1. Oxford. Why go? It’s a top-class destination for culture and charm. You can’t get much more “old-school” than Oxford. Frequented for its book shops, punting, pubs and colleges, it is easily explored in a day making it the perfect weekend break if you live in London. Oh, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful.
Where to stay in Oxford
Sleeps: 4 guests
Why we love it: The South Park views, the pastel interior accents and the light, airy nature.
2. Devon
Why go? For the beautiful beaches, to get lost in hedge-lined lanes, for the vibrant cities and for the beautifully wild moors. But mostly for the beautiful beaches.
Where to stay in Devon
Sleeps: 6 guests
Why we love it: It’s within walking distance of the centre of Dartmouth, where you’ll find restaurants, pubs and shops aplenty. There are also beautiful views of the Dart and Naval college from courtyard garden or balcony.
3. Cornwall
Why go? For the surf, the amazing seafood and the long, sandy beaches. St Ives and Padstow are particular highlights.
Where to stay in Cornwall
Sleeps: 6 guests
Why we love it: Nestled in St Ives, this property has beautiful views of Porthminster Beach and out towards the harbour. There are two lounges and three bedrooms plus a stunning kitchen and private terrace for enjoying your morning brew.
4. Dorset
Why go? For swimming, kayaking, hiking and cycling. And the Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site complete with beautiful beaches, award-winning fish and chips and sea-carved bays.
Where to stay in Dorset
Sleeps: 8 guests
Why we love it: Think the exterior looks impressive? Just wait ’til you see inside. This place has four spacious double bedrooms, the garden of dreams and countryside views. You’re perfectly placed to explore the local area if this is where you set up base.
5. Edinburgh
Why go? To hike up Arthur’s Seat, visit the castle, eat at all manner of fabulous restaurants and explore the cute little nooks and crannies that are hiding at every turn.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Sleeps: 6 guests
Why we love it: It combines traditional architecture with modern design, resulting in a totally stylish and relaxing stay. Oh, and it’s listed as one of Airbnb’s “Plus” properties, so you can expect the very best.
6. The Gower Peninsula
Why go? For cliff-top walks, fantastic surf and unspoilt beaches. The National Trust owns about three-quarters of this coastline and you can hike the entire length of it on the Wales Coast Path. Dreamy.
Where to stay on the Gower Peninsula
Sleeps: 5 guests
Why we love it: The pops of green, the beautiful upstairs living area and its ideal placement for exploring both the Gower and the Brecon Beacons.
7. Brighton
Why go? It’s easily reached from London and is the perfect spot for people watching. Granted, Brighton Beach doesn’t make social distancing the *easiest* of pursuits, but the city’s bohemian and hedonistic vibe kinda makes the bustle worth it.
Where to stay in Brighton
Sleeps: 10 guests
Why we love it: There is so much space if you want to head away with friends or another family. The house has been finished to total perfection, and the outdoor terrace (complete with BBQ) is a glorious little sun trap.
8. Bath
Why go? It’s arguably one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, thanks to the Georgian architecture, Roman bathhouses and the world-famous Royal Crescent. You might never want to leave.
Where to stay in Bath
Sleeps: 6 guests
Why we love it: It overlooks a leafy park in central Bath, has three spacious bedrooms and a photo opportunity at every turn. Seriously – the Instagram opps. in this place are endless.
9. New Forest
Why go? Designated a national park in 2005, the New Forest is charming and a joy to explore – scattered with cycle tracks, deer and quaint little villages. And it’s not too far from London.
Where to stay in the New Forest
Sleeps: 12 guests
Why we love it: It’s bright, airy and spacious with the kitchen of dreams and super high ceilings. If you’ve spent lockdown feeling claustrophobic, you’d better make a booking.
10. The Yorkshire Dales
Why go? Protected as a National Park since the 1950s, the Yorkshire Dales are famed for being one of the the best places in the country for walking and cycling.
Where to stay in the Yorkshire Dales
Sleeps: 6 guests
Why we love it: This isn’t your usual holiday cottage. It’s a wooden eco lodge instead: premium and contemporary and surrounded by woodland.
11. The Lake District
Why go? Views for days. It’s a beautiful corner of the planet and the UK’s most popular national park – which comes as no surprise. Since 2017 it has also been a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Where to stay in the Lake District
Sleeps: 8 guests
Why we love it: The lake is less than 50 meters from the property, and the views are stunning. We’re also huge fans of that *huge* arched window in the kitchen and the elegant drawing room. Perfection.
12. The Cotswolds
Why go? The winding streams, Cotswold stone mansions, thatched cottages and cute tea rooms.
Where to stay in The Cotswolds
Sleeps: 6 guests
Why we love it: It’s the countryside cottage of your dreams, complete with lavender garden, beautiful beams, roaring fire and stone staircase. Social distancing has never seemed more appealing.
13. Marlow
Why go? Marlow really does have it all. Be sure to take a stroll through Higginson Park, have a pint at a local pub along the River and sample some of the town’s finest eateries.
Where to stay in Marlow
Sleeps: Up to 10
Why we love it: Situated in the heart of beautiful Marlow, this modern yet cosy house for up to 10 guests is the perfect place for groups of friends/family looking for a luxurious break in the riverside town, with the Higginson Park and River Thames a 10-minute walk. The house benefits from a private garden and free private parking right outside your door. Handy.
14. The Peak District
Why go? Within easy reach of Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District is all about pubs and long walks and climbing. Don’t want to be stuck in the *complete* middle of no-where? Head to Bakewell. It’s a picture-perfect village with lovely eateries and plenty to do.
Where to stay in the Peak District
Sleeps: 8 guests
Why we love it: It’s steeped in history (yet looks and feels *totally* glam). The Music Mill pays homage to the building’s musical heritage as the place where the first gramophone needles were made in the UK.
15. Somerset
Why go? Somerset is the perfect mix of coastline and countryside, and the very picture of the rural England. Within its borders you’ll find Bristol, the beautiful city of Bath, the hippie haven of Glastonbury and the cathedral city of Wells.
Where to stay in Somerset
Sleeps: 10 guests
Why we love it: It’s *so* quaint and works just as well for groups of friends as it does couples and families. It’s set in the heart of Castle Cary within walking distance of all the shops, pubs and restaurants.
16. Anglesey and North Wales
Why go? For the coast and the castles. That’s what it boils down to, really. The impressive trio of Caernarfon, Conwy and Beaumaris are recognised as World Heritage Sites today. Unsurprisingly.
Where to stay in North Wales
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: The open fire, the harbour views and the close proximity to plenty of quaint pubs.
17. West Wales
Why go? For horse riding along the beach and a slightly slower pace of life than you can expect further south.
Where to stay in West Wales
Sleeps: 4 guests
Why we love it: This glass-fronted bungalow boasts spectacular bay, estuary, and beach views and is just a short walk from the local village.
18. Isle of Wight
Why go? You feel like you’re going that little further afield without *actually* going very far. It’s quiet, has seaside kitsch by the bucketful and boasts excellent seafood.
Where to stay in the Isle of Wight
Sleeps: 3 guests
Why we love it: This place is so perfect for couples looking for a bit of an escape. It’s quaint and compact but has everything you could need – as well as being just a two minute walk from the beach and five minutes from the centre of the town.
19. Norfolk
Why go? The sweeping beaches and tranquil Norfolk Broads.
Where to stay in Norfolk
Sleeps: 5 guests
Why we love it: It’s situated in a quiet cul-de-sac of Victorian cottages and is not only stylish but equipped with all manner of books, games and puzzles in case the sun isn’t shining.
