Following research revealing that over a third (35%) of Brits are more likely to consider a UK break because of squeezed family finances, Sykes Holiday Cottages has rounded up 12 week-long staycations under £500 for 2023.
From a converted barn on the edge of Somerset’s AONB, to a cottage in a medieval market town in Shropshire, there’s something for every traveller looking to get away next year without breaking the bank.
January
Swiss Cottage – Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £311 in January
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/County-Cavan-Mohill/Swiss-Cottage-1002665.html
Nestled amongst 10 acres of Irish woodland in Mohill, County Leitrim, is Swiss Cottage.
Built in the 1800s, this quirky property looks as though it has arrived straight from a fairy tale. Guests can warm up by the living room stove after a day exploring the surrounding lakes and rivers, before heading upstairs to indulge in a bubble bath in the freestanding bathtub.
Those with a passion for the outdoors can head to nearby Derrycame Wood for a tranquil stroll along Lough Boderg Lake or enjoy a day out at Rynn Castle to explore its pretty manicured gardens.
February
Water Street – Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Wales
Sleeps: Five
Price: Seven nights from £491 in February
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Mid-Wales-Cardigan-Bay-Aberaeron/Water-Street-965098.html
Water Street is an end-terrace cottage within the heart of Aberaeron on the Ceredigion coast.
Equipped with a modern kitchen, the chef of the group can whip up a feast to be served at the dining room table, with a woodburning stove nearby to keep everyone warm and toasty.
The beach and harbour are just a short walk away, along with Aberaeron’s shops, pubs and restaurants for some fine dining and finding the perfect souvenir.
March
36 High Street – Downton, Wiltshire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £499 in March
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/DorsetSomerset-Downton/36-High-Street-1064611.html
36 High Street can be found in the village of Downton, between the New Forest and Cranborne Chase’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Grade II cottage is both rustic and charming, featuring exposed beams, an inglenook fireplace and a woodburning stove.
Guests can take a leisurely stroll along the nearby Langley Wood National Nature Reserve or sample afternoon tea at the tearooms in Breamore House, an Elizabethan era manor house.
April
Lynhays – Launceston, Cornwall
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £426 in April
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cornwall-Bathpool/Lynhays-1011203.html
At the foothills of Bodmin Moor on the banks of the River Lynher is Lynhays.
Home to a large garden and patio area, holidaymakers can listen to the early morning birdsong with a cup of coffee or dine al fresco. In the evenings, families can choose a board game to play by the woodburning stove or in the conservatory, which offers views of the local wildlife.
The perfect base to explore Cornwall’s coastline or tackle the walking routes on Bodmin Moor, the property is also close to the town of Launceston, which has a selection of pubs and restaurants.
May
Pheasant Cottage – Rigsby, Lincolnshire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £440 in May
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Lincolnshire-Rigsby/Pheasant-Cottage-952405.html
Pheasant Cottage is nestled in the village of Rigsby in Lincolnshire.
The property has its own private lawned garden, where guests can have breakfast on a sunny day before heading out to explore the local area. In the evenings, visitors can relax by the electric fire to watch their favourite shows with a glass of wine in hand.
The cottage has panoramic views of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is next to a working farm. Equipped with outdoor bike storage, cyclists can also discover the local routes.
June
Broom Cottage – East Rudham, Norfolk
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £489 in June
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Norfolk-Great-Bircham/Broom-Cottage-31019.html
Broom Cottage is tucked away on the edge of East Rudham, Norfolk.
The cottage has retained many of its character features, including beamed ceilings, a wood burner and Suffolk latch doors, and holidaymakers are invited to bring their pooches to play in the enclosed, gravel garden.
A local village shop is within walking distance for necessities, while the town of Fakenham is a few minutes’ drive away, with a selection of shops, eateries and pubs on offer.
July
Old End Cottage – Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £433 in July
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Peak-District-Peak-District-Derbyshire-Dales-Ashbourne/Old-End-Cottage-980957.html
Old End Cottage is a Georgian cottage in Ashbourne, a conservation area in the Derbyshire Dales.
Couples can relax in the king size bedroom, which has a balcony for enjoying the sunrise with a cup of coffee or dining al fresco in the garden.
Ashbourne is a quirky Georgian town, where antique lovers and foodies often flock to the shops, cafes, and restaurants. Dovedale, a renowned beauty spot in the Peak District National Park, as well as the Derbyshire Dales, and the Tissington Trail are also all within easy reach.
August
Moor Skies – Oxenhope, West Yorkshire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £345 in August
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Yorkshire-Dales-South-Oxenhope/Moor-Skies-991171.html
Moor Skies is a shepherd’s hut surrounded by the rolling hills of Yorkshire near the village of Oxenhope.
This romantic bolthole is located on the owner’s grounds, and guests can enjoy a meal on the patio next to the chimenea before visiting the horses on the nearby paddock.
There are plenty of footpaths in the area for a romantic stroll, including walks around the reservoirs and the Bronte Falls. Bronte Way, a local walking trail, will take guests to Bronte Bridge and out onto the moors to find Top Withens, an old farmhouse which is said to have been the inspiration for the Earnshaw’s family home in Wuthering Heights.
September
Queens Cottage – Much Wenlock, Shropshire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £422 in September
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-North-Wales-Snowdonia-Much-Wenlock/Queens-Cottage-1011053.html
Queens Cottage rests on the fringe of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the medieval market town of Much Wenlock.
Filled with antique furnishings and character features, including a woodburner, holidaymakers can cosy up in front of a film while enjoying an autumnal break.
For a bite to eat, pubs and restaurants are just a stone’s throw away, and the nearby town of Wenlock Edge has plenty of woodland walks and cycle routes for those looking to stretch their legs.
October
The Milking Parlour – Wells, Somerset
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £468 in October
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/DorsetSomerset-Yarley/The-Milking-Parlour-967223.html
The Milking Parlour can be found in Wells, Somerset, near Wookey, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The property is situated across one floor and has retained its original charm, with features including wooden beams, Glastonbury roof tiles, and stone drinking troughs which have been transformed into planters.
A games room can be found in the neighbouring barn, which has been converted to house table tennis and table football, and the surrounding countryside is home to a plethora of wildlife.
November
The Tractor Shed – Weston-under-Redcastle, Shropshire
Sleeps: Four
Pricing: Seven nights stay from £451 in November
This stunning barn conversion is situated in the grounds of Maynard’s Farm, home to the renowned Maynard’s Bacon available at the on-site shop.
Large windows offer views of the surrounding fields which can be enjoyed from the mezzanine area with a morning cup of coffee. A contemporary kitchen and bathroom with a slipper bath round off this luxurious accommodation.
Try the farm’s butchery or visit the nearby medieval town of Shrewsbury to browse the quirky shops and roman art gallery.
December
Harbour Cottage – Torquay, Devon
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £389 in December
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Devon-London-Bridge/Harbour-Cottage-1072593.html
Harbour Cottage is a two-bedroom single-storey cottage located in Torquay, Devon.
Within the open-plan living space is an electric fire, dining area, and integrated kitchen appliances, making it ideal for cooking, dining, and unwinding after a busy day exploring the area.
Torquay is known for its picturesque beaches, harbour, and charming streets, which guests can discover on a stroll around the town centre. Attractions include the Babbacombe Model Village and Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, and the town is also home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
