Escape to the British countryside for a romantic break in 2023 with this selection of cosy cottages and hideaways.
Whether you're looking for a cosy shepherd's hut with a wood-burning stove and nature on your doorstep, or a five-star dog-friendly cottage, these romantic retreats are indulgently furnished with hot tubs, sheepskins and the like – and come complete with thoughtful touches, such as a bottle of local wine, or chocolates to make you feel welcome the moment you arrive.
Be sure to check out our comprehensive walks section to help plan in some spectacular scenery, quirky local history and cosy pubs.
Romantic cottages and cosy hideaways to stay in the UK
Polmina Cottage
If you're looking for seclusion with a view, Polmina Cottage, situated on a National Trust farm, has the beautiful Atlantic ocean in one direction and rolling Cornish meadows in the other. Inside there's a tastefully furnished open-plan apartment for two, with full kitchen, bathroom and living room area with all mod cons. You'll be close to plenty of beaches and well positioned to explore the South West Coast Path.
Book Polmina Cottage at National Trust Cottages
Bolotho Barns, Cornwall
Tucked away in the idyllic Cornish countryside, Bolotho Barns features two stylish bolt holes that ooze romance. The five-star, gold-award-winning properties come with all the comforts of a boutique hotel including king-sized sleigh beds and roll top baths. They are also just moments from enchanting creeks and estuaries of the south Cornwall coast, where couples can enjoy out-of-the-way romantic walks.
Book Bolotho Barns at Premier Cottages
The Shepherd’s Hut, Boskenna, Cornwall
The delightful Shepherd’s Hut at Boskenna is a romantic hideaway for two offering luxury indulgences in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Heritage Coast. The spacious hut offers a king-size bed, underfloor heating plus a log burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious bathroom with a large drench shower. There is also a secluded private hot tub at the back of the hut that’s perfect for star gazing. The sea is just a few minutes’ walk away and the area offers plenty of coastal walks, moorland trekking and a choice of cosy pubs in pretty coastal villages.
Book the Shepherd's Hut at Boskenna at Premier Cottages
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The Wee Lodge on Loch Morar, Scottish Highlands
Far away from the world, in a secluded spot in the Scottish Highlands sits The Wee Lodge on Loch Morar, 45 minutes from Glenfinnan. Not only is it the sole rental on site, it’s also blissfully off-grid from mobile signal and wifi – so you are guaranteed peace, quiet and privacy. The Wee Lodge has all the fixtures and fittings needed for a very comfortable stay cuddled up with your beloved, including double bed, heating, fully-equipped kitchen area, en-suite shower room, bedding and towels. Eulogy-inducing views and beautiful loch-side walks complete the experience.
Book the Wee Lodge at Pitchup.com
Geodesic domes at The Private Hill, North Yorkshire
Spectacular views? Check. Luxury interior? Check. Activities and afternoon tea on site? Check. Time to check in to a geodesic dome at The Private Hill on the edge of the beautiful, pub-speckled Yorkshire Wolds. Enjoy gentle games of croquet, boules or quoits on the lawn before settling down for sunset and stargazing from the comfort of a real bed that even comes with a choice of pillows.
After a day's exploring this wonderful walking country, the wood-burning stove and a fully-stocked minibar should warm the cockles nicely. There’s an on-site cafe and small shop, plus a number of friendly local pubs within walking distance so you can experience a taste of Yorkshire hospitality.
Book The Private Hill at Pitchup.com
Dannah Cottages, Derbyshire
Nestled in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, Honeysuckle Cottage and Heather Cottage are two adults-only retreats with their own Canadian Spa hot tubs in an enclosed garden. Inside the traditional blends seamlessly with the modern, with solid oak floors and beams, handmade super-king sized beds, atmospheric lighting and a bespoke kitchen. With peaceful views down to the village and the countryside beyond, they are perfect for a relaxing romantic stay.
Guests are welcomed with an array of treats from wine chilling in the fridge to chocolate, luxurious bathrobes and homemade bread. Those that choose to venture out have the Peak District National Park and the picturesque town of Kirk Ireton on the doorstep.
Book Dannah cottages at Premier Cottages
Planning a trip to Derbyshire? You may like:
- Countryfile Plodcast: A ramble along Derbyshire’s River Goyt to talk wildlife, angling and local history
- Best walks in Derbyshire
- Bike ride: Tissington Trail, Derbyshire
- Day out: Minninglow Hill, Derbyshire
Harebells at Winnats Pass, Castleton, Peak District/Credit: Getty
Godwick’s shepherds huts, Norfolk
Get close to nature and enjoy a taste of hygge heaven on a break in one of Godwick's Shepherds Huts. The three quirky and rustic huts are tucked into a small glade in rural Norfolk and offer stunning views. Herdwick Hideaway is pet-friendly and each property combines the latest mod cons with oak wooden floors, butler sinks and narrow boat wood burners. There’s also hot running water, a mini fridge, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine and DAB radio plus an en suite shower room and a super comfy double bed. Stargazing fire pit package including cosy blankets, wood and marshmallows are available to hire.
Book Godwick's Shepherd's Huts at Premier Cottages
Sam’s Snug, Norfolk
Cosy flint cottage Sam's Snug comes with its very own heritage blue plaque dedicated to local legend Sam Larner, a herring fisherman and folk singer who lived in the cottage. Sam went to sea when he was eight years old and became one of Britain’s most influential folk singers, and found fame in his 80s.
This two-bedroomed bolthole features a double aspect living room with woodburner and a modern kitchen, and is ideal for two couples wishing to holiday together. Outside is a pretty and private garden. Two dogs are welcome here and the cottage is just a five-minute walk from the glorious golden sands of Winterton beach, which is great for seal spotting.
Book Sam's Snug at Winterton Cottages
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Happisburgh Lighthouse, North Norfolk coast./Credit: Getty
Shepherd’s Hut at Lower Wraxall Farmhouse, Dorset
A cosy hideaway in the heart of rural Dorset, this shepherd’s hut sits in its own private garden bordered by a stream in a quiet part of a working farm, 20 minutes from Dorchester. Small enough to be snug, the interior is large enough to house a double bed, separate shower room, kitchen area and a wood-burning stove. Outside is where it really comes into its own though, where you can eat dinner under the stars, warm up using the outdoor firepit or take a hot outdoor bath while looking for wildlife.
Book the Shepherd's Hut at Lower Wraxhall Farmhouse at Pitchup.com
Hay & Hedgerow, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Cosy up in the Shropshire hills this Valentine’s Day at Hay & Hedgerow Glamping. Set on a working farm, with amazing views, yet also within easy reach of many towns and attractions including Ludlow and Ironbridge Gorge, this is a great base for anyone looking to visit the Midlands. Stay in a two-berth shepherds hut which comes with its own kitchen, en-suite and wood burner, with plenty of space to relax, dine and sleep.
Book Hay & Hedgerow Glamping at Pitchup.com
Brambles, The Hamlet, Gloucestershire
Brambles, in this little hamlet of cottages, is a secluded hideaway for two in a spectacular 800-acre setting on the edge of the Cotswolds. It offers panoramic rural views from the outside balcony, which provides the perfect spot for star gazing. Inside there is central heating and a log fire (including logs) plus comfy sofas and a Shaker style kitchen. Guests can relax in the secluded woodland hot tub complete with changing room.
Book Brambles at Premier Cottages
The Mill, Pembrokeshire
The Mill is a tiny dog-friendly bolthole in the dramatic Preseli Hills – which are steeped in mystery and legend, offering plenty of brooding landscapes for outdoorsy couples to enjoy. Inside this pint-sized cottage, there’s one bedroom on a mezzanine level, an open plan living area with high ceilings and exposed beams, plus a galley kitchen and stable door leading to an enclosed patio garden. Perfect for a couple of keen walkers and their dog, there are plenty of hikes to enjoy in the surrounding hills, with opportunities for mountain biking too, while the beaches and pretty coastal villages of Pembrokeshire are a short drive away for days out.
Book The Mill at Quality Cottages
Planning a trip to Pembrokeshire? You may like:
- Best walks in Wales: 30 dramatic hikes in Pembrokeshire, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia
- Best walks in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
- Guide to Pembrokeshire: where to stay, eat and best walks
Pembrokeshire coastal walk/Credit: Getty
Swallow Barn, Devon
Swallow Barn is a cosy cottage for two set in the heart of the rolling Devonshire countryside. Converted from a Grade II-listed barn it is furnished in farmhouse style with a super king sized bed, exposed beams, stripped floors and a wood-burner that ensures couples keep toasty on chilly evenings. Romantic strolls can be enjoyed from the Barn across the neighbouring estate, with plenty of longer walks to be had across nearby Dartmoor.
Book Swallow Barn at Premier Cottages
Castle View Hideaway, Monmouthshire
Tucked away in the seclusion of the Monmouthshire countryside with picturesque views over the Brecon Beacons, this high-end shepherd’s hut is a truly homely location for a couples’ hideaway. This property comes fitted with underfloor heating, a snug double bed, a log burner and an outdoor fire pit for stargazing, allowing lovers to enjoy the gentle pace of rural Wales.
Book Castle View Hideaway at Quality Unearthed
Ockeridge Rural Retreats, Worcestershire
The luxury wooden wagons at Ockeridge Rural Retreats in Worcestershire are built to a bespoke design will make a stay special, whatever the weather. Double doors open out onto beautiful views over surrounding paddocks, complete with equine neighbours, while the brass roll-top bath, lanterns and fairy light bring a sense of magical indulgence to these cosy cabins. Complete with central heating, customised kitchens, Freeview TV and linen and towels, it’s the closest thing you’ll find to a hotel in the great outdoors.
Book an Ockeridge Rural Retreat at Pitchup.com
Hall Hills, Cumbria
Tucked away in peaceful rural Cumbria with uninterrupted views across the open countryside, The Folly at Halls Hills is situated right in the middle of excellent walking and cycling country. Rated five gold stars, this cosy barn conversion has a wooden decked balcony with views of the rolling landscape – best enjoyed with bubbly. It’s also a great base for exploring The Lakes and Scottish Borders.
Book The Folly at Halls Hills at Premier Cottages
Ty'r Onnen Treehouse, Ceredigion
In a peaceful countryside setting close to the unspoilt beaches of Cardigan Bay, Ty'r Onnen Treehouse is a zero-carbon off-grid hideaway that's perfect for an eco-conscious romantic getaway. Outside there's a fire pit, swing seat and bbq, as well as a deck that wraps around the treehouse, ensuring beautiful views in all directions and uninterrupted views of the night sky.
Book Ty'r Onnen Treehouse at Quality Unearthed
