LATE AVAILABILITY HOLIDAY COTTAGES AND SELF CATERING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
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See all our cottages in The Heart of England
Renting a holiday cottage in The Heart of England
If you rent a cottage in the heart of England you can assure yourself of a brilliant holiday for the family. Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and South Staffordshire all offer something different. Located in the West Midlands Shropshire is one of the most rural and sparsely populated counties in England, making it ideal for a peaceful holiday break in Shropshire. The county town of Shrewsbury is perfect for a day-trip, especially if you rent a cottage near. The birthplace of Darwin, there are reminders of his influence all through the streets. The town has over 600 listed buildings scattered throughout the centre of town, which is made up almost entirely of black and white timbered buildings, narrow alleys, and steep streets. Shrewsbury is great for shopping and also the location for the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show, as well as close to one of the oldest schools in the country. Shropshire is home to Ironbridge Gorge, which is credited as the starting point for the Industrial Revolution (now a credited World Heritage Site), once described as ‘the most extraordinary district in the world’ the gorge has much to offer with 10 award-winning museums along the river, various restaurants and hotels, and beautiful scenery. There are miles of unspoilt countryside, with 30 nature reserves, for you to enjoy. Rent a holiday cottage near Ellesmere with its medieval streets and Georgian architecture. The miniature Lakeland surrounding the town is a refuge for the local wildlife, and an incredibly peaceful spot to enjoy some boating or fishing.
By renting a cottage in Herefordshire you are inviting yourself into one the most beautifully rural counties in England; to the West are incredibly scenic views over the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons; and on the East are the Malvern Hills and the Wye Valley. Famed for its cider and Hereford cows, there is much more to discover here, equalling the perfect antidote to a busy city life. The market city of Hereford (one of only twelve cities recorded in the Doomsday book) has retained its bustling market feel, with shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere all contributing to its appeal. Hereford Cathedral contains two of Britain’s most important treasures, the Mappi Mundi and the Chained Library, and every three years hosts Europe’s oldest music festival: The Three Choirs Festival. To the East Ledbury makes an excellent base for exploring the Malvern Hills, as well as being the birthplace of the poet John Masefield, and home to annual poetry festival in July. For a taste of the history of Herefordshire visit any number of locations from Berrrington Hall, Croft Castle, Eastnor Castle, (which has a great play area for kids and is set in wonderful grounds) or Dore Abbey. A more unusual approach for history lovers is the ‘black and white’ trail which follows a route through some of Herefords most picturesque timbered villages.
Holiday in Worcestershire and enjoy all that this amazing landscape can give, from walking and fishing, to horse racing and outstanding cricket. The county town is Worcester, an ancient cathedral city, full of things to do and see if you do self catering in Worcestershire. Visit the Commandery, a museum specialising in the Civil War, or enjoy a day at the races at Worcester Racecourse – one of the oldest in the country. A few miles East of Worcester is the beautiful Spetchley Park Gardens, a must for garden-lovers, containing many rare shrubs, trees, and plants. A little more unusually Worcestershire is home to the only salt-water spa in Britain, at Droitwhich Spa where guests can relax and sample the benefits of the healing waters. The Wyre Forest in Worcestershire was once a medieval hunting forest, and today there is an informative visitor centre advertising the many glorious walks you can enjoy.
South Staffordshire is located in the North Midlands of England, and is almost entirely rural, with nearly all of Staffordshire’s main towns and cities located to the North. This is only an advantage though if you find a holiday let in South Staffordshire, as it allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of work, and really enjoy a short break away. The rivers Blyth, Churnet, and Trent, run through the county also encompassing a historic canal system. The rivers are beautifully peaceful places, and ideal for long country walks with your friends and family. Lichfield, an unspoilt cathedral city, is the main town in the South and is dominated by the Cathedral’s three graceful spires, known as the ‘ladies of the vale’. In and around Lichfield there is much to do, with Chasewater Country Park nearby perfect for water-lovers as its large lake is ideal for water sports, the town of Tamworth has much to entertain from Tamworth Castle to Drayton Manor Park. Finally a visit to South Staffordshire would not be complete without Cannock Chase. Situated high on a plateau this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has rolling hills, heath lands, and verdant flora and fauna. There are also many opportunities for bird-watching, angling, sailing, and water-skiing.
Find cottage accommodation in Warwickshire and prepare yourself for the quintessential ‘olde England’ experience. The county is dominated by half-timbered black and white buildings, mellow brick houses set amongst unspoilt villages and towns, in gentle rolling countryside. Warwickshire offers a multitude of things to do including water sports, angling, golfing, and 17 000 miles of footpaths and beautiful walks. Principally however, Warwickshire is known as the home of Shakespeare, with the entire South of the county known as ‘Shakespeare County’. For over 400 years Shakespeare’s words have dominated and inspired thousands, and every year millions visit his beginnings in Stratford-upon-Avon. In Stratford-upon-Avon you can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, see Ann Hathaway’s cottage, and watch the Royal Shakespeare Company perform in three theatres set near the River Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon’s shopping is plentiful and varied – sure to satisfy even the most demanding consumer. Other attractions not to be missed are the medieval Warwick Castle, the small town of Royal Leamington Spa (enjoy the beautiful gardens laid out by the River Leam), and Rugby and its famous school, immortalised by Thomas Hughes ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays.’
