The Rise of the Workcation: Best UK Cottages for Remote Working

Who’s Driving the Workcation Trend—And Why?

Younger workers are leading the UK’s workcation wave. Gen Z and millennials are far more likely to take advantage of remote working to travel, thanks to greater flexibility and a strong desire for new experiences. Over a quarter of Gen Z had already worked remotely from another location by 2022, compared to just 8% of Gen X.

Why are people choosing workcations? Top reasons include avoiding annual leave, boosting mental health, and enjoying a more inspiring environment—like the coast or countryside. Cost savings also play a role, with many opting to travel off-peak to dodge high prices and crowds.

Workcations aren’t just good for morale—they’re productive too. In one UK survey, 86% of remote workers said workcations improved focus and creativity, and over 80% felt happier in their roles afterward.

With many employers now embracing “work from anywhere” policies, workcations are becoming a mainstream way to refresh without stepping away from the job. And with nearly half of workers admitting to checking emails while on holiday, the workcation trend reflects a growing shift: blending work and travel in a more intentional, balanced way.

Emerging Trends and Post-Pandemic Shifts

Since the pandemic, several notable trends have emerged around workcations:

• Blending work with personal growth

Workcations aren’t just about switching up your scenery—they’re becoming a way to invest in yourself. More and more remote workers are choosing destinations that align with hobbies or wellness goals. Think skiers spending winter on the slopes, or surfers logging off and diving into waves after hours. There’s even crossover with wellness travel, as people combine work with yoga retreats or mindfulness escapes. These experiences show how workcations are evolving into something more meaningful than just a desk with a view.

• Smart Travel at Home During the Cost-of-Living Crunch

With rising rents, energy bills, and day-to-day expenses, many Brits are rethinking how—and where—they live and work. Enter the domestic workation: a cost-savvy way to explore the UK without sacrificing your salary. Swapping a pricey city flat for a short-term stay in a more affordable countryside cottage or coastal town can ease financial pressure while offering a refreshing change of scene.Whether it’s saving on utilities, avoiding the daily commute, or simply stretching your budget further, UK-based workcations let you make the most of flexible working without the added cost of international travel. It’s a clever way to combine earning, exploring, and living well—all without leaving the country.

• Hybrid work is here to stay

With around 41% of UK workers enjoying some form of remote work, the workcation trend isn’t going anywhere. As flexible working becomes the norm, it’s easier than ever to pack your laptop and set up office wherever suits you—mountain cabin, seaside flat, or countryside cottage.

• It’s a win-win for employees and employers

Workers gain flexibility, fresh perspectives, and often feel more motivated, while employers enjoy happier, more productive teams. As long as performance stays high, many companies are perfectly fine with team members logging in from a different destination for a week or two.

Countryside Calm or Coastal Escape? The UK’s Top Workcation Spots

For remote workers craving peace and natural beauty, the UK’s countryside and coastal regions are top picks. Areas like Somerset, Devon, Norfolk, the Scottish Highlands, are frequently highlighted in travel reports as ideal domestic workcation destinations. They combine stunning scenery with a slower pace of life—and increasingly, reliable internet to support remote work.

In fact, a YouGov poll found that rural settings like lakes, mountains, and countryside were the most preferred workcation locations, chosen by 49% of respondents.

UK-based workcationers tend to split their time between two types of escapes: vibrant regional cities for an “urban office away from home,” and tranquil holiday spots for a more restorative experience.

What to Look for in a Workcation Cottage

Choosing the right cottage for a workcation can make all the difference between a productive getaway and a stressful one. Here are four key features to prioritise when booking your remote-working retreat:

🖥️ Reliable High-Speed Broadband

Fast, stable internet is non-negotiable for a successful workcation. Whether you're jumping on video calls, collaborating with colleagues, or downloading large files, a strong connection is essential. Look for properties that list upload/download speeds or confirm fibre broadband availability.

🪑 Dedicated Workspace

A comfortable and quiet place to work helps maintain focus. Ideally, this includes a proper desk and ergonomic chair, but even a quiet nook or table away from the main living space can do the trick. Bonus points if it comes with natural light and a great view!

🌄 Inspirational Environment

One of the joys of a workcation is the change of scenery. Seek out cottages with peaceful countryside surroundings, coastal views, or locations near charming villages. A picturesque setting adds a refreshing touch to your working day—and makes coffee breaks all the more enjoyable.

🚶 Easy Escape Routes

Balance is key. Look for cottages near walking trails, beaches, or green spaces so you can recharge during lunch breaks or after logging off. A quick walk in nature can help reset your mind and boost creativity for the rest of the day.

Key Tips for a Successful Workcation

To make the most of your workcation—where productivity meets relaxation—planning is key.

Here are some top tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

📅 Travel Midweek for Better Rates and Quieter Stays

Avoid the busy weekend rush by arriving on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Not only can this give you access to quieter, more peaceful accommodation, but many cottages offer lower midweek rates, helping you save while enjoying a more tranquil environment.

💼 Pack a Portable Tech Kit

Make your mobile setup just as efficient as your home office. Essentials include a laptop stand for posture, noise-cancelling headphones for focused calls, and spare chargers or dongles to avoid tech hiccups. A wireless mouse, keyboard, and portable power bank can also go a long way toward a stress-free setup.

⏰ Structure Your Days for Balance

The best workcations blend routine with flexibility. Block out focused work sessions in the morning, schedule breaks for walks or local exploring, and set clear boundaries for when you’re truly ‘out of office’. Whether it’s a sunset stroll or a book by the fire, downtime helps keep productivity (and happiness) high.

Workcations: A Lasting Shift in How the UK Works and Travels

Workcations are no longer a niche trend—they’ve become a defining feature of modern working life in the UK. Sparked by the rise of remote work during the pandemic and a renewed passion for travel, more professionals—especially younger ones—are embracing the freedom to work from new and inspiring locations.

Data shows strong and growing interest, with the number of people taking domestic workcations roughly doubling between 2022 and 2023. This shift isn’t fading; instead, it’s evolving into a permanent fixture.

In response, employers, travel brands, and even governments are adapting—introducing flexible policies, “work from anywhere” allowances, and tailored accommodation options that support blending business with leisure.

The main challenge for remote workers remains finding the right balance between productivity and relaxation. But when managed well, workcations have been shown to boost mental well-being, job satisfaction, and performance—making them a genuine win-win for both employees and employers in the evolving world of work.

So what are you waiting for? Find your perfect workcation base today at cottages.com and turn your next work week into something extraordinary.

Sources:

• Office for National Statistics (ONS) and UK government data on remote work and travel trends.

• Finder.com UK remote working survey (Jan 2023).

• YouGov “Workcations” poll of UK remote-capable adults (Feb 2023).

• SEO Travel – Hybrid Working & Workation Statistics (2022).

• Airbnb UK travel trends press release (June 2022).

• British Airways Holidays/YouGov annual leave survey (2022).

• Training Journal / GoCompare workcation report (2024).

• HR News / Finder analysis on Brits working abroad (2025).

• SME Today / YouGov survey on workcation rise (2023).

• Carl Friedrik “What is a Workation” (UK workcation stats and benefits).

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