Cottage

THIS holiday home brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘beach break,’ as the property actually backs onto the sea.

The coastal retreat actually sits on the shingle beach, so you can bathe in the sun during the summer, or cosy on up with a cup of tea in the winter months.

Sykes Cottages announced their ‘Gems Winners 2025‘ – which were judged by a panel of experts – including the Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski.

Categories like ‘Best Farm Stay’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ were included, but the cottage called Bucket and Spades picked up ‘Best for Beaches’ – and Sophie revealed why it stood out to her.

She said: “When judging the Sykes Gems Awards, this property instantly stood out to me. Why? It’s its proximity to the beach. With bi-fold doors that open directly onto a pebble shore, but with your own private garden area, holidaymakers can benefit from a day at the seaside without needing to leave the home for the day.

“That’s a huge perk in my eyes. It reminds me a little of a beachside property in the Maldives that I once stayed in – I’d wake up and immediately plod into the open sea.”

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The cottage literally sits on the beach at Pevensey Bay in pretty East Sussex and is set over three floors starting with the open plan lounge, kitchen diner, where you’ll find bifold doors that open onto the beach.

Outside, there’s a private beachside area with a table, parasol and stepping stones that lead out onto the wider beach.

There are two double bedrooms with ensuites and the king room which has a balcony where you can enjoy a morning coffee looking at the view.

Inside, the rooms have a coastal and calming feel filled with light tones of blue along with splashes of hot pink and orange.

The cottage sleeps up to six guests, and there’s off-road parking for three cars – to bring along a pet dog costs an extra £40.

According to Sykes Cottages, if you book now, staying on Friday, November 7, 2025, for seven nights, you’ll be set back £1446 – but split between six guests, it’s £163.71pp, or £27.28pppn.

It’s very popular too, one visitor wrote in a review: “If I owned this property I wouldn’t rent it out because I’d live there myself”.

They added: “The location is amazing, Pevensey Bay is a well kept secret. I don’t think I would ever get tired of staring out at the view.”

The cottage has a customer rating of 4.9 out of five stars and a top Sykes rating.

Pevensey Bay sits between Eastbourne and Hastings on the East Sussex coast and is an old fishing village.

It might look familiar to anyone who watched ITV‘s Flesh and Blood series in 2020 as it was used as a filming location along with the nearby town of Eastbourne.

The village is small but still has a local shop and places to eat like The Aqua Bar and Castle Inn.

When it comes to coastal adventures, guests can walk to reach Cooden Bay in one direction and Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour in the other.

Sovereign Harbour has The Waterfront’s bars, restaurants and cafés with views out to the marina.

Further inland is the village of Westham, which is home to the Castle Cottage Tearoom, and as the name suggests, it sits right next to Pevensey Castle.

Pick up a slice of homemade cake, or enjoy a traditional cream tea for £8.20, or opt for sandwiches or toasted paninis instead.

Other nearby spots include Beachy Head, which is where you’ll find Britain’s highest chalk cliff with incredible panoramic views out to sea.

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For more incredible holidays stays, check out this one on the UK’s new Riviera with white sand beaches, celebrities and hidden holiday homes only visible from the sea.

Plus, here’s the secluded English cottage where your garden is the beach and people say it ‘doesn’t even look real’.

IF you enjoy a night out in the pub then you’ll surely enjoy a night in at the pub too.

A cottage-style Airbnb is offering visitors the chance to pull their own pints with a fully-functioning private pub on the premises.

Avoid queues for the loos and overpriced pints with this popular getaway spot in the Irish countryside.

Nellie’s Farmhouse is located just outside of coastal town of Carlingford in County Louth, Ireland.

Conveniently just an hour’s drive from both Belfast and Dublin, visitors can easily access this remote location for a secluded session.

Private pub rental

Nestled at the foot of the stunning Slieve Foy mountain, the property boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

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The traditional farmhouse dates back to the 1800 century, and has been in the hospitality sector since the late 1980s.

This five-star accomodation sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms.

It features five beds, three bathrooms, and of course a private on-site pub complete with draught taps and a jukebox.

With prices varying depending on dates, the entire cottage is available to rent for a two-night minimum.

It averages around £960 for two nights, breaking down to just £60 per person each night.

Visitors can contact the host in advance of their stay to order half kegs to pull their own pints during their stay.

Local amenities

And guests can also enjoy a night out in Carlingford Medieval village, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Local activities include hill walking, with one of the Train trails just a minutes walk from the cottage, golf, fishing, sailing, and horse riding.

A Sky Park Adventure Center and Green Way are also located nearby.

And for the ultimate relaxing night-in, the cottage has a five-person hot tub and wood-burning stove.

Suitable for groups of adults, the property is advertised as not suitable for children under the age of 10 years.

The award-winning cottage has received rave reviews from visitors, with one commenting on the “perfect Guinness” they enjoyed at the private pub set-up.

Another guest described the property as “beautifully renovated [and] packed with quirky interesting antiques”.

Meanwhile, others said it was “one of the best places” they’ve ever stayed in.

One visitors encouraged people to visiting, saying “the photos don’t do it justice”.

“This wee cottage oozes of comfort, all mod cons but keeping the cottage feel,” wrote another guest.

“If you want to experience the ole country cottage feel, surrounded by mountains and silence and still be spoilt this is the place to be.”

One person called the cottage “a real hidden gem”, while another visitors said it was “the best little holiday spot”.

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IF you want some ultimate seclusion right on the ocean, there is a holiday cottage you can rent in the UK.

Hallane Mill is in the village of Charlestown in Cornwall, near St Austell Bay.

And with Cornwall often being overcrowded and busy during the summer, the quaint house is ideal for escaping the bustle.

Sleeping four across two bedrooms, the cottage is down a short driveway so don’t expect to see anyone else around.

But the main attraction is the beach right on the doorstep, with the small rocky patch all to yourself.

Guests have exclusive access to it for everything from wild swimming to paddle boarding

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It has an indoor dining area as well as a outdoor alfresco table area with hammock and barbecue overlooking the ocean as well.

Even if the weather turns, most of the rooms have views of the sea including one of the bedrooms and a cosy window seat in the back.

The cottage even has a log burner for when you visit in the colder months.

Previous visitors have raved about their stay with many saying they had already booked to stay again.

One said: “This place is where you have to pitch your self to see if it is real.

“Along with the amazing service amazing location amazing cottage and to top it all of the wildlife owls woodpecker seals hawk bats see you next year.”

Another said: “We have holidayed in Cornwall for many years but have never quite found the accommodation and location that has everything we could ever have dreamed of until now.

“Hallane Mill was everything we could ever want and more. The property was exquisite in every way our little slice of heaven.

Stays start from £987 for a week stay, working out to around £35 each a night.

If you want to explore the nearby area, there is also the nearby Eden Project.

The nearest pub is The Ship Inn, just over a mile away which has a beer garden overlooking the harbour.

Otherwise you can explore the village of Charlestown, which is known for being the filming location of Poldark.

And it is even being currently used to film the newest series of Death in Paradise.

The historic harbour village is even home to the world’s biggest private collection of shipwreck artefacts.

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Here’s another fairytale cottage you can book in the UK.

A private Scottish estate is looking to hire a couple on a long-term basis who will support the smooth running of the estate, which includes a seven-bed main property

A “special opportunity” for a couple to relocate to a private Scottish estate for work has come up. Included with the positions is a three-bedroom cottage.

An estate in rural Dumfriesshire is currently looking to hire two people on a long-term basis. The successful couple will support the smooth running of the “beautifully restored” estate in the south of Scotland.

The salary for the positions is listed as between £70,000 and £80,000 on the Greycoats Lumleys job listing. As well as the “private” three-bedroom cottage, the accommodation includes council tax and firewood.

One half of the couple will serve as the estate’s housekeeper, overseeing a seven-bed main residence plus several guest properties. The other partner will work as a handyperson, taking charge of the estate’s upkeep and maintenance.

Core duties for the housekeeper include cleaning, laundry, ironing, and wardrobe management, alongside maintaining household inventories and shopping responsibilities. They’ll also handle household supplies and coordinate with estate contractors, whilst caring for antiques, fine furnishings, and delicate finishes.

The housekeeper will also assist with entertaining guests and their arrivals, plus handle light cooking and meal preparation. Overall, they’ll be expected to establish and maintain a serene, well-organised, environmentally conscious, and efficiently managed household.

Meanwhile, the handyperson will handle general upkeep and care for all properties both indoors and outdoors. Duties will encompass pressure washing sandstone terraces and pathways, coordinating tradespeople and overseeing repairs and timetables, plus supporting security and the seamless daily running of the estate.

The handyperson will also need to provide driving and errand assistance, alongside inspecting all estate properties—including one situated a 15-minute drive away. Additionally, they’ll be expected to maintain a swimming pond and building.

Candidates applying for these roles should possess prior experience in comparable positions, plus hold a full UK driving licence and solid references. Further sought-after qualities include “a good understanding of privacy and discretion”, adaptability to work evenings and weekends, and contentment working in a rural countryside environment.

The job advert reads: “Greycoat Lumley’s client are seeking a kind, capable, and discreet Domestic Couple to support the smooth running of a beautifully restored Private Estate in rural Dumfriesshire. The previous housekeeper was in post for seven years prior to the building work.

“There is a seven bed principal property and further ancillary guest properties. Full details are available on application.

“This is a long-term opportunity for a professional Couple who bring warmth, initiative, and pride to their work and who value the rhythm of life in the countryside. You’ll be joining a supportive, established estate team, and caring for a home with beautiful interiors set in a stunning garden.

“Willingness to work flexible hours is essential as this is a second home and there are consequently periods of intense activity balanced by quieter spells.”

The Greycoat Lumleys website adds: “This is a special opportunity to join a thoughtful and well-supported household where your contribution will be genuinely appreciated. The right couple will enjoy the peace and beauty of the locality while helping to maintain a beloved family home.”

According to the job advert, the positions are set to begin in February 2026. For further information about the roles, visit the Greycoat Lumleys website.

From paddling in Lake Windermere to scenic cruises, our wholesome Lake District escape had something for the whole family to enjoy: kids, grandparents and even our dog

The goal was a five-day UK getaway that three generations of our family would enjoy, so we ditched our usual Cornwall hotspot and instead headed north to the Lakes.

We stayed in Ada’s Hideaway, booked via Sykes Cottages, a tucked‑away barn conversion hidden in the rural countryside of Stainton near Sizergh, just a few miles from Kendal in Cumbria. It’s part of a cluster of luxury cottages on a working farm, meaning gentle agricultural life just adds to its charm (expect to hear livestock or see farm vehicles). From the back garden we had rolling views across fields and could see horses in adjacent paddocks – a quiet, pretty glimpse of country life that felt like a real treat.

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Because it is off the beaten track, having a car is essential as there isn’t anything on the doorstep. We stocked up at the local supermarket (there’s a Lidl and Asda in Kendal) as we wanted to keep costs down by making our meals every night – plus with young kids, we find evenings in, where they can run around the house and play games, is the easiest option.

What to do around Lake Windermere

One day we headed out to Fell Foot, a National Trust site on the southern tip of Lake Windermere. It’s a dream for families – huge lawns for picnics, shallow lake waters for paddling and swimming, and the option to hire boats or give paddleboarding a go. Visiting in warmer weather, the children loved trying out the water activities and paddling with Charlie, our cockapoo. After a row around the lake and plenty of splashing about, we tucked into a picnic, but there’s also a lovely café on site.

Another day we parked near the Beatrix Potter museum in Bowness and strolled down to the pier, where you can hop on a cruise that’s not only child‑friendly but dogs can also travel for free. We took the 75-minute ‘red’ package that goes via Ambleside. Gliding across the lake watching the kids wave at passing boats while their nan enjoyed the views of the striking peaks made it the perfect activity for all generations.

On a previous trip to Windermere we booked onto a different boat trip from the Jetty Museum, which we highly recommend too as it has an excellent café and a large car park – but we had our furry friend with us on this visit, and they’re not allowed on these restored boats.

Why it works for families

The Lake District is famous for its scenery, but what struck us most was how easy it was to include everyone. From dog‑friendly attractions to gentle walks, boat trips and open green spaces, nothing ever felt stressful. We could plan big adventures or simply slow down with ice creams by the water.

Ada’s Hideaway was an excellent place to base ourselves, and evenings spent here were relaxed and low‑key – board games, family meals and a glass of wine once the kids were tucked up. If your ideal break is part-cosy cottage, part-lakeside fun and part-quiet countryside reset, this really delivered.

How much does it cost?

Stays at Ada’s Hideaway start at £602 for seven nights. Book via Sykes Cottages.

For other options for Lake District cottages, have a browse of Holidaycottages.co.uk or Rural Retreats.

IN one of the most beautiful places in the country is a holiday cottage owned by the Fletchers.

The family, headed up by Emmerdale star Kelvin and his wife Liz Fletcher, renovated the home on Fletchers’ Family Farm, and you can stay there yourself.

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Called Stag Cottage, the house is found in the village of Wincle – on the site of the Fletcher farm, and you can book it on Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Inside, the cottage has been renovated into a cosy rental that sleeps up to six, there’s a sitting room with a woodburning log fire with squishy sofa and chairs.

The kitchen has a central island and is fully-equipped with everything visitors need to make home-cooked meals.

Upstairs are three bedrooms all with king-size beds with plush bedding, and one has an en-suite.

For any musical guests, there’s even a grand piano to tinker on; there’s also a snug and conservatory.

Outside is a garden with lawn, patio area, decking, furniture and hot tub.

The cottage is getting lots of bookings and has been getting five star reviews from visitors.

One visitor wrote: “The cottage was cosy, peaceful, and full of charm—just what our family needed to unwind from city life. The hosts were truly fantastic – so welcoming and easy to chat with, like catching up with old friends.”

Another added: “The cottage is more than just somewhere to stay, it’s the most relaxing place ever. The decor makes it so relaxing we had to force ourselves to go out. Kelvin, Liz and family are a pleasure to meet.”

Sun Travel found a seven night stay in May 2026 for £1546 which works out as £220.86 per person.

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However it can be more expensive with a one night stay in November 2025 being £1015 which works out at £169.16 per person.

Wincle is found just outside of Sutton near Macclesfield, where visitors can easily explore the Peak District – one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

The Peak District is well-known for being one of the prettiest places in the UK with huge hills, moors, valleys, and chocolate box villages.

For anyone planning a visit to the Peak District, writer Jennifer Sizeland, who is also a local, reveals the spots where you should go to, rather than the busy tourist places.

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For views, Jennifer said: “Head to Hen Cloud in Leek, Staffordshire, where you can see the rock formations of The Roaches — including the pretty Lud’s Church chasm and Doxey Pool, where a strange mermaid is said to live.

“You can go there for sunrise or sunset, and park for free in the bays on Roach Road. Or visit Tittesworth Reservoir, £5.50 for two to four hours of parking, and walk from there.

“This lake is a wonderful place for spotting birds and wildlife and it has a play park for children.”

Other suggestions include Coombes Valley, Padley Gorge, and ditch Matlock Bath for the quirky village of Bonsall.

For fans of Emmerdale, read more from one Sun Writer who toured the TV set in the Dales.

And the hotel named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

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If you’re looking to book a UK self-catering getaway this year, we’ve found a charming holiday cottage in Anglesey, Wales, that has travellers coming back again and again

With staycations on the rise – especially when the weather’s as nice as it is at the moment – we’ve been searching out some of the best UK holiday rentals homes and cottages to inspire you’re next British break – and we think we’ve found a gem with this charming Anglesey escape.

This four-bedroom, eight-person Sykes Cottages holiday home in on the coast of Anglesey, Wales, stood out to us for its stunning sea views, outdoor hot tub and high quality decor, not to mention the perfect customer score of five out of five stars. Even better, there’s still availability in June through to August, including during the school summer holidays.

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The single-story Yr Hen Feudy house is available to book via Sykes Cottages’ website, and is located on the beautiful east coast of the Welsh Isle of Anglesey in the seaside village of Moelfre. Here you’ll find a picturesque port, a shingle beach and stunning views, perhaps even spotting seals or dolphins out at sea.

The house itself features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an outdoor hot tub and an electric vehicle charging port, making it the perfect base for groups of friends or family holidays.

What especially impressed us were the glowing reviews from previous visitors, many who clearly have booked this place year after year. “We returned to this stunning cottage and it was as lovely as in previous visits,” one five star review reads. “The cottage is spotlessly clean and is finished to a very high standard. The views are fantastic. Good food at the local pub too. The owners are wonderful. We will be back again.”

“The views were amazing and the house was so clean and comfortable, definitely a home from home!” another person wrote. “We loved our stay, and we look forward to going again!”

A third person called it “such a gem“, writing: “This was our second visit to this property” and added, “Great location with amazing views from the comfort of the sofa. Facilities are just as you would expect. The house is kept in immaculate condition too. Can’t wait for our next visit.”

In fact, the only negative comment listed appears to be about some confusion about the number of guests staying – however the commentor does say that “the place is beautiful and well-maintained, and we had a very pleasant stay.”

At the time of writing, Yr Hen Feudy cottage still had availability on dates including 2-5 June, 25-28 July and 4-8 August, however is these dates don’t work for you or get booked up, there are plenty of other lovely Anglesey options on Sykes Cottages, including Chapel House, Swyn Llyr and Sea La Vie.

Alternatively have a look at some of Holiday Cottages’ stunning Welsh lets, such as Paws Retreat, Tyddyn Y Fron Cwtch and Butterfly Lodge.

And if, like Coleen Rooney and her family, you enjoy a caravan holiday, Parkdean has resorts across the UK, including Carmarthen, Lincolnshire and Northumberland.