Chic lakeside cabins in Somerset

Tucked around a serene lake in south Somerset are six vintage-inspired luxury huts forming The Shepherds Hut Retreat. Each comes equipped with a sleek kitchen and bathroom, a private hot tub area, and delightful extras like telescopes, gin stations, pizza ovens, fire pits, and hammocks. A sauna hidden among the trees adds to the charm. The most opulent of them, named 1898, draws design influence from the Pig hotels. A scenic mile-long walk leads to the Lord Poulett Arms, a thatched pub from the 1600s in Hinton St George. Meanwhile, the scenic beaches of the Jurassic Coast in East Devon and Dorset are just a 30-minute drive away. Prices start from £169.

Historic manor stay in Kent

Located near Ashford, Boys Hall is a beautifully restored Jacobean manor house transformed into a restaurant with rooms. The cozy bar offers fireside seating, while the lounges feature classic fireplaces, book-filled shelves, and plush furnishings. The grounds cover over two acres, complete with a lovely rose garden. Meals are served in a bright dining space with oak beams, showcasing seasonal dishes made from Kent produce, such as a three-course fixed menu (e.g., venison terrine, slow-cooked beef, and a rich berry dessert) for £30. The nine rooms blend period character with comfort—expect stone window frames, wooden beams, rolltop tubs, and four-poster beds. Prices start at £220, including breakfast.

Enchanted countryside cottage in the Malvern Hills

Wishbone is a 16th-century cottage tucked away on an old orchard farm, evoking the charm of a fairy tale. This stone and timber barn is partially hidden by greenery on the outside and lovingly restored within. Inside are vaulted ceilings, an open plan kitchen, a living-dining area, a king-sized bedroom, and an en suite shower room. Original features such as daub walls, brick floors, and wooden beams exude rustic elegance. Barn-style doors open onto a patio that overlooks orchards, oak-dappled fields, and a peaceful lake. From £850 for two nights.

Rustic pub retreat in Bedfordshire

Set in the riverside village of Felmersham, The Sun Inn is a refurbished 17th-century thatched pub rich in character. Expect open fires, a rotating selection of ales, and dishes featuring ingredients sourced from its own farm. Adventurous eaters might try the curried goat offal, while more familiar dishes like grilled pork or vegetarian options are also available. There are two rooms upstairs: a deluxe double with scenic views and a luxurious two-floor suite featuring exposed stone, wooden beams, and a freestanding copper bath. Nearby attractions include the historic 13th-century St Mary’s Church and walks along the River Great Ouse. Stays from £135, room only.

Creative countryside lodge in the Scottish Borders

Lilylaw is a quaint stone lodge nestled between woodland and parkland in the Scottish Borders, once serving as the gamekeeper’s house for the Minto Estate. Its open-plan design—complete with a bedroom divided by a low wall and a clawfoot tub—makes it an ideal stay for couples who enjoy a bit of whimsy. Inside, wood-burning stoves, large windows, and modern art pieces create a cozy yet artistic environment. The outdoor terrace, enclosed by a partly walled garden, adds to the magic. Guests can even get a key to explore nearby Fatlips Castle, a 16th-century tower perched above Minto Crags. From £559 for a two-night stay.

Eco-friendly cabins in West Yorkshire

Newly opened at Denton Reserve—a 1,000-hectare nature restoration site near Ilkley—are three off-grid cabins offering tranquility and panoramic views. The interiors are minimalist but warm, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights for stargazing, king-size beds, and rain showers. Visitors are encouraged to observe the night sky, aided by fire pits, cozy blankets, and astronomy guides. Powered by solar energy, the cabins are lovingly named Cotton Grass, Peat Moss, and Cross Leaved Heath, after native plants now thriving on the estate. The Penny Bun gastropub, just a short walk away, serves dishes made with estate-grown produce. From £220 per stay.

Romantic chateau in Wales

Set on the southern shore of Anglesey, Chateau Rhianfa is a dreamy, 19th-century mansion built by John Hay-Williams as a tribute to his wife, inspired by her sketches of French castles. This Grade II-listed property features a restaurant, wine cellar, banquet room, drawing and music rooms, and landscaped gardens with views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountains. Accommodation spans the main building, adjacent lodges, and cottages, including a grand suite with a four-poster bed. From £145 including breakfast.

Treehouse hideaway in Powys

Ty Coedwig, which translates to Forest House, is a treetop getaway tucked among old oaks near Newtown in Powys. Connected by a wooden bridge, the spacious interior features an open-plan kitchen and living area with a plush sofa and French doors leading to a deck. The bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and a king-size bed, while the spacious bathroom offers twin sinks and a rain shower with forest views. Outside, enjoy a luxurious bath under the stars and a quirky slide to the forest floor, where a fire pit and wooden swing await. The local pub, the Dolau Inn, is 1.5 miles away. From £346 for two nights.

Charming barn in Gloucestershire

Nestled at the end of a tree-lined lane within the grounds of a Tudor estate near Lydney, The Lavendrye Barn offers a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. This ivy-draped stone barn includes a snug with a wood-burning stove, a grand vaulted kitchen, a mezzanine bedroom, and a stylish shower room. Original architectural features such as exposed beams and stonewalls have been lovingly preserved. The private garden includes a wood-fired hot tub with views of the Severn, a meadow dotted with wildflowers, hammocks, reclining seats, a barbecue, pizza oven, and a fire pit. Nature trails begin right from the doorstep. Stays from £180.

Country house escape in Wiltshire

Situated in the village of Crudwell, north Wiltshire, the Rectory Hotel is a relaxed retreat set in a former rectory built in the early 1700s. Constructed from soft Cotswold stone, the elegant house offers 15 charming bedrooms with roll-top baths, along with a separate three-bedroom cottage in the grounds. Guests can sip cocktails at the stylish bar and savor meals crafted by chef Damian Clisby, who serves up locally sourced lunches (£25 for three courses) and refined dinners with dishes like partridge with chanterelles or sea bass in a shellfish sauce. Just across the road, the hotel's charming sister pub welcomes visitors with crackling fires and local beers. From £160, including breakfast.