The UK is blessed with incredible scenery just waiting for you to explore. We have a fantastic selection of the best cottages in the countryside to stay in. Whether your holiday style includes a gentle stroll beside sparkling rivers en route to a country pub lunch, or you have your sights set on long hikes in the moors and forests of the national parks, take a look at some of the best countryside cottages.
Sleeps 14 | Dog-friendly | Country walks from the door
History meets modern day luxury living in the Cumbrian countryside at The Old Vicarage. This incredible former vicarage, dating back to 1864, offers an unforgettable stay for a family get-together or a celebration.
With country walks beginning from the door, The Old Vicarage is perfectly placed for exploring the rolling hills and enjoying outdoor adventures. The Lake District is within easy reach, with Wastwater being both the nearest lake and an area known for climbing. For serious climbers, the challenge of reaching the summit of Scafell Pike is a popular reason to visit the area.
Back at the cottage, you will be spoilt for choice with wonderful ways to relax. Soak your weary limbs in the sunken hot tub that has views over the surrounding countryside or enjoy a sing-along to the tunes of the self-playing piano.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands for stunning countryside. Hallmarked by lochs, glens and mountains, it’s heavenly for day-dreamers, hikers, mountain-bikers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Stay at Munro Cabin, close to the pretty village of Crianlarich and about a 20-minute drive from Loch Lomond. This luxurious cabin is set on a private estate that beautifully encapsulates Scottish scenery and wildlife.
If you are lucky, you might spot deer, red squirrels and even a pine marten. Bird feeders are positioned around the grounds to attract feathered friends too. If you like being surrounded by nature, Munro Cabin is fantastic. If and when you prefer to be more active, rowing boats are available to take out on Loch Dochart.
Meanwhile, Munro Cabin is a stylish and contemporary retreat brimming with Scandi style and luxuries including a designer log burner and huge windows that frame stunning views of Ben More, a waterfall and Glen Dochart.
Sleeps 6 | Dog-friendly | Wrap-around terrace with views
If you’re looking for an exceptionally tranquil rural location with breathtaking views, walks from the door and incredible attention to detail, Upper Tumble Cottage is one of the best countryside cottages that ticks all the boxes. Set in the owners’ idyllic farmland in the Powys countryside, this chic ski lodge-style property combines understated luxury with dazzling scenery.
Live the country life and collect fresh eggs from the hens for breakfast and enjoy walks through the wildflower meadows on the estate. For a luxurious way to view the landscape, scenic helicopter trips can be arranged, or head to one of the award-winning vineyards for a tour and a tipple.
However, you will be forgiven for not wishing to venture far, as Upper Tumble Cottage has a wraparound terrace with far-reaching views of the Welsh Mountains and Shropshire Hills. Plus, there’s a hot tub for unwinding or a spot of stargazing on a clear evening.
If that isn’t enough there’s a spa-style bathroom and Himalayan Salt Sauna, while dinner created by a Michelin-star chef and spa treatments can be arranged too. Bliss!
Sleeps 6 | Dog-friendly | Country pub a short walk
A cute, 200-year-old cottage with bags of character awaits you at Dolly Cottage. Once-upon-a-time it was a farm labourer’s house and after a sensitive renovation, which has kept the exposed beams, it is a cosy place for a countryside escape with family and friends.
This is the kind of place to relax and take it easy. You don’t even have to leave the cottage to enjoy striking views, the North York Moors and the Esk Valley can be seen from every window. Or, watch the North Yorkshire steam train chug along as you dine alfresco in the pretty garden. Wildlife, including deer and partridges, can sometimes be spotted from the garden too.
When you do wish to explore a little further, scenic walks and bike rides to idyllic villages begin from the door. You can also reward yourself with lunch at the local pub, just a 5-minute walk away.
A little further afield there’s the wild and beautiful North York Moors National Park that offers something for the whole family, including admiring the swathes of purple heather in late August.
Sleeps 2 | Dog-friendly | Spa access
An ideal bolt-hole for two, this luxury barn conversion is brimming with rustic charm, making it a fantastic escape to the country. Situated above the historic hamlet and private estate of Walton, the cottage has panoramic views of the idyllic countryside and is a good base for exploring the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds are the perfect place to explore at leisure. With chocolate-box style villages, a patchwork of fields and charming stone houses with pretty cottage gardens, this is quintessentially English. Whether you choose to drive, or cycle or walk on footpaths that criss-cross farmland and rolling fields, there are sweeping vistas at every turn and you’re never far from a café or pub.
Stable Barn features a hot tub to unwind in after a day out walking, but there’s also complimentary day access to the spa and leisure facilities at Walton Hall. It’s the perfect place for a couples’ spa break.
Sleeps 8 | Dog-friendly | Cheddar Valley views
Reservoir View is a very contemporary and chic home, with LA-style vibes, opulent indoor living spaces and outdoor terraces where you can sip on cocktails and savour vistas of the Cheddar Valley.
First and foremost, it is one of the best countryside cottages for gathering together and socialising, entertaining and relaxing. From the feature double-sided fireplace that separates the dining room from the lounge where you can enjoy a movie night, to the games room, to the French doors that open onto the terrace and the luxurious hot tub, there is plenty to wow you.
Set in Somerset in woodland within an old quarry (home to free-roaming Cheddar Gorge goats) and with spectacular views across the reservoir, the Cheddar Valley and the Bristol Channel, the setting is equally impressive.
You can walk down to the village of Cheddar for riverside walks, along with cafes and shops. Or, visit Cheddar Reservoir which is a popular place for birdwatching, fishing and gentle bike rides. However, a visit to Somerset’s famous and dramatically beautiful Cheddar Gorge and its caves is a must.
Sleeps 8 | Dog-friendly | Private hot tub
Thatch Corner is ideal for families and friends who wish to explore Exmoor National Park and retreat to a comfortable and stylish cottage at the end of each adventure.
Exmoor National Park sits across the borders of Somerset and North Devon and is a fantastic place for gentle exploration. It is one of the UK’s least busy national parks and makes it very appealing if you are hoping to find some relative solitude, even in summer. From rugged moors to dark skies, to picturesque villages, there is plenty of appeal.
When you fancy a little challenge, trek up to the summit of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor where there are amazing views across the surrounding countryside and coastline of the Bristol Channel.
Back at the cottage, relax indoors in the Coronation Room, perfect for a spot of garden bird watching. Or head into the garden for a dip in the hot tub, from where there are views of the church. An array of pubs and restaurants are within walking distance, perfect for a night off the cooking.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
Ashbourne, Derbyshire 
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