Whether you’re planning a short break away or a longer holiday exploring the UK, sometimes you just want to leave London behind.
And if you fancy leaving the big smoke to immerse yourself in a brand new landscape, you are spoilt for choice with so many fantastic destinations to visit within a 2-hour drive from London.
Escape to the coast, wander the countryside or explore historic towns – with these 12 spectacular holiday cottages, the choice is yours.
Rallywood Cottage, Surrey | sleeps 7
Bring the whole family to this quintessentially British setting
Overlooking the village green in a leafy Home Counties village, this sweet home is the perfect setting for a peaceful family break, just over an hour out of London. With beamed ceilings, latched doors and a lovely lawn garden, you couldn’t find a prettier place to get away from it all.
Nearby, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beckons for long family walks, plus you could also pay a visit to the highest point in Southern England – the National Trust’s Leith Hill Place – and its wonderful gardens. Find more National Trust places to visit in the South of England while you’re there.
All Surrey cottages
The Stables – Witnesham, Suffolk | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Soak up the splendour of the Suffolk countryside at this spacious retreat
This rural abode provides opulent interiors set amidst beautiful Suffolk countryside, perfect for a family getaway. Enjoy the views through the huge bi-fold doors or sit on the private patio for a sundowner as the kids and dogs play on the lawn in the fresh country air.
Enjoy all Suffolk has to offer here, with the converted stables being set between the delightful coastal villages of Aldeburgh, Southwold and Dunwich, and the inspiring countryside of Constable County. Read about some of our favourite things to do in Suffolk while you’re visiting.
All Suffolk cottages
Riverside Cottage, Hampshire | sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
Take a luxurious trip to this rural retreat, complete with a pool
Boasting a tranquil countryside location, surrounded by wildflowers and fields of lavender, this luxury home couldn’t be further removed from the city. Inside are character features such as beamed ceilings, wood burners and even a rocking horse, while outside the heated pool is a perfect contrast to the thatched roof.
If you can tear yourself away from this home away from home, there are plenty of days out to be enjoyed. Situated between the South Downs National Park and the North Wessex Downs, and not far from the New Forest National Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice for countryside routes to roam and cute pubs to dine in.
All Hampshire cottages
Salty Dog, Essex | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Watch the sun set over the harbour at this chic apartment
It’s easy to get to the coast in 2 hours from London, as this stylish apartment in Brightlingsea proves. Overlooking the harbour, and within walking distance from the popular beach, this coastal abode is a great location for a seaside break with your loved one and a salty sea dog – a welcome pack will be waiting for all three of you.
Essex is a great destination for a break from London, where you can enjoy the best of the coast and countryside. Popular days out close to Brightlingsea include Colchester Zoo, the Beth Chatto Gardens and a wander along Clacton Pier where you can enjoy all the highlights of the Great British coast.
All Essex cottages
Winston Churchill Lodge, Kent | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Soak up the old-world charm in the Garden of England
A mere 34.5 miles from central London, Winston Churchill Lodge is a gem of a find in Westerham, known as the Gateway to the Garden of England. With local buses, eateries and shops just 200 metres away, it’s the perfect place from which to explore Kent.
The interior of this quaint cottage is bestowed with gorgeous wooden panelling and traditional exposed beams, with sleek, modern features such as a Sky Glass TV, wood burner-effect electric fire, and coffee machine. Indulge in a relaxing soak in the freestanding claw-foot bath, or take five in the pretty cottage-style courtyard garden. When it comes to exploring other historic properties, you won’t have far to go, with the National Trust’s Quebec House just two doors away, and Winston Churchill’s Chartwell, 2 miles away.
All Kent cottages
The Hop Pickers Oast and Barn - Appledore, Kent | sleeps 25 + 4 dogs
The perfect setting for an unforgettable get-together
Immerse yourself in the heritage of Kent with a stay in this spectacular oast house. With period features throughout and crowd-pleasing additions such as a games room, a hot tub and a boating lake with a rowing boat, this is a fantastic destination for a big group get-together that’s less than 2 hours from central London.
While the oast house’s setting may be enough to keep you occupied, there are many Kentish delights on your doorstep if you want to explore. Wander the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, explore the lovely market town of Tenterden or head to the coast at Camber Sands – one of the best beaches in Kent – for a day by the sea.
All Kent cottages
Wesleyan Lodge, Sussex | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Spend a family holiday in historic Sussex at this characterful base
If you fancy exploring some iconic British history on your holiday out of London, this is the perfect setting. Near the Sussex town of Battle, you’re in the heart of 1066 Country, while the 19th-century cottage has some tales to tell of its own. Inside, modern décor combines with period features for a very comfortable stay for the whole family – the projector screen will be a huge hit for family movie nights in.
As well as giving you a glimpse into the history of the Civil War, Battle is on the edge of the High Weald AONB offering beautiful countryside to explore. Or, head further afield to the spectacular coast, with some beautiful Sussex beaches such as Hastings, Bexhill and Pevensey to discover.
All Sussex cottages
Jimmys Barn, Oxfordshire | sleeps 4 + 3 dogs
Take an eco-conscious trip to the charming Cotswolds
Boasting green features such as a wind turbine and an electric vehicle charging point, this off-grid retreat is ideal for a family wanting a rural break on the edge of the Cotswolds. With quirky, homely décor throughout, and a roaring wood burner for the winter months, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and slow down the pace of life.
The Cotswolds has so much to offer for those looking for a countryside getaway. Discover some of the Cotswolds’ best walks nearby, visit picture-perfect Burford, or take the kids for a day out at Crocodiles of the World.
All Cotswolds cottages
The Flint House, Buckinghamshire | sleeps 15 + 2 dogs
Celebrate a special occasion at this elegant country retreat
Less than an hour away from London and a stone’s throw from the M40, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from city living. Surrounded by 2,000 acres of farm and woodland, and boasting opulent interiors, this Buckinghamshire home is a spectacular setting for a celebration. Hire a private chef, relax in the bubbling hot tub that’s available to rent or toast to the occasion around the open fire.
When you want to explore further, Buckinghamshire has plenty to offer nearby, including walks in the Chiltern Hills and days out in charming towns, while the popular Warner Bros Studio Tour is within 20 miles.
All Buckinghamshire cottages
Hill Farm Barn – Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire | sleeps 2
Cosy up in this romantic bolthole in the fabulous Fens
Surrounded by the distinctive landscape of the flat Fens, this beautiful barn is a brilliant spot to whisk your loved one away to for a romantic retreat. Inside is modern and recently refurbished décor with a roaring wood burner for cosy evenings in, and a sumptuous king-size bed for lazy mornings.
Cambridgeshire has lots to see and do when you fancy venturing out, including the historic university city of Cambridge, the ‘ship of the Fens’ - Ely Cathedral - and the grand Wimpole Estate with acres of parkland for a stroll with your loved one.
All Cambridgeshire cottages
Rose Cottage Picts Hill, Bedfordshire | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Soak up the charm of the English countryside with your love
Exuding country charm, this pretty-as-a-picture cottage is a wonderful setting for a couple’s break in the Bedfordshire countryside. Relax amid features such as stable doors, wood burners and beamed ceilings, or explore the surrounding deer park and rose garden, before firing up the pizza oven.
Stroll hand in hand along the nearby Great River Ouse on your Bedfordshire retreat, or visit the Safari Park at Woburn Abbey for a wild day out. Change gear with a day at the Snozone at Milton Keynes or spend the day shopping at the retail park in Bedford.
All Bedfordshire cottages
Explore the UK
Whether you’re planning a romantic break, a family holiday or a big celebration, explore the UK with a stay in one of our fantastic holiday cottages. Take a look at the full collection below and let the adventures begin.
Browse the cottage collection