(main image - Vicarage House / Vicarage House & Pool House)

Now the clocks have changed and we’ve actually seen that big ol’ orange thing back in the sky, we are finally getting to enjoy the outdoors again. Hooray!!

At Staycation Holidays, we think there’s nowhere better to relax on holiday than when surrounded by beautiful private countryside, flourishing borders or a well-kept lawn. If this is important to you too when booking your holiday cottage, why not check out these 12 fabulous holiday cottages with beautiful gardens or grounds.

Bonython Cottages, West Cornwall

The magnificent Bonython Estate Gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for our exquisite holiday cottages on the Lizard Peninsula. Each cottage has its own private garden with barbecue and guests can take advantage of the unique location and enjoy one of the 'Great Gardens of Cornwall' whenever they please. The 20 acres of enchanting grounds and gardens include an 18th century Walled Garden, traditional Potager Garden, an orchard, fabulous parkland, three peaceful lakes and a stream cascading through a magical wooded valley - a land of discoveries for little ones.
Find out more: Bonython holiday cottages (sleeps 2 - 10), Bonython Estate, Lizard Peninsula.

Kingham Cottages, Cotswolds

Kingham Cottages are a must-stay for garden lovers or those just after a bit of peace and tranquillity. Together sleeping up to 26, our five holiday homes can be booked individually or together for celebrations. Sharpen your game on the all-weather tennis court or take a stroll in the five acres of beautiful gardens. They’re a real treasure, with topiary and sculptures to wonder at and two ponds for watching birds and fishes. A unique Islamic pavilion provides a fascinating focal point and a wonderful indoor pool and relaxing Turkish hammam sit at their heart, perfect for unwinding after a fun-filled day.
Find out more: Kingham Cottages (sleeps 4 - 26), Kingham.

Vicarage House, Norfolk

This fabulous property is set in a rural location in the Norfolk Brecks with easy access to Thetford Forest. Surrounded by six acres of magical gardens, large flourishing borders burst with colour while an enchanting wooden door takes you deeper into the garden, through an arboretum. There are four terraces where you can sit back and relax in the sunshine, while the huge front lawn invites adventures and games. From the heated outdoor pool and all-weather tennis court to the plethora of outdoor games provided, the great outdoors has never been better!
Find out more: Vicarage House (sleeps 9) / Vicarage House & Pool House (sleeps 15), Great Hockham, near Thetford.

The Oaks, Shropshire

This superb rural property is set in two acres of beautiful grounds, with far reaching views over the Shropshire Hills AONB. Kids can go wild on the sprawling lawn and will love the freedom swing. Grown-ups can take tea (or something stronger!) on the terraces, cook in the country air, or take a pre-prandial stroll through The National Trust’s Long Mynd Estate from the garden gate. Why not hire a hot tub to soak up the peace (and your tired muscles) and toast the views of the hills beyond?
Find out more: The Oaks (sleeps 10), Inwood, near Church Stretton.

Wakes Colne Lodges, Essex

Our luxury lakeside lodges are tucked away in an ancient meadow in the breathtaking Colne Valley on the Essex/Suffolk border. Unwind on your decked veranda with bubbling hot tub, designed to make the best of the unbroken lake and countryside views. Or take long countryside walks in the 500 acres of rolling private grounds, with undisturbed woodland full of flora and fauna and a stunning two-acre fishing lake stocked with carp and rudd. Your furry friends will love it too!
Find out more: Wakes Colne Lodges (sleep 2 - 6), Wakes Colne, near Colchester. The lodges are next door to each other and group bookings are welcomed.

Acorn Cottage, East Devon

Our Grade II listed cottage is situated on a PYO farm in Devon’s stunning Blackdown Hills AONB, just four miles from Honiton. Explore the cottage’s lovely half acre garden - pick your own fruit in the orchard and lark about in the swimming pool. Beyond the cottage’s garden sit the owners’ further 15 sprawling acres where you can take long countryside walks and discover green fields, an excellent PYO seasonal fruit farm and a plethora of pigs!
Find out more: Acorn Cottage (sleeps 2 + 2), Cotleigh, near Honiton.

Manor Farmhouse, Kent

Set in the heart of Kent, 15^th century thatched Manor Farmhouse boasts two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, including a sunken walled garden, water feature and lush lawns, which sprawl forever, inviting rounders and high jinks. Everyone can dine on the terrace and there are plenty of private decked sitting areas, whether you fancy relaxing with a book or an afternoon nap! Elsewhere, a fabulously warm outdoor swimming pool sits ready to ‘whet’ your appetite before dinner.
Find out more: Manor Farmhouse (sleeps 18), Milstead, near Sittingbourne.

Bruern Cottages, Cotswolds

Gardeners will be in their element at our 12 ultra-stylish cottages set within four acres of beautifully landscaped communal gardens in the heart of the Evenlode Valley. Explore the grounds, including The Cutting Garden and Cottage Gardens. In contrast is the walk by the River Evenlode, a lush, natural planting of shade loving plants. Shared facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym and spa treatments. There is also a special play area for children with a mini-playground, two-storey Wendy house and a heated play cabin.
Find out more: Bruern Cottages (sleeps 2 - 10), near Chipping Norton.

Upton Cressett Estate, Shropshire

Step back in time at our award-winning historic properties on the Upton Cressett Estate. The Gatehouse has a private enclosed garden with a fountain and guests staying at both properties have access to the historic gardens and grounds of Upton Cressett. Designed by the celebrated Shropshire gardener, Dr Katherine Swift, there is so much to enjoy, including Lady Laura’s Rose Garden, an Elizabethan Garden, Topiary Garden and a Moat Walk with rare fowl. Discover too the Grade I listed Norman church of St Michael which features 12th-century wall paintings.
Find out more: The Gatehouse (sleeps 4) and The Coach House (sleeps 4), Upton Cressett, near Bridgnorth. The properties are adjacent and can be booked at the same time for a party of eight.

Larkin Farm Cottages, Kent

Guests staying at our Larkin Cottages can enjoy 35 acres of private farmland – a simply ‘perfick’ playground for children. Set on the Kent farm that featured in The Darling Buds of May ITV series, explore the network of footpaths, nine large ponds populated with ducks and geese and tinkling stream. Elsewhere paddocks and grassland invite a game of cricket or rounders and, to top it off, adorable farm animals delight children and adults alike.
Find out more: Larkin Cottages (sleeps 4 - 12), Bethersden, near Ashford. The cottages can be taken individually or in any combination for family get-togethers or groups of friends of up to 24 people.

Henfield Barn, Gloucestershire

Our spectacular barn conversion is within easy reach of the historic cities of Bath and Bristol, yet enjoys a peaceful rural position. It’s set in its own pretty landscaped grounds with seating areas and gas barbecue, a charming outdoor Scandanavian Hut, and raised ornamental pond with Koi Carp. Take advantage of the outdoor music system and the onsite amenities. Inside, the swimming pool, indulgent sauna and bubbling hot tub promise relaxation. Or perhaps a work out in the gym is more your thing?
Find out more: Henfield Barn (sleeps 15), near Bristol.

Pontardawe Cottages, Glamorgan

Our six farm cottages are located on a historic working sheep and cattle farm between the Brecon Beacons National Park and Gower Peninsula. The cottages enjoy a fairy-tale setting around a courtyard alongside the picturesque River Clydach where wildlife flourishes. Explore 120 acres of enchanting private grounds, including a magical bluebell wood, tumbling mountain stream and hillside areas with panoramic views of the Welsh countryside – the farm trail starts right from your cottage doorstep!
Find out more: Pontardawe Cottages (sleeps 4 - 6), Plas Cilybebyll, can be taken individually or in any combination to accommodate up to 26 guests.