Wiltshire
Wiltshire may not get as much press as some of the other south-western counties but if you’re looking for a British holiday destination with stunning rural landscapes and jaw-dropping prehistoric sites then a cottage in Wiltshire is the perfect choice. One thing that this region is definitely known for is Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site which is older and more remarkable than it is possible to comprehend! If history, culture and architecture are your cup of tea then the stately homes of Wilton House, Lydiard House and Longleat House are well worth a visit. And when you’re renting a holiday house in Wiltshire then a visit to Salisbury, with its 13th century cathedral (which boasts the tallest spire in Britain) is a must, not to mention the abbey in medieval Lacock and picturesque towns like Malmesbury and Chippenham. Click here to see all our holiday rentals in England.
But accommodation in Wiltshire is not just for history buffs. Home to three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a stretch of the New Forest National Park, this is a heavenly setting for countryside walks and exhilarating bike rides. There’s nothing quite like exploring on foot, but keen equestrians can also get around on horseback, or if you enjoy being on the water then head for the Kennet & Avon Canal and take on the Caen Hill Locks, near Devizes. Whatever your mode of transport, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for one of the eight white horses carved into the county’s hillsides. And if you’re staying in a cottage in Wiltshire don’t forget to investigate some of the local hostelries – you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional tea rooms to village pubs, vineyards and farmers’ markets. A holiday house in Wiltshire will not disappoint.