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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Step back in time at this meticulously restored Regency cottage. Your hosts have poured their time and energy into sourcing period-specific reclaimed materials and equipping the home with antique furnishings to create a cosy and charming English escape that offers the very best of coast and country.

All that effort has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the beautiful interior. From the Victorian roll-top bath to the eighteenth-century range and the wainscotting on the walls – every effort has been made to make it feel as authentic as possible. Even the mod cons, such as the TV, are hidden away inside bread ovens that are built into the chimney so as not to shatter the illusion.

At the top of the narrow staircase is the twin bedroom, through which you enter the main bedroom – a pretty common arrangement for houses of this period.

Step outside, and you'll find a beautifully maintained nature reserve right on your doorstep. Your hosts bought it in 2015 and have spent the intervening years slowly restoring and exposing its beauty, with winding footpaths leading to conveniently placed benches, soaring Scots pine trees and ancient oaks – perfect for a reflective moment in nature or a ride on the supplied bikes.

For adventures further afield, you'll find maps detailing footpaths that run to the world-class concert hall at Snape Maltings, two-and-a-half miles away, and continue through forests and past lakes, leading all the way to the sea at Aldeburgh. 

The Miller's Cottage

Rolling countryside as far as the eye can see and quaint villages tucked into the valleys of Monmouthshire on your doorstep – this converted stone barn is an idyllic getaway. It’s a six-minute drive to the centre of Raglan where you can explore castle ruins, pop in to one of the cosy pubs or stock up at the traditional butcher and the local village shop. Further afield you’ll find the charming market town of Monmouth a fifteen-minute drive away. The home is blissfully quiet, with nothing but the occasional bleat of sheep or whinny of a horse in the surrounding fields. Out here, away from it all, you can see the canopy of stars from the private garden. During the day, this spot is perfect for a family barbecue, with dining on the patio. Inside, it’s open-plan living made cosy with a wood-burning stove set in the old stone wall of the living room. Period features like the old timber frame and arrow-slit windows have been retained, showing off the age of the building. The Aga and Belfast sink in the kitchen keep that farmhouse feel, perfect when paired with farm-fresh produce from the hole-in-the-wall farm shop just down the road. 

Haybales & Horses

Enjoy a romantic stay at this handsome barn conversion, lying at the end of a track, on a family-run arable farm, surrounded by fields – this is a sublime retreat. Relax with a glass of bubbly in the private hot tub with its idyllic views through the farm to the fields beyond (your lovely hosts provide bathrobes and slippers), then savour a barbecue lunch in the sun. It's also the perfect spot to do a bit of stargazing when the night skies are clear and full of sparkling diamonds. Beautiful bi-fold doors provide plenty of light inside this single-level barn, which was once a grain store. We love the gorgeous stone floor and exposed wooden roof beams framing the high ceiling. A fresh colour scheme of pale cream, yellows and greys complement the rustic yet stylish design. If you can tear yourself away from this love nest, there's plenty to explore. Go for a walk to the historic riverside village of Bidford-on-Avon, sixteen minutes on foot, where you'll find an array of charming pubs, restaurants, shops, and a picturesque church built in 1250. Or visit Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, around a twenty-five-minute drive, while stunning Warwick Castle is a few minutes more in the car. The magnificent Cotswolds are on your doorstep too – Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Campden, just over a fifteen-minute ride, which has one of Britain's most influential Arts and Crafts gardens.

Shakespearean Elegance

Living on the grounds of a 16th century country-house in the lush green Cotswolds (the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) already creates the ideal setting for nature lovers. Once you settle in with biscuits, fresh scones and fruits on arrival (among other goodies) and befriend the curious chickens, embark on a walk through the rolling Cotswold hills and valleys. While Netflix and cocoa are perfect for rainy days in, there is a whole world out there on sunnier days. The Cotswold Way is a trail that we’d definitely recommend, with plenty of historic pubs along the way, each serving their own collection of local ales. The home is located in Painswick, a village known as The Queen of the Cotswolds and characterised by beautiful narrow streets of honey coloured stone buildings dating back to the fifteenth century. Legend has it that the Devil won’t let a hundredth tree grow. There are all sorts of cafes and restaurants in and around the village, so make sure you ask the host, Hannah, for some recommendations.


The Cotswold Cedar

Once the home to the estate’s Head Gardener, this Midlothian home is the perfect bolthole for a family on a back-to-nature retreat. We love the sense of history this home offers, along with all the modern touches you’d want for a relaxing stay. The cedar hot tub is sure to be a hit with all, while the outdoor fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a tipple to share tales from the day. With 3,100 hectares to explore, you’ll never be bored here – but if you fancy a change of scene, head to the Pentland Hills or hop in the car for a trip to Edinburgh, thirty minutes away. 

Scottish Tranquillity

In the heart of a quaint little village in Somerset, this 16th century thatched cottage seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comforts and restored interiors. Stone floors, whitewashed walls and thick oak doors house the open plan living area, complete with a high-spec kitchen with an electric Aga, a cosy sitting room where you can curl up on the armchair with a book off the shelf, and a wooden dining table with ornate chairs. The back door leads out into a picture-perfect courtyard, enclosed by stone walls. The air is scented by the lavender bush and the climbing roses, and on sunny days, gather at the outdoor table for a languid lunch. 

The cottage is a short walk from two lovely country pubs serving locally sourced food and Somerset cider. After a hearty lunch, head down one of the many public footpaths nearby, taking you through rolling green meadows and pastures. There is a village shop where you can buy provisions for dinner, or head two miles into the town of Ilminster, where you’ll find a variety of local shops and a supermarket. After a day of exploring, the sanctuary of the cosy bedrooms will call, with their serene green walls palette and wooden floors. You’ll easily fall into the swing of peaceful village life here, and leave feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Tudor Rose Cottage

Looking for luxury? This apartment in the coastal town of Tynemouth is the picture of lavish elegance. With so much room, you won't believe this whole apartment is just for the two of you. Not only is the home decorated beautifully, but it's also in the heart of the town, just a short walk away from the sandy beach. 

The living room has the feel of a grand hall – statue busts, twinkling chandeliers, prestigious artwork, and a rich mahogany dining table exude opulence. You'll love spending evenings here, the gas-burning stove warming you up from the inside out, while you sip on good wine and enjoy the lighthearted conversation. 

Not only does the kitchen look wonderful, but the top-notch appliances will convince even the most reluctant of chefs to rustle up something, even just once. Mornings here are particularly lovely with the early light pouring in through the large windows, while you enjoy a hearty breakfast around the farmhouse-style kitchen table. 

When you want to explore, you're steps away from the town's independent cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, and more. Take morning walks around the Victorian boating lake with a coffee in hand, before enjoying a lunch of fish and chips along the sandy beach. Then, take a stroll along the promenade, popping into a pub for a nice afternoon pint. 

Grand Entrance

Set in a historic Edwardian castle estate stretching across 2000 acres of glen walks, forests, beaches, lochs, gardens and waterfalls, this bonnie cottage is poised to provide you with an endlessly romantic, back-to-nature stay. Located in the heart of picturesque Portpatrick – one of Scotland's prettiest seaside towns – you'll have the long beaches and tidal rushes of Dunskey Glen a short stroll from your cosy home base. We love the bohemian aesthetic and eclectic interiors, especially the rose petal wallpapers that give an air of stately grandeur from the get-go. Dreamy chandeliers and plant-themed prints fill the spaces with a homely touch, while the pink velvet sofa and grand upholstered bed make a striking impression with spades of glossy glamour. After a day exploring, curl up in front of the wood-burning stove with a good book and a tipple of whisky. On warmer nights, step out onto a private courtyard boasting an outdoor bathtub nestled among shrubs and flowing vine – this is an ideal spot to relax while admiring your woodland surroundings. Outside of your home, Dunskey Golf Course and the Portpatrick Harbour are two minutes away (on foot), while the Dunksey Castle is a twenty-minute walk up the craggy Scottish coastline. 

Highland Heather

The historic market town of Barnard Castle is located in County Durham, almost straddling the border of not one but two national parks. WIth the Yorkshire Dales just under a half-hour drive, and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the same distance north-west, you’ll most likely be spending your days hiking through the incredible scenery of North England. But you’ll also need a place to kick off your boots and relax with a cup of tea. This delightful house is a five-minute walk from 12th-century Barnard Castle – while this is ideal for history buffs, the modern interiors of the home will please 21st-century sensibilities. Huge windows in the lounge illuminate an elegant living space, with a charcoal feature wall, and tones of blue and grey bringing a zen vibe. The kitchen is equally stylish, with its minty-green, vintage-style fridge and matching teardrop lamp shades – a lovely spot to enjoy a roast dinner with the family on a rainy Sunday. Both bedrooms have fluffy throws and cushioned headboards as standard, so you’ll be slumbering peacefully (perhaps after a G&T for a little nightcap) before getting ready for another day in the great outdoors.

Earl Blue

From the moment you see the grand stone exterior and cobbled courtyard, you’ll know that this ever-so-charming home is steeped in history. It's a former malthouse that’s over 300 years old and filled with traditional features. When you step into the entrance hall, you’re entering through the large oak door onto the original cart-way, and as you start trying to choose which bedroom you want to lay claim to, you’ll be winding your way up a turret stairway with rope bannisters, surrounded by wooden beams and original fireplaces. The interior has been fully renovated, with a modern handmade kitchen, squishy sofas, and cute-as-a-button bedrooms. Sip your afternoon tea perched on the sunny window seat with a good book in hand (there's an extensive collection to choose from), while gazing at the expansive green views of the playing fields and village church in the backdrop. Elsewhere, the large 14-seater pine dining table will be the perfect spot to savour a slow dinner with the entire group. Although in the garden you'll notice a patio, complete with outdoor furniture, that’s ideal for wine and cheese nights – there's a large lawn and a range of outdoor games available too (including table tennis) for hours of early evening fun. You don’t have to go far to continue the historical theme, as the pub next door is one of the oldest in the country and has been the resting place for many a monarch visiting the area since the 15th century. The surrounding county town, Frome, just a fifteen-minute drive away, was voted one of the best places to live in the UK - explore the rich history, shop at independent boutiques, buy fresh produce at the local market or dine at one of the many eateries dotted around nearby.

Malter’s Rest

If you’re in search of a dreamy countryside escape, this home delivers a wonderful solution. Overlooking the Wye Valley, the house is set within landscaped gardens and offers a hot tub, a barbecue and a fire-pit – perfect for magical evenings under the stars. Inside, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained with games, a piano, a sound system and an abundance of socialising space. The rooms are set across the main house and an additional coach house – making this a great option for groups looking to stretch out and spend quality time together. From here it’s just a short drive to Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean.

A Place of Magic 

Nestled between two islands on the picturesque banks of the River Thames – this beautiful thatched Edwardian home built in 1903, under a fifteen-minute drive from Windsor, is the perfect riverside retreat. Watch the boats, ducks and swans on the river go by from your own private heated pool. Lawns stretch down to the water – perfect for a game of croquet or challenge someone to a game of table tennis. There’s also a multipurpose play area for any younger children.

Inside, you'll see more of those divine riverside vistas. There are two living rooms and plenty of space for entertaining your family or friends. We love the master bedroom’s balcony, but a real highlight of this home for us was the bedroom attached to the side of the house on stilts. It’s constructed out of 19th century beams from one of the last pioneering ships bound for Australia and contains beautiful carvings and unique features from this period.

When you want to explore, your hosts can help arrange River Thames boat trips to pick you and your guests up directly from the garden. There’s also a lovely pub in the nearby village of Wraysbury, a ten-minute walk away. As well as close proximity to Windsor and Eton, Ascot racecourse is just over twenty minutes in the car and Thorpe Park, a fifteen-minute ride, while Henley, which hosts the Royal Regatta is forty minutes. If you visit London, Slough train station (a fifteen-minute drive away) runs services to London Paddington, the fastest being fourteen minutes.



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Escape to the Country: Some Favourites From the Cotswolds

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

We selected the 9506 homes worth renting in this location

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Most popular 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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