There are many things to love about a UK staycation; our varied landscapes invite wild and magical adventures in the fresh air, our foodie scene is a medley of traditional fare and modern innovation, and our history is broad and utterly fascinating. It’s a true magnet for historians, whether your interests lie in rugged castles, ancient standing stones, or museums brimming with curious artefacts.
Oh yes, the UK is positively overflowing with whimsical reminders of days gone by, and our time-kissed places to stay are no different. Within our collection of beautiful properties, we have many captivating cottages that are as marvellously enduring as the grand landmarks on their doorsteps, inviting you to truly immerse yourself in the UK’s rich heritage.
From cosy cottages with a picturesque past to grand houses whose every stone oozes elegance and culture, explore our time-approved cottages for a winsome historic stay in the UK.
St Peter’s House
Gloucester, Gloucestershire | Sleeps 4
Best for: Cathedral views
Set within the grounds of Gloucester Cathedral (you can actually see the spires from the staircase window), St Peter’s House promises a winsome stay surrounded by history. The cottage itself dates back to at least the 13th century, with a beautiful blend of past and present woven throughout, from the refurbished kitchen to the gorgeous living and dining room adorned with vintage favourites. In one of the bedrooms, the original windows add a charming touch of character to the room.
Outside, a sun-trap courtyard is the perfect spot to pause with a coffee and a good book. When exploration calls, take the wonderfully short stroll to the cathedral, where centuries of architecture await. Vaulted ceilings, ancient crypts, and incredible stone etchings and carvings… A walk through the film-famous cathedral is the best way to step back in time. We also recommend the nearby museum at The Tailor of Gloucester for some Beatrix Potter goodness. St Peter’s House and Hooper’s House (sleeps 6) are close by to one another, so you can have a memorable stay with friends and family, while still enjoying space to yourselves.
Lamellen House
Port Isaac, Cornwall | Sleeps 14
Best for: Grand multigenerational holidays
Steeped in timeless appeal, Lamellen House in Cornwall certainly has the wow factor, whether you love heated indoor swimming pools, tennis courts, or sprawling gardens full of colour. This amazing house also beckons to all who love the romance of bygone eras - especially if you’re a fan of Bridgerton or Downton Abbey. The Lamellen estate actually dates back as far as 1086, when a house on the site, then called Landmanual, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. This rich heritage can be seen throughout, with many pieces of furniture, art, and accents from days gone by crafting a vibrant place to spend a historic stay with family.
Sleeping 14, Lamellen House has more than enough space for the whole family, with a games room with a snooker table, two sitting rooms, a fabulous dining room, and a large kitchen complete with an Aga and an additional range cooker. In the warmer months, step outside to enjoy the beautiful grounds and tuck into suppers on the terrace, made all the more delicious by the barbecue and pizza oven.
The Laundry
Polegate, Sussex | Sleeps 4
Best for: Foodies
The Laundry’s fascinating history isn’t what you might expect… It’s so much better (and tastier). This charming cottage gets its name from its former function as the laundry and storeroom of The Hungry Monk restaurant (as it was then known). Why is this of historic significance, you ask? Well, The Hungry Monk happens to be the birthplace of Banoffee Pie! That’s right, grab your spoon and a cup of tea; this cosy cottage is the place to indulge in one of Britain’s beloved dishes.
The Laundry is full of colour and retro decorations, making it a wonderful place from which to explore Sussex (and its many excellent pubs and restaurants serving hearty portions of Banoffee Pie). Head out for a magical walk across the South Downs or a day by the sea with a backdrop of the iconic Seven Sisters, before tucking into a plate of toffee, bananas, and a mountain of whipped cream.
Barton Manor Farmhouse
East Cowes, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 8
Best for: Royal explorations
If you’re looking for a dose of history with your next UK holiday, Barton Manor Farmhouse is full to the brim, and even boasts ties to Queen Victoria! Throughout the beautifully converted farmhouse, sleek interiors marry with thoughtful touches, crafting a space you simply won’t want to leave. Play a round of table tennis, read a book in the dappled sunlight, or gather in the spacious living room for shared moments aplenty.
The cottage itself sits within the lovely Barton Estate, which happens to neighbour Queen Victoria’s beloved holiday home, Osborne House. A place of regal style and picture-perfect grounds, this historic house makes for an excellent day out when staying on the Isle of Wight. Tour opulent rooms, expertly kept gardens, and even stroll along the Queen’s very own beach where her children learned to swim using the intriguing bathing machine that can still be seen by the shore today.
North Wing
Marazion, Cornwall | Sleeps 4
Best for: Spectacular sea views
Perched atop Cornwall’s magical coastline, with views across Mount’s Bay and St Michael’s Mount, North Wing is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss. The first-floor apartment is a part of the wider Acton Castle, an iconic Cornish landmark built in 1775 and listed with Historic England.
Alongside its grand granite exterior, Acton Castle also boasts a catalogue of remarkable chapters. The famous smuggler John Carter once worked as a caretaker here, and there are even rumours that he used a secret tunnel that led to nearby Stackhouse Cove. While you might have to take the South West Coast Path down to the pretty cove, the stories certainly add to the drama of this clifftop haven. Continue your explorations with a visit to St Michael’s Mount, where whispers of pirates, giants, and even archangels linger across this coastal castle.
New Mill
Bovey Tracey, Devon | Sleeps 5
Best for: Fascinating original features
If you’re looking for an utterly unique historic stay in the UK, then New Mill might just be the place for you. A Grade II listed watermill that has been lovingly converted into the cosiest of cottages, you’ll find a whole host of intriguing original features here. From the characterful waterwheel outside to the many impressive cogs that greet you in the entryway, New Mill’s heritage is written into every corner. Our favourite part? The oh-so-curious hatch that has been carefully preserved in the living and kitchen area; it’s a fun glimpse into the past - and downstairs!
Situated in Dartmoor National Park, New Mill is perfectly placed for soaking up Devon’s rich treasure trove of tales, as well as its own. Enjoy days spent exploring Dartmoor’s pretty towns and villages and hiking across the moors, which are steeped in myth and legend. When the day draws to a close, pick up some local goodies in a farm shop and head back to your beloved watermill for a toasty evening by the fire. All the while, imagine what life was like when the mill was filled with the grinding of cogs filling the air...
Admiral’s Den
Penzance, Cornwall | Sleeps 4
Best for: A blend of coast and country
A captivating wing of the esteemed Nancealverne House in West Cornwall, Admiral’s Den enjoys a rather commanding location. Not only is Nancealverne a Grade II listed Georgian house with 25 acres of beautiful grounds, but it sits on the fringes of Penzance, a maritime town with a rich and varied history. Think smugglers, pirates, and invasions. The area is also prominent in the art world, with the Newlyn School of Art capturing the heart and soul of life by the sea in 19th-century Cornwall. We heartily recommend a visit to Penlee House to browse some of the exceptional works of art.
Admiral’s Den retains much of the character of its Georgian heritage, with vintage furnishings and a sense of elegance weaving through the apartment. Ideal for romantic retreats with the dog in tow (the gardens promise lots of wonderful sniffs) or family-friendly escapes by the sea, this gorgeous bolthole is the perfect place to explore West Cornwall.
Dreaming of a memorable stay with the family somewhere special? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages across the UK and start planning your next historic stay.
