Best Rural Staycation Spots Near London
Travel Guides

Best Rural Staycation Spots Near London

31st May 2021

Staycations are more popular than ever. Rather than hopping on a plane, more people are now exploring the UK, seeking out its richest cultural spots, most awe-inspiring countryside, and most marvellous beaches. And for those of you living in or around London, you should look no further than these fab locations.

Best Rural Staycation Spots Near London
View towards Box Hill by Andy Scott

The Surrey Hills

The Surrey Hills are home to some of the UK’s most scenic and accessible countryside with walking routes that can be explored on foot, on a bike, and on horseback.

A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are footpaths, byways and bridleways galore - all of which twist and turn their way through a marvellous array of varied landscapes. You can explore rolling chalk downs, ancient box woodland, and idyllic grasslands covered in pretty flowers. Add to this the open commons, sunken lanes, and delightful picnic sites, and you’ve got an outdoor lover’s dream.

Where should you go?

The area is home to some of the UK’s most famous beauty spots, including the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Leith Hill, and Box Hill. However, there are some lesser known areas that are equally inspiring such as Frensham Ponds, the Inglis Memorial, and Newlands Corner - which we feel offers one of the best views of the Surrey Hills.

Where should you stay?

Some of our favourite Coolstays hidden among the Surrey Hills.

Dovedale Manor and The Coach House

Dovedale Manor and The Coach House

Tissington

Sleeps 47

A pair of stunning historic cottages in the Peak District, refurbished throughout that can be booked separately or together for large groups.

The Water Mill

The Water Mill

Ashbourne

Sleeps 16

Stunningly converted watermill in Bradbourne with outdoor space, modern amenities and room for sixteen guests.

The Carriage House

The Carriage House

Ashford in the Water

Sleeps 6

Charming and stylish Peak District home in a marvellous estate with fantastic access to the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Waterside Barn

Waterside Barn

Ashbourne

Sleeps 10

Beautiful, five star, Grade II listed barn conversion near the Peak District National Park, perfect for group trips or families.

Swallow Cottage

Swallow Cottage

Bakewell

Sleeps 8

Escape to a gorgeous stone-built, Grade-II listed cottage - the perfect boutique retreat for a break with family or friends in the heart of the Peak District.

Best Rural Staycation Spots Near London

South Downs National Park

It was Virginia Wolf who said of the Downs - “Too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness, if only they would look.” And we second that!

Quaint villages, rolling hills, and wind-swept, dramatic coastlines, ensure that the South Downs National Park offers a welcome reminder of just how varied and striking the UK’s countryside can be.

Avid ramblers and dedicated country-pub-dwellers will enjoy the walking routes that take you from one twee hamlet pub to the next. This means you can explore this scenic part of the UK whilst enjoying locally brewed ales, and delicious food.

Where should you go?

Visitors must explore the South Downs Way, which was the first bridleway National Trail in England. This 160km walking trail is beautiful, diverse, and almost entirely off-road!

Head to Devil’s Dyke and witness the view that painter John Constable considered “the grandest in the world”. And make sure you take a trip to see the world famous rippling chalky cliffs of the Seven Sisters in all their glory.

Where should you stay?

Silhouette's Stable

Silhouette's Stable

Chichester

Sleeps 4

Stunning converted stable with hot tub in the beautiful South Downs National Park.

Stillwaters at Avington Estate

Stillwaters at Avington Estate

Avington

Sleeps 14

Relax by tranquil waters in an ultra-modern, luxury group escape in Hampshire, in the rolling hills of the South Downs.

The Grain Store Lewes

The Grain Store Lewes

Lewes

Sleeps 8

Ultra-contemporary converted granary in the heart of the Sussex Downs, replete with modern luxuries and three double bedrooms

Tree House Retreats

Tree House Retreats

Midhurst

Sleeps 4

Stunning treehouses with romantic outdoor baths, nestled among the canopies in acres of ancient woodland in the heart of West Sussex.

The Observatory

The Observatory

Houghton

Sleeps 2

Cosy retreat for two offering incredible views of the River Arun Valley and the South Downs National Park.

Best Rural Staycation Spots Near London

Chiltern Hills

An undiscovered Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Chiltern Hills is home to some quintessentially British countryside that has been shaped by industry and agriculture over the years.

With historic market towns, hidden villages, cracking pubs, and miles of ancient farmland, this part of Britain really is a true rural gem just waiting to be explored!

Where should you go?

First up, you must visit Coombe Hill. This is the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns, meaning you can take in breathtaking views of your surroundings from 260 metres above sea level. We’d also encourage you to go for a wander along the Chess Valley, which follows the scenic River Chess as it cuts its way through the countryside.

Other fab spots include Wendover Woods, Marlow Common, and Hartslock Nature Reserve.

Where should you stay?

The Chilterns View

The Chilterns View

Ewelme

2 per lodge

A collection of six secluded and charming timber lodges in Oxfordshire, with individual hot tubs and sweeping vistas of the hills.

Hazel Tree Cabin at Chiltern Yurt Retreat

Hazel Tree Cabin at Chiltern Yurt Retreat

Wendover

Sleeps 2

Cosy and quaint cabin in the Chiltern Hills with an outdoor bathtub, hammock, firepit, hot tub and sauna.

Badgers Bower Cabin at Chiltern Yurt Retreat

Badgers Bower Cabin at Chiltern Yurt Retreat

Wendover

2

A beautiful cabin with a free-standing bathtub, firepit, hot tub and sauna - tucked in a peaceful slice of the Chiltern Hills.

Dolls House

Dolls House

Henley-On-Thames

Sleeps 10

Beautiful townhouse with outdoor dining courtyard conveniently situated in the very heart of Henley-On-Thames, a short walk from the waterfront.

River Cabin

River Cabin

Henley-On-Thames

Sleeps 2

This modern cabin is a wonderful romantic retreat in Henley-On-Thames, with a riverside hot tub and its own private River Thames mooring.

Best Rural Staycation Spots Near London

The Kent Downs

Yet another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Kent Downs has some of the most outstanding viewpoints in the South of England. Easily accessed via train, this area is filled with walking routes that meander their way through quaint villages, crooked woodlands and vast open fields.

Lovers of inspiring views will be spoiled for choice as the Kent Downs is home to sprawling scenes that stretch as far as the eye can see!

Where should you go?

Often described as Kent’s top beauty spot, the Devil’s Kneading Trough is a bowl-shaped valley that sits at the heart of the Downs and makes an ideal location for a picnic with a view.

For yet another awe-inspiring view, visit Lympne. This iconic viewpoint allows you to marvel at the East Kent coastline as it curves away, whilst taking in the Romney Marsh and beyond. You might even spot France on a clear day!

Other fab places to explore include Queendown Warren, which is a real orchid lovers’ dream; Hucking Estate, which is home to a pretty bluebell wood; and the small, picturesque village of Chevening.

Where should you stay?

Hunsett Mill

Hunsett Mill

Stalham

Sleeps 9

Jaw-dropping and award winning holiday home incorporating a former mill keeper's cottage that recently featured on Grand Designs: House of the Year.

Shangri-La

Shangri-La

Waxham

Sleeps 6

Architect designed simplicity offers a modern twist on a traditional Norfolk beach house, just behind the dunes at Waxham beach.

The Lakes at Wild with Nature

The Lakes at Wild with Nature

Attleborough

Huts & Yurts for 2 - 22 people

Glamping in luxury yurts and shepherd’s hut on the shores of stunning lakes in the Norfolk countryside, perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Tin Lodge

Tin Lodge

Dilham

Sleeps 10

Stunning barn conversion with a hot tub, cinema screen and table football surrounded by the beautiful Norfolk Broads.

Old School House

Old School House

Beighton

Sleeps 8

Gorgeous converted school house in a Norfolk village with grand social areas, modern décor, dark-framed windows and high vaulted ceilings.

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