I know we all deserve a change of scenery after being cooped up in the house for so long. I’ve picked out my favourite family getaways from around the UK and now all I can say is my next holiday can’t come around soon enough! From beachside retreats to the most glamorous of glamping trips, all of my picks have the Great British countryside in common.
Black Pig Retreats, Dorset
Tried and tested, Black Pig Retreats is perfect for those of us who like the idea of camping but really love a hot shower and comfy bed at the end of the day. The luxury Safari tents – complete with hot running water, a wood burning stoves, and king-sized beds – are the definition of glamping. I went along with the kids and have to say the whole family loved it. Check out my review here.
Find out more on BlackPigRetreats.com
Home Farm Glamping, Hertfordshire
Another glamping option I recommend is Home Farm Glamping. It’s handy how close it is to London and you don’t even need a car to visit. That doesn’t mean you compromise on the great outdoors experience though, Home Farm is surrounded by 150 acres of countryside with nature trails, lakes and woodlands. I can almost smell the fresh air!
Find out more on HomeFarmGlamping.com
Wisteria House, Ticehurst
One worry about booking a week in the countryside is whether the kids will be entertained. Wisteria House makes my list because it gives you the best of both worlds; you’re out in the calm and beautiful Sussex countryside but Go Ape is three miles away and Hastings is just under twenty. A good mix of day trips and country walks will leave everyone feeling refreshed. Plus, the cottage has been newly (and fabulously) refurbished by Becky from Bricks & Stitches.
Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk
Sandways Beach House, Camber Sands
I love that this gorgeous house is minutes from the beach. As soon as you step through the door, you can crank down the gears into relax mode. The house sleeps ten, which is ideal for getting away with the whole extended family or teaming up with your friends with their children in tow. My favourite things about Sandways are the huge windows that let in so much light, the cosy fires from the log burner and the huge trampoline that should keep the kids entertained for hours (fingers crossed!!).
Find out more on CamberHolidayCottages.co.uk
Wittering Beach House, West Sussex
Walks, water sports and that wonderful West Sussex coastline: what more could we ask of a staycation? Wittering Beach House gives the whole family a chance to switch off from the outside world with its four bedrooms meaning there’s space for the grandparents too. I’m dreaming about wholesome family walks, splashing about in the sea and topping off each day relaxing in the garden with bbq’d food and a cool glass of wine.
Find out more on WitteringBeachHouse.co.uk
A Tree Tent at Pennard Hill Farm, Somerset
Pennard Hill Farm literally takes glamping up a level with its Tree Tent. The glamorous pod, suspended between two trees, gives a unique twist to the camping experience. Step from the pod across a rope bridge and you’ll find a fire pit, kitchen, shower and loo. There’s no WiFi or electricity in the pod, so the only thing left to do is cosy up and relax in your treetop tent.
Find out more on PennardHillFarm.co.uk
Luxury Farm Cottage, Aberdeenshire
The Scottish countryside is just beautiful and Torphins is a great place to blow away the cobwebs. This luxury farm cottage is located on a working farm, so you can truly switch off from the city and immerse yourself in country life. I’m also hopeful activities will be back to normal by the time the holidays come round as local things to do include whisky tasting, horse riding and castle tours.
Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk
Luxury Highland Lodge, Aberdeenshire
Another Scottish gem, this lodge is ideal for getting away with all your family and friends (up to 20 people!). The scandi-chic interiors are just to die for, not to mention the sweeping vistas visible from each direction. I can just imagine going out on long hikes, cooking huge feasts and spending hours sitting by the fire.
Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk
The Boat Shed, Lymington
I’m in love with the design of the boat shed, especially when it’s lit up at night with fairy lights… It has one bedroom and is just divine for a romantic escape or a tiny family break. Soak up the seaside with walks on the beach and wandering about this nautical village, before snuggling up in this lovely little hideaway.
Find out more on NewForestEscapes.com
Coastguards Cottage, Isle of Wight
For peace and quiet, a seaside cottage under a minute from the beach is exactly what’s needed and what Coastguards Cottage provides. This place sounds fantastic for families in summer with options to go kayaking, crabbing, birdwatching and paddleboarding.
Find out more on NewForestEscapes.com
The Farmhouse, Cotswolds
Fish & Pips are my favourite luxury escape experts, so I’ve picked out two of their places for my staycation list. First up is The Farmhouse, an absolutely sublime Cotswold-stone house. It has eight beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, a drawing room with open fires, a huge state-of-the-art kitchen and its own boules court.
Find out more on FishandPips.co.uk
The Barn, Suffolk
The Barn is just perfect for a family getaway and only a couple of hours from London. Pull on your wellies and explore the countryside or blow away the cobwebs with a family bicycle ride. There’s also tennis, clay pigeon shooting, archery and paddleboarding on the lakes. Something to keep everyone entertained!
Find out more on FishAndPips.co.uk