England may not be renowned for reliable hot and sunny summers, but when the sun does shine the lush English countryside is one of the best places to be, and one of the best ways to enjoy this is a stay in a beautiful English cottage. Lazing in the garden, exploring cute nearby towns and wandering along local footpaths truly soothes the soul, so here are 5 of the most picturesque English holiday cottages to inspire.
1. Low Hallgarth, near Coniston, Cumbria
Low Hallgarth Cottage is a 17th-century fellside cottage in the incredible Cumbrian countryside. Once owned by Beatrix Potter, the famous author and Lake District enthusiast, a stay in this cottage certainly makes it easy to see why she loved it so much. The cottage sits at the end of a row of three properties and boasts amazing views over Little Langdale Tarn and up the valley to Wrynose Pass. The ideal base for walking and climbing adventures, more casual walkers can enjoy the low level walks around Tarn Hows, or for a challenge head to the high fells of Coniston or Langdale Valley. There are plenty of restaurant, pubs, tea-room and shop options in nearby Coniston, Hawkshead and Ambleside, and real ale hotspot Sticklebarn pub offers views of the Langdale mountains alongside an open fire, board games, blankets and even family film screenings. At the end of the day head back to the cottage and cosy up in the comfy cottage rooms with their original exposed beams, warm furnishings and real open fire.
For more information see here.
2. Guy’s Cottage, Port Quin, Cornwall
A seaside stay doesn’t get any more impressive than Guy’s Cottage in Cornwall. Full of Cornish charm, the fisherman’s cottage sits on the edge of Port Quin’s sheltered beach. The cottage still has its traditional stone exterior and interiors, with low beamed ceilings, a log burner, three cosy bedrooms and outside terrace making for the perfect seaside accommodation. Walk from the terrace straight onto the South West Coast Path to explore Cornwall on foot with lovely long walks along the headlands, or try rock pooling and kayaking on Port Quin beach. Walking east leads to the idyllic Port Isaac, whilst to the west is Polzeath beach, sandy and great for surfing. To try a taste of Cornwall’s best seafood, take the ferry from Rock to the fishing village of Padstow and enjoy!
For more information see here.
3. Stockman’s Cottage, Foulsham, Norfolk
A typical red-bricked Norfolk build which was once a cowman’s cottage, Stockman’s Cottage now offers stylish comfort in an idyllic setting. Oak beams, a large Inglenook fireplace, wooden floors, exposed brick walls, antiques and cosy sofas are all you need for a great stay, plus the welcoming bundle of wine, homemade cake and free-range eggs that greets you on arrival. You can even collect fresh eggs at the cottage, then theres the nearby north Norfolk coast to explore, antiques to browse and the farming museum to visit. Plenty to see and do!
For more information see here.
4. High Peak, Ravenscar, North Yorkshire
If you’re after a larger cottage but equally picturesque, High Peak is ideal. Sat on the edge of the North York Moors, the eight person cottage offers panoramic sea views out to Robin Hood’s Bay with an enclosed garden and a patio looking directly out towards it, the perfect place for drinks at sunset. As well as its breathtaking beauty, the surrounding area offers several outdoor activities, from strolls along the cliff-tops or through the heather moorland to bike rides along the Cinder Track cycle route which follows the old Whitby – Scarborough railway line. Both these towns are also driving distance if you’re looking for a seaside visit, and don’t forget to try the fish and chips in Whitby! With miles of heather moorland, rolling hills and wooded valleys as well as the nearby coast, the location of the cottage could not be better, and if you’re lucky you might even see grey seals coming ashore to breed on the beach at nearby Ravenscar.
For more information see here.
5. Garden Cottage, Staffordshire
As well as its classic name, Garden Cottage has everything you’d expect from a picturesque English cottage; a stone facade, climbing roses, neat glass windows and wooden floors. Formerly the pump house for a Victorian country house, the cottage sits in the private grounds of Staffordshire’s Wootton Hall Estate, close to the Derbyshire border and just a short drive from the gorgeous Peak District National Park. The tranquil stone cottage offers uninterrupted views of rolling countryside, making it great base for exploring the local area on foot or bike or for simply relaxing. It has a fully kitted-out country-style kitchen and log fire in the sitting room, as well as a charming cottage garden and terrace with barbecue, perfect for al fresco drinks or dining. The Bib Gourmand-awarded pub, The Duncombe Arms (which own the cottage), is another great dinner option and only a short walk away.
For more information see here.
