English Country Cottages for Those Who Love the Great Outdoors

From farm-based retreats and romantic getaways to lakeside lodges and hilltop look-outs, those seeking the great outdoors are guaranteed to find an English country cottage that ticks all their boxes. Such is the range of superb rural properties that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here is a taster of ten from around the country:

Old Dairy House - Arne, Dorset

Situated on the edge of an RSPB nature reserve, the spacious Old Dairy House has so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Sleeping up to eight people, there are walks leading towards Poole Harbour straight from the property while the whole area is rich in nature walks and coastal paths. Even the house’s large garden will keep active types busy with its rope swings and trampoline.

Chez Moo - Wittersham, rural Kent

Surrounded by farmland and grazing meadows, Chez Moo’s rural location is perfect for holidaymakers looking to get out into the wonderful Kent countryside. This attractive property sleeps five and has a real country cottage feel – an extremely welcoming place to return to after exploring the many local footpaths or the nearby beaches at Camber Sands

Waggoners – Looe, south east Cornwall

Set on a farm in a wonderful rural location, Waggoners is an English country cottage with all the ingredients for a great family holiday. With room for up to four people, guests at this immaculate property can help feed the numerous animals – lambs, pigs and rabbits – that live on the site before heading out to explore the nearby coast. There are play and sports facilities for children, while the pet-friendly cottage has a log burner – just right for snuggling up to after an active day out and about.

Keepers Cottage - Oare, Nr. Lynmouth, North Devon countryside

Perfect for a couple who want an English country cottage where they can get away from it all and enjoy the delights of the north Devon countryside, Keepers Cottage is a stylish, converted barn set among riverside meadows and woodland. A number of villages and towns, such as Lynton and Lynmouth, are a short distance away – but you might just want to stay put and enjoy the walking and fishing that is right on your doorstep.

Porters Lodge - Lenwade, Norfolk countryside

A wonderful waterside hideaway, Porters Lodge sits next to a lake and is surrounded by woodland and open space. Inside, it is modern and airy; outside, guests can take advantage of a private decking area and pass the time watching the plentiful birdlife that regularly visit the spot. A great place for cyclists and walkers, the two-bed property is near a host of paths and trails.

Stottergill - Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales

With magnificent views of the rolling Yorkshire Dales, Stottergill is a beautiful cottage that sleeps up to six people. Immaculately furnished and with an open fire in the lounge, holidaymakers who like walking can simply don their boots and head for the fells without needing to get into the car. The whole area has much to occupy the active – cycling, climbing and canoeing being just some of the activities available in the area.

Lodge Farm - Freston, Heart of Suffolk

Fantastic Lodge Farm is made up of three linked self-catering cottages, which together can accommodate up to twelve people. Beautifully furnished, the property is located on a working farm situated within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for a group holiday, there’s a games room to enjoy at home, while beyond the door there’s the superb Suffolk countryside and coast to explore.

The Barn - Ruswarp, Whitby, North Yorkshire coast

A stunning, luxury property surrounded by wonderful countryside, The Barn sleeps six and offers a wonderful holiday location for those looking for a peaceful spot near the North Yorkshire Coast. If you can tear yourself away from this beautiful property, the well-known resort of Whitby with its famous tearooms and beach is nearby while nearer still is Ruswarp village where visitors can hire a boat to row down the river Esk.

Loud Mythom Barn - Chipping, Lancashire

With hillside views and riverside walks on the doorstep, Loud Mythorn Barn is just the property for a large family or group of friends to get away from it all in the Lancashire countryside. Sleeping eight and beautifully decorated, this wonderful holiday cottage also features a fireplace with a wood burning stove. Footpaths and bridleways criss-cross the area and a nearby natural pool is a great spot for a picnic or a dip.

Ochr y Foel- Trefriw, Conwy, Wales

Ochr y Foel is a stunning traditional Welsh cottage in a striking part of the Snowdonia National Park, it has been lovingly decorated to offer a cosy and traditional holiday home, surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest achievements. Nestled away, nearly 3 miles from the nearest village of Trefriw this cottage is the ideal place from which to get outside and take in lungs full of fresh air or undertake a bracing dip from its own lake shore beach. Incredible views expanding over Llyn Crafnant make the great outdoors impossible to ignore.