The shorter days, cooler nights and the scatterings of oranges, reds and pinks of the tree shedding their leaves means we are officially rolling from autumn into winter. And we don’t know about you, but at this time of year we cannot help but indulge in a little “winter wonderland” or perhaps “winter wanderlust”. Dreaming of being Cameron Diaz in that immensely cute cottage in the infamous Christmas rom-com film, The Holiday.
The cottage from the outside is perfect. A dusting of snow and the low cool winter light makes this little home an incredibly inviting proposition. The sash windows show glimmers of warmth from the inside, giving enough away to imagine yourself sitting next to the fire in a cosy armchair.
Let’s face it, we’ve all pictured ourselves arriving here when watching this Christmas classic. So in the spirit of escapism, we thought it would be fun to put together a collection of Classic cottages perfect for a cosy getaway. Now go, take a look and get lost in some winter wanderlust!
Nettlebed
Nr Hawes, Yorkshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: A peaceful winter escape
Tucked away on a hillside in the Yorkshire Dales, Nettlebed is brimming with country cottage charm. Follow in the footsteps of Amanda and whisk yourself away to a cosy hideaway for a few days spent relaxing by the roaring fire. If you fancy getting out and about, the walks and stargazing opportunities in the area are truly breathtaking.
River Garden Cottage
Nr Bakewell, Peak District | Sleeps 4
Best for: Wintry walks
You’ll find River Garden Cottage tucked away in a little hamlet nestled within the beautiful landscapes of the Peak District. You certainly won’t struggle to switch off like Amanda does - this wonderfully inviting escape promises peace, quiet, and relaxation. We particularly love the sitting room with its cosy sofas and wood-burner, perfect for recreating the magic of the cottage from The Holiday. Explore the breathtaking Peak District, ideal for a restorative walk through the countryside, stop off at a cosy pub for a mulled wine in one of the nearby villages, and spend blissful evenings curled up by the fire.
4 Church Square
Rye, Sussex | Sleeps 2
Best for: Exploring the cobbled streets of Rye
Bursting with character and style, 4 Church Square is a cosy retreat not too far from London. The property's period features and beautiful interiors are similar to that of The Holiday’s cute cottage - full of quintessential charm! Admire the winter magic of Rye and spend slow evenings cooking up a delicious feast in the kitchen, lighting the wood-burner, and getting lost in a good book…
We highly recommend Sussex for a winter holiday in the countryside; perfect for romantic weekends away, delighting in your peaceful surroundings, wandering around ancient woodlands, and soaking up the beauty of winter in the countryside with its sparkling frost and beautiful villages to explore.
Bokelly Cottage
Nr Port Isaac, Cornwall | Sleeps 6
Best for: A Cornish countryside getaway
We’re quite sure you’ll fall in love with the traditional charm of Bokelly Cottage, a postcard-perfect cottage set along a country lane in North Cornwall. With its exposed beams, slate floors, and feature fireplace, you’ll certainly feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of The Holiday! Soak up the views of the countryside, pop to the local farm shop to fill up on supplies, and unwind into cosy nights by the fire.
The Blue Hemmel
Nr Hexham, Northumberland | Sleeps 6
Best for: A secluded hideaway
Looking for somewhere to switch off and be away from it all this winter? We get it. Let us introduce you to The Blue Hemmel, a secluded place to stay nestled in the Northumberland countryside. Spend your days discovering some of the 800 acres surrounding you, followed by unforgettable nights stargazing from your dedicated stargazing platform and sinking into the roll top bath for a long, leisurely soak - just like the one from The Holiday, but with a bit more space!
The Barn By The Ford
Middle Barton, Cotswolds | Sleeps 2
Best for: Exploring picturesque villages
Exuding charm, this inviting hideaway, nestled in the rather lovely village of Middle Barton, is quite simply a wonderful place for your winter holiday. Spend a few days discovering the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, perhaps at their most beautiful during winter, and as dusk falls, return to The Barn By The Ford to sink into the sofa and relax with a good book.
Week Cottage
Exmoor National Park, Somerset | Sleeps 2
Best for: Country cottage magic
Full of story-book charm, Week Cottage, with its wooden beams and cosy fireplace, will transport you to Iris’ countryside cottage. Pull on your wellies and explore the beauty of Exmoor National Park, warm up at the local pub, Badgers Holt Inn, just half a mile away, and return home for a blissful evening cosying up by the wood-burner.
Kinsale
Cadgwith, Cornwall | Sleeps 6
Best for: Blustery coastal walks
Wander to the picturesque cove of Cadgwith to discover Kinsale, a very pretty cottage with exposed stone walls, an inglenook fireplace, and cute window seats. The main bedroom has a similar aesthetic to the cottage in the film, with a white bed frame and a dreamy bed to sink into at the end of the day. Pull on a coat, hat and gloves and watch the sun go down over the sea, before venturing to the nearby warm and welcoming pub, Cadgwith Cove Inn, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood.
Pooks Hill Cottage
Nr Dawlish, Devon | Sleeps 3
Best for: Romantic escapes
Nestled in the heart of a pretty Devon village, just as sweet as the English village featured in the Holiday, Pooks Hill Cottage is a gorgeous, chocolate-box hideaway with endless charm and character. Soak up the beauty of the village, before wandering to The Castle Inn, a traditional 19th century pub, for a glass of red by the roaring log fire.
Barton Manor Farmhouse
Nr East Cowes, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 8
Best for: A winter getaway with your favourite people
The gorgeous 150 year old farmhouse, Barton Manor, is a dreamy countryside getaway in line with a The Holiday theme - just on a slightly larger scale! Absolutely perfect for group gatherings, gather your friends and family together and explore the two hundred acres of woodland, unwind next to the glow of the original fireplaces, and enjoy decadent holiday feasts in the sociable dining space.
Take a look at our collection of cottages in the UK and find your perfect English cottage for a winter getaway.
