Over the recent years, British wine has finally come into its own, winning prestigious gold awards, that at one time would never have reached the British border! The view, peace, and of course wine, makes for great day trips in the UK.
Wander through picturesque leafy vineyards, learning how wine is made from grape to glass and enjoy a sample or two in the company of new friends! There's nothing quite like sipping on a cool white or rich red, right where it is produced.
If you’re a passionate wine drinker, read on for our top pick of UK vineyards and wine tasting tours.
Three Choirs Vineyard, Gloucestershire
Situated in the black and white market town of Newent, Three Choirs Vineyard is a popular wine tour spot nestled in the countryside of the Cotswolds. As one of England’s oldest and largest vineyards, the winery is open all year round with tours commencing every day.
Gently wander through 75 acres of vines while digesting an informal yet educational tour of what makes this English wine win awards. The Whittingtons Brewery, producing fine ales and high quality ciders, is also located on site. Sip sample wines in the winery before heading to the restaurant to soak up the alcohol!
Treat yourself to a Cotswold holiday and choose one of our cottages in the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds cottages
Camel Valley Vineyard, Cornwall
Located amidst the beautiful scenery of Cornwall, Camel Valley is the region’s largest and most celebrated vineyard spanning 82 acres. The idyllic setting and sun-drenched slopes complement the life of the grape perfectly, which you can learn about on a relaxed tour.
Swill over five different wines, from perfectly balanced reds to sparkling whites, and enjoy traditional tours and tastings while soaking up the beautiful Camel Valley views. Just off of the rugged Camel Trail, the yard is in a stunning location and makes for a fantastic walk afterwards.
We have over 700 cottages in Cornwall, many of which are close to Camel Vineyard, so you can enjoy both good wine and a relaxing holiday.
Cornwall cottages
Holmfirth Vineyard, Yorkshire
It’s the unique location which makes Sheveling Wine Estate at Holmfirth Vineyard such a must-visit; not only is it the highest vineyard in Britain at 840ft above sea level, but it is also renowned for being the filming location of Last of the Summer Wine, making it the top choice of wine tours in the UK for fans of the show. What’s even more fascinating about this vineyard is that delicious wines are made from grapes from vines which survive sub-zero temperatures on steep hillsides.
If you’re heading to Yorkshire, pop into the vineyard and enjoy one of the two daily tours (tasting included) or, if you’re part of a large group, you can arrange private, late afternoon and evening tours, perfect for hen parties. It’s also useful to know that Holmfirth Vineyard is only closed two days of the year, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Yorkshire is the perfect place to retreat to for a little peace and quiet, so browse our Yorkshire cottages to turn your wine-lover's break into a little holiday!
Yorkshire cottages
Chapel Down Vineyard, Kent
Kent isn’t just known as the ‘Garden of England’, but it is also recognised for being home to over 50 beautiful vineyards, so if Kent factors into your up and coming holiday plans, you’re in for a real treat. Chapel Down Vineyard is one of England’s leading wine producers so it’s not surprising it’s one of our top suggestions.
Taste delicious sparkling wines, still wines and craft beers, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere at this busy vineyard. There is a lot to see here, so definitely allow a couple of hours to enjoy guided tours, wine tasting and a tasty light lunch in the Swan Restaurant. The outside terrace offers beautiful countryside views too!
Check out our cottages in Kent for your next wine-filled trip on the South Coast.
Kent cottages
Rathfinny Estate, Sussex
The newest addition to the vineyards of Sussex, Rathfinny Estate is an absolutely beautiful 600-acre farm in what has been known locally as the ‘secret valley’. Between April and September, three days of the week, you can book onto a range of delightful tours.
Enjoy a winemaker’s tour with lunch which gives you a glimpse of English wine making at its very best. Learn about the process of the wine-making year, discover the history of Rathfinny Estate and soak up the atmosphere of this rapturous landscape, all before a delicious lunch in the Tasting Room which looks out across the estate. There is also a tour with afternoon tea, if you’d prefer the sweeter option. All tours start and end in the Gun Room.
Like the sound of a visit to the Rathfinny Estate? Find cottages nearby in our collection of Sussex holiday cottages.
Sussex cottages
Giffords Hall, Suffolk
Family-run Giffords Hall vineyard is set on the site of an ancient glacial riverbed, offering the perfect soil to produce quality wines. Found near Long Melford in Suffolk, this beautiful vineyard is a hidden gem amongst miles of rolling Suffolk hills.
If you have a couple of hours to spare, escape to Giffords Hall for a peaceful stroll through the vines, or enjoy a private tour followed by a tasting. Each tour includes a talk on the grape varieties grown there, as well as a sampling of three wines and three liqueurs. There is also a schedule of events which take place here, local artist displays, family events and an onsite shop and café.
Treat yourself and stay nearby in one of our Suffolk cottages for a wine break to remember.
Suffolk cottages
Dedham Vale Vineyard, Essex
What we love about Dedham Vale Vineyard in Essex is the personal service that wine makers Ben and Tom Bunting provide to each and every visitor. The vineyard was originally planted by international wine judge Mary Mudd, who still plays a part in producing quality still and sparkling wines at Dedham Vale Vineyard. You can browse the grounds at your own leisure with a self-conducted tour, ending with a tasting.
If you’d prefer, group tours are available and they include a tour through the vines, winery and cellar, a video about the vineyard and wine making, a wine-tasting session hosted by the winemaker and either lunch, afternoon tea or an evening meal. Under-18s get free admission with a paying adult but will not be served alcohol.
Enjoy Dedham Vineyard for yourself and book a break in of our Essex cottages.
Essex cottages
Adgestone Vineyard, Isle of Wight
Claiming to provide the whole ‘grape to glass experience’, Adgestone is a complete wine-lover's hidden gem on the beautiful Isle of Wight. A vineyard tour might not always be the first choice when away with your family but Adgestone Vineyard aims to appeal to little ones too, which is really useful to know. During the tour, little ones can search for cartoon and film characters on a treasure hunt, so while they’re occupied you can turn your attention to the good stuff!
During the tour, you’ll be able to sample all six wines from their range, as part of a 30-minute wine tasting session. This follows the main hour-long tour through the ten-acre vineyard, where you’ll see the vines, cellars, fermentation vats, bottling equipment and grape press.
Turn a trip to Adgestone Vineyard into a peaceful break in one of our Isle of Wight cottages.
Isle of Wight cottages
Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales
Heading across to Wales, Glyndwr Vineyard is one of the country's best-kept secrets, the oldest and largest established vineyard in Wales. With lush views across green hills and fields, there is nowhere better to sip delicious wine, made from the very grapes in front of you.
Tours are available on certain days throughout the year and feature wine-tasting, and, to top it off, there may even be a bit of Welsh cheese thrown into the mix too. Guests are welcome to wander the beautiful gardens and meet the resident llamas at their leisure - there’s no need to rush. Glyndwr would be the perfect spot for a special occasion, whether you’re taking a whole group for a hen party, you’re treating someone special on their birthday or you just so happen to be in the area and fancy a glass or two!
We have a selection of beautiful cottages in Wales, so if your love of wine is drawing you towards the Vale of Glamorgan, we can find somewhere for you to stay.
Wales cottages
Wine holidays with a difference
Although we often associate wine holidays with places such as France, Spain and Italy, with so many wonderful vineyards to visit now cropping up across the UK, it’s now possible to sample some award-winning wines without leaving the country.
For those looking to get away as a group, our large cottages are perfect for relaxing in, perhaps with a bottle or two from your delightful day out.
Our romantic cottages are also perfect for couples looking to explore some of England’s thriving vineyards as part of a special break away together.