6 Lovely UK Weekend Breaks To Book Now
BEST FOR: A Creative Couple
Cottage Orné, Pelynt Near Looe, Cornwall
The Lowdown: Hidden away in the Cornish country, the 17th-century hamlet of Tremaine Green has been restored and brought back to life by its new owners. Now known as Cottage Orné, there are 14 characterful cottages and a larger seven-bedrooom manor house to rent. What was once a cluster of working farm buildings is now a riot of colour, craft and personality – picture bold interiors, bespoke upholstery, and antiques sourced from markets and auctions. Outside, a wildflower meadow wraps around a swimming pool, a yoga deck, shepherd’s hut saunas and a bright creative studio.
The 14 escapes range from a charming Shepherd’s Hut for two, to one, two- and three-bedroom cottages sleeping up to six guests, some opening onto private gardens and outdoor Japanese wood-fired baths. Many of the cottages are steeped in history, with fascinating relics hidden in their walls and grounds – for instance, a 250-year-old forged key was discovered beneath the floorboards of Farmhouse Cottage and the former dairy and cheese room, now a bedroom in Ploughman’s Cottage, still bears ceiling hooks once used for hanging curds.
Perfect for larger gatherings, the spectacular Manor House sleeps up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms – it features two living rooms, two kitchens (ideal for private chef suppers), a vast dining room seating up to 18 people, a pool table and two outdoor hot tubs.
Coming soon is a pantry shop where you’ll be able to buy local produce and simple home-cooked meals, along with The Shack, a semi-outdoor kitchen for pop-up supper clubs.
Things To Do: For a spark of shared inspiration, tap into your creative side and try something new at The Workshop – from sketching and pottery to floristry, creative writing and more, sessions range from relaxed one-off classes to immersive multi-day experiences. Just steps away, you’ll find the handcrafted Shepherd’s Huts, home to saunas and bracing ice bucket showers, as well as a treatment room offering massages, facials and restorative therapies. Or head to The Studio for personal workouts, yoga and stretching.
If you fancy a change of scene, you can stroll along romantic windswept beaches and explore Polperro’s winding lanes, the turquoise waters of Lantic Bay and standout food spots in Looe and Fowey.
Rates start from £150 for a cottage. Visit CottageOrne.com
BEST FOR: Long Coastal Walks
The Maltings, Weybourne, Norfolk
The Lowdown: Located in the quiet coastal village of Weybourne on the north Norfolk coast, The Maltings (as its name suggests) was once used for malting barley for beer production. After a £5 million, three-year refurb, it opened a couple of years ago and the cluster of historic flint buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, now consists of 28 bedrooms ranging in size from cosy to spacious. Spread across the main house, stables and cottages, each is individually done up in calm, coastal hues with a rustic yet contemporary feel – think patchwork quilts, white-washed doors and panelling. The beds are comfy and the bathrooms have rainfall showers and roll-top baths with full-size products by Connock. The ground floor in the main building houses a games room, bar and a library with huge sofas, a fireplace and a wealth of books and records. Dogs are positively encouraged to accompany you in all areas – dog beds, treats, bowls, a towel and poo bags are provided.
At the heart of the hotel is The Grain Store, a dramatic double-height dining room with an open kitchen, where seasonal, locally sourced dishes take centre stage – think generous sharing plates and plenty of Norfolk seafood from oysters and whelks to crab and lobster. The atmosphere has a lively buzz that spills out onto the courtyard in warmer months. Breakfast is also served here – expect a vast choice of pastries, compotes, granola, fruit salad and yoghurt, followed by cooked dishes like a full English, eggs Benedict and kippers. The Cottage spa is tucked away by the side of the road in the old pump house and has a carefully curated range of relaxing, holistic treatments – the perfect antidote after a day out. Book well ahead.
Things To Do: In the village centre, you can’t miss the Saxon All Saints Church which still has its 10th-century tower and the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian priory. The dramatic coastline is, of course, the main draw here – part of the trail which covers 36km of coastline from Weybourne to Cart Gap has been designated the North Norfolk Deep History Coast and is home to the earliest evidence of humans in Britain, with footsteps left by the UK's first tourists nearly a million years ago. A little further inland, the National Trust Sheringham Park is lovely for a more leisurely walk – it’s one of the finest examples of a Humphry Repton landscape, featuring a main drive with sea views, rolling parkland and a temple. The wild gardens have a vast collection of colourful rhododendrons and camelias which are at their spectacular best in spring. Felbrigg Hall, also a National Trust property, is a bit of a hidden gem. This 17th-century estate has a delightful walled garden and a 380-acre forest of beech, oak, sweet chestnut, hawthorn and sycamore. Other places close by worth visiting include Blakeney (for birdwatching, crabbing, fishing and amazing boat trips to see the grey seals), Cley next the Sea (with its famous 18th-century windmill) and Holt (for some lovely shops). For lunch or a post beach sundowner, stop off at The Wiveton Bell which overlooks the village green in the tranquil hamlet of Wiveton.
Room rates start from £161, including breakfast. Visit TheMaltingsWeybourne.com
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BEST FOR: A Nature Escape
Penicuick Estate, Midlothian, Scotland
The Lowdown: Just ten miles south of Edinburgh, the historic Penicuik Estate is Scotland’s newest country retreat. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pentland Hills, Penicuik has been under the stewardship of the same family since 1654. It now features some beautifully restored self-catering houses, cottages and lodges dating back to the 18th century within its 1,000 acres, with more planned over the next few years. Dotted throughout the estate’s ancient woodlands and meadows, the three houses and two lodges range from the cosy one-bedroom Eskfield to the spacious four-bedroom Stable Park. Interiors blend classic elegance with playful contemporary details – expect scalloped fabrics and bold contrasting trims in a palette inspired by nature, curtains and cushions in floral and botanical prints, and vintage floor tiles. Each property includes a state-of-the-art kitchen (think top-of-the-range Quooker taps, Miele ovens and a wine fridge), a sitting room with a wood burner and luxurious en-suite bedrooms. Each has a private terrace with an outdoor wood burner, Big Green Egg BBQs (all ready to go, with daily cleaning) and secluded cedar hot tubs.
The estate team can organise hand-delivered meals, including organic breakfast hampers and locally sourced, chef-prepared meals showcasing the best of Scottish produce. For a truly special evening, get a private chef to deliver a bespoke restaurant experience to your cottage.
Things To Do: Beyond the cottages, there is a rich programme of nature and wellness-led experiences to enjoy, including cold-water swimming in the High Pond, scenic walking and cycling routes through ancient woodland, and guided hikes across the nearby Pentland Hills. Private yoga and Pilates sessions can also be arranged in the privacy of your cottage (or outdoors weather permitting), alongside spa treatments and massages. Other experiences include a guided tour of the estate, falconry, foraging where you’ll discover the estate’s seasonal edible plants and herbs, and gin and whisky tastings.
Away from the estate, Rosslyn Chapel is just a short drive away – founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, it is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landmarks, famous for its intricate stone carvings and myth-laden history. Also worth visiting is the Bavelaw Estate where both Mary Queen of Scots and James VI stayed and used as a royal hunting lodge – at the centre of the estate is a castle which dates back to the 15th century. And, of course, Edinburgh with its many attractions is 30 minutes away.
Rates start from £260 for a one-bedroom cottage and from £500 for Stable Park. Visit PenicuikEsate.com
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BEST FOR: A Romantic Farm Stay
The Crow’s Nest Cabins At Glebe House, Colyton, Devon
The Lowdown: Glebe House is a gorgeous Georgian house in the small east Devon town of Colyton. Owner Hugo Guest grew up on this 15-acre estate which includes a farm that, today, supplies most of the ingredients at the restaurant. Having met and married Olive, the couple spent some time in Italy and became inspired by agroturismi (working farms with accommodation and a small restaurant). After working as a chef in top London restaurants, in 2020, the family moved from London and set to work on turning Glebe into an English agroturismo with an emphasis on food and art experiences.
This year, the couple have added two new cedar-clad cabins to the property in what was once a family hideout nestled in the garden. The new space, called The Crow’s Nest, has been reimagined with Olive’s creative spirit throughout – from her handmade mosaic, carefully chosen works from local artists, reclaimed cheeseboards turned into kitchen shelving, Dorset quilts, ceramics and artworks. Each cabin has a super-king bed, wood burner and a private deck with a sunken outdoor bath for stargazing. Guests can order seasonal dishes from the Glebe kitchen and take time out in the new wood-fired sauna and cold plunge overlooking the Coly Valley. If the cabins are not for you, there are five lovely bedrooms in the main house.
The food is certainly one reason to book in here – freshly-made bread, hand-churned butter, sausages and amazing charcuterie are all made on the premises; vegetables come from the kitchen garden; and meat, fish and seafood are sourced from the area. Hugo is heavily influenced by his time spent in Italy and the dinner menu might include Salcombe crab roll; tortellini with wild garlic, ricotta and roasted chicken brodo; guinea fowl en croûte with garden greens, chestnut mushroom; and rhubarb trifle with pistachio and honeycomb.
Things To Do: If you can tear yourself away from Glebe House and the wonderful views over the rolling Coly Valley, only three miles down the road is the Jurassic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site with terracotta and cream-coloured cliffs that give way to remote beaches on a long untamed coastline. From here you can explore sections of the South West Coast Path or take a boat out and try mackerel fishing or snorkel low reefs and rock pools. Inland, roam through the ancient Shute Woods, home to one of the largest trees in the southwest, or head to Blackbury Camp, an Iron Age hill fort surrounded by woodland which is full of bluebells in springtime. On a rainy day, potter round the pretty seaside town of Lyme Regis, which is just 20 minutes away, and discover its excellent restaurants, galleries and shops. Wine enthusiasts should visit Castlewood Vineyard which produces some great whites and sparkling wines – during the summer months, you can book a tour and tasting for groups of six or more.
Cabin rates start from £325 and bedrooms in the main house from £159, including breakfast. Visit GlebeHouseDevon.co.uk
BEST FOR: Opera Lovers
The Star, Alfriston, East Sussex
The Lowdown: From mother-and-daughter team Olga and Alex Polizzi behind Hotel Endsleigh in Devon and Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall, The Star is set in a Grade II-listed building in the heart of the medieval village of Alfriston. The building was originally a religious hostel, built in 1345, to accommodate monks and pilgrims en route to Chichester Cathedral. It was glossily overhauled a few years ago with 29 contemporary bedrooms and bathrooms and, last year, saw the addition of the Forte Suite – personally designed by owner Olga Polizzi, it has a lovely bathroom, huge bed and separate living area, complete with a statement bookcase, help-yourself decanters of local gin and the comfiest deep sofa.
Downstairs, there’s a residents-only library full of novels, biographies and poetry, and a wall of wellington boots should you have forgotten to bring yours. The dining room is decorated with a striking black and white Elizabethan design on the floor and opens out into the courtyard where you’ll want to bag a table at lunchtime when the sun comes out. The food is simple and unfussy, prepared with seasonal local produce – expect starters like seared scallops or marinated heritage tomatoes and mains like pan seared duck breast and pan-fried salmon fillet. On cooler days, the two fireplaces in the bar make this a cosy spot for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap.
Things To Do: If you’re heading to Glyndebourne this summer, this is the perfect place to overnight as it’s an easy 15-minute taxi ride away. On the hotel’s doorstep, the village of Alfriston has charming lanes and houses as well as many lovely shops – we love Much Ado Books, which is considered one of the best bookshops in the county. Other must-visits close by include Charleston, the 17th-century little cottage and garden where Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant entertained the Bloomsbury Set in the 1930s and 40s; Monk’s House, the former home of Virginia Woolf in the pretty village of Rodmell; and Farleys House & Gallery, the fascinating former home of Lee Miller. If you fancy a 30-minute stroll across the fields, Berwick Church is stunning and has murals by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell; and Rathfinny, producer of one of our favourite English sparkling wines, is just a short walk away.
The hotel is an ideal base for more serious walkers too – you can set off across the South Downs Way inspired by the beautifully illustrated maps you’ll find in your room and armed with a picnic from the hotel’s kitchen. On warm sunny days, Birling Gap, with its acres of shingle and sand, is a marvellous beach, set at the base of the imposing sheer chalk cliffs and just a 15-minute drive from The Star – it is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastlines in East Sussex, has plenty of parking and a café run by the National Trust.
If you fancy something more structured, book the hotel’s Historic Houses three-day event from 5th-8th May which gives you access to a selection of historic and well known houses, guided by the team at The Star. This includes a tour of the gardens at Friston Place, the stunning Jacobean home of Olga Polizzi, after which there will be a drinks reception in The Great Hall.
Room rates start from £285, including breakfast. Visit ThePolizziCollection.com
BEST FOR: A Foodie Break
The Samling, Near Windermere, Lake District
The Lowdown: Perched high above the eastern shores of Lake Windermere, The Samling feels special from the moment you arrive. Set across acres of gardens, woodland and rolling meadows, the original house was built in the gothic style as a private home in the late 18th century. Today, it has just 12 rooms, making it feel intimate and more like a private retreat than a hotel. The bedrooms are all spacious and individually designed in calming, nature-inspired tones of soothing dove greys, blues and greens, with plush fabrics, comfy beds and stunning panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding fells. The Carrara marble bathrooms have walk-in showers and sunken bathtubs. In the public areas, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy the views, including a vast lounge, a snug and several terraces. For total relaxation, hidden in the woodlands a short walk from the main building, you’ll find the private hot tub tucked into the hillside – be sure to book your hour-long slot.
Food is a major draw here. The Michelin-starred restaurant looks out over the lake and, under head chef Robby Jenks, is one of the best in the area. Ingredients, where possible, are sourced from the hotel’s own gardens and woodland or locally sourced to create a seasonal tasting menu. Available from Tuesday to Saturday evenings, it showcases the kitchen at its best – expect the likes of langoustine with oscietra caviar and heritage carrots; monkfish with bergamot and fennel; and venison with celeriac and truffle. There’s also a vegetarian menu and a seriously impressive wine cellar.
Things To Do: The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring some of the area’s many attractions from fell walks and lake adventures to local history. For an easy stroll, take a hotel picnic with you and enjoy one of the walks through the woodlands in a two-mile loop over to Tarn Hows, one of the most beautiful locations in the Lakes, managed by the National Trust. Or head to Orrest Head, where a short climb rewards you with sweeping views across Lake Windermere. Garden lovers shouldn’t miss Holehird Gardens, a peaceful ten-acre hillside garden filled with colourful borders and alpine plants. Other places to visit include Blackwell, a beautiful arts and crafts house located a short drive away, showcasing some of the greatest artist and designers of the era. The World of Beatrix Potter in nearby Bowness offers a charming dive into the author’s stories. For something a little quieter, explore the atmospheric ruins of Ambleside Roman Fort, which date from the 2nd century and was built under Hadrian’s rule to guard the Roman road from Brougham to Ravenglass and to act as a supply base. In warmer weather, Brockhole on Windermere is ideal for boat hire, kayaking and leisurely lakeside walks.
Room rates start from £340, including breakfast. Visit TheSamlingHotel.co.uk
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