Winter is the perfect time for an escape to a cosy cottage with your loved one(s), where the crackling of a fire and the charm of the countryside set the perfect stage for a romantic retreat. You’re in luck if you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a quaint, charming home straight out of a classic rom-com film like The Holiday!
Although the iconic cottage from The Holiday was a studio set, it was inspired by a real home: Honeysuckle Cottage in Surrey. The UK is full of picturesque cottages that offer the same sense of warmth, seclusion, and magic. From cosy fireplaces to stunning countryside views, these seven cottages promise a magical holiday escape, just like in the movie.
1. Countryside Cidermarker’s Cottage, Tarrington
The Cidermarker Cottage is ideal for a Christmas getaway in the countryside, reminiscent of the charming cottage featured in The Holiday. Nestled in the picturesque Herefordshire countryside, this converted 18th-century cider maker’s cottage blends old-world character with modern comforts.
The interior exudes a cosy charm, featuring wooden floors crafted from old cider vats and a welcoming wood-burning fireplace. It provides the perfect setting to curl up on the sofa, enjoy a classic holiday movie, or immerse yourself in a good book.
Surrounded by a large garden, the cottage offers a tranquil spot to savour your morning coffee while breathing in the crisp winter air and taking in views of the scenic countryside. For a romantic evening, the BBQ fire pit in the garden is perfect for an intimate night under the stars. This charming countryside cottage truly makes for a magical Christmas getaway!
Book your stay here.
2. Moll Cottage, Island of Skye
If you seek a remote holiday retreat, Moll Cottage is the perfect getaway spot. Set on a private shoreline beneath the stunning Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye, this historic keeper’s cottage offers unparalleled seclusion and natural beauty that will take your breath away.
The cottage’s remote location offers peaceful solitude, with an outdoor fire pit providing a magical spot to enjoy the starry night. Inside, the Scot-Scandi interior blends modern luxury with rusty charm, creating an ideal haven for a romantic time away.
Despite its idyllic location, Moll Cottage is only a 25-minute drive from Portree and Broadford, offering convenience without sacrificing tranquillity. For a truly enchanting Christmas in Scotland, Moll Cottage is the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and embrace the beauty of the island with your loved one.
Book your stay here.
3. The Bothy Cottage, Dorset
Dating back to the 1700s, the Bothy Cottage makes a perfect romantic setting for a winter holiday retreat nestled in the countryside of Dorset. This beautifully restored stone cottage seamlessly combines historic charm with modern comforts, offering a warm and inviting space for two. Inside, you’ll find a wood-burning stove, perfect for snuggling up beside on chilly evenings, and a comfortable, cosy bed, also perfect for cuddling.
The surrounding area is equally enchanting, with the peaceful sights and sounds of rural life on your doorstep. Stroll through the nearby fields where horses graze and chickens roam. For more scenic exploration, the cottage is located on the edge of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering picturesque footpaths and bridleways perfect for a crisp winter walk.
Book your stay here.
4. Cosy Cottage at Wiltshire Village
Situated in the charming village of Lower South Wraxall, this enchanting Grade II listed cottage, built in the 1600s, is another perfect choice for a cottage retreat. The classic English interior decor will instantly have you feeling at home, and lets you kick back and relax by the wood-burning fire on chilly winter evenings.
Surrounded by a picturesque private garden, this cottage is ideal for quiet moments on frosty mornings––a cup of hot chocolate in hand is a must. The cottage’s prime location also gives easy access to the Cotswolds, the historic town of Bradford on Avon, and the nearby UNESCO city of Bath.
Book your stay here.
5. Damson Cottage, Cornwall
Imagine a cosy Christmas, soaking in a hot tub under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of North Cornwall’s countryside. Damson Cottage offers the perfect festive and romantic retreat with your loved one.
Inside, rustic elegance reigns, with timber-clad walls, a crackling wood-burning stove, and a plush king-size bed. Whether enjoying a long, soothing soak in the copper roll-top bath or unwinding beneath the rainfall shower, every detail speaks to comfort and luxury.
This luxurious, rustic hideaway is designed for pure indulgence. It includes a wood-fired hot tub, a private sauna, and the option to book a wellness therapist for massages and treatments.
Book your stay here.
6. Lancaster Cottage, Winster
Lancaster Cottage is everything you imagine a cosy village cottage to be––with its old-stone exterior, peaceful garden, wooden beams, thick stone walls, and a charming gritstone fireplace. Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, this 323-year-old Grade II listed gem makes a perfect cottage for a romantic Christmas retreat!
This timeless and spacious cottage is complete with a wooden fireplace and a romantic king-sized bed offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Outside, the tranquil garden is perfect for winter moments, complete with two seating areas, a fire pit, and cosy blankets to enjoy stargazing under the clear skies.
Book your stay here.
7. Quarryman’s Cottage, Pembrokeshire
While Quarryman’s Cottage may not resemble a traditional Christmas cottage, its unique timber design still evokes a cosy, inviting atmosphere perfect for a festive holiday retreat, much like the one in The Holiday.
Perched high above sea level with breathtaking views of Lyme Bay and Charmouth, this one-of-a-kind, newly renovated cottage blends rustic charm with modern luxury. The open-plan living area, with its vintage furnishings, reclaimed wood floors, and a wood-burning stove, creates a warm, intimate space to curl up before the fire on chilly winter nights.
If you want a peaceful Christmas escape by the sea, Quarryman’s Cottage is the perfect place. It offers a romantic and calm setting, ideal for a magical holiday getaway.
Book your stay here.
