Escape to the countryside to one of our favourite rural holiday cottages. Our Rural Collection offers you places to stay in the UK’s countryside whether you are looking for peace and quiet in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Enjoy our self-catering holiday properties for country breaks to remember. We are showcasing 10 of the most-booked rural holiday properties over the past year. Located at superb and beautiful rural locations all across the British Isles. See which inspiring accommodation from properties with stables, shepherds' huts, and working farms our guests have been spending their holidays at. For an even wider perspective on our top cottages for 2024, take a look at our guide.
Where will you choose for your next rural holiday? The choices are as endless as our green rolling countryside to get you closer to nature. Click the button below to view our collection of self-catering rural cottages.
Rural holiday cottages
Scotsonrig Cottage, Scottish Borders
Sleeps 4 guests + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
Live in the lap of luxury in this Scottish Borders property near the beautiful towns of Peebles (10 miles) and Biggar (9 miles). Just a short drive from a picture-perfect conservation village, this is the perfect rural accommodation in Scotland for a young family or two couples. Cosy up in front of the wood burner on chillier nights and relax together in the homely lounge. There’s a modern kitchen that comes complete with all the appliances you could ever need. There is so much to see and do in the Peebleshire countryside too. Take day trips to local attractions such as Neidpath Castle (9.5 miles), Glentress Forest (14 miles), Dawyck Botanic Gardens (11 miles) and even a jaunt to the ever lively and interesting Edinburgh (23 miles) with its endless array of shops, theatres, cinemas, pubs and places of historical interest like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
Why our guests love it:
“This cottage is amazing. Very well-equipped, and incredibly clean. It's in the perfect location for exploring. I can't recommend it highly enough.” – Susanne, 2022
Book Scotsonrig Cottage
Rochester House Barn, Northumberland
Sleeps 3 guests + 1 dog
Why we love it:
A bewitching stone-built hideaway for three guests in the Cheviot Hills of Northumberland, this accommodation is popular for its proximity to hill trails and to-die-for scenery. This idyllic barn conversion is tucked away on a working farm in Northumberland National Park. Blending its traditional features with modern trappings, it’s a lovely escape to the wilds. It’s the perfect choice for a young family, or for a couple’s retreat. It’s dog-friendly too, so one pet is welcome to accompany you on your adventures to the far north reaches of England. With historic places of interest close by like the world famous Hadrian’s Wall (6 miles), Kielder Forest Park (14.5 miles) and Alnwick Castle (29 miles), put Rochester House Barn on high on your list of places to stay next year. No wonder it also came top in our list of the best Northumberland cottages too.
Why our guests love it:
“Comfortable and quiet accommodation with friendly owners. Set in a good location for visiting various sites of interest and scenic walks.” – Diane, 2022
Book Rochester House Barn
The Room For All Seasons, Derbyshire
Sleeps 2 guests + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
The Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s best-loved locations for wild walks, extreme sports and unspoiled beauty. The Room For All Seasons is a bijou hideaway for a rural break to the heart of this dramatic part of the country. Shielded from the elements, this special accommodation is a wonder near to Abney (0.25 miles), Hathersage (3.5 miles) and the truly amazing Stanage Edge (5 miles). Around every bend in the road is a site of unrivalled beauty. Features at The Room For All Seasons include a wood burner and a courtyard with supreme views of the scenery. Local landmarks and visitor attractions include the wonderful caves of Castleton (9.5 miles), Mam Tor (12.5 miles), Kinder Scout – Edale (12.5 miles), and The Roaches (22 miles) – all unmissable.
Why our guests love it:
“Lovely views across the valley. A warm welcome from the owners.” – Denise, 2022
Book The Room For All Seasons
Shepherds Croft, Somerset
Sleeps 2 guests + 1 dog
Why we love it:
Holiday at this attractive barn conversion in the Somerset wilds. Close to the town of Taunton (7 miles), you can enjoy days out walking in the Quantock Hills AONB (0.5 miles) or at the coast where you can take a steam train from Taunton all the way to Minehead through lovely places like Dunster (21 miles), Watchet (17 miles) and Blue Anchor Bay (19 miles). The accommodation is made extra alluring with an eco hot tub to keep you nice and warm when the cooler nights draw in, and a modern well-equipped kitchen. Local attractions include Dunster Castle (21 miles), Fyne Court (3 miles), Coleridge Cottage (9 miles), and Cheddar Gorge (28 miles).
Why our guests love it:
“Lovely cottage, clean and comfortable. The owners were very helpful, and the milk, biscuits and dog treats were much appreciated after our long journey.” – MP, 2022
Book Shepherds Croft
Maran, North Yorkshire
Sleeps 4 guests + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
Situated on a working organic farm as one of four luxury barn conversions, Maran in Thirsk offers pleasant pet-friendly accommodation and is one of our top Yorkshire cottages.Traditional features remain present from when the building was once a farm outhouse, such as stone flooring and exposed ceiling beams. These give the property a strong rural feel. The property offers a wood burner, a private hot tub, and underfloor heating in some of its rooms. If you have children with you, they will enjoy meeting the farm animals and collecting fresh eggs for your breakfast each morning. Local family and dog-friendly attractions include Eden Camp (20 miles), The Forbidden Corner (17 miles), and the North York Moors National Park (4 miles).
Why our guests love it:
“A total home-from-home with everything you need for a holiday home. The beds were extremely comfortable, the rooms all warm and cosy; it was an amazing place to stay in general. The hosts were perfect, and we loved the free-range eggs too.” - Lynne, 2022
Book Maran
The Stick House, Mulberry
Sleeps 4 guests + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
Bring your loved ones to the wilds of Devon for a well-deserved holiday at The Stick House. Set in the tiny village of Umberleigh on the River Taw, this remarkable property includes a wood burner and a private hot tub. Parts of the building date back to the Tudor period whilst others are more modern, so it’s the perfect mixture of olde-worlde charms and the future. It’s comfortable and cosy making it the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of Devon adventures. Take walking trips of Torrington Commons (9 miles) or see the tanks at Cobbaton Military Collection (2.5 miles), enjoy shopping in Barnstaple (8 miles) or day trips to the beach at Westward Ho! (16.5 miles).
Why our guests love it:
“A fantastic location, very well cared for property with so much character. You can see the hosts care greatly that their guests are happy with their stay. The beds are very comfy. Just add food and wine and enjoy.” – David, 2022
Book The Stick House
Harebell Lodge 2, Northumberland
Sleeps 4 guests + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
With its seaside location, it’s easy to see why Harebell Lodge 2 features in this guide. Part of a complex of ‘New England-style’ lodges, this Northumberland property near High Newton-by-the-Sea (1 mile) sits behind some picturesque sand dunes, it’s all very iconic. It comes equipped with an amply furnished and comfortable lounge, fully equipped kitchen/diner and very restful bedrooms. Perfect for beach lovers, there is also a host of places to visit close by like the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle (5 miles), Alnwick Castle (10 miles), the Farne Islands, and the seaside villages and resorts of Seahouses (9 miles), and Beadnell Bay (6.5 miles) too.
Why our guests love it:
“The location is superb just 2 minutes to the beach. Everything inside was great for what we needed. Already booked for 2023! Great as a base for cycling or walking and close to some fantastic pubs and restaurants.” – Allison, 2022
Book Harebell Lodge 2
Murcott Farm - The Dairy, Gloucestershire
Sleeps 2 guests + 1 dog
Why we love it:
A delightful, converted Gloucestershire dairy with flowers around the front door in the spring and summer, this is a very popular choice with couples on a romantic break to the countryside. Close to the Gloucestershire Way for walks (1 mile), this holds an enviable location for lovers of long walks and cycling trips. Set on a farm, it’s a very characterful property, attractively furnished with a cosy wood burner and well-equipped kitchen. During your stay, visit take waterside strolls along the River Severn, or enjoy Chedworth Roman Villa (23 miles), Westbury Court Gardens (4.5 miles), and Harefield Beacon and Standish Wood (12 miles).
Why our guests love it:
“We had a really chilled out few days; the peace and quiet was great and very relaxing. Very easy access to the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and South Wales too.” – Mel, 2022
Book Murcott Farm - The Dairy
Nyth y Wennol, Wales
Sleeps 2 guests + 1 dog
Why we love it:
With stunning views over the Conwy Valley in North Wales, this barn conversion is a delight. Sleeping two guests, it's perfect for a rural escape to an area of Wales famous for its walks, beaches and mountainous skyline. Set on 200 acres of private farmland with footpaths leading to Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, this is a cosy den. It comes complete with a hot tub and a BBQ in the enclosed garden; it’s also dog-friendly so bring along your dearest and best. Whilst at Nyth y Wennol, you won’t want to miss Mount Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (21 miles), Zip World (6.5 miles), Conwy Castle (10 miles), the Smallest House in Britain (10 miles), and Bodnant Gardens (4.5 miles).
Why our guests love it:
“Everything about this cottage was great. We will be booking again for next year. Will be recommending Nyth Y Wennol to all my friends and family. Please keep up the good work as it's outstanding.” – Martyn, 2022
Book Nyth y Wennol
Make this year’s holiday unforgettable with a stay at one of our most booked self-catering rural holiday cottages. Where will you choose for your next rural adventure?
Rural holiday cottages