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Coolcation destinations - places to chill next summer

Published 21st August 2026

Coolcations are a thing. No sweltering in 38°C afternoon heat, no hiding from the sun.

Instead it's cool forest walks, lake swims and lunchtime BBQs.

People are already booking getaways to cooler climates like Scotland and Scandinavia. And if next summer is anything like this one, we'll be joining them.

We've picked out some of the best coolcation properties in the UK and worldwide to book ahead for 2027. Cabins beside fresh Scottish lochs, cottages on Northern Ireland's beautiful coast and stunning Scandi stays surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains.

The Lake District

Deep lakes, cool valleys and shady trails make the Lake District one of the best places for a refreshing UK getaway. And if it all gets too hot we're thinking a dip in a lake, followed by a cold lemonade at a waterside pub. See all our stays in the Lake District.
The Boathouse at Knotts End

The Boathouse at Knotts End

Penrith - Cumbria

Sleeps 2
Perched on the water, this lake district bolthole offers plenty of romantic charm and views that go on forever - perfect for just the two of you
Dollywagon

Dollywagon

Keswick - Cumbria

Sleeps 2
Find tranquility at Dollywaggon studio apartment - a quaint, converted milking parlour in the breathtaking Lake District countryside.
Richmond House

Richmond House

Bowness on Windermere - Cumbria

Sleeps 4
Stylish contemporary home with designer interior, stunning outdoor dining patio and stunning mountain views in the Lake District.
Wetherlam View

Wetherlam View

Nr Ambleside - Cumbria

6+2
Spacious chalet-style retreat in Little Langdale with show-stopping views across the Coniston Fells.

Northumberland

Northumberland is made for escaping the summer heat, with huge sandy beaches and wild countryside. Walk the coast, swim in the North Sea and explore ancient castles, then warm up by the fire when the evening turns cool. See all our places to stay in Northumberland.
The Hare's Form

The Hare's Form

Ponteland - Northumberland

Sleeps 2
Stunning dog-friendly cabin in Northumberland countryside with hot tub near Ponteland and Newcastle.
Tiptoe Retreat

Tiptoe Retreat

Cornhill on Tweed - Northumberland

2 per cabin
Two charming cabins tucked away in a peaceful corner of Northumberland countryside with jacuzzis, a sauna and dark night skies.
Huts in the Hills

Huts in the Hills

Alnwick - Northumberland

Huts sleeping up to 5
A choice of five beautifully built artisan shepherd's huts in the Northumberland hills, each with their own outdoor bathtub.
Warksburn Old Church

Warksburn Old Church

Hexham - Northumberland

Sleeps 6
A breathtaking, award-winning Passivhaus church conversion in rural Northumberland, where soaring 10-metre ceilings meet cutting-edge luxury.

Scottish Highlands

A cabin on the shores of a cool loch, an airy lodge in the mountains - that's the dream for next summer. See all our Scottish Highlands hideaways.
Croft 103

Croft 103

Durness - Sutherland

Two per croft
Two contemporary eco-hideouts in a wild Scottish landscape, hidden away from the outside world for the ultimate romance…
The Cabin

The Cabin

Durness - Sutherland

Sleeps 4
Quaint rustic cabin on the Northwest coast of Scotland, surrounded by rugged hills and gorgeous beaches.
Darach

Darach

Pitlochry - Perthshire

Sleeps 4
Charming and homely stay amidst stunning greenery on the edge of a picturesque loch, with beautiful decor and a private lochside beach.
The Cairngorm Cottage

The Cairngorm Cottage

Dulnain Bridge - Grantown-On-Spey

Sleeps 8
Luxurious cottage with a hot tub and stunning views in the Cairngorms National Park, perfect for a family escape to the Highlands.
Corylus

Corylus

Ullapool - Ross-Shire

Sleeps 6
Beautiful architect-designed apartments above Ullapool with sweeping loch views and stylish contemporary interiors.
Stucktaymore

Stucktaymore

Loch Tay - Perthshire

Sleeps 29
Stately lochside retreat on Loch Tay with a private beach, hot tub, cinema and enchanting grounds in Highland Perthshire.

Scottish Lowlands & Borders

Escape the summer heat in Scotland's rolling Lowlands and Borders - think misty mornings, country walks through river valleys and an evening chill in the air. Take a look at all our central Scottish getaways.
The Sheiling

The Sheiling

Abernyte - Perthshire

Sleeps 2
Striking contemporary cabin set high on a hill with stunning views of rural Perthshire, perfect for couples looking for a quiet escape.
The Dairy at Banchory Farm

The Dairy at Banchory Farm

Kirkcaldy - Fife

Sleeps 2
Romantic Fife retreat with an opulent outdoor bathtub on a peaceful rural farm with a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxuries.
Tiny Home Borders Two

Tiny Home Borders Two

Hawick - Roxburghshire

Sleeps 2
Beautiful Scottish Borders cabin for two on a private lochan with a wood-fired hot tub, spacious deck and stunning, tranquil surroundings.
Fairygreen Cabin

Fairygreen Cabin

Collace - Perthshire

Sleeps 2
Beautiful cabin on a peaceful Perthshire farm offering a romantic retreat with incredible views and an outdoor bathtub.
Reiver’s Hideaway at Eildon Melrose

Reiver’s Hideaway at Eildon Melrose

Melrose - Scottish Borders

Sleeps 4
Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders and overlooking the majestic Eildon Hills is Reiver’s Hideaway at Eildon Melrose.
Drumtennant Cottage

Drumtennant Cottage

Dunkeld - Scotland

Sleeps 7
Charming Perthshire cottage with loch views and enclosed garden, perfect for family escapes in Big Tree Country.
Talli House

Talli House

Dunlop - Kilmarnock

Sleeps 4
Peaceful adults-only retreat near Glasgow with Japandi interiors, a wood burner and sweeping countryside views.
West Muircambus Farmhouse

West Muircambus Farmhouse

Colinsburgh - Fife

Sleeps 10
Elegant coastal farmhouse in Fife overlooking Largo Bay with stunning interiors, sea views and refined luxury throughout.
The Old Millhouse

The Old Millhouse

Dalkeith - Midlothian

12 + 3 children
An historic, country house with exclusive, five-star luxuries; set in a peaceful sanctuary just a few miles from Edinburgh…

Scotland's West Coast & Islands

Scotland’s West Coast and Islands are perfect for a cool summer escape, with white-sand beaches, turquoise seas and spectacular mountain scenery. Spend long days hiking, island hopping and braving a sea swim, then settle in as the sun finally dips. See all our West Coast stays.
Kabn

Kabn

Cairndow - Argyll & Bute

Cabins sleeping 2
Two multi award winning architect designed cabins for two with loch views, wood-burning stoves and private beaches in West Scotland
Cairn Lodges

Cairn Lodges

Arisaig - Mallaig

Lodges sleeping 2, 4 or 6
Four stunning modern luxury wood cabins with hot tubs, log burners, underfloor heating and breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands
Douglas Fir Cabin

Douglas Fir Cabin

Dunoon - Argyll

Sleeps 2
Beautiful woodland cabin on the Cowal Peninsula offering a peaceful Highland escape surrounded by forests and scenic walking trails.
Cuillrigh

Cuillrigh

Portree - Isle of Skye

Sleeps 4
Modern, stylish holiday home on the Isle of Skye, offering spectacular views of the dramatic Highland landscape and great access to the vibrant town of Portree.
Crispie Lodge

Crispie Lodge

Tighnabruaich - Argyll

Sleeps 8
Secluded Cottage for eight with hot tub, powerboat, and stunning views across Loch Fyne

Northern Ireland

A gorgeous coolcation destination - Northern Ireland's sensible temperatures and beautiful landscape make it ideal for a refreshing summer escape. See all our properties in Northern Ireland.
Dreamers Drey - Mourne Mountains

Dreamers Drey - Mourne Mountains

Newcastle - County Down

Sleeps 2
With famous guests including Hugh Jackman, this luxurious forest resort overlooking Northern Ireland's highest mountain could be your new happy place.
Lough Neagh Mirror Houses

Lough Neagh Mirror Houses

Crumlin - Co Antrim

2 per cabin
Two beautiful and modern cabins nestled on the tranquil shores of Lough Neagh, with private hot tubs and a shared sauna.
Stay on the Bay

Stay on the Bay

Kircubbin - Northern Ireland

Sleeps 4
A tranquil escape to rural Northern Ireland, this unique property sits on the edge of the Strangford Lough and boasts stunning views across the bay.
Saltrock House

Saltrock House

Portrush - Londonderry

Sleeps 14
Beautiful and exquisite home overlooking the harbour in Portrush with hot tub, sauna and incredible interior design throughout.

The Alps

Fresh mountain air, flower-filled meadows and turquoise lakes made for a cooling dip - the Alps are the perfect hideaway when the rest of Europe is too hot. See all our places to stay in the mountains.
Naturhof Eibl

Naturhof Eibl

Grossarl - Salzburg

Sleeps 10
Idyllic mountain retreat with natural swimming pond, sauna and breathtaking views in Austria’s Grossarl Valley.
Alvaneu Hideaway

Alvaneu Hideaway

Alvaneu - Switzerland

Sleeps 6
This cattle shed conversion boasts over 150 years of history and offers striking views of Switzerland's Alpine Albula Pass.
Chalet F'Net

Chalet F'Net

Saint Gervais-les-Bains - French Alps

Sleeps 6
A romantic Alpine hideaway in private woodland above Saint-Gervais with breathtaking mountain views, boutique interiors and hiking from the door.

Northern Spain

You probably don't associate Spain with coolcations - but those in the know head to the cooler climes of the Atlantic northern coast. Ocean breezes, green mountains and wild beaches make it the perfect place if you prefer lower temps but still want a bit of sunshine.
Archelon

Archelon

Ruiloba - Cantabria

Sleeps 6
Historic Cantabrian stone house near Comillas with a private garden, sweeping views and quiet luxury.
La Gargantiella

La Gargantiella

Cangas De Onis - Asturias

2-4 per apartment
Restored farmhouse near Cangas de Onís, offering three stylish apartments, a heated pool and direct access to the best of Asturias
Calma Nordica

Calma Nordica

Ortigueira - A Coruña

Sleeps 7
Stunning Nordic inspired barn with luxurious interior, multi level gardens and terraces with BBQ and views of the A Capelada mountains in Galicia.

Sweden

For a proper, bucket-list coolcation you can't beat Sweden. Check out these forest cabins and mountain hideaways for maximum chill. See all our places to stay in Sweden
Hop Farm Beach

Hop Farm Beach

Soderhamn - Gävleborg

Sleeps 4
Tranquil digital detox cabin in the forests of Söderhamn, Sweden - a minimalist hideaway for rest, reflection and reconnection.
The Bergaliv Loft House

The Bergaliv Loft House

Vallsta - Sweden

Sleeps 2
Minimalist treehouse retreat - Discover peace and tranquillity in the Swedish treetops
A-Frame Hermitage

A-Frame Hermitage

Kopmannebro - Västra Götaland

Sleeps 2
Enjoy a romantic eco-friendly retreat in this charming A-Frame cabin tucked away in a beautiful Swedish forest.

Norway

Think fresh mountain air, cool blue fjords and long days made for exploring. And with summer temperatures typically much gentler than southern Europe, Norway is ideal for a coolcation. See all our properties in Norway.
Vega Island Hideaway

Vega Island Hideaway

Vega Island - Norway

Sleeps 7
This fisherman's cabin hugs jagged rocks on Norway's Vega Island, offering guests a truly breathtaking and serene stay.
Cloud 9

Cloud 9

Borkenes - Norway

Sleeps 2
Beautiful glass-fronted cabin with a jacuzzi in Northern Norway offering heart-stopping Arctic views and a chance to spot the Aurora Borealis.
Manshausen Sea Cabins

Manshausen Sea Cabins

Nordskot - Steigen

Sleeps 4
Off the coast of Northern Norway is a modern adventure and exploration resort - your sea cabin awaits!

Iceland

Iceland is just made for coolcations, with long summer days, wild landscapes and thundering waterfalls. And if you need warming up, there’s always a steaming geothermal pool to sink into. See all Coolstays in Iceland.
Harmony Retreat Lodge

Harmony Retreat Lodge

Hvolsvollur - Rangárþing eystra

Sleeps 2
Idyllic and tranquil lodge close to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland with incredible views, a hot tub and a private sauna.
Barn House

Barn House

Stokkseyri - Iceland

Sleeps 4
A stylish and stunning modern barn house with a geothermal wooden hot tub, terrace and ocean views, 45 mins from Reykjavik

Canada

Canada is perfect for a coolcation, with vast forests, spectacular mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Spend long summer days hiking and wildlife spotting, then cosy up around a campfire as the evening cools. See all our stays in Canada.
Tsuga Beach Inn

Tsuga Beach Inn

Sechelt - British Columbia

2 per suite
Relaxed waterfront retreat on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast with ocean-view suites, sauna and secluded beach cove.
Fogo Island Inn

Fogo Island Inn

Joe Batt's Arm - Newfoundland

2-4 per room
A spectacular and beautifully designed hotel offering unbeatable views of an extraordinary landscape. Stay in luxury, whilst being part of the Fogo Island community.