Rural Retreats Blog

The ultimate baby and toddler packing list

Posted by Katy Peck on 13 May 2019

We know that packing for a holiday can be a lot more complicated with a little one in tow. There’s suddenly a whole collection of other things to think about, from bits and pieces for the...

Romantic UK honeymoon breaks

Posted by Katy Peck on 1 May 2019

It’s easy to see why more and more couples are choosing to spend their honeymoons in the UK. With so many stunning locations within easy reach, you’ll be surprised by the number of hidden...

Our six favourite dog walks in Devon

Posted by Katy Peck on 24 April 2019

Well known for its dramatic scenery and unspoilt coastline, Devon is one of the most beautiful spots in the UK. But it’s not just human adventurers who can benefit from it’s stunning...

Holiday with baby: Best UK destinations and travel tips

Posted by Katy Peck on 16 April 2019

If you have a young family, a UK break is a great choice for enjoying a few days away from it all. There are no airports and long flights to contend with and you don’t have to worry about...

The best dog walks in the Lake District

Posted by Katy Peck on 10 April 2019

If you’re looking for a UK holiday that you can enjoy with your dog, you can’t go far wrong with the Lake District. In fact, the Kennel Club awarded the area it’s top prize in the...

The best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Posted by Katy Peck on 2 April 2019

If you hate the idea of leaving your four-legged friend behind when you go on holiday, why not consider a fun, relaxed family break in beautiful Cornwall? With acres of wild, unspoilt countryside to...

Eight of the best Lake District walks

Posted by Luci Ackers on 1 March 2019

With its stunning landscape, interesting market towns and huge variety of walks, it’s easy to see why 15.8 million people visit the Lake District every year. The national park is the...

Wonderful Wales: Rural Retreats on the Bodnant Estate

Posted by Jonathan Broom on 4 April 2018

North Wales is a region of unrivalled and rugged beauty – a land of ancient culture, druids, legend, eisteddfods and song.The Snowdonia National Park, covering 827 square miles, is the second...

Customer satisfaction award for Rural Retreats

Posted by Luci Ackers on 2 March 2018

For the third year running, Rural Retreats has earned itself the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award. And we couldn't be prouder!The award is presented to businesses as an independent recognition of...

Superb UK dog walks

Posted by Luci Ackers on 14 February 2018

Explore stunning coast and countryside with man's best friend.We know just how fun it is to explore the UK's beautiful places with your four-legged friend, and we're not the only ones......

Stay on Fraggle Rock with Rural Retreats

Posted by Luci Ackers on 12 January 2018

Who remembers Fraggle Rock?This year the classic 1980s TV show is celebrating its 35th anniversary!Fraggle Rock was a live-action puppet show created by Jim Henson (of The Muppets) and followed the...

Things to do around England’s world-famous Jurassic Coast

Posted by Luci Ackers on 12 January 2018

With properties located across Britain we have no shortage of interesting places waiting to be explored. From National Parks to AONBs, famous World Heritage Sites to lesser-known hidden gems, we have...

Castles in the Cotswolds

Posted by Luci Ackers on 29 November 2017

Seven stunning castles to visit in the CotswoldsThe Cotswolds are famous for their quaint little buildings and old, cobbled villages. But there is another side to this Area of Outstanding Natural...

10 Christmas stays that will have you longing for the holiday season

Posted by Luci Ackers on 26 October 2017

Planning your perfect Christmas, but not quite sure who's supposed to be hosting this year? Not a problem! Gather the whole family in one of our large properties, or keep things simple and whisk...

Holiday Cottages in Cornwall

Posted by Luci Ackers on 17 October 2017

Fancy a holiday with a touch of magic?Cornwall is famous for its myths and legends; the dramatic landscape and rugged coastline fuelling the stories that have been passed down over the years.Take a...

Weston Park, Shropshire

Posted by Luci Ackers on 5 October 2017

At Rural Retreats, we can proudly say that each of our stunning properties has been handpicked to ensure you're staying in absolute luxury. The portfolio includes a wonderful range of properties...

Autumn Breaks 2017

Posted by Luci Ackers on 20 September 2017

Pictured image: Nos Da, Vale of GlamorganTake a look at our favourite properties for autumn 2017When it comes to making the most of the changing seasons, you needn’t look any further than a...

The Lake District National Park becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Posted by Luci Ackers on 11 July 2017

July 2017 saw the inclusion of the Lake District National Park into the UNESCO World Heritage list. At a gathering of the World Heritage Committee in Kraków the decision was made to make the...

Fancy a last minute holiday this July?

Posted by Luci Ackers on 22 June 2017

Last minute July breaks in the CotswoldsWith the summer upon us we are all looking to escape from the grind for a while. Why not discover the Cotswolds and spend a dreamy getaway in one of our famous...

New Properties update

Posted by Luci Ackers on 11 May 2017

Remember we are always on the lookout for new and interesting properties, so you have a never-ending pool of inspiration. If you want to escape for a little while and discover somewhere new, then...

Romantic Retreats | Our guide for the perfect romantic retreat.

Posted by Luci Ackers on 27 January 2017

Are you a secret romantic?… maybe deep, deep down?Why not treat that special someone to the holiday they deserve? If you're worried about getting everything sorted for a perfect romantic...

Gift someone special with the holiday they deserve

Posted by Luci Ackers on 2 December 2016

A festive get-away?This time of year is filled with family gatherings; it's the perfect excuse to whisk your nearest and dearest away somewhere special to celebrate. Whether it's a Christmas...

New drone videos! Take a look at the Rural Retreats collection

Posted by Luci Ackers on 17 October 2016

Check out our latest drone footage!See some of our spectacular properties from a whole new perspective!If you want a little taster of some of the luxury you can expect with Rural Retreats, have a...

What is all this Hygge? Live like the Danish and be happy!

Posted by Luci Ackers on 30 September 2016

The Danish are such a happy bunch, so what's their secret?5 steps to understanding (and creating) hygge this autumn...1. What is hygge?The Danish word hygge (pronounced like...

Beautiful lighthouse properties for a unique UK holiday

Posted by Luci Ackers on 15 August 2016

Start Point Lighthouse, DevonYou can now take your memories home with you! Remember your special holiday with one of these lovely souvenirs...Rural Retreats enjoys bringing you unique holiday...

Highlights of Norfolk: 6 reasons to go to Wells-next-the-Sea

Posted by Luci Ackers on 12 August 2016

This pretty little town looks right out over the sea and is an excellent place to visit for a relaxed, laid-back break. But why is it so popular with tourists? Don't miss these six things, and...

Time Team explore Scargill Castle's history in Northern Yorkshire

Posted by Luci Ackers on 14 July 2016

What was Scargill Castle before it became the stunning holiday property that it is today?Having been featured on the TV show Time Team, we know more about Scargill castle than we perhaps otherwise...

UK Holidays for Groups: seven fantastic properties for a gathering this summer

Posted by Luci Ackers on 9 July 2016

Seven fantastic properties for a group gathering this summerGo big or go home!For that perfect get-away this summer, gather the troops and check out these seven great ideas for a group...

Outdoor breaks in June

Posted by Luci Ackers on 20 May 2016

Shake things up this June with a glamping break!Take the opportunity to venture into the great outdoors as the weather brightens. These fabulous glamping tents promise all the luxury and style...

Find out what our top 10 unique properties are!

Posted by Luci Ackers on 10 May 2016

Did you see our recent feature on the Mirror Online?England is full of secret corners to tuck yourself away in, from quaint and cosy, to grand and stunning. Ten of our wonderful retreats have been...

Tour de Yorkshire

Posted by Luci Ackers on 30 March 2016

Last year was the first ever tour de Yorkshire. This huge event attracts some of the biggest cycling teams from around the world and is promoted by the Amaury Sport Organisation, the same group...

Looking for your ideal holiday destination this spring?

Posted by Luci Ackers on 17 March 2016

Holkham Beach, Norfolk After being cooped up during the winter months, nothing is better than seeing the sun start to shine and getting back outside! Plan your spring break around what you...

Walks with a difference

Posted by Luci Ackers on 15 March 2016

South West Coast Path - Dorset Keep an eye out for these current T.V programmes focussing on the spectacular British countryside.Two new T.V series are taking a look at places to walk in...

'Cumbria is open'

Posted by Luci Ackers on 10 March 2016

Following a trying couple of months, Cumbrian residents are pushing themselves to bounce back in the aftermath of the terrible floods from last December.Storm Desmond bought an unusually large amount...

Our Top 5 Unique Retreats

Posted by Luci Ackers on 25 February 2016

Have a memorable holiday in one of our incredible, unique properties!Can't decide where to go? Here are our top five unique retreats to help inspire you. Tawstock Castle, DevonThis Grade II...

Award Winning Retreats

Posted by Luci Ackers on 8 February 2016

We are so proud to have been awarded the Feefo Gold Trusted Merchant Accreditation 2016!And we couldn't have done it without you. Feefo is an independent ratings and reviews company and each...

Valentine's retreats

Posted by Luci Ackers on 1 February 2016

It's that time again!Valentine's Day will be on us before you know it, so it's time to start planning! Nothing says romance like being swept off your feet and whisked away somewhere...

Six excellent ways to spend spring in Herefordshire

Posted by Luci Ackers on 20 January 2016

Start planning your next get-away!We don't know about you, but the cold weather is already starting to get to us and the change of season can't get here soon enough!Look ahead to the...

Christmas grottos and festivities in 2015

Posted by Luci Ackers on 7 December 2015

Have a very British Christmas!It's sometimes difficult to plan your run up to Christmas. But there's lots going on all over the place, if you know where to look. Here are some of...

Spend Christmas and New Year in Wales

Posted by Luci Ackers on 25 November 2015

Staying in Wales? We have a great selection of Welsh holiday properties, and this time of year is a great time to visit. There are Christmas celebrations, food markets and New Year's celebrations...

007's Scottish Haunts

Posted by Luci Ackers on 5 November 2015

Top Three Filming Locations in ScotlandIn 2012 Skyfall revealed a new side to Daniel Craig's James Bond during an emotional trip to Scotland revisiting his roots. The wild, stunning landscape was...

Ferguson's Gang: The secret society that saved rural England

Posted by Luci Ackers on 3 November 2015

Get ready for this month's exciting book release!Ferguson's Gang: The secret society that saved rural England by Polly Bagnall and Sally Beck is being released later this month by National...

Wild About Gardens: 26th Oct - 1st Nov

Posted by Luci Ackers on 26 October 2015

Go Wild About Gardens this week!It's time to celebrate our precious green spaces and give a little something back to nature.Wild About Gardens is a fantastic initiative that encourages us all to...

October half term: four things to do with the kids

Posted by Luci Ackers on 23 October 2015

The upcoming October half term runs from the 26th to the 30th and it can be tricky to fill those five days (plus the weekend) with things for the little ones to do. Luckily, there are lots of special...

The five best autumn meals to cook on your self-catering holiday

Posted by Luci Ackers on 21 October 2015

Autumn is surely the best season. Not only does our landscape transform into those incredible gemstone colours, but it yields some of our best-loved ingredients. Plus that increasingly bracing...

Dog-friendly days out at National Trust Properties

Posted by Luci Ackers on 12 October 2015

It’s not always easy to plan a day out that is exciting for both dogs and their owners. Unfortunately, a lot of heritage areas have restrictions in place to protect wildlife and historic...

What makes the best dog-friendly holiday home?

Posted by Luci Ackers on 12 October 2015

As any dog-lover will tell you, our pooches aren’t just pets, but bona fide members of the family. This means that, when it comes to booking some time away, we’re much more likely to seek...

Christmas Holiday Cottages in the UK

Posted by Luci Ackers on 5 October 2015

Why not do something different this year and spend Christmas with family and friends in a beautiful cottage, enjoying a festive break that is miles away from your usual surroundings? Reignite the...

Christmas Market Holidays | Enjoy the best bits of the festive season

Posted by Luci Ackers on 2 October 2015

One of the most hotly-anticipated events of the holiday season is visiting a Christmas Market. The chance to browse around pretty stalls, to search for unusual hand-crafted gifts and decorations, or...

Offers at Apple Mill in Devon

Posted by Luci Ackers on 2 October 2015

Fantastic offers at Apple Mill in DevonEnjoy a relaxing get-awayBook online hereApple Mill is a charming Grade II listed property located in Sidmouth just 15 minutes from the exquisite Devon...

Cotswolds Awards! Vote for your favourite

Posted by Luci Ackers on 25 September 2015

Vote for The Coach House in Hawling to win Best Cotswolds Holiday Cottage!www.cotswoldsawards.co.ukIn the grounds of a the Old Rectory, in the unspoilt village of Hawling, sits the beautiful Coach...

Walking Festivals this Autumn

Posted by Luci Ackers on 17 September 2015

With autumn in the air, the outdoors is surely calling. It's such an atmospheric season with the change of the trees, the falling of leaves and the vibrant colours sweeping through the...

The Great British Food Festival: a fantastic day out for the whole family

Posted by Luci Ackers on 19 August 2015

What is is?Get involved in some some foody fun over the coming weekends with the Great British Food Festival. August Bank Holiday weekend, followed by two weekends in September will see over...

Have fun this Autumn

Posted by Luci Ackers on 3 August 2015

Autumn RetreatsAutumn is a fantastic time to take a break; beautiful colours tint the landscape golds and reds and the effects of the shifting season can be seen all around you.Children are back at...

Enjoy your summer 'staycation'!

Posted by Luci Ackers on 15 July 2015

It's all about the 'staycation' this summer. There's no reason for you to haul yourself and your family miles overseas for a splash of sun. Britain has everything you need right here....

Short Summer Breaks and Offers Not To Be Missed

Posted by Luci Ackers on 10 July 2015

Long days, warm evenings and a change of pace... Summer is here and it's time to relax.Nothing beats escaping from it all to enjoy the sun, and it's all about the mini-breaks this summer....

Really enjoy yourself this summer: Eight ideas for fun in the sun

Posted by Luci Ackers on 30 June 2015

Eight great ideas for a summer of funThe summer's here and it's time for some fun. If you want to make the most of the British summer, here's some cracking ideas for how to spend your...

The Royal Norfolk Show: stands, shows, competitions, animals, food and fun for all!

Posted by Luci Ackers on 20 June 2015

What is The Norfolk Show?The famous Norfolk Show has become the largest two-day agricultural show in England. With one or two rare exceptions this show has been held every year since 1847, and...

Discover the very best of Yorkshire

Posted by Luci Ackers on 1 June 2015

What's not to love about Yorkshire?The county of Yorkshire offers a little bit of just about everything. You have coast, countryside, National Parks, historic monuments, stunning views, great...

Chomondeley Pageant of Power

Posted by Luci Ackers on 19 May 2015

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is a large celebration of all things speedy. It takes place annually in the magnificent grounds of Cholmondeley Castle and this June is its 8th year. The pageant, on the...

May Bank Holiday Get-aways

Posted by Luci Ackers on 15 May 2015

Cottage Escapes for the May Bank HolidayThe May Bank Holiday is almost upon us and what a perfect excuse to get away and take full advantage of the extra long weekend... especially as the kids...

RSPB Minsmere Reserve

Posted by Luci Ackers on 8 May 2015

This year BBC Spring Watch is due to be airing from the fantastic RSPB Minsmere Reserve on the Suffolk Coast. And rumour has it that cameras are already ready in position...We have a great selection...

Malvern Hills AONB

Posted by Luci Ackers on 7 May 2015

The Malvern Hills have been classed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1959. The 105 km stretch of hills encompasses parts of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and is...

Yorkshire	Derbyshire
Northumberland	Cheshire
Shropshire	Lancashire
Worcestershire	Leicestershire
Cumbria	Rutland
Herefordshire

Norfolk	Devon
Suffolk	Kent
Cornwall	Warwickshire
Gloucestershire	Dorset
Essex	Isle of Wight
Hampshire	Somerset
Sussex	Wiltshire
Oxfordshire	Conwy
Cambridgeshire

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