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If the thought of leaving these shores is a bit too daunting, you still have plenty of options of finding a holiday cottage somewhere in the UK. They’re being snapped up quickly, but these might inspire you to book sooner rather than later.
Blaize Barn, Lavenham, Suffolk
In the heart of this exquisite medieval village is Blaize Barn, a 17th-century Grade II-listed timber cottage that’s as delightful as the rest of Lavenham. Along with two bedrooms, the cottage has a wood-burning stove, oak beamed ceilings and a pretty garden. And it’s seconds from Lavenham’s shops and pubs. Sleeps four.
Seven nights from £825 in September.
Michaelmas Cottage, Lower Swell, Cotswolds
The gorgeous honey-coloured stone cottages of the Cotswolds are alluring at any time of year. Michaelmas Cottage is in the village of Lower Swell near Stow-on-the-Wold, and its warm sitting room with an open fire and beamed ceilings is an inviting place for a group of up to six people. While the three bedrooms are stylishly cottage chic, its bathrooms and kitchen are sleek and modern. There’s also a garden with outdoor dining if the weather behaves itself. Sleeps six.
Three nights in September from £704.
Loch Avich House, Argyll, Scotland
Created with Sketch.
Created with Sketch.
1/8 Ben Macdui, Cairngorms National Park
Swap busy Ben Nevis for the scarcely-smaller Ben Macdui, Scotland’s second highest peak at 4,295ft, and scale CairnGorm – which ranks sixth – for good measure. Twelve miles long and likely to take eight to nine hours, a rollercoaster of a hike bagging both begins from the Cairngorm Ski Centre car park. You’ll shadow a run down Cairn Gorm, cross heathery moors and flank the small Coire an Lochain water (walkhighlands.co.uk).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
2/8 Sandwood Bay Loop, Sutherland
One of Britain’s great beaches, Sandwood Bay’s wind-blasted white sand is inaccessible by road; you must walk a four-mile track from Blairmore – in remotest northwestern Scotland – past small lochs. Its lagoon, supposedly-haunted bothy, crashing waves and spindly sea stack look even better from above. So zigzag up the southern cliff before taking the faint coast path and then crossing bumpy, boggy peat moorland back to the main track (ramblers.org.uk).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
3/8 Bochlwyd Horseshoe, Snowdonia
Snowdon is Wales’ most famous bluff, but nearby Tryfan is more eye-catching thanks to a shark-fin shape. It forms part of the Bochlwyd Horseshoe, which involves much scrambling over scree fields and – due to some wispy ridges – a head for heights. Veteran hikers are rewarded with scintillating, panoramic Snowdonia vistas and photo-ops on the overhanging Cantilever stone. The slow-going route is only eight miles, but will feel longer (mudandroutes.com).
Getty/iStock
4/8 Scafell Pike via Corridor Route, Lake District
The ways up England’s highest mountain vary in popularity. Leaving the Lakeland hordes to follow an easy path from Wasdale, use instead the Corridor Route to steeply approach Scafell Pike’s quieter north side. After attaining its boulder-strewn, 3,209ft summit, loop back to start-point Seathwaite via burly Broad Crag. Almost ten miles long, this tough circular promises riversides, ravines, a waterfall and four Hewitts – hills over 2,000 feet (mudandroutes.com).
Getty Images for PCA
5/8 Slieve Binnian Trail, County Down
A challenging circular through Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains which starts off gently before plunging up alongside the attractive Mourne Wall: an early 20th-century dry-stone dyke built to separate cattle from a reservoir below. Though some scrambling is required to reach Slieve Binnian’s 2,449-foot crest, its views – to the Isle of Man on clear days – easily merit the effort, as does a diverse descent past the Blue Lough and Annalong Wood (walkni.com).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
6/8 Byrness to Kirk Yetholm, Northumberland, Scottish Borders
It can take 16 days to complete the 268-mile Pennine Way, but if you only have one to spare then combine the last (and usually least-crowded, due to a lack of accommodation) two stages for a real wilderness walk. Traversing the wild Cheviot Hills and hugging the Scottish border, it’s a lonely 27-mile trudge characterised by bog-hopping boardwalks and slab paths (nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
7/8 The Broomway, Essex
It’s only six miles long, yet the Broomway is reckoned to have killed 100 people. From Great Wakering, it heads straight out to sea at low tide, eventually reaching the marshy island of Foulness. Why so perilous? Because the path is mostly unmarked, the tide returns faster than humans can and there is a lot of quicksand on the route. But in good weather, and traversed safely, this can be one of the most bracing beach walks Britain has on offer (broomway.org.uk).
Getty
8/8 Yorkshire Three Peaks
What do Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough have in common? Well, they’re Yorkshire’s highest mountains, they each offer fine views and all three are surmountable during a gruelling 24-mile trek. Along with over 5,000 feet worth of ascent, you’re promised the Ribblehead viaduct, picturesque Dales High Way sections and, of interest to geologists, distinct limestone-gritstone overlaps. Begin and end at Horton in Ribblesdale, where pubs are happily on standby (threepeakschallenge.uk).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
1/8 Ben Macdui, Cairngorms National Park
Swap busy Ben Nevis for the scarcely-smaller Ben Macdui, Scotland’s second highest peak at 4,295ft, and scale CairnGorm – which ranks sixth – for good measure. Twelve miles long and likely to take eight to nine hours, a rollercoaster of a hike bagging both begins from the Cairngorm Ski Centre car park. You’ll shadow a run down Cairn Gorm, cross heathery moors and flank the small Coire an Lochain water (walkhighlands.co.uk).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
2/8 Sandwood Bay Loop, Sutherland
One of Britain’s great beaches, Sandwood Bay’s wind-blasted white sand is inaccessible by road; you must walk a four-mile track from Blairmore – in remotest northwestern Scotland – past small lochs. Its lagoon, supposedly-haunted bothy, crashing waves and spindly sea stack look even better from above. So zigzag up the southern cliff before taking the faint coast path and then crossing bumpy, boggy peat moorland back to the main track (ramblers.org.uk).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
3/8 Bochlwyd Horseshoe, Snowdonia
Snowdon is Wales’ most famous bluff, but nearby Tryfan is more eye-catching thanks to a shark-fin shape. It forms part of the Bochlwyd Horseshoe, which involves much scrambling over scree fields and – due to some wispy ridges – a head for heights. Veteran hikers are rewarded with scintillating, panoramic Snowdonia vistas and photo-ops on the overhanging Cantilever stone. The slow-going route is only eight miles, but will feel longer (mudandroutes.com).
Getty/iStock
4/8 Scafell Pike via Corridor Route, Lake District
The ways up England’s highest mountain vary in popularity. Leaving the Lakeland hordes to follow an easy path from Wasdale, use instead the Corridor Route to steeply approach Scafell Pike’s quieter north side. After attaining its boulder-strewn, 3,209ft summit, loop back to start-point Seathwaite via burly Broad Crag. Almost ten miles long, this tough circular promises riversides, ravines, a waterfall and four Hewitts – hills over 2,000 feet (mudandroutes.com).
Getty Images for PCA
5/8 Slieve Binnian Trail, County Down
A challenging circular through Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains which starts off gently before plunging up alongside the attractive Mourne Wall: an early 20th-century dry-stone dyke built to separate cattle from a reservoir below. Though some scrambling is required to reach Slieve Binnian’s 2,449-foot crest, its views – to the Isle of Man on clear days – easily merit the effort, as does a diverse descent past the Blue Lough and Annalong Wood (walkni.com).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
6/8 Byrness to Kirk Yetholm, Northumberland, Scottish Borders
It can take 16 days to complete the 268-mile Pennine Way, but if you only have one to spare then combine the last (and usually least-crowded, due to a lack of accommodation) two stages for a real wilderness walk. Traversing the wild Cheviot Hills and hugging the Scottish border, it’s a lonely 27-mile trudge characterised by bog-hopping boardwalks and slab paths (nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
7/8 The Broomway, Essex
It’s only six miles long, yet the Broomway is reckoned to have killed 100 people. From Great Wakering, it heads straight out to sea at low tide, eventually reaching the marshy island of Foulness. Why so perilous? Because the path is mostly unmarked, the tide returns faster than humans can and there is a lot of quicksand on the route. But in good weather, and traversed safely, this can be one of the most bracing beach walks Britain has on offer (broomway.org.uk).
Getty
8/8 Yorkshire Three Peaks
What do Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough have in common? Well, they’re Yorkshire’s highest mountains, they each offer fine views and all three are surmountable during a gruelling 24-mile trek. Along with over 5,000 feet worth of ascent, you’re promised the Ribblehead viaduct, picturesque Dales High Way sections and, of interest to geologists, distinct limestone-gritstone overlaps. Begin and end at Horton in Ribblesdale, where pubs are happily on standby (threepeakschallenge.uk).
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Surround yourself with heavenly views of Loch Avich in the Scottish Highlands, where you can roam 3,200 acres of the Argyll estate. Loch Avich House is a five-bedroom, dog-friendly Victorian lodge that makes the most of the panoramic views, and also comes with a games room, open fires and an Aga-style cooker. There’s no Wi-Fi or TV reception, so if you’ve been tempted to try a digital detox, this could be the place. Sleeps 10.
Seven nights in September from £1,462.
The Lodge, Crickhowell, Wales
Have the wilderness of the Brecon Beacons on your doorstep, as well as the bookshops of Hay-on-Wye, when you stay at the Lodge near Crickhowell. This seven-bedroom house has a country kitchen with an Aga, as well as an open fire and a huge garden for al fresco dining and barbecuing. Catering can also be arranged if you don’t feel like cooking after a day spent hiking in Brecon. Sleeps 12. Dogs welcome.
Seven nights in September from £1,927.
Quaker Barn, Haveringland, Norfolk
Set in the grounds of a 17th-century farmhouse about 10 miles north of Norwich, Quaker Barn gives you a chance to wallow in lush countryside. This dog-friendly cottage has three airy bedrooms, and its wood-burning stove and underfloor heating make it appealing any time of year. When booked through PetsPyjamas, you get a 24-hour vet helpline as well as doggie treats. Sleeps eight. There’s also a neighbouring four-bedroom barn that sleeps nine.
Four nights in September from £423 per two adults and one dog.
The Manor House, Tenby, Wales
If your social bubble has expanded to 12 – or you have two close families travelling together – then the Manor House in Tenby’s Celtic Haven could be the base for your reunion. Six bedrooms and four bathrooms offer plenty of space, as does a large living area with a wood-burning stove. In the garden of this lovely old farmhouse are two hot tubs, and there’s a small beach 15 minutes’ walk away at Lydstep as well as the long stretch of sand at Tenby four miles away. Sleeps 12.
Five nights in September cost from £2,261.
The Grain Store, Lewes, Sussex
Soak up serene views of the South Downs National Park from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Grain Store just outside Lewes. When you’re not hiking or cycling along the South Downs Way, head down to the coast for a dip in the beaches at Tide Mills or Saltdean. Three double bedrooms – including one on a mezzanine level – fit around a large open-plan living-dining area. There’s a boot room for when you come back from your hikes, as well as a large garden and barbecue. Sleeps six.
From £300 per night in September.
The Mill, Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire
Couples in need of a change in scenery can snuggle up in the Mill, a cute little one-bedroom cottage in Pembrokeshire’s Presili Hills. After a day of hiking, relax in the warm waters of the wood-fired outdoor hot tub before kicking back in front of the fire. There’s a garden, too, for al fresco dining. Sleeps two.
Three nights in August from £532.
Shaftesbury Retreat, Shaftesbury, Dorset
Another one for couples, this time a romantic log cabin in the midst of a 30-acre smallholding just a few miles from Shaftesbury. Inside it’s all exposed ceiling beams and a book-lined bedroom as well as a kitchen done up in classic country-cottage style. The large covered verandah is a peaceful place for laid-back meals with a side order of tranquil countryside views. Sleeps two, with one dog allowed.
Seven nights in August cost from £597.
Demelza 2, Helford Passage, Cornwall
You’ll have views of the Helford River from the terrace of Demelza 2, one of three properties on a private area of Helford Passage that all share a huge expanse of riverside garden. There’s also direct access to the beach and the South West Coast Path, as well as an outdoor heated swimming pool within the complex. The three-bedroom cottage has an open-plan living-dining room, and one of the two bedrooms has twin beds. Sleeps four, and one dog is allowed.
Seven nights in September from £791.