Dreaming of taking a rural retreat break or country holiday where you can hide away in the countryside? For those seeking tranquillity, relaxation and a chance to get away from it all, the idea of a luxury cottage holiday nestled in the countryside is appealing.
When planning a rural get-away you may be wondering about destinations, in particular which parts of the UK are best for rustic breaks? The good news is that Britain with is abundant greenery has plenty of choices when it comes to rural holidays. There’s no need to rough it though with a stay in the countryside, there are plenty of luxurious holiday cottages with country charm where you can enjoy comfort and high quality accommodation far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland all have their own beautiful areas of countryside where you can head off the beaten track and hide away for a while. When it comes to finding the best places for rural retreat breaks though in terms of quality of scenery, the obvious choices are; Britain’ National Parks, the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Britain’s farms.
Britain’s National Parks
Gorgeous Landscape of the Lake District National Park
A luxury cottage holiday in one of Britain’s national parks could be ideal for those keen to holiday in a naturally beautiful area with meadows, moorlands, hills, fields or mountains and stunning natural landscapes. So unspoilt are these areas that they have been granted National Park status and are protected areas preserved for all to enjoy.
There are 15 National Parks in the UK, but Britain’s national parks are no well-kept secret so if you are looking for privacy and seclusion you may be better off choosing to holiday in an area of countryside more off the beaten path.
The national parks in Britain to choose from include in England; the Norfolk Broads, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lake District, the North Yorks Moors, Northumberland, the Peak District, the South Downs, the Yorkshire Dales and, the New Forest, in Wales the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Snowdonia and in Scotland the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Those in search of the more remote national parks may want to head for the Scottish Cairngorms where you can find true peace and tranquillity and away from the tourist hot spots, deserted areas.
In addition there are six National Parks in Ireland, for those keen to explore the Emerald Isle. If you are looking for tranquillity, a luxury self-catering break in Ireland with its sparser population could be the perfect choice. National Parks in Ireland include Ballycroy National Park, Connemara National Park, the Burren, Killarney National Park and the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Another great option for those looking to holiday in the countryside, is a stay in a luxury cottage that lies within one of Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Like the UK’s National Parks, these are beautiful landscapes. The AONBs are also recognised and protected for their distinctive character and natural beauty. There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain (33 in England, four in Wales, one which covers both England and Wales and 8 in Northern Ireland), so there is plenty of choice.
If you adore walking, cycling, wildlife watching or horse riding, a stay in one of the UK’s leafy and green areas of outstanding natural beauty could be for you.
Find luxury accommodation in Britain’s AONBs.
Britain’s Farms
Escape to unspoilt British farmlands
Although not necessarily recognised for their beauty, Britain’s farms with their setting amongst fields, pastures and farmlands tend to be beautiful places. Rent a farm cottage or a barn conversion on a farm for a truly rustic break. It may surprise you but there are plenty of luxury holiday cottages to be found on Britain’s farms, specifically designed for those looking to get away from it all. Farms can be great places to just unwind and take it easy in naturally appealing surroundings. For getting back to nature, at some farms you may even be able to see the animals and gather farm eggs for a really fresh breakfast. At some farms you can find collections of cottages and some have superb leisure facilities such as shared swimming pools and hot tubs to truly help you relax.
Some British farms are even found within a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which could be absolute perfection indeed for those keen to stay in the country.
Wherever you choose to holiday, we hope we’ve inspired you with our highlights of the best places in the UK for rural retreat breaks.
