This very attractive, semi-detached, stone-built holiday cottage is situated in the picture-postcard village of Ysbyty Ifan, nestled in the Snowdonia National Park. Ysbyty Ifan is set within the National Trusts Ysbyty Estate with very diverse landscapes and habitats, part of which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The River Conwy runs through this beautiful, picturesque village which is a haven for wildlife enthusiast and photographers, and ideal for cyclists, walkers and ramblers with walking routes from the door. There is also a children’s play area in the village to keep the children occupied. Keen walkers will enjoy the 6-mile circular route on the Ysbyty Estate to Cwm Eidda walk. In the village, is St John’s Church and is of significant historical importance as it was the birthplace of what we now know as the St John’s Ambulance, and the village was the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln’s great-grandmother.
With stunning, countryside views, Castiel Cottage dates back to c.mid 19th century and retains its original beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplace, with a welcoming wood burner for those cooler evenings and a pretty patio garden where you can relax with a glass of wine on those balmy, sunny days. With comfort in mind, snuggle-up on the leather sofa whilst watching a film or simply be engrossed in one of the choice of books.
The popular village of Betws-y-Coed, the ’Gateway to the Snowdonia National Park’ is just 6 miles with shops, cafés, restaurants, waterfalls, pretty river pools and is a haven for mountain bikers with specialist outlets. The Victorian resort of Llandudno and Conwy, as well as the splendour of the Snowdonia National Park are all easily accessible by car. The beautiful Italiantate village of Portmeirion is well worth visiting or take a trip on the the Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway, which are both within a 30-minute drive from the cottage. Other places to visit include the popular Riverside Chocolate House at Pentrefoelas and Conwy Falls. There is fun for all the family at the exciting Zip World Fforest, whilst water sports are catered for at Llyn Brenig. If you fancy a spot of surfing at any time of year, look no further than Surf Snowdonia, the world’s first artificial surfing lagoon, located in Dolgarrog in the Conwy Valley. Beach 25 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

The name, the Plucking Barn originates from the days of old when the barn was used to prepare ducks and chickens. Today there is no trace of that, but instead you will be greeted by friendly owners who have created a modern and very comfortable holiday cottage, in an ‘upside down’ style to take advantage of the gorgeous views. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms, one a double and the other a twin. They both have access to the lovely shower room with walk-in shower. There is thermostatically controlled radiators upstairs, and underfloor heating on the ground floor. Upstairs, the living area is open plan with a spacious modern and well equipped kitchen and dining space which leads to the living area where there are two comfy leather sofas and chair. You can sit here and take full advantage of the amazing countryside views or step out through the patio doors onto the balcony and enjoy sitting at the table with a coffee or a glass of something chilled and breathe in the fresh Welsh air. There’s also an outside seating area right by the barn with barbecue, table and chairs and a great enclosed paddock for exercising dogs right opposite.
The location of the Plucking Barn makes it an ideal base for day trips around west and mid Wales. There are over 60 miles of glorious coastline in Cardigan Bay. There are lots of beaches and coves and many are dog friendly all year round if you are bringing your pet on holiday with you. The pretty coastal resort of New Quay and the colourful Georgian harbour town Aberaeron can be easily reached within 30 minutes’ drive. You’re very likely to see dolphins in the bay and there are boat trips available to watch them and the other wildlife. The Victorian seaside and university town of Aberystwyth is also within easy reach and here you’ll find a traditional pier, promenade and the old electric cliff railway to the summit of Constitution Hill where you can enjoy a really panoramic view of the bay.
If outdoor activities are your thing, there are plenty of options for walkers and cyclists of all abilities as well as horse riding, canoeing and more. Families can enjoy a day out at the National Trust Dolaucothi Gold Mines at Pumsaint, the Silver Mountain Experience (silver-lead mines) at Ponterwyd or the red kite feeding centre at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian. Or why not take a trip on a traditional steam train from Abersytwyth to the falls at Devil’s Bridge? There’s far more to see and do here in this diverse and culturally rich part of Wales than can be written in a few lines, so why not book a break or a longer stay at the Plucking Barn – you won’t be disappointed. Beach 13 miles. Shop 3½ miles. Pub and restaurant 5 miles.

This bungalow has a large surrounding garden area set back from the road. It has superb views of Ingleborough and is centrally situated for the Three Peaks Walk. Comfortably furnished, it has the benefit of an open fire in the living room, making it suitable for year-round holidays. An excellent location for touring, the Dales, Lake District, Morecambe Bay and the small market town of Ingleton with waterfalls and caves are all within an easy drive. Shop 3½ miles, pub 1½ miles.

This contemporary twist on a traditional, terraced, seaside property boasts stunning views of the sea and the northern Lake District Fells. It is situated in the quiet village of Allonby on the north west coast of Cumbria, once a hive of activity with smugglers operating along the Solway Estuary between Cumbria and Scotland. The narrow cobbled lanes and interesting architecture of this historic village offer a glimpse to its maritime past. By contrast, this modern and beautifully decorated holiday home is the complete polar opposite. Its combination of glass, oak, clean lines and modern furnishings give you the element of opulence you would expect from a 21st-century home from home.

Seascape Cottage comfortably sleeps up to four adults in two good sized bedrooms, each featuring a large TV. The master kingsize bedroom is on the first floor while the second floor houses a twin room with two large Velux windows, perfect for looking out to sea right along the western Cumbrian coastline and across the mountains of the nearby Lake District National Park. The property has been very well furnished with guest experience and comfort at the forefront of the renovation. It features a modern kitchen and bathroom with good quality appliances including a dishwasher, and a washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility room. Thanks to its south-facing aspect, the property boasts plenty of natural daylight and sun on the front of the property for most of the day. There is a small sitting-out area with garden furniture in which to enjoy the sunshine. But of course, the best bit is turn right out of the front gate and within 100 yards you’ll be on Allonby Beach. A long stretch of sandy beach to explore, enjoy the fresh air and exercise your four-legged friends. After all it’s their holiday too!

Located between Maryport and Silloth, this area has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its long sandy beaches offering great views over the Solway Estuary to the mountains of Southern Scotland, gives an added dimension to this Cumbrian hotspot.Within a few hundred yards you have a tearoom, a great pub serving food and real ale, a famous ice-cream shop and a kid’s playing field with climbing frames and football goals. For those seeking some more rugged outdoor adventure, you’re only a 10-mile drive to the Lake District National Park. The nearest lake, Bassenthwaite, is just 16 miles and home to the famous Lakes Distillery with guided tours and tastings, and The Lake District Wildlife Park with over 100 species of exotic animals, makes it a fun-filled day out for all ages. Beach 100 yards. Shop 350 yards, pub and restaurant 175 yards.

With breath-taking views across the Northumberland National Park, Havannah Cottage is an idyllic rural retreat. Tastefully furnished and equipped to a good standard, this property is beautifully presented throughout. There is a cosy wood burner in the living room making this cottage a relaxing choice regardless of the season. Havannah Cottage is a single-storey property and enjoys a tranquil, rural position surrounded by stunning countryside.
Alnham is a welcoming hamlet situated only 6 miles from the village of Whittingham, and 2 miles from Netherton. Only 9 miles away is the picture perfect village of Rothbury, found nestled at the foot of the Simonside Hills, sitting on the banks of the trout and salmon rich River Coquet. The Upper Coquet Valley is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists. It offers many facilities including tea rooms, pubs, shops and a riverside 18-hole golf course.
The National Trust property at Cragside is an interesting visitor attraction. The historic market town of Alnwick, where its dramatic castle is the ancestral home to the Duke of Northumberland (and film location for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Academy) is 14 miles east. The Alnwick Garden is also well worth a visit. The Heritage Coastline, recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is less than 20 miles east making Havannah Cottage an excellent base for exploring the many delights across north Northumberland, and also giving easy access to the Scottish Borders. Beach 20 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 9 miles.

Within easy access of the Northumberland coast, Etive Cottage is a charming, detached, single-storey holiday cottage with an enclosed garden area especially designed for pets. “Give your dogs the holiday they deserve” is the owner’s motto, and up to four well-behaved dogs are more than welcome at Etive. Set behind electric gates and with secure off-street parking, this property is located by the A1 which will take you northwards to the historic town of Berwick and beyond or southwards to historic Alnwick and its pretty neighbouring villages. Whilst the border-town of Berwick is known as ‘the last town in England’, Alnwick is famous for its ancient castles, gardens and cobbled streets. This part of the country draws visitors from around the world to savour its natural landscape and enjoy some of the many local outdoor activities available in the area. Historic locations also feature prominently as both Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne’s Holy Island are close by. Nature lovers will want to head out for the Farne Islands (accessible by seasonal boat-trip from the village of Seahouses) to see the colourful puffin colonies. Beach 9½ miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Nestled beside the owners’ cottage in a tranquil, wildlife friendly garden setting, this charming single-storey, semi-detached cottage is a cosy, relaxing retreat. Preswylfa is in an ideal location for exploring the many sandy beaches and coastal paths of the beautiful island of Anglesey, the nearest beach being just a mile away. It lies in the village of Llanddona, with the village inn (dog friendly and serving gluten-free food) a short walk away. Many family attractions, market towns, historic castles and National Trust properties are within easy reach, making this holiday cottage perfect for everyone. Beautiful views across to the Snowdonia mountains can be enjoyed from the conservatory. The island is perfect for nature lovers with superb walking and bird watching opportunities right from the doorstep. A wide range of independent shops, cafés and restaurants are available in the local town of Beaumaris. Fishing and golf is available nearby. For a car free day out, the bus stop is just 55 yards away. Beach 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 3 miles, pub ½ mile.

A modern chapel conversion nestling between the northern edge of Bodmin Moor and the beautiful beaches of North Cornwall with the renowned villages of Port Isaac and Boscastle within easy reach. Open-plan, pet-friendly, wood burner, countryside views.

Fabulous beachside location. Cottage sleeps 4. Off-road parking. Beach access in 30 seconds. 2 golf courses nearby. Castle Douglas 19 miles.

Traditional cottage at foot of dramatic Malvern Hills. Close to amenities of Malvern, lovely walks and cycle routes from the doorstep. Walking distance to local pub. Malvern 4 miles.