BACK TO NATURE
After a cosy period of hibernation, there’s no better moment to embrace the great British outdoors and reconnect with nature as she blooms into beauty. Whether you’re itching to stretch your legs and explore the rolling countryside, venture into the wild and take a break from technology, or breathe in some salty sea air, here are our top picks of the very best rural retreats around the UK.
From top: Sky Den’s amazing opening roof; Stargaze before bed; Return to a post-walk cuppa; Nearby Kielder Water
and nature. Spend your time huddled around the fire-pit Sleeps 4 under a dark sky, foraging This treehouse property, for lunch, biking along the featured on Amazing Spaces coast, or hiking in the hills on Channel 4, is tucked away – you can’t help but feel in the heart of the Calvert reinvigorated and restored Trust, within Kielder Water by the fresh air and wild, and Forest Park, with views ancient landscape. And if over the river below and a you prefer to enjoy glorious roof that opens so you can views from indoors, relax enjoy clear, starry nights. with a book in the library Ideal for adventure-seeking overlooking the spectacular families, there’s an activity Downs, or treat yourself centre only a short walk away, to a botanical massage and where you can get stuck facial. Doubles from £105 into watersports, climbing per night. and orienteering. And for tiltonhouse.co.uk those seeking a slower pace, why not head out on one of Little Bear, Sussex the woodland trails and go Sleeps 2 wildlife spotting? From This luxury cabin is nestled £150 per night for a minimum in acres upon acres of two-night stay. bluebell-swathed ancient canopyandstars.co.uk woodland, making late spring the prime time to visit. Tilton House, Sussex Hidden from the outside Bed & breakfast world, with a wood-fired In the middle of the South eco-friendly hot tub and Downs National Park, this no WiFi or television, it’s beautiful Georgian B&B and an idyllic place to enjoy a yoga retreat is the perfect romantic, digi-free weekend place to get back to yourself away with your other half.
uniquehomestays.com; 01637 881183
Sky Den, Northumberland
Little Bear
Discover the enchanting forest in peace or amble to the local inn, just a short walk away, to enjoy home-cooked food and real ales. From £795 for a three-night stay. uniquehomestays.com
Doyden Castle, Cornwall
Sleeps 2 High up on the dramatic cliffs near Port Quin, overlooking the sea, you’ll find this fortress sitting proudly. Built in 1830 as a pleasure house for a wealthy bon-viveur, there’s no better way to feel at one with the elements than snuggled
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Doyden Castle
inside this quaint retreat. With the popular beaches of Rock, Polzeath and Port Isaac within four miles, it makes an ideal base from which to pull on your walking shoes and enjoy the rugged Cornish coastline. From £528 for a three-night stay. nationaltrustholidays.org.uk
Moat Cottage, Suffolk
Sleeps 6 Set on the Wilderness Reserve – a 5,000-acre private estate across three river valleys, with a stately home at its centre and a scattering of other lovely properties – this Tudor farmhouse is a wonderful spot to reacquaint yourself with the great outdoors. Not only does the area boast some of the most beautiful views and cleanest air in England, but there’s so much to do. Try your hand at paddle boarding and rowing on the serpentine 31
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Moat Cottage
lake, or bird watching, clay pigeon shooting or exploring the local area on a bike. From £562 per night, based on a seven-night stay. wildernessreserve.com
Ardgartan Argyll, Argyll and Bute
Sleeps 2-6 Luxury meets the wild with Forest Holiday’s collection of wood cabins on Scotland’s west coast in Ardgartan Argyll. Near majestic lochs and snow-capped mountains, this award-winning accommodation is great for couples and families alike. Enjoy breathtaking views from a private hot tub, or if you are keen to venture out, bike around the nearby lochs or discover the best of Scottish wildlife on a Glen Safari. There are also forest survival courses available for all the family where you can forage, build fires and learn about life in the wild – before retreating back to
Ardgartan Argyll
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Filly Island Cottage
your comfy cabin. From £395, based on a three-night stay in a two-bedroom cabin. forestholidays.co.uk
Howbeck Lodge Farm, Cumbria
Sleeps 6 With the Lake District National Park – along with its sandy beaches and famous waters – right on your doorstep, this ‘glampsite’ is the ultimate rural escape. Set on a 300-acre cattle and sheep farm, it’s a familyfriendly option for animal and nature-lovers alike, with opportunities to ride horses, spend time with the farm animals and even feed newborn lambs. Nearby is Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, for those seeking a real hiking adventure. You can also sample the delicious homemade produce at the farm shop. The canvas lodges are fully equipped with everything you need to spend quality time with loved ones – combining the excitement of
Howbeck Lodge Farm
camping with the luxury of a cottage holiday. From £281 for a three-night stay. featherdown.co.uk
Filly Island Cottage, Oxfordshire
Sleeps 2 Positioned on a small triangular island, this quirky little cottage dates back to the 1700s, when it was built as a cart store for the next-door mill’s horse. Today, it’s been beautifully done out and is perfect for those seeking a country escape. It’s also located within the Cotswold Water Park, where waterbabies can fish, sail and jet ski, among other things. Walkers and cyclists will also be in their element with the Wychwood Way, a historic 37-mile route nearby. From £495 for a three-night weekend stay. uniquehomestays.com
Orchard Cottage, Monmouthshire
Sleeps 2 Situated in the stunning Wye Valley – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – in a quiet little hamlet called Penterry, is this intimate cottage retreat. With sweeping views towards the Black Mountains, endless walking opportunities and the historic town of Chepstow nearby, it’s a truly gorgeous spot for a rural romantic weekend away – especially for those wanting to get out onto the hills, feel fresh country air on their faces and return to the warm comfort of a woodburning stove. From £366 for a three-night weekend stay. ruralretreats.co.uk Orchard Cottage