Top 10 self catering
All the comforts of home
1. Blakelow Country Cottages, Derbyshire
You only have to step inside these cottages in the Peak District to realise why they have won so many awards. Looking onto the majestic Chatsworth House, they are created from the barns belonging to a 300-year-old farm. Most sleep between 2 and 4 people although Chestnut Cottage makes a gorgeous hideaway for one if you’re in need of some me time.
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2. The Thomas Centre, Lincolnshire
It’s not easy to find a holiday that’s suitable for families affected by autism, but the Thomas Centre near Louth in Lincolnshire is designed to give everyone a real holiday. For those affected by loud noise, there’s a private indoor pool plus trampolines and bicycles, indoor and outdoor play areas and above all, plenty of space to have fun. Stay in one of three award-winning characterful cottages complete with beamed ceilings, leather sofas and wetrooms and a pack of groceries that greet you on arrival.
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3. Wharton Lodge, Herefordshire
You’ll be surrounded by a perfect English country garden filled with fountains and wild animals when you stay at one of these luxurious hideaways. With a quintessential country house feel, each cottage has a four poster bed, thick carpets and a welcome package of flowers and locally-produced groceries. Located in Wye Valley it’s a great base to dip into Ross-on-Wye, while a short drive away brings you to the Brecon Beacons, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds.
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4. The Woodhouse Farm Cottages, Herefordshire
In the Malvern Hills of Herefordshire sits a collection of cottages in rich rural surroundings. The semi-moated Woodhouse dates from the 1430s and is filled with antiques and has a wealth of ancient details, including leaded windows and beamed ceilings. It sleeps eight, making it the perfect place for a family get together or a weekend away with friends. The owners Sue and David devote great care to their guests including providing home-made bread in the welcome hampers.
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5. Stables Cottage, Norfolk
On the spectacular North Norfolk coast lives Stable Cottage in the pretty village of Incleborough. With three bedrooms, french windows and a private walled garden complete a large hot tub, it’s the ideal for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing. Want to explore? The beach is just a five minute walk away and the coast has much to explore, including seal watching at Blakeney Point.
6. Quayside Holiday Cottages, Suffolk
On the banks of the River Debden in Suffolk, you’ll be able to sit and watch sailing dingys go past from the windows of this pretty one bedroom cottage. Almost every room overlooks the water including the conservatory dining room, making it a delightfully peaceful retreat. Sit on the quay with a fishing rod (the summer months are best for red mullet or sea bass) and be sure look out for the friendly seal who pops up most days.
7. Doxford Cottages, Nothumberland
This estate is near the Northumberland coast and has been cherished by the family who have lived here for over 80 years. As a result that there are over 2,500 acres to explore including woodland and a large lake, all lovingly maintained. You’ll be able to arrange to have meals catered for you or cook either on the barbeque or the large, fully equipped kitchens, relax in living areas that feature both books and broadband access – as well as highly comfortable sofas and chairs.
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8. The Grove Cottages, Suffolk
You can’t get much quainter than this. Beamed ceilings, thatched roofs, open fires and roses that greet you at the front door. Located in a spectacularly beautiful part of Suffolk, near the coast, all these cottages are absurdly romantic, packed with history and nearly all of them welcome dogs. Whether it’s a barn conversion or a tiny cottage, you’ll have a really memorable holiday at one of these adorable cottages.
9. Little Upton Farm, Isle of Wight
Glorious views and great comfort in abundance here. The huge windows of the Tithe Barn and Old Byre look towards Culver and Ashey Downs. Converted from farm buildings and sleeping six people each, they have beamed ceilings, open bricks and flagstone floors. Kids will be thrilled with the ponies on the 200-acre farm and the beach at Ryde is only two miles away.
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10. Boscrowan Farm, Cornwall
You’ll find a cream tea - scones, clotted cream and jam waiting for you when you arrive at this Cornish farm. It’s just one of the treats in store for guests. Others include the farm animals (you can collect eggs from the farm’s hens) fields studded with wild flowers, the friendly owners and, above all, the location. Just outside Penzance, there are numerous beaches to explore. The cottages are extremely comfy and are suitable for couples and families.
