Some UK staycay destinations are talked about more than others, but that doesn't mean there aren't gems to be found with a little bit of digging. Take a look at these beauties guaranteed to give you a great getaway far from the crowds.
Praa Sands, Cornwall
We all know about Cornwall, sure. But Praa Sands feels far removed from the Newquays and St Ives of this world. Above a wide-stretching beach, you'll spy Praaloha, nestled into the cliff's edge. Unassuming on the outside, utterly charming on the inside, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better sea view. While I could wax lyrical about how amazing the view is for hours - it's become my go-to visualisation during meditations - the house more than deserves some airtime too. This place is truly something special. Comprised of 5 bedrooms, each with a bathroom and slice of that heavenly view, it's the perfect size for a friends getaway or break with family. Well-equipped, stylish but totally unpretentious, it's an easy place to unwind after a day spent exploring the local coast. Outside you'll also find a gorgeous garden for summer cocktails or lounging, plus a hot tub, swimming pool (!) and gym. The beach is a mere 5 minute-walk-away and there's a scrummy pizza bar and cool coffee shop just a 15-minute walk along the beach, too. While this place comes into its own in the summer months, there is just something magical about a stay here during the winter. Big waves, big weather - and you can watch it all from the floor-to-ceiling windows while you play board games and sip on hot chocolate. Bliss.
Praaloha sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms and costs from £2,803 per week. For more information and to book, visit Aspects-holidays.co.uk
Hinton Hideaways, Somerset
You know you’ve found a hidden gem when you don’t want to recommend something to anyone, for fear your secret will be discovered. But we don’t gatekeep here at Cosmo, so we’re putting this little slice of heaven on your radar. Set on 260 acres of organic farm land, Hinton Hideaways is about as peaceful an escape as you can get. With nothing but the rolling hills of the Somerset countryside surrounding you, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge. Their five stylish and wonderfully unique properties boast everything from wood-fired hot tubs, BBQs, infrared saunas, and king-size beds, to comfy living areas, private gardens, fully-equipped kitchens, alfresco bath tubs, and chic boho interiors (check each individual property for what’s included). Toast marshmallows over the firepit and star gaze, walk to the local pub, or drive to the stunning Jurassic Coast in just 30 mins. Gorgeous for summer sun-worshippers, and brilliantly cosy for a warm winter getaway.
42 Acres, Somerset
Nestled in the heart of the Frome countryside in Somerset, is the absolutely idyllic 42 Acres. And if you're looking for a peaceful, rural escape from city life, this the kind of place that truly fills up your cup. The eclectic but luxurious accommodation ranges from a 5-bedroom farmhouse that sleeps 11, to a 2-person converted boat moored in a secluded nook on the 7-acre lake. There's self-catered and full-board options, with hyper-local meals from the farm kitchen - we went for self-catered at Library Barn and Monk's Hatch, and ordered a seasonal, organic, veggie lasagne and salad for delivery. You can go wild swimming in the lake, sweat out last night's wine in the woodland sauna, book a private yoga class, or opt for a facial, foraging talk, garden tour or crafting session. Pure back-to-nature bliss. We booked via Kip, who offer a curated collection of incredible self-catering escapes across the UK.
Sea Green Cottage, Walberswick
There is something about the little seaside village of Walberswick that immediately captures the heart. And, if picturesque cottages framed with pastel roses are your jam, then you’ll fall head-over-heels for Sykes Holiday Cottages' Sea Green which sits overlooking the village green. We particularly love the roof terrace – ideal for sundowners in the summer evenings, or a cup of tea while your body adjusts to being awake in the mornings. Equipped with everything you need to enjoy that home-from-home feeling, Sea Green is perfectly located to enjoy the simple delights of Walberswick – from crabbing to exploring the beach or getting acquainted with the local pub (the Bell Inn is mere minutes away by foot) – as well as for trips further afield around the East coast. Fans of fresh seafood should catch the rowboat ferry and book in for lunch at the nearby Sole Bay Restaurant as a must!
Sleeps 6 guests, prices start at £1058 for 7 nights
The Hyde, Armscote/Cotswolds
In the charming village of Armscote, just six miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, The Hyde is a cozy cottage that’s perfect for a relaxed getaway. The modern cottage has all the essentials for a peaceful stay, including a wood burning stove, a hot tub, and countryside views. Armscote village is full of character with a 16th-century pub, great local walks, and bike trails, plus a fantastic pub, The Fuzzy Duck, for a cheeky pint after a well-deserved hike. Inside the cottage you'll find a spacious open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, and two comfy bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. You can spend your days with friends exploring nearby spots like Stratford, with its riverside strolls, or head to Warwick to see the grand medieval castle. With so much to see nearby, The Hyde makes an ideal spot for a perfect staycation!
Sleeps 4 guests, £902 for two nights
Unyoked Cabin, South Downs National Park
It’s no secret that immersing yourself in nature can decrease cortisol levels, slow down overactive minds, increase resilience, think better and be more creative! Does all this sound appealing? If like me, you need a switch off from your hectic social calendar and never-ending To-Do list then book a little stay-cay at one of Unyoked cabins, which are dotted across the UK in the most idyllic spots.
The cabins are equipped with all the essentials you will need to unwind and disconnect from the outside world. Before your stay, Unyoked aim to provide the smoothest experience by sending you a personal Field Guide which is packed full of hiking maps, campfire recipes and even playlists to listen to. Pack a pair of walking boots, your fave book and some tasty food and get whisked away into serene nature.
£154 weeknights/£179 weekends per night.
The Boathouse, Ullswater
A dreamy self-catering escape for two on the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District. Inside the converted 19th-century boathouse it’s open-plan with a balcony for al fresco dining and a gorgeous bedroom with lake views. We love the private rowing boat for lake adventures, hikes right on your doorstep, good local restaurants and board games if it rains.
Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
You don't need to be a big golf fan to enjoy a stay at the Old Course Hotel. A perfect base to explore St Andrews, the impressive hotel features breathtaking views of the beautiful Scottish coastline, multiple restaurants (including a pub), and a luxury spa that boasts a fancy 65-foot indoor pool. The hotel will also arrange a variety of activities for you including horse riding, land sailing and distillery tours.
Victorian House, Lake District
If charming and intimate dog-friendly country digs are your thing, look no further. Following a day of exploring, the hotel is an idyllic sanctuary to rest and recharge. We're also big fans of their cosy outdoor retreat named The Shepherds Hut (pictured below), which is perfect to enjoy with a partner.
The Nest, Stamford
A safari lodge tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside with everything you need for a secluded Brit break, including log burner, kitchen, comfy beds for up to six people and an egg-shaped tub to soak in and watch the sunset. Yoga classes and a Landrover safari to see local wildlife at dusk can be arranged.
Flint Barn, Norfolk
This gorgeous hideaway for four absolutely nails ‘countryside luxe’. Part of a 1,350-acre arable farm, it’s been brilliantly restored by an award-winning architect; you’d never guess it once housed livestock. It also has a pool, jacuzzi and steam room.
Welshglamping, Llanwrtyd Wells
Choose from a log cabin with four-poster bed, lotus belle tent (sleeps four) or cute cottage at this rustic new hideaway in the wilds of mid-Wales. There’s plenty to do from river swimming to exploring the nearby valleys and at night low light pollution means the star-gazing is unreal. Cook on the campfire or, if you want a night off, Llanwrtyd Wells is ten minutes away with local pubs and restaurants.
Artist Residence, South Leigh
Part of the hip boutique hotel chain, this Oxfordshire escape is perfect if you don’t want the hassle of self-catering but do still want to get away from it all. Many things to love here, from the cosy rooms with retro extras (the barn suite is amazing), a converted shepherd’s hut, gorgeous garden and great restaurant serving stuff you probably weren’t whipping up at home, like wild mushrooms, sourdough and truffle.
Newtown Cabin, Isle of Wight
Birdwatchers and walkers alike will adore this two-bedroom cabin retreat, where nature-spotting opportunities abound on the island’s only National Nature Reserve. Originally built in the 1930s for processing oyster catches, today you’ll find a snug little bolthole for four with nearby estuary views and glorious walks from the door, where your neighbours are rare butterflies and red squirrels.
The Treehouses at Lanrick, Scotland
Sign up now for a stay in one of five gorgeous woodland dwellings on the edge of Scotland’s stunning Trossachs National Park, around an hour from Edinburgh. Super luxurious inside, including king-size bed and copper bath, ideal for relaxing in after a day of wild swimming, kayaking or whiskey tasting at nearby Deanston Distillery.
Copse Cabin, Sussex
Part rustic cabin, part modern magic, this cosy retreat lies on farmland in a secluded woodland. You’ll love sitting outside by the tranquil pond, where birds and dragonflies flit around, playing board games, star-gazing around the fire pit and sipping fresh coffee on the terrace. Heaven.
Harbour Hotel, Southampton
This one might be in a small city, but hear us out. Not only does if have a glass-fronted top floor bar with outside terrace over looking a yacht-packed marina (if you squint, it’s a bit like Ibiza port, not even joking), there’s also an exceptionally good spa with hydrotherapy pool and lots of lovely treatments, plus the award-winning Jetty restaurant serving fresh seafood al fresco - it’s an Instagram dream and even if you don’t step out of the hotel for two days, you’ll feel like you’ve been on holiday.
Argyll Cottages, Scottish Highlands
The lush forest park of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands is home to mountains, botanical gardens and the cutest stone cottages and idyllic forest pods, complete with hot tubs and fire pits of course. These remote woodland home-from-homes overlook Loch Eck and are nestled at the edge of the ancient forest. Cosy wood-burning stoves, a TV in every room and snuggly robes mean you might not actually want to leave to venture into the woods, but with so many gorgeous trails and Scottish pubs around you, you'd be missing out if you just stayed in. Plus, on a clear day, there's kayaking on the loch, horse riding and serious mountain walking to be done.
