It might not be the year you had planned holiday-wise, but lockdown measures mean that 2020 is the year of the staycation. You may've got away in Summer or been saving your annual leave hoping for greener pastures (and by that, we mean 'abroad'). But either way, planning a winter staycation has never felt more necessary. After the year we've had so far, we all deserve a regular change of scenery, even if it's while you're working.
Cue the rise of the 'workation', a half-holiday, half-work-trip where you ultimately just find somewhere other than your front room to get some work done and enjoy a tad more luxury in the evenings and weekends. When you've seen nothing but the four walls of your bedroom for months, a workation actually sounds like a dream, right?
Well, whether you're planning an actual holiday in the UK or want to work away for awhile, there are plenty of staycation gems around the UK. And if you want a real aesthetic, and by that we mean something you can definitely post on Instagram even if it's not cocktails over a sea view sunset, you need to go cottagecore.
Cottagecore is the new Internet aesthetic everyone is obsessed with. Think Taylor Swift, knitted cardigans, home-baked cookies and fairy-inspired pottery... that's cottagecore. When it comes to holiday homes, cottagecore-inspired staycations mean you'll be surrounded by nature, embracing so-called traditional hobbies like baking and candle-making, and of course, staying in the cutest cottage around.
Of course, these staycation suggestions don't mean you have to go full cottagecore - don't worry, no ones asking you to take up foraging - but you'll definitely feel like you're in another age (i.e. pre-instagram, you know before you go and post pictures all over it). Think long walks among nature, reading books by a log fire and finally, some tranquility from what's been the most stressful six months.
Click through to see the cottagecore gems for yourself...
Cottagecore Holiday Homes - Grazia
1 of 8For lakeside fun
Fritton Lake, SuffolkWater lovers will find their happy place at this discreet resort tucked away in the sustainable, unspoilt wildlands of the Somerleyton Estate. It has a private pool, which is just steps away from an idyllic, swimmable stretch of Fritton Lake, itself a short drive away from a cluster of beaches. An idyllic setting for anyone looking to make their staycation work hard. You can book the newly built cabins, which sleep up to six, or a suite at the Clubhouse. WHAT TO DO Book a time slot at the private pool, try wild swimming in the lake or play tennis (the resort has four lawn and all-weather clay courts to choose from). The club also offers outdoor yoga, paddleboarding, water-skiing, sailing, canoeing and rowing. Afterwards, head to the Fritton Arms for dinner. THE LOWDOWN Cabins sleep four to six; prices start from £647 per week for low season. Clubhouse suites starts from £140 per night.
2 of 8For village life
Bird Cottage, Weybourne, NorfolkIn the heart of the pretty coastal village of Weybourne, surrounded by two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this cottage is a real escape. Inside, it's all comfy Scandistyle interiors with a wood-burner. WHAT TO DO Walk the beach, sample some of the 80-plus gins at The Ship Inn, ramble through the beautiful heathland. You can even take a steam train to Holt and Sheringham. THE LOWDOWN Sleeps four; from £345 for three nights.
3 of 8For country cool
The Chapel, North Brewham, Somerset A smart chapel conversion near Bruton with countryside views. Inside, there's a mezzanine bedroom and a large open-plan living room with vaulted ceilings, a handmade kitchen, wood-burning fire and even a home cinema with surround sound. WHAT TO DO Head over to the Hauser & Worth gallery, explore the gardens of The Newt, Somerset, shop at Caro in Bruton and eat out at Roth Bar & Grill, The Chapel and Osip. THE LOWDOWN £183 per night.
4 of 8For surf ’n’ turf
Fernleigh Cottage, Burton Bradstock, Dorset Nestled in a pretty village between Lyme Regis and Dorchester, this cosy cottage is super-snug thanks to underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove; soothing shades create a lovely tranquil feel. WHAT TO DO Head to the stunning Jurassic Coast including Charmouth Beach, Lyme Regis and West Bay (of Broadchurch fame). Away from the beach, go walking in the countryside. THE LOWDOWN Sleeps three; from £463 for a long weekend or mid-week break.
5 of 8For eco charm
Wild Meadow Cottage, Presteigne, Powys This timber-framed eco-cottage on the Welsh borders is full of character with exposed beams and whitewashed walls. At the top of a beautifully crafted timber staircase is the master bedroom and a private Juliet balcony with amazing views out over the valleys. WHAT TO DO Go walking or cycling, head into town for its food market (on the first Saturday of the month) and artisanal shops. THE LOWDOWN Sleeps up to seven; £70-£140pw.
6 of 8For rural pursuits
Foxham Boutique Barn, Foxham, Wiltshire Hole up in this fabulous barn conversion that's set in 200 acres of meadow and woodland with a private lake. The inside is a stylish blend of old and new, with antiques and floral prints juxtaposed with contemporary pieces. As autumn rolls in, snuggle up in front of the stone folly with its open fire. WHAT TO DO Walk the four kilometres of paths, wild-swim in the lake and visit the ancient stone circle, Avebury Henge. THE LOWDOWN Sleeps four; from £265 for three nights.
7 of 8For gourmet goodies
Kitchen Garden Cottage, Barton-on-the-Heath, CotswoldsA pretty 19th-century honey-coloured cottage with a feelgood mix of modern and vintage on the inside. Relax in the roll-top bath in the eaves and enjoy a flickering fire on chilly evenings. WHAT TO DO Dip into the cookery book library or head out to eat at Daylesford Farm Shop, The Wild Rabbit and Old Butchers (all close by). THE LOWDOWN Sleeps four; from £514 for three nights.
8 of 8For harbour chic
Marine Villa, Charlestown, Cornwall Soak up the Georgian-era harbour views from this lovely villa in a pretty village near St Austell on the south Cornish coast. An all-white décor is sprinkled with vintage pieces such as antique chests and giltframed artworks. Upstairs, snuggle into crisp white sheets on super-kingsize beds and have a relaxing soak in one of the two roll-top baths. Downstairs, light the fire for cosy nights in. WHAT TO DO The Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan are both nearby; blow the cobwebs away with beach walks and explore Fowey. Head to The Longstore for seafood and steaks. THE LOWDOWN Sleeps four adults, two children; from £540pn.
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