Holiday cottages near nature reserves

Activity, Walking, Nature

Posted by Samantha Thomas on 18th April 2023

Holiday cottages near nature reserves

Enjoy a break close to one of the UK's best-loved nature reserves whilst staying at one of our self-catering holiday cottages. At holidaycottages.co.uk we think that spending time in the great outdoors is one of the best things you can enjoy on a getaway with friends and family; it makes us realise how precious nature is. On this magnificent planet we call home, our habitats and the environment is in crisis and there is evidence everywhere. But it’s not too late to do something about it and the RSPB is helping to spread the word that wildlife is in trouble. They're doing everything they can to give nature a voice and preserve wildlife and our amazing array of picture-postcard locations on the coast for many future generations to come.

During the last few years, we've partnered with initiatives and responsible companies to foster and promote conscious travel and demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible business. We're proud to say that the RSPB is one of our partners and they are constantly seeking to raise awareness of our remarkable country and wildlife. We have also compiled a veritable library of handy blogs about how to get the most out of a nature holiday like our good birdwatching spots in the UK, birdwatching basics, and a beginners' guide to the UK's national parks.

Sunset in the countryside

With these environmental concerns in mind, we have a wealth of holiday cottages near nature reserves the length and breadth of the country, giving you the most relaxing of breaks in places of outstanding beauty. With properties located in private grounds with lakes, in leafy woodland or by secluded beaches, you can find the most amazing places in the UK to fall in love with all over again. For even more inspiration, visit our Closer to Nature Showcase for accommodation ideas. 

Cottages across the UK


Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, Lake District

The Coach House at the Old Parsonage

The Coach House at the Old Parsonage, Askam-in-Furness | Sleeps: 4 guests

The stunning Coach House at the Old Parsonage enjoys a rural location just a short drive from Sandscale Haws, and the Lake District National Park offers the ideal opportunity to really embrace a slower pace of life. After a day exploring the great outdoors, enjoy relaxing in the fabulous open-plan lounge, taking in views of the estuary and the Isle of Man.

You can expect to see an abundance of wildlife at the National Trust-managed Sandscale Haws' dune habitat which supports a hugely diverse range of flora and fauna. With splendid views across the Duddon Estuary near the Lake District, the sandy beach offers opportunities to see thousands of wading birds and wildfowl.

More Lake District holiday cottages near nature reserves:

Lake District cottages


Deep Dale Nature Reserve, Peak District

Rookery Cottage in the Peak District

Rookery Cottage, Peak District | Sleeps: 6 guests

The splendid, Grade II-listed 17th-century Rookery Cottage is set in stunning secluded gardens in the heart of the Peak District with gardens running to the water’s edge of the River Wye, allowing you to enjoy nature without leaving the house. It's close to the exceptional Deep Dale Nature Reserve near Monsal Head, and Buxton.

Part of a string of reserves along the Monsal Trail, this Peak District dale offers a wealth of wildlife. It’s a place of true natural beauty and the Deep Dale tributary has recently been awarded Site of Special Scientific Interest.

More Peak District cottages near nature reserves: 

Peak District cottages


RSPB Radipole, Weymouth, Dorset

The Old Stable in Weymouth

The Old Stable - Weymouth, Dorset | Sleeps 2 guests

This stunning Grade II-listed retreat, The Old Stable, just north of busy Weymouth and close to RSPB Radipole, where you can hide out on a romantic getaway with your partner. Approach this stylish bolthole via a cobbled path and settle down on the retro green sofa beneath vaulted beamed ceilings while the wood burner crackles away in the corner.

Down on the South Coast, in Dorset, sits this idyllic RSPB reserve. Reedbeds, wetland and saline lagoons create a habitat you may be surprised to find in an urban setting, providing a space for magnificent bird species such as the kingfisher, marsh harrier and warbler.

More South Coast holiday cottages near nature reserves:

Dorset cottages


RSPB Conwy, Llandudno, North Wales

External and internal views of Llandudno View

Llandudno View, Llandudno | Sleeps: 8 guests + 4 dogs

Spend a relaxing break at the charming Llandudno View in Llandudno, Wales. This spacious holiday home has charm and character, offering stylish accommodation for families and their canine companions. Ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, there are countless walks and cycle routes nearby as well as opportunities for water sports and boat trips.

RSPB Conwy is a great place for families; this nature reserve is a wetland that in the colder months is home to thousands of waterbirds, and in summer you can expect to find frogs and dragonflies. It has great views of the Carneddau mountains as well as a café.

More cottages in Wales near nature reserves:

Wales cottages


RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk

Orchard Farmhouse

Orchard Farmhouse - Wroxham | Sleeps 10 guests + 2 dogs

Stay at Orchard Farmhouse, a splendid farmhouse in a peaceful setting on the Norfolk Broads and within easy reach of the stunning North Norfolk coastline. After a lazy day exploring the myriad waterways return to enjoy the plentiful social spaces, relax in the orchard or explore the wooded area surrounding the property. 

Situated in the spectacular Yare Valley, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen is a magical and relaxing place. In the spring and summer months, the lush meadows are filled with butterflies and other insects. Take on the nature trail or indulge in a bit of pond dipping, it's a great introduction to the Norfolk Broads at large.

More Norfolk cottages near nature reserves:

Norfolk cottages


Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye, East Sussex

4 Marine Cottages in Camber

4 Marine Cottages, Camber | Sleeps: 5 guests

Located directly on Camber Sands beach this fantastic vintage prospect, called 4 Marine Cottages, offers the ultimate coastal retreat with a private decked area to bask in the evening sunshine and admire the views.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has a diverse habitat that hosts a huge variety of wildlife – shingle beaches, grassland, lakes and pools are home to some fascinating species. Discover a network of trails and visit one of five birdwatching hides in the area and long views over Camber Sands to the east. Also, visit RSPB Dungeness (no dogs permitted) 12 miles away.

More Sussex cottages near nature reserves:

Sussex cottages


Bempton Cliffs, Bempton, North Yorkshire

The Old St Johns Church in Burton Fleming

The Old St Johns Church, Burton Fleming, North Yorkshire | Sleeps: 10 guests + 2 dogs

This superb property, The Old St Johns Church, is a former Methodist Chapel and offers guests a remarkable and eclectic mix of original features alongside modern, stylish living and is ideal for those who love exploring by foot or bike.

Around half a million seabirds gather on the towering chalk ascensions of Bempton Cliffs in North Yorkshire (between March and October), a spectacular sight and a must-visit for any birdwatchers out there. Gannets, guillemots and puffins rear their young on these cliffs, while barn owls and tree sparrows make their home here all year.

More cottages in Yorkshire near nature reserves:

Yorkshire cottages


Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, Somerset

Interior and exterior shots of Wassail

Wassail, Glastonbury | Sleeps: 4 guests + 1 dog

Stay at Wasssail, a fabulous semi-detached barn conversion in Glastonbury, in the beautiful county of Somerset. You’re well placed for visiting Glastonbury Abbey and Tor, Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge. The property itself is full of character with a lovely patio area featuring a herb garden, dog shower, fire pit and BBQ. It's perfect for a spontaneous short stay in the UK with your family.

Lying on the north side of the Avalon Marshes, the Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve is a patchwork of reed beds, lakes, pools and bogs. In winter, migratory birds flock to the reserve, and the hides dotted around may give you a glimpse of great crested grebes, bearded tits and kingfishers when the season is right.

More Somerset cottages near nature reserves:/

Somerset cottages


Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in the UK

There truly is nothing better than immersing yourself in nature and taking the time to appreciate what we have around us. This year, it's time to take a great British staycation, enjoy our incredible wildlife and everything that the UK has to offer. To be able to spend some serious time embracing nature, why not stay at one of our many self-catering holiday cottages across the UK? A huge number of our holiday lets are situated in the countryside where you can enjoy long walks and learn to appreciate the great outdoors even more. 

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.