Ever since the summer of 2020, UK breaks have been having a moment – and we’re inclinced to lean into that even more this year. Because if there’s a way to have an incredible holiday while avoiding cancelled flights and the UK’s airport chaos we are here for it.
All you need to do is beat everyone else in the UK to the best places to stay. Didn’t reserve your dream coastal cottage, glamping tent or treehouse fast enough? No stress – there are actually still loads of amazing properties out there if you know where to look. Here are a few of our faves, which, at the time of writing, still have availability between now and the end of September.
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A collection of mega-stylish converted stables on a working farm. Make friends with the farm animals, enjoy long sunny lunches in the communal courtyard and explore Avebury’s ancient, sacred landscape.
Availability? Some in July and August. Loads in September.
Escape to the literal middle of nowhere in the Welsh wilderness. Boozy bonus: the stylish cottage, which sleeps four, is set amongst the vines on low-intervention Whinyard Rocks vineyard.
Availability? Midweek in June, lots of August and almost all of September.
There are authentic farm stays, and then there is this cabin. The little wooden home for two has been built on stilts above an ancient drovers’ track, so that the farmers can still herd their sheep underneath.
Availability? A few midweek stays in July, loads in August and September.
A luxe beach cabin in an incredible position. All the sea views are yours from Aurora, which sits high on the cliffs above Freathy Beach.
Availability? Weekdays in July, most of August and September.
This pair of brand new treehouses have mega views of the Devon countryside, alfreso bathtubs beneath the trees and everything you’d ever need for a relaxing, easy stay.
Availability? One of the treehouses are free most of July, August and September.
This tiny hut by the coast was built over 100 years ago to house the first telephone lines laid across the Atlantic Ocean. Now it’s a lush little cabin, complete with all modern comforts, to hideaway in for a night or three.
Availability? Two weeks in July, one in August and three in September.
Grab seven of your bestest pals for a dreamy trip to this Cornish retreat, deep in a valley near the Helford River. Inside, the house is all period charm and and peaceful tones, while outside you’ll find your very own babbling brook.
Availability? Rest of June, half of July and half of August.
Forget all about your overflowing inbox in this remote cabin with enviable views of the Welsh hills. There are great hiking routes nearby and a fire pit for chilling out next to at the end of the day.
Availability? Most of July, August and September.
There’s no wifi or TV here, just acres of peaceful countryside, and the odd visiting farm animal, to keep you entertained. If it’s not a summer holiday unless you visit the beach, Lyme Regis, Beer and Seaton are an easy enough drive away.
Availability? Some dates in July and loads in September.
A former dairy and cow barn, Gold Top is now an ace place to stay in the middle of the South Downs National Park (with nods to its past – there are milk churn bedside tables.) The Wisp and Hush Gilder glamping camp are also on the same site and have great availability.
Availability? Most of July and August.
So locking yourself in a cell might not be the first thing you think of when booking a weekend away, but what if that cell, which sleeps two in cosy bunks, was actually, really nicely done out and just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Margate seafront? Sounds appealing now, eh.
Availability? Most of July and August.
Incredible Cornish sea views and your own private access to Gorran Haven beach? Yes please. This fancy cottage used to part of a fort, but now its chunky stone walls contain plush bedrooms and cosy living space for four.
Availability? Some in July and lots in September.
Sat beside the sea on the edge of Romney Marsh, Cabu’s collection of scandi-cabins are clustered around a lush heated pool. You’ll find hot tubs, a sauna and a soft-serve ice cream stand too. Summer, sorted.
Availability? Good throughout summer.
A converted 1970s caravan, Van Goff is more than its puntastic name. This retro spot is decked out with a log burner and a fire pit for warm late-summer evenings, plus acres of quiet countryside to explore.
Availability? Good availability in July and September, some in August.
Near the coast and right in the middle of the Kent Downs, this treehouse has an actual leafy tree growing through the middle of it, like the treehouses of your childhood imagination. The vibe here is rustic – think chemical loos and no shower.
Availability? Lots in September.
A secluded hideaway on a 25-acre farm in the East Sussex countryside, Cabin X has a bathroom with an incredibly pleasing vista. In fact, it might just be the nicest bathroom in the country.
Availability? Some in July, lots in August and September.
This railway cottage, which sits right on the Ffestiniog Railway in Snowdonia National Park, has its own private platform, where you can alight from a steam train if you time your arrival right.
Availability? Some in September.
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