10 of the best cottages 2 hours from Manchester

Accommodation

Posted by Ruth on 23rd November 2021

Cottages 2 hours from Manchester

With some of the UK’s best scenery, most vibrant towns and prettiest beaches found within 2 hours of Manchester, isn’t it time you got out and explored?

Whether you’re planning a big family holiday or a short, last-minute break, you could leave your front door and be unwinding in spectacular destinations such as the Yorkshire Dales, the North Wales coast or the Lake District in under 2 hours.

To help inspire your next break away from the city, we’ve rounded up 10 of our top cottages found within 2 hours of Manchester – where will you choose to go next?


Pennant View

Pennant View, North Wales | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Take a gorgeous group getaway exploring the North Wales coast and countryside

Situated on the Dee Estuary, and a stone’s throw away from popular beaches such as Prestatyn and Rhyl, Pennant View is a brilliant base for a group getaway to the North Wales coast – that is, if you can tear yourself away from the cottage! Inside, you’ll find stylish and characterful five-star accommodation with luxuries such as a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen, a wood burner and plush king-size beds for a great night’s sleep.

The cottage has direct access to the Wales Coast Path, perfect for wonderful walks all together, or you can drive the 3 miles for a day out at the beach. You could also take a trip to the 7th-century St Winefride’s Holy Well – one of the Seven Wonders of Wales – or play a round of golf at Pennant Park. Whatever you’re into, there’s something nearby to suit every member of your party.

All North Wales cottages


Driftwood House

Driftwood House, Lancashire | sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Spend a fun family holiday at this grand coastal home in lovely Lytham

Situated in a perfect location close to both the seafront and the town, Driftwood House is an elegant and quirky home for a family holiday by the sea. With the interior design taking inspiration from Parisian style, inside is refined and luxurious and each bedroom boasts its own theme. The lounge with a wood burner and the bright bathroom with its roll-top bath are both excellent places in which to unwind, while the private garden is a delight on sunny days.

Within half a mile of the cottage, you’ll find the famous Lytham Windmill, plenty of pubs and restaurants, and the train station which has a service to St Anne’s and the beach, around 3 miles away, and onto the bright lights of Blackpool! Also nearby is RSPB Fairhaven Lake, and the beautiful Ribble Estuary, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

All Lancashire cottages


Bodweni Hall

Bodweni Hall, Snowdonia/Eryri | sleeps 27 + 3 dogs

Gather the gang for a get-together in glorious Snowdonia

If you’re looking for a setting for a group holiday or celebration close to Manchester, Bodweni Hall could be perfect for you. Amid the stunning scenery of eastern Snowdonia, this huge hall has more crowd-pleasing features than you can count: a hot tub, games room and cinema room are just a few you’ll discover. There are plenty of activities to keep the gang occupied too, including kayaking and fishing on the private lake.  

And if that’s not enough, Snowdonia has so much to offer too, from sedate footpaths and cycle routes where you can soak up the scenery, to more action-packed pursuits such as white-water rafting, zip lining, mountain biking and caving! One thing’s for certain – you will not be bored on this holiday.  

All Snowdonia/Eryri cottages


Elbeck Barn

Elbeck Barn, Yorkshire Dales | sleeps 4

Stay in a historic home with beautiful views in God’s Own Country

Elbeck Barn is a quintessential Yorkshire Dales home and is great for immersing yourself in everything this wonderful national park has to offer. The stone chocolate-box cottage dates back to the 17th century and has character in spades, with exposed beams, deep windowsills and a stone fireplace housing a roaring fire. The cottage is surrounded by fells, with the private garden offering the very best of the scenic views.

As you would expect, the surrounding countryside is criss-crossed with all manner of walking trails just waiting to be explored. You could also visit popular destinations such as Arncliffe, Grassington, Kettlewell and Settle, all nearby – the Settle to Carlisle railway is a particular delight, which little ones will adore.

All Yorkshire Dales cottages


Bramblewick

Bramblewick, Lake District | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs

Enjoy a luxury getaway with your love in the Lakes

Spoil the special person in your life to a spa break in the Lake District National Park. Bramblewick is a stylish and contemporary retreat where spa treatments and a private chef are available to book, and you’ll have exclusive use of a pool, gym, hot tub and sauna – perfect for spending some quality time unwinding together. Inside the accommodation is an opulent master suite with a roll-top bath, while the open-plan living space is ideal for a quiet evening in.

When you’ve had your fill of pampering, set out on foot to explore the 3 acres of landscaped grounds, or head a little further afield to visit Lake Windermere and take a romantic leisure cruise across the famous lake together.

All Lake District cottages


1877 Cottage

1877 Cottage, Shropshire | sleeps 4

A luxurious family retreat surrounded by stunning Shropshire countryside

Take the family on an unforgettable retreat to the countryside at 1877 Cottage, a beautiful bolthole near Shrewsbury. The 19th-century cottage combines modern style with character features and makes the most of the breathtaking rural views from every angle. Outside is just as special, with a private hot tub which the grown-ups can enjoy while the kids play in the garden.

With bike storage available, this is a great holiday destination for getting out and about on two wheels, with plenty of cycle paths nearby – including route 81 which begins at the end of the driveway. Adventure enthusiasts might want to try hang gliding on the Long Mynd nearby, while the whole family will love a day out at the outdoor pursuit centre at Bulthy Hill Farm just down the road.

All Shropshire cottages


Nancy's Shepherds Hut

Nancy’s Shepherds Hut, Peak District | sleeps 2

A super-cute romantic retreat surrounded by idyllic Peaks landscape

Whisk your loved one away for a unique retreat at this stylish shepherd’s hut on the southern fringes of the spectacular Peak District. Set within 38 acres, Nancy’s Shepherds Hut is the perfect location for ramblers, boasting neat but well-equipped accommodation for when you return. Despite its small size, you’ll find a double bed, a shower room and a compact kitchen within the hut, as well as a summer house and a firepit outside for evening stargazing together.

You can set off on foot to visit the pub at nearby Wincle and the traditional brewery just down the road, or head further afield for romantic strolls through the southern Peaks, Leek, Buxton and Macclesfield. And, if you feel like getting your adrenaline pumping, take a visit to Alton Towers, just 15 miles away.

All Peak District cottages


Stay on Board

Stay on Board, Merseyside | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

A nautical retreat that’s sure to float your boat

One of the more unusual places to stay within 2 hours of Manchester, Stay on Board is a boat sleeping four, moored in an exclusive marina a stone’s throw from everything Liverpool has to offer. Inside, the accommodation is surprisingly roomy, with nods to your nautical location, but doesn’t scrimp on the home comforts – there’s even a bath!

When you’re ready to explore, visit the waterfront which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sample the many bars and restaurants nearby or take in some culture at the Tate Liverpool, or the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour. Back at the marina, you can listen to some live music at the on-site yacht club or simply sit on deck and soak up the views.

All Merseyside cottages


Solway - Chester

Solway – Chester, Cheshire | sleeps 10 + 2 dogs

Take your loved ones away to live in the lap of luxury

If you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life, Solway is the perfect cottage for you. Boasting a private indoor heated pool, a gym, an open fire and four king-size beds, the property has plenty of creature comforts to ensure your stay is a comfortable one. Gather everyone together in the open-plan living space amidst the minimalist style or spill out into the garden for BBQs on sunny days.

While there will be many days you want to chill out in this extra-special space, there is plenty to see and do if you do want to venture out instead. Take the cycle path into Chester to explore this historic city, while any kids (big or small!) in your party will adore Chester Zoo. And, if you fancy a flutter, Chester racecourse is also nearby.

All Cheshire cottages


The Penthouse Harrogate

The Penthouse Harrogate, North Yorkshire | sleeps 4

Treat yourselves to a city break in the centre of high-end Harrogate

Manchester has its fair share of city attractions, but sometimes a change is just as good as a rest – so why not explore stylish Harrogate? This super-chic penthouse puts you right in the heart of the action and offers a refined place to return to in the evening. Enjoy a sundowner on the private balcony before cosying up in front of the Apple TV, finally resting your head on one of the beds with 400-thread-count bedding. In the morning, the shared garden is the perfect place for a breakfast feast before you shop ‘til you drop.

The penthouse is within a mile of many of Harrogate’s popular destinations so you can leave the car at home. Indulge in an afternoon tea at Betty's, wander round The Stray or visit the Royal Pump Room Museum. Further afield is the beautiful RHS Garden Harlow Carr, while the city itself is only a short distance from the spectacular scenery of the Nidderdale AONB.  

All North Yorkshire cottages


Explore the UK

Whether you’re looking to discover somewhere new or revisit a favourite destination, we have a wide range of cottages all over the UK for you to choose from. Stay close to home or set off on a big adventure; wherever you choose to visit, find the perfect base for your next getaway in our collection of handpicked UK cottages.

Find your favourite UK cottage

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.