behind the High Street, adjacent to the town’s iconic lighthouse. Adnams offer brewery tours throughout the year and you can sample the tasty pints everywhere. The Coastal Voyage is one of the most popular trips. At high speed, your boat is put through formidable paces in a 30 minute tour where you will see marsh harriers, herons, gulls and possibly osprey.

There are some wonderful walks that you can take straight from Southwold Beach House. You can cross the River Blyth to Walberswick, exploring the trackbed of the old Southwold Railway and returning on the little ferry if you want a change for the return. Over a thousand acres of heath and marshland around Walberswick are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walberswick offers tea rooms, restaurants, two pubs, an art gallery, village shops and some charming craft and gift shops. Fresh fish can be bought from the harbour huts and crabbing is very popular for children by the harbour. Walberswick used to host the annual British Open Crabbing Championship, raising funds for good causes.

Aldeburgh is enchanting. It’s famous resident, Benjamin Britten, the founder of the June Aldeburgh Festival, is celebrated throughout the town. There is a wonderful sculpture on the beach. Aldeburgh is very pretty with pastel coloured 19th century homes lining the promenade, a wonderful pebble beach and fisherman’s huts selling the local daily catch.

If you are on holiday between July and September, you may want to visit the Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre and Beach. It is quietly tucked away, offering tranquility and a true sense of being at one with nature. The heath is alive with colour during the summer months, a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut scented yellow gorse. It is a rare and precious habitat for dartford warblers, nightjars, woodlarks, adders and much more.

Gardener's Cottage 6

Belsay, Northumberland, North of England

Gardener's Cottage From £950 Availability

Gardener’s Cottage holds an excellent position within the Belsay Tower Estate, set within tranquil surroundings and beautifully-kept gardens, it makes the perfect bolthole for those in search of a truly relaxing break. While guests will feel a million miles away from any hustle and bustle, there are a huge variety of excellent attractions and amenities within easy reaching distance, including the wonderful Northumberland coastline and the lively city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The Grade-I listed courtyard cottage, which was originally built for the Head Gardener, can comfortably accommodate up to six guests across its three well-appointed bedrooms. On the ground floor is the main living accommodation which comprises of a cosy sitting room and a spacious kitchen-diner, fully-equipped with all the tools you could possibly need. Also on this level is the first of the bedrooms, a double. Upstairs, there is a second double room, while the third bedroom can be set up as either a double or twin room on request, making it ideal for friends or siblings to share. The bedrooms share the use of two family shower rooms and a separate cloakroom.

Outside, guests of Gardener’s Cottage have access to an outdoor barbecue area, perfect during the Summer months!

Gardener's Cottage is located within Belsay Tower Estate, nestled amongst Northumberland countryside, close to the villages of Bolam and Belsay, where helpful amenities including a post office and coffee shop can be found. There is plenty to see, do and explore within the immediate area including Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, owned by English Heritage and Wallington House, owned by the National Trust, both make for lovely days out and are less than 15-minutes away. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, home to over one hundred species of animals including lemurs, meerkats, wallabies and monkeys and just 15-minutes from home.

The cottage makes a fabulous choice for those simply wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, being surrounded by countryside, there is plenty of brilliant walking opportunities as well as cycling routes and bridleways. Bolam Lake Country Park has lakeside walks, woodland tracks, open grassed areas for all to enjoy making it perfect for picnics and is just 5-minutes away.

Further afield, Alnwick Castle is just 50-minutes away and is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fans while the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman's biggest British building project that still dominates the county's landscape almost 2,000 years after it was built, is just an hour away. For beach bums, Northumberland’s coastline is truly stunning, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it stretches for 40 miles and is a must-visit, Bamburgh Castle, Druridge Bay, Holy Island and the Farne Islands are all spots we recommend exploring. The coastline can be reached in less than 40-minutes from the cottage.

For those who prefer a little more hustle and bustle, the vibrant city of Newcastle is less than a 30-minute car journey away from the house, here visitors will enjoy excellent shopping and fantastic bars and restaurants. Newcastle Airport is just 20-minutes away, making Gardener's Cottage an accessible base, ideal for a reunion of friends or family.

Stream Cottage 4

Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Wales

Stream Cottage From £588 Availability

Stream Cottage offers a delightful country getaway for two couples or a small family. Located on the amazing Pontardawe Country Estate with its one hundred and twenty acres of glorious Welsh countryside, it enjoys natural beauty, peace, seclusion and absolutely amazing walks from the doorstep. The cottage sits alongside a picturesque mountain stream alive with wild trout, dippers and grey wagtails and edged with bluebells, daffodils, rhododendrons and hazel trees growing wild. The river runs through the estate on its way to Swansea Bay. The views from the back door of the cottage are of the stream, a pretty bridge, weeping ash, flowering rhododendron and traditional farmyard buildings.

The cottage is dog friendly so you can take your well-behaved furry friend along to enjoy this special place. Stream Cottage is bright and airy yet cosy and very comforting. There are some lovely images in the cottage that show you how the cottage was many moons ago. The white archway and circle that adorn the cottage are telling signs to its past life as a nineteenth century coach house. You can feel the history in this lovely cottage. The living room is very cosy with two comfy sofas, a television, an electric stove and a delightful warm colour palette. It is a wonderful room to nestle down in, enjoy your holiday book or peruse the excellent guest information booklet to decide how to spend your holiday week. The country kitchen enjoys modern cream shaker-style kitchen units, beams on the ceiling, a farmhouse style dining table and chairs and a very good range of appliances that will please the chef in your group.

Upstairs you will find the blue and white family bathroom with its bath and overhead shower and the cottage’s two bedrooms. The master enjoys a comfy double bed and gorgeous views from the windows. The second room is a delightful twin. Both bedrooms are characterful with beams on the ceilings and pretty colour palettes. The views of the stream at the back are so lovely.

Guests enjoy delightful outdoor space at Stream Cottage with a pretty, enclosed rear patio and a front courtyard lawn garden.

The fabulous one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate sits in the ancient hamlet of Cilybebyll, surrounded by beautiful rolling Welsh countryside. The historic estate boasts links to the descendants of Welsh Kings, Arthurian legend, tales of the Mabinogion, the Norman invasion, the Earls of Pembrokeshire, Winston Churchill’s secret army, eighteenth century prisons, Charles II, the tea plantations of Ceylon, coal mining, the Industrial Revolution and much more. A World War II hideout, used by Churchill’s Secret Army was found in the estate’s private bluebell woodland and gained recognition as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. In addition to its superb grounds, the Pontardawe Estate boasts the gorgeous manor house, Pontardawe Country House, as well as a number of other holiday cottages that Oliver’s Travels also feature. Guests can book each of these individually or for a special celebration, you may want to consider booking a selection of the cottages with or without the manor house. Guests staying at the cottages are free to roam the estate, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and its amazing wildlife. The estate is brimming with woodland walks, farm trails, green fields, bluebell woods, rivers and stunning picnic spots. When you have had enough you can head to the splendid Brecon Beacons, the Gower Peninsula, museums and numerous delightful towns and villages.

Stream Cottage enjoys a fabulous position on the one hundred and twenty acre Pontardawe Country Estate in the tranquil hamlet of Cilybebyll, close to the village of Pontardawe. The estate is full of forests, rivers, bluebell woods, sprawling fields, bird nesting boxes, beautiful picnic spots, a stately manor house and other holiday cottages. It is the perfect rural retreat between the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The estate courtyard where many of the cottages are located is bounded by the upper reaches of the picturesque River Clydach and on the other side by green parkland pastures grazed by sheep and cows. The high hills of blue pennant sandstone provide the backdrop to an idyllic and tranquil scene. Guests booking Stream Cottage are free to roam the estate including its award winning bluebell woodland. The estate’s farm walk is a circular walk for guests which meanders from the doorstep of Stream Cottage towards the summit of Mynydd Marchywel and back. En route, guests follow mountain streams, climb over stiles, explore the bluebell woods and traverse lazy green fields. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas include the Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The cottage is an excellent base for those that want to explore the landscapes by bike. The Afan Forest and Bike Park Wales are easily accessible. There is a golf course close by for golf fans and the supermarket in Pontardawe is open 24 hours for those late night emergencies. There is also a village pub within walking distance.

The beautiful Swansea Bay coastline and the Gower Peninsula with its idyllic secret coves in and glorious stretches of fine sand is just twenty minutes drive away. You should not miss a trip to the iconic, award winning Rhossili Bay with its dramatic, panoramic views and excellent hiking paths. Rhossili has been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’ by The Independent and has won numerous accolades from UK Travel Writers including the best spot for a picnic. The Times listed the beach as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog friendly beach’ so if you do have your furry friend with you, you should definitely go. At low tide the beach is enormous and it is possible to walk across to Llangennith or even to the Worms Head. It is steep to walk down to the beach so it is not suitable for pushchairs or visitors with mobility issues.

The Victorian seaside village of Mumbles with its promenade, shops and restaurants is worth a visit and for those that want to stay outdoors, the National Showcaves of Wales and the Vale of Neath’s spectacular waterfalls are nearby. Guests enjoy visits to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Glamorganshire Heritage Coast, both less than half an hour away.

Mumbles was one of Dylan Thomas’ many stamping grounds and is the home of some world class ice cream. Mumbles is steeped in history with its lighthouse being built in 1794. It also boasts a Victorian pier and Oystermouth Castle which sits on the hilltop overlooking the sea. There are lovely boutique shops and galleries including the gorgeous Lovespoon Gallery and the Gower Gallery. No visit to Mumbles would be complete without sampling some ‘fresh off the boat’ seafood, its handmade chocolates and its fantastic ice creams.

Chevaliers Moat House 4

Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Heart of England

Chevaliers Moat House From £1088 Availability

Chevaliers Moat House makes the perfect base for a family or two couples who are wanting to explore beautiful Shropshire, with its historical attractions, scenic walks and gastro hotspots. Set in a secluded hamlet, close to Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock, this newly converted barn makes a fantastic home for those seeking a relaxing rural escape.

The Moat House has been recently refurbished and today boasts modern interiors and furnishings however the beautiful, original high oak beams have enabled the barn to retain its unique charm and character. Upon entering the property through the artisan crafted studded oak front door, guests will enter into the large open-plan entertaining area. At one end of this space is the living area which comes complete with homely country checked designer sofas and a top of the range ClearView log burner in a huge beamed fireplace, a cosy spot to relax after a long day spent exploring the Shropshire region. The bespoke fitted kitchen can be found at the other end of this room and boasts all the necessary amenities a budding chef could possibly need as well as a formal dining table. The two bedrooms are both equal in size, helping to avoid any arguments! The king-size rooms both boast luxury en-suite bathrooms complete with indulgent White Company toiletries.

Outside, the south-facing private garden terrace makes a tranquil spot from which to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or a sundowner at the end of an exciting day followed by a delicious meal using the barbeque!

Just a minutes’ walk away from the Moat House, is Chevaliers Gatehouse, this is the perfect option for those in larger groups. Alternatively, it is possible to rent Chevaliers Estate, a combination of the Gatehouse, the Moat House and a further Coach House in order to accommodate parties of up to eight or twelve guests (subject to availability).

Chevaliers Moat House is situated within a secluded hamlet deep in the Shropshire countryside, but lies within four and a half miles of historic Bridgnorth and four miles of the pretty market town of Much Wenlock. Next to the Hall is the historic Norman church of St Michael with its 12th century wall paintings and famous 12th century font. Chevaliers Moat House remains a haven of peace and rural beauty today – an ideal place to explore Shropshire and the Heart of England, from the gastronomic centre of Ludlow to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, the Shropshire hills and many other historic houses and gardens, including the Dower House Gardens in nearby Morville of Dr Katherine Swift (author of the bestselling book The Morvile Hours) and the world famous nursery gardens of David Austin Roses. Bridgnorth, four miles away, is an attractive market town famous for its funicular railway and the many flights of steps which connect the High and Low Towns. Regular steam trains also run from here along the Severn Valley Railway. The town has many charming pubs and bistro restaurants, as well as high street shops, a supermarket and a cinema.

Much Wenlock, five miles away, has been voted the second most beautiful town in England. You can stroll around the ruins and grounds of the ancient Wenlock and Buildwas Abbeys (Wenlock Abbey was one of the most important in the 15th century), go antique shopping, visit the local Olympian museum, browse for second hand books (Wenlock Books won the coveted Independent Bookseller of the Year award in 2006) or go shopping at the artisan shops and galleries or the traditional butcher, Ryan’s, that has won a national award for Best Butcher in Britain.

Half an hour’s drive away to the south-west is historic Ludlow, one of the gastro capitals of England with award winning Michelin restaurants, secluded gastro-pubs, historic market square and famous castle ruins where the two ‘Princes of the Tower’ were brought up in the late 15th century. To the north-west, also half an hour away, is historic Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, with its old cathedral, market squares, theatre and riverside restaurants.

Chevaliers Moat House is conveniently located for access to the M5, M6, M54 and M40 motorways. The nearest station is fifteen miles away with frequent inter-city trains from London, Manchester and Glasgow and services to Wales and the West Country.The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport, approximately 40 miles away. Local Heritage Attractions
Shropshire has a wide selection of historic houses, castles and gardens to visit. Many are normally open all year but please check the details before visiting to avoid disappointment. We can recommend:

- Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth
- Daniel’s Mill, Bridgnorth
- Wenlock Abbey, Much Wenlock
- Buildwas Abbey, near Much Wenlock
- Ludlow Castle
- Stokesay Castle, near Ludlow
- Boscobel House and White Ladies Priory (where Charles II famously hid up the Royal Oak tree in 1651)
- Hampton Court and Gardens, near Leominster
- Wightwick Manor, near Wolverhampton

Family Day’s Out

- Severn Valley Railway
www.svr.co.uk
One of the country’s most charming vintage steam train lines with a selection of trains (including a refurbished 1930s First Class Dining carriage) that runs along the River Severn between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. This year the line celebrates its 50th anniversary. Wonderful old-fashioned station pub as well called The Railwayman’s Arms.

- Ironbridge Gorge Museums
www.ironbridge.org.uk

- Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 5QN
www.actonscottmuseum.com
A super family day out at a Victorian working farm. Lots of animals to feed and hold for young children. Enjoy demonstrations all in the beautiful setting of the Shropshire Hills.

- West Midlands Safari Park
Spring Grove Rd, Bewdley, Kidderminster DY12 1LF
10am - 3pm weekdays and 10am – 4pm weekends
Booking required.

Gardens

- The Dower House Garden at Morville Hall
Telephone: 01746 714407.
The Dower House Gardens occupy a l.5 acre site in a beautiful setting within the grounds of Morville Hall, near Bridgnorth in Shropshire.
 
- David Austin
Bowling Green Ln, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3HB
Telephone: 01902 376334
Breeder of roses. 900 varieties. His show garden is a must see with a lovely tearoom.

- Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Wollerton, Market Drayton TF9 3NA, England
Telephone: 01630 685760
The garden has been designed and developed by Lesley and John Jenkins since 1984, it covers 4 acres, is intensely cultivated and depending upon plant interest, visits can take between 2 and 4 hours.

Top 30 Counties with Log Cabins