Explore the Heart of the UK Like Matt Baker with a Staycation to Remember

Tucked away in the idyllic Weald of Kent, this quaint cottage could have stepped straight from the pages of a fairytale and is a beautiful example of Britain’s rural charm. Dating back to the 18th century, the cottage offers a blend of classic English character and modern comfort, from its thatched roof and inglenook fireplace to its light-filled kitchen and pretty garden.

A launch pad for exploring the Garden of England, this cottage has historic market towns, vineyards, castles, and National Trust gems just a short drive away. Whether you're exploring local footpaths or relaxing in the garden with a glass of Kentish wine, its time to check in, slow down and savour the rhythms of rural life.

Blackberry Barn, Maidstone, Kent

Sleeps 4. 2 bedrooms. 1 dog welcome. 7 nights from £635

Nestled amid orchards in the heart of Kent, this barn conversion offers a luxurious rural retreat with panoramic views of the North Downs. A former apple store near to the bustling town of Maidstone, the property combines characterful architecture with high-end comfort, from hand-painted kitchen units to a romantic master bedroom with a chandelier.

Whether relaxing in the stylish garden with its secluded firepit or strolling to the nearby 17th-century pub in the village of Loose, guests are perfectly placed to explore Kent’s greenbelt beauty, vineyard tours, heritage attractions like Leeds Castle, and endless walking and cycling trails.

Unwind in Wales…

Sunnyside Cottage, Tremadog, near Porthmadog, Wales

Sleeps 2. 1 bedroom. 1 dog welcome. 7 nights from £343.

Set high above the village of Tremadog with sweeping views across the Eryri (Snowdonia) foothills, Sunnyside Cottage captures the quiet romance of rural Wales. This cosy one-bedroom retreat offers couples a peaceful base to explore the wild, dramatic beauty of North Wales - from its coastal coves and historic railways to mountain trails that stretch into the heart of the National Park.

After a day tracing old slate routes, castle ruins and woodland paths, return to the warm embrace of a woodburner and a charming garden patio overlooking the hills. With Porthmadog’s harbour, the iconic Ffestiniog Railway, and the whimsical village of Portmeirion just minutes away, this cottage is ideal for those drawn to landscapes steeped in heritage, character, and charm.

Sgwner View, Pwllheli, North Wales

Sleeps 8. 4 bedrooms. 7 nights from £805.

With far-reaching views across Cardigan Bay to the mountains of Snowdonia, this beautifully appointed, energy-efficient cottage is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to soak up the natural drama of North Wales. Light fills the open-plan living space, where patio doors open onto a slate-floored balcony offering a front-row seat to the ever-changing coastal skies.

With four spacious bedrooms, Welsh tapestry blankets and a cosy multi-fuel burner, the cottage blends modern comfort with rich local character.

From exploring hidden coves and Abererch Beach to wandering the boutiques of Pwllheli or venturing into Snowdonia, Sgwner View is the perfect base for a Welsh getaway.

Explore The Scottish Highlands…

The Barn, Lairg, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Sleeps 4. 2 bedrooms. 2 dogs welcome. 7 nights from £493.

Tucked away just outside the Highland village of Lairg, The Barn is a beautifully converted retreat with sweeping views across the rugged Sutherland landscape – an ideal base for discovering Scotland’s untamed north. The spacious, light-filled open-plan living area features a cosy woodburner and patio doors that open onto a private deck with great views. perfect for soaking in the surroundings with a drink in hand. Both bedrooms come with zip-and-link beds, offering flexibility for families or friends, and the enclosed garden is a haven for those travelling with dogs.

Whether it’s salmon spotting at the Falls of Shin, exploring ancient Pictish sites, walking the mountains of Assynt, or simply stargazing from the deck, The Barn offers a slice of remote Highland life ready to be explored.

Duthil, near Aviemore, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Sleeps 9. 5 bedrooms. 2 dogs welcome. 7 nights from £815.

Hidden in its own private 4-acre woodland near Carrbridge, The Glebe is the kind of Highland retreat that overflows with history and charm. Once a school and later a church building, this 18th-century stone house now serves as a unique and generously sized holiday home that is ideal for extended families or groups of friends seeking a secluded base to explore the Cairngorms.

Inside, the house is full of character, from huge stone fireplaces and cosy woodburner to antique-style furniture and views over pine forests alive with red squirrels, deer, and a chorus of birdlife. The layout is ideal for gathering: a farmhouse kitchen flows into a bright dining space, while upstairs a vast lounge makes a perfect evening hub.

Outside, kids (and adults) can roam the woodland, play in the garden, or duck into the garage for a game of darts or table tennis. And beyond your doorstep, there’s adventure in every direction - whether it’s spotting ospreys in Abernethy Forest, riding the Strathspey Steam Railway, sampling Speyside whisky, or hiking, skiing, and paddling through the Cairngorms.

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