Beat the January Blues with Great-Value Cottage Breaks

Thoughtfully designed for modern living while embracing the charm of a countryside retreat, this property effortlessly blends style and comfort. Its beautifully clad larch exterior gives way to an impressive open-plan interior, where polished concrete and warm plywood meet textured fabrics and soft, muted tones. A glowing wood burner and sumptuous sofa invite you to unwind after a day exploring the picturesque North Downs.

As evening falls, slip away to the serene master bedroom with its inviting kingsize bed, while children can enjoy their own tucked-away mezzanine twin room on the first floor. Wrapped in crisp white cotton linens, you’re sure to drift into a peaceful sleep. In the morning, wake to a breakfast of fresh eggs from your welcome pack, courtesy of the resident hens.

Nether Burrows Farm - Sunshine Cottage, Kirk Langley, Ashbourne

Sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms, 7 nights from £1889

This spacious detached barn has been stylishly converted to offer high-quality, modern holiday accommodation. The open-plan ground floor features underfloor heating, creating a warm and welcoming space for socialising. Each bedroom is perfect for couples, while the bathrooms offer a touch of luxury with two-person baths or generous showers and anti-mist mirrors. Outside, a lawned garden, south-facing patio and private hot tub provide the ideal setting for relaxation.

Perfectly placed for exploring the Peak District, Nether Burrows sits just 4 miles from Derby and close to highlights such as Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Carsington Water, where you can enjoy walking, cycling and water sports. Nearby villages offer great pubs, and popular spots including Dovedale, Markeaton Park, Ashbourne and Bakewell are all within easy reach.

Mouse Croft, Llanymynech, Wales/England border

Sleeps 4, 2 beds, 1 pet. 7 nights from £539

This luxury barn conversion, complete with its own private hot tub, is ideally positioned for exploring Shropshire, Mid Wales, North Wales and Cheshire. Nearby attractions include a range of National Trust properties, the medieval town of Shrewsbury on the River Severn, and the scenic Offa’s Dyke Path which runs close by. Llangollen, home to a steam railway, horse-drawn barges, white-water rafting and a motor museum, is just 20 minutes away. The market towns of Oswestry and Welshpool are within a 15-minute drive, while Chester and Shrewsbury are only 30 minutes by car, offering excellent shopping and dining options for guests to enjoy.

Hillview, Horsham, West Sussex

Sleeps 2, 1 bedroom. 7 nights from £981

Escape to this contemporary glass-front lodge, where privacy, comfort, and breathtaking natural surroundings come together. Designed with couples in mind, this secluded retreat is ideal for a romantic escape or a peaceful, slow-paced getaway. Wake up to panoramic views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, and enjoy the modern yet inviting open-plan interior, complete with stylish furnishings, a plush king-size bed, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Step out onto the expansive deck to sink into your private hot tub, perfect for relaxing under the night sky. For an added touch of indulgence, the outdoor Scandinavian-style sauna offers a serene space to unwind and recharge.

Dragonfly Cottage, Dunholme, near Lincoln

Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms, 1 pet. 7 nights from £1394

Just five miles from the centre of Lincoln, these luxury holiday homes sit along a peaceful no-through country lane, with the owners conveniently nearby. Each barn or cottage features its own private garden and a spacious swim spa, designed to seat all guests comfortably, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the historic city or surrounding countryside.

Nature lovers will appreciate the 50-acre reserve located further down the lane, offering beautiful walking trails and excellent bird-watching opportunities. On-site, guests can also enjoy a large, well-stocked coarse fishing lake complete with seating areas, providing an ideal setting to relax, soak up the tranquillity, and spend leisurely days by the water.

Deer View Cottage, Salhouse, near Norwich

Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms. 7 nights from £1250

This idyllic retreat is perfect for couples, friends, and families alike. whether you prefer unwinding in the hot tub or setting out to explore the Norfolk Broads and the county’s spectacular coastline. The two cottages are privately tucked within the grounds of Salhouse Hall, a beautiful Grade II Elizabethan manor surrounded by acres of meadowland where deer freely graze.

Just outside the Broadland village of Salhouse, the cottages are within easy reach of three welcoming pubs serving great food, as well as a local shop, café, garden centre, Salhouse’s own broad, and a train station on the Bittern Line with links to Norwich and Wroxham. Salhouse Broad itself is a haven of natural beauty, perfect for watching the boats drift by, enjoying a peaceful paddle, or settling down for a scenic picnic. Canoes and kayaks are available to hire by the hour or for a full day, offering a wonderful way to explore the surrounding waterways.

Herdwick View, Bassenwaite, Cumbria

Sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms. 7 nights £1422

Herdwick View is a luxurious four-bedroom Victorian home set within the tranquil northern reaches of the Lake District National Park, on the edge of the peaceful Herdwick Croft Caravan Park. Surrounded by generous private gardens, the property also features a summer house and a relaxing hot tub, perfect for outdoor gatherings or unwinding after a day of exploring.

Ideally positioned just a few miles from the ever-popular town of Keswick and the market town of Cockermouth, Herdwick View enjoys a picturesque setting rich in traditional Lakeland character, complete with drystone walls and rolling farmland. The shores of Bassenthwaite are only a short stroll away, with Derwentwater and Overwater also nearby, all watched over by the dramatic Northern Fells of Skiddaw and Blencathra.

From the doorstep, guests can step directly onto a network of scenic footpaths, thanks to the home’s proximity to the high fells of the northern Lakes. The renowned Whinlatter mountain bike trails are also within easy reach, making this an ideal base for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

Oak View, Aberhafesp, near Newtown

2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 pet. 7 nights from £867

Oak View is a contemporary, single-storey oak-beamed barn tucked beside a peaceful woodland, offering sweeping views across the mid-Wales countryside. Designed with open-plan living in mind, the space features high-quality furnishings, a well-equipped modern kitchen, and a private bathroom. A standout feature is the luxurious copper freestanding bathtub in the bedroom, perfectly positioned to take in the stunning, secluded landscape.

The spacious bedroom boasts a full wall of glass along the front elevation, allowing you to unwind in bed, or in the bath, while enjoying uninterrupted views. For added comfort and privacy, remote-control blinds are fitted throughout. In the living area, triple bi-fold doors, floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and a dual-opening stable-style front door create a seamless connection with the outdoors. Step outside to the private garden and patio, where a secluded hot tub awaits—an ideal spot to relax and soak in the scenery.

As the January blues settle in, there’s no better antidote than giving yourself something joyful to look forward to. A cosy UK cottage break offers the perfect escape, whether you crave crackling fires, coastal walks, or peaceful countryside views.

So why wait for brighter days to arrive? Make them happen. Book your cottage getaway now and start the year with a moment of calm, comfort, and adventure that’s all your own.