Cosy up: 20 best holiday cottages for winter

Uptown Cottage

Open fires, deep sofas and characterful rooms – a cosy holiday cottage could be just what the doctor ordered as the nights draw in and the temperature drops. Even more contemporary rental homes can come into their own in winter, brightening up the bleakest of days with cheerful décor, luxury interiors and inspiring views. Many of the cottages we recommend enjoy countryside that’s every bit, if not more, beautiful in winter. Just don’t forget to pack your wellies (or perhaps your snow boots).

Hay Cottage, Near Wadebridge, Cornwall

Hay Cottage

The snug living room of this 18th-century stone Cornish cottage is as cosy as they come, complete with a wood burner to keep you toasty. The spacious kitchen sports an Aga and the three bedrooms feel welcoming even on the coldest of nights. It’s tastefully decorated throughout and set in spectacular surroundings, close to the coast. Dogs welcome. Sleeps 7.

From £621 per week (toadhallcottages.co.uk).

Bank End Cottage, Ennerdale, The Lake District

Bank End Cottage

Set on a farm in one of the Lake District’s wildest valleys, this snug and homely hideaway comes with a woodburner in the sitting room, underfloor heating under the slate-flagged floors and fabulous original features such as a wood and sandstone twisting staircase, which is 350 years old. Dogs welcome. Sleeps 4.

From £245 for 3 nights (sallyscottages.co.uk)

The Honey Pot, Oxon, Cotswolds

The Honey Pot

This idyllic and beautifully decorated one-bedroomed cottage has it all – rolling countryside, traditional pubs and delightful villages and towns (including Burford) practically on its doorstep. Mind you, once you’ve lit up the wood burning stove, grabbed yourself a glass of red wine or hot chocolate, you might not want to go anywhere. Sleeps 2.

From £695 for 4 nights (thehoneypot.uniquehomestays.com).

Bay Cottage, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Bay Cottage

We think this two-bedroomed, 19th-century cottage is great value for a winter break. It’s also a good option for those without their own transport. A few minutes’ walk from Wells’ charming quayside (not to mention some great pubs and shops), you can also pop on the bus practically outside, which travels along the North Norfolk coastline. One dog welcome. Sleeps 3.

From £238 for 3 nights (norfolkcottages.co.uk)

Obriss Farm, Near Westerham, Kent

Obriss Farm

Dating back to 1550, this place has a rustic and peaceful feel and great roaring fires. Bring your wellies as you’re surrounded by ancient woodland and gorgeous countryside, which make for great winter walks. The traditional buildings of the original farm all remain, including stables, sheds and a barn. Sleeps 5.

From £388 for 4 nights (landmarktrust.org.uk)

YHA Exclusive Hire, Land’s End, Cornwall

YHA Lands End

Yes, this is a youth hostel, yet this eight-bedroom 1920s house manages to retain a cottage feel, largely thanks to the many original period features and crackling open fire. Book it up as an exclusive hire and you’ve got yourself a nice cosy spot for a whopping 15 to 25 people. Footpaths lead straight to the coast and the pretty village of St Just.

From £140 per night (exclusive-hire.yha.org.uk)

Tan Y Bwlch, Rhiw, Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd

Tan y Bwlch

This Grade II-listed traditional crog loft cottage, which has been restored by the National Trust, is the ultimate romantic getaway and a great base for which to explore Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula, with the Wales Coast Path a short distance away. We particularly love the inglenook fireplace, original beams, homely decor and slate and wooden floors. Expect total tranquillity and that includes no Wifi. Sleeps 2.

From £254 for 3 nights (nationaltrustholidays.org.uk)

Gibhouse, Dartmoor, Devon

Gibhouse

If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, this picturesque 16th-century thatched cottage is situated at the end of a half-mile private farm lane in Dartmoor National Park. Just 200 yards away is a gorgeous wooded stretch of the River Teign, while the cottage itself is full of charm, including ancient oak beams, an inglenook fireplace and a bread oven. There’s a double and twin room, each with its own bathroom. Sleeps 4.

From £366 for 3 nights (helpfulholidays.com)

Manor Farmhouse, Milstead, Kent

Manor Farmhouse

The main farmhouse, a stunning 15th-century thatched timber framed house, sleeps seven, yet there’s still room for more guests, thanks to the restored barn and another smaller cottage, both on the same property. Granted, the outdoor swimming pool will be wasted on you in wintertime, but you’ll have more than enough to keep you busy, with the billiards room, library and sauna, among others. Sleeps 18 across 10 bedrooms.

From £2,288 for 3 nights (ruralretreats.co.uk)

High Hallgarth, near Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria

High Hallgarth

This timeless and remote Lakeland cottage occupies an enviable location, overlooking Little Langdale Tarn and with views up and down the valley. Its quirky original features, including tin bath and outside earth closet provide a unique holiday experience and will appeal to those with a sense of adventure; the fire knocks out some serious heat in the cosy living area. We love the fact that there’s no TV. Sleeps 7.

From £197 for 3 nights (nationaltrustholidays.org.uk)

Mill Hill Cottage, Little Steeping, Lincolnshire

Mill Hill Cottage

This thatched cottage is just the ticket for an English country getaway, whatever the weather. Set on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the cottage is surrounded by natural beauty and there’s an open fire, homely kitchen and English rose bedroom inside. Avoid it if you’re tall, however – the beams are seriously low. Sleeps 4.

From £425 for two nights (vivat-trust.org)

Eagle Bay Cottages, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Eagle Bay Cottage

If you love remote sea views, but are less keen on the icy winds and windswept walks that usually accompany them during winter, then you’ll love these luxury, modern cottages located on the cliffs of the Isle of Lewis, with amazing views of the sea and wildlife, even in winter. Complete with log fire and contemporary décor, they feel truly luxurious inside and there are great walks if you wrap up warm.

From £735 for 3 nights (eaglebaycottages.co.uk)

Clydey Cottages, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Clydey Cottages

Recently voted Best Place to Stay in Wales 2015 in the National Tourism Awards for Wales, these 10 family friendly deluxe cottages, which sleep between one and four people, have impressive facilities for both parents and children, including indoor swimming pool, spa, hot tub, games room and adventure playground. There are 20 acres of shared grounds and woodlands and staff can organise pretty much anything you need.

From £400 per week (clydeycottages.co.uk)

Spring Cottage, Cliveden, Berkshire

Spring Cottage

For the ultimate in opulence, it has to be Spring Cottage, set in the stunning Cliveden estate. Built as a summerhouse for the Countess of Orkney in 1813, it is one of the most beautiful cottages on the Thames. Dine in the recently renovated hotel, which guests have full use of and where the food is fantastic, or in the spacious, gorgeously decorated yet homely cottage itself. Sleeps 6.

From £1,550 per night (clivedenhouse.co.uk)

Updown Cottage, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Updown Cottage

Gold Hill, where Updown Cottage is located, is the backdrop to Ridley Scott's classic Hovis advert and offers stunning views over the Blackmore Vale. The cottage dates from the 16th century and original beams run throughout, while the decor combines history and contemporary comfort. Wonderful countryside and fantastic local eateries are all nearby. Sleeps 6.

From £495 for 3 nights, or 4 nights midweek (thatholidayletscompany.co.uk)

Hex Cottage, Yoxford, Suffolk

Hex Cottage

This fairytale forester’s cottage in rural Suffolk has no electricity or modern heating, but don’t let that put you off, since there’s an open fire, wood fired central heating and candlelight. We love the one-off pieces of furniture and there’s plenty of opportunity for walking in the 4,500 acres of private land. Sleeps 2.

From £200 per night (coolstays.com)

Purple Poppy Cottage, Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire

Purple Poppy Cottage

With exposed beams, cosy sofas and a wood burner, this cottage features all the comforts you’d expect along with some more unusual quirks. Have a game on the vintage pinball machine, admire the matchbox car collection or cook up a storm on the purple Aga. Explore the pretty historic town of Southwell nearby, home to the county’s beautiful Minster, or simply order a breakfast or Mediterranean hamper and kick back in fluffy robes and slippers. Sleeps 5.

From £395 for 3 nights (purplepoppycottage.co.uk)

Garbo House, Brighton, Sussex

Garbo House

This is newly refurbished, with a fresh modern look, and is ideal for large groups, especially those that aren’t in couples, as it has 10 single beds across four bedrooms (although they can be joined to make doubles). It’s ideal for accessing central Brighton and located on a delightful street, just moments from the beach. Great value.

From £795 for 3 nights (brightonholidayhomes.co.uk)

Rose Cottage, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Rose Cottage

Northern Ireland is home to some of the UK’s most dramatic scenery and Enniskillen is no exception. It also has great amenities, including wonderful pubs and restaurants. The two-bedroomed Rose Cottage, which is owned by the National Trust, is idyllic, with an open fire and a kitchen that has everything you need to cook up delicious winter warmers. Sleeps 4.

From £203 for 2 nights (nationaltrustholidays.org.uk)

Tack Barn, Ringmer, Near Lewes, East Sussex

Tack Barn

This purpose-built sustainable holiday home is set among the private woods of the rather larger country house next door. Its modern décor and large windows will appeal to those who find old, thatched cottages constraining and it’s got a log burner and comfy sofas, which are a godsend in the winter months. The owners can arrange breakfast and meal hamper from local suppliers.

From £255 for 3 nights (coolstays.com)

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