Given that our tagline here at Country Living is ‘The countryside is yours’, it feels appropriate that we share what we think are some of the most spectacular staycations in across the UK.
These are places that Team Country Living has been to and loved, and we know that you will love them, too. We’ve also included tips from our columnists Paula Sutton and Graeme Hall.
We hope it inspires you to book yourself a stay somewhere wonderful...
1. Fritton Lake, Norfolk
"I'm writing this while sitting on the terrace of our woodland cabin at Fritton Lake, nestled in the heart of a 1,000-acre Norfolk rewilding project, the second we've owned here. We bought our first in 2006. I'd just launched Grazia magazine and would dash here whenever I could, desperate to stare at the mist rolling off the water, while my boys wore themselves out in the woods," says Jane Bruton, editor-in-chief at Good Housekeeping.
In the following years, it didn't get as much use, so we sold it. 20 years later, having missed watching the resident birds and the odd pike leap from the water, we bought again a little further round the lake.
Today, there's a Scandi-style sauna, yoga classes and in-cabin massages (bliss!), as well as water buffalo, wild pigs and ponies to watch. We love going to the clubhouse, where you can eat with the seasons and watch live music at weekends. We've travelled a lot over the years and have been on the cusp of buying a property abroad a couple of times, but it's Norfolk and Fritton we keep coming back to."
Stay and dine from £225 per night; frittonlake.co.uk; enquire for cabin costs.
2. Wild Duck, Gloucestershire
Further south in the Cotswolds than the oft-mentioned and achingly fashionable Soho Farmhouse, Estelle Manor and the rapidly growing Daylesford empire, Wild Duck is a welcome new addition to Cotswolds life.
Crucially, it has high hopes of being just as popular with locals as visiting weekenders. Inside, there are two candlelit sitting rooms (complete with deep armchairs and squishy sofas), a beamed dining room with cosy nooks for an intimate experience and two luxurious treatment rooms.
The bedrooms feature antique furniture and contemporary decor; the bathrooms all have top-end toiletries from 100 Acres. There's good food, too: think traditional homemade Scotch eggs, Iberico ribs and fritto misto, not to mention seven ciders and perries on the bar.
Double B&B from £150 per night; countrycreatures.com.
3. Dog Crag Cabin in Cumbria
"I love Dog Crag Cabin in Cumbria, which welcomes two dogs and two adults. There's a wealth of walking options nearby, from Silecroft Beach to Coniston and Windermere," says The Dogfather, Graeme Hall.
From £428 per week; holidaycottages.co.uk.
4. The Torridon, Ross-shire
Take a loved one and steal away to this five-star turreted resort in the heart of the Highlands. Once you've had your fill of lochside strolling or exploring the primordial peaks of the Torridon Hills, head back to base for a candlelit supper in the newly Michelin-starred 1887 restaurant (the plump hand-dived scallops and rich mushroom velouté are a must-try).
Afterwards, visit the Whisky Bar (all wood-panelled walls and antler-clad mantels) for a fireside dram from a collection of more than 365 bottles. When you're ready, retreat to your suite (interiors blend Highland heritage with jewel-toned colour), where you might catch a glimpse of the Milky Way from the window.
Double B&B from £536 per night; thetorridon.com.
5. Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage, Isle of Skye
Ever dreamt of being cast away to your own private island? Watching the sun rise over rugged mountain ridges and falling asleep to the sound of the surf? Well, look no further than this remote retreat set in the shadow of Ornsay Lighthouse just off Skye's Sleat Peninsula.
Built in 1857 as a cottage for the keepers, this whitewashed house features elegant interiors with local photography throughout. Four rooms with a view sleep up to eight, and dogs and kids are welcome (there's a compendium of games, plus binoculars for wildlife watching).
If you finish your hamper of local luxury goods, you can venture further and make your way over to the Eilean Iarmain Hotel for food or a wee dram of whisky.
From £650 per night; sawdays.co.uk.
6. Basil's Barn, Nottinghamshire
There aren't many places that welcome horses as well as humans... Located in the grounds of a 17th-century manor in the tiny village of Thurgarton, Basil's Barn is home to the eponymous rescue pony, whose stable adjoins the bedroom (you might be woken by a whinny in the morning), plus Highland cows and Hebridean sheep.
Children will love brushing Basil and giving him his supper; adults the rustic interiors and countryside courtyard, which is perfect for a game of Scrabble by moonlight. Rave reviews mean this Airbnb property is often booked up months in advance, so secure a slot as soon as possible.
From £420 for two nights; airbnb.co.uk.
7. The Angel at Hetton, Yorkshire
In the depths of the Dales, this 15th-century coaching inn has it all: exemplary interiors and a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant. Exposed brickwork, a polished concrete floor, honey-hued beams and artworks made with moss create a relaxing, elemental vibe, while the staff offer the warmest of Yorkshire welcomes.
The Angel's menu is devilishly good: creamy cod and hispi cabbage, perfectly pink rib eye and cloud-soft Hokkaido milk bread rolls served with a tangy taramasalata. Dessert is just as divine: Kentish mango and banana cheesecake so good you'll be tempted to lick the plate. Feeling full? Worry not, your stylish Scandi suite is just up the stairs from the restaurant.
Double B&B from £580 including dinner; angelhetton.co.uk.
8. Restaries, Suffolk
"Restaries in Suffolk is incredibly special. A 'luxury farmstead', you can stay in renovated and elevated cart stores and tack rooms that have been turned into beautiful one-bed cottages."
From £480 for two nights; restaries.com.
9. Burgh Island Hotel, Devon
Time-travel back to an era of elegance at this Art Deco luxury resort perched on a tiny tidal island near Bigbury-on-Sea. Said to have inspired Agatha Christie, who penned two novels here (And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun), glamorous guests have also included Noël Coward, Nancy Cunard and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Today, the rooms retain all of their former glory: spruced-up suites have vintage furniture, period lighting and a shared sun deck (you won't find a television here), while the Palm Court Lounge, with its stunning stained-glass domed ceiling, is the perfect place to sip cocktails (make yours a Singapore Sling) and fully get into character.
Double B&B from £340; Book now
The travel edit
Pulse Point Oil in Night Owl
Bee and Spring Flowers Bone China Travel Mug
Blue Sprig Travel Organiser Bag
