You can’t go wrong with a holiday in Bath. The world-famous UNESCO city is well-known for its glorious architecture with magnificent historic buildings housing shops, pubs and cottages to rent. Bath was a fashionable destination for the Romans, and its appeal has only strengthened over the intervening millennia. It is town and country, old and new, stylishly tasteful and also a little bit twee. There is nowhere more British and certainly nowhere better for a romantic escape, fun family holiday, an inspiring writer’s or artist’s retreat, or a shopping weekend with friends. Settle back and keep reading to find out why Bath rates so highly on our list of places for a self-catering cottage holiday. Read more
Once an intimate family-run hotel, Cameley Lodge is a spacious holiday home with excellent self-catering facilities, a vast garden with a hot tub, and nine ensuite bedrooms to accommodate up to 21 guests. Guests love the space and the layout, which is fully accessible on the ground and first floors, the amenities, and the friendly owners who make planning a family reunion, celebration with friends, wellness retreat, or business event so easy. It's in the Somerset village of Cameley with panoramic views of rolling countryside in all directions. For all its rural appeal, the house is only half an hour from Bristol and Bath, and you can drive to Glastonbury, Wells, Wookey Caves, Stonehenge and Longleat in an hour or less.
This gorgeous Georgian house is in an enviable position opposite the Jubilee Bridge in Matlock Bath, a short stroll from the river, shops, cafes and local attractions. 98 Fountain Villas has recently been refurbished to a high standard to provide big group holiday accommodation in the Peak District for up to 16 people over three floors. This area is beautiful in every season and guests can enjoy lovely walks and bike rides from the doorstep. Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Carsington Waters and Alton Towers are all within easy reach, while Gulliver's Kingdom and the Heights of Abraham are within walking distance.
Beautiful 5/6 bedroomed cottage with plenty of space for everyone to relax and have fun. The cottage overlooks the Derwent Valley and river Derwent which runs through the village. The cottage comfortably accommodates up to 15 guests in five upstairs bedrooms and one downstairs snug off the living area with double full-sized double sofa-bed. There are gardens to the front and rear with BBQ and outside garden furniture and garden games including swingball and garden jenga. Matlock Bath is known as the seaside town without the sea and you'll soon see why! There are shops, pubs, restaurants and amusements all along the main promenades plus loads of things to do right here in the village including boat trips, cable car rides, a children's theme park, a nine hole indoor crazy golf, an aquarium and even a Victorian lido crammed with giant Koi Carp. The cottage is nestled on the hillside of Matlock bath looking down over the village in a quiet location just five minutes walk from all the hustl
Derwent House is a charming Grade II listed holiday home once owned by one of Matlock's leading families and today a popular choice for family get-togethers and celebrations with friends. Set back from the street opposite Knowleston gardens, there are six generously proportioned bedrooms (4 en-suites plus an additional bathroom) comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests. The house is just a short walk from Derwent River and Matlock's fantastic independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. It is close to popular attractions such as the Heights of Abraham, Bakewell, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House, and many beautiful walking and cycling trails for which the Peak District is famous.
A delightful cottage positioned alongside the leat of the Mells river, on the edge of the Somerset village of Coleford. Leat Cottage makes an ideal base to explore the area, it is central for Longleat, Bath, Cheddar Caves & Gorge, Stourhead & Wells which are all a short drive away. This cottage offers a peaceful place to stay to relax and enjoy the view of the surrounding fields with their resident goats and wildlife.
Cholwell Hall is a fine Somerset country residence a few miles from the cities of Bath, Wells and Bristol. Accessible from London in 2 hours. Formerly owned by the church, this 10 bedroomed house has centuries of history, medieval beams, thick stone walls and can sleep up to 30 people comfortably. Popular for family gatherings, hen or stag parties, bookings can be self-catering or with your choice of caterers. Oceans of space indoors for large groups to socialise, dining table to seat up to 30, and extensive grounds for outdoor fun.
"Wavering" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Somerset. A wonderful town resting near the Mendip Hills in Somerset, Axbridge boasts a fascinating history dating back to the 9th century, which can be explored in the 15th century King John's Hunting Lodge which is now a National Trust museum. Axbridge...
"Cherry Tree House" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 9 guests in Somerset. Only two miles separate the little market town of Highbridge from the coastal resort of Burnham on Sea, which is located on the edge of the Somerset Levels. The varied delights of Somerset with its own culture and history are best explored from...
"1 Bed Lodge in Cross" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules - 1 bedroom area with double bed - 1 shower room with WC - Induction 2-ring hob, combi-oven/microwave and fridge - Smart TV - Private seating area with garden furniture and...
"Robins Corner" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in North Somerset. On the outskirts of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a charming rural town. The village of Bleadon is the perfect place to stay for a tranquil getaway because it provides all the necessary services, such as a village store,...
"Kitty" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Kitty sleeps up to four people with room for a cot and has everything couples, families or friends could wish for in a self-catering cottage in Somerset. The pretty barn conversion is on the family-run...
"Owl Lodge" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Wedmore is a charming Somerset community nestled between the magnificent Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills, a few miles south of Cheddar and a short drive from the mediaeval cathedral cities of Wells and Glastonbury. The village has a nice...
"Tilly’s Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in North Somerset. Kewstoke is a shoreside village with a general store, a fish and chip shop, a golf course, The New Castle wine bar and a dog-friendly beach. Take a walk from St Paul's church and arrive at the ancient Monk's Steps. Nearby is the seaside resort...
"1 Bed Cottage in Theale" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules - 1 king-size bedroom - 1 shower room with rainfall shower and WC - Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, Vertuo Nespresso coffee machine and dishwasher - Wood burner (logs included) - Smart TV in...
"The Barn" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Cheddar: The large Somerset village of Cheddar is a major tourist destination on the edge of the Mendip Hills, renowned for sssi Cheddar Gorge, the largest gorge in Britain, which includes several show caves such as Gough’s Cave, through which...
"Summerdown" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. The pretty village of Bream offers magnificent views of the Royal Forest of Dean to the Cotswold Hills beyond. Clearwell with its ancient caves and eerie caverns and the village of St Briavels with its castle are also close by. The magnificent...
"Sunnyside" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in North Somerset. On the outskirts of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a charming rural town. The village of Bleadon is the perfect place to stay for a tranquil getaway because it provides all the necessary services, such as a village store,...
"Minime" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in North Somerset. The traditional seaside town of Weston-super-Mare offers awarding-winning sandy beaches, donkey rides, water sports, restaurants and shops as well as the Playhouse, Winter Gardens and the Grand Pier offering a year-round programme of shows,...
"The Loft At Nordrach Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Bristol. Blagdon is a friendly village and civil parish in the northern part of the Mendip Hills aonb. Boasting no less than 17 listed buildings as well as a 15th century church, it holds much interest. In terms of amenities, it offers two pubs, two...
"Acorn" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in North Somerset. Bleadon is a charming village positioned on the edge of the Mendip Hills aonb, and is home to a handful of amenities, including a well-stocked shop, a pub, and a farm shop with a café. Bleadon is steeped in history, with a Grade I listed church...
"Down the Rabbit Hole" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Bristol. Congresbury is a Somerset village and civil parish, home to a variety of pubs and restaurants serving fine food and real ale, as well as independent shops and supermarkets. Located near the popular seaside resort of Weston-super-Mere and the...
"49 Esplanade" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. The town of Burnham-on-Sea is conveniently situated just minutes from the M5; it's an ideal touring base from which to explore the beautiful Somerset countryside and its famous attractions. It has something for everyone, including seven miles...
"Swan Lodge Castle Farm" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. The rural village of Wedmore sits within the countryside of Somerset, near the Mendip Hills aonb. It offers shops and traditional pubs, as well as opportunities for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. The area boasts many tourist spots which...
"Peppers Lodge, Strawberryfield Park, Cheddar" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Living Room/AreaOpen plan living, kitchen and dining areaAccess to the decked terrace through sliding doorsTwo fabric sofas,seating fourCoffee table, bookshelves and a cabinet with drawersTV unit with 42”...
"Seabar" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. The town of Burnham-on-Sea is conveniently situated just minutes from the M5; it's an ideal touring base from which to explore the beautiful Somerset countryside and its famous attractions. It has something for everyone, including seven miles...
"Nempnett Farmhouse" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 12 guests in Bristol. Blagdon is a friendly village and civil parish in the northern part of the Mendip Hills aonb. Boasting no less than 17 listed buildings as well as a 15th century church, it holds much interest. In terms of amenities, it offers two pubs, two...
"Wisteria Chalet" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Somerset. The village of Watchfield, near the towns of Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset has its own pub and Cider Farm, and is located near many places of interest. Burnham-on-Sea has seven miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, along with fishing,...
"Bluebell Lodge, Meadow view lodges" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Brean is a small village in Somerset, England, between the more well-known resorts of Weston-super-Mare and the more charming Burnham-on-Sea. As a family-friendly vacation spot, the village is known for its sandy beach, diverse shopping and...
"Fairways 4 - Sunny Meadows" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. Brean is a welcoming village on the Somerset coast, nestled between the ever-popular Weston-super-Mare and the charming Burnham-on-Sea. The village has a lively amusement park, a variety of stores and pubs, and a sandy beach, making it a...
"Stable Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in North Somerset. Shipham is a delightfully modest village hosting an abundance of amenities including a butchers providing an array of items to assist your self-catered stay, a pub, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. Set in the Mendip Hills aonb, the village...
Popular towns in and around Somerset:
AxbridgeBathBridgwaterBristolBuckland St MaryBurnham-on-SeaCastle CaryChardCheddarChiselboroughCrewkerneCullomptonDulvertonDunsterExtonFiddingtonFromeGlastonburyHighbridgeIlminsterKingsbury EpiscopiLangford BudvilleLangportLopenLuxboroughMineheadMonksilverMontacuteNorth MoltonPorlockRoadwaterShepton MalletSherborneSimonsbathTauntonTemplecombeWatchetWellingtonWellsWest LuccombeWeston super MareWeston-super-MareWheddon CrossWincantonWithypoolWiveliscombeWootton CourtenayYeovilSome local suggestions:
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Sightseeing - It seems as if everywhere you turn in Bath, there is something pretty to see. Even modern buildings are attractive, having been carefully designed to fit with the age and quality of the existing architecture. A fantastic way to gain understanding and appreciation for the scope and layout of the city is by taking the waymarked Skyline Walk that starts at Bath Visitor Information Centre and progresses through the city and meadows until you reach the top of the hill that overlooks the bowl in which Bath sits. Alternatively, book a free (they don’t even want tips!) walking tour with the Mayor of Bath’s Guides. Other picturesque spots include the park in front of the grand Royal Crescent, and beside the beautiful Pultney Bridge and v-shaped Pultney Weir.
Famous Residents - Although the Romans enjoyed the healing qualities of the spa waters, it was the Georgians who transformed Bath. They took a quiet rural town and turned it into one of Britain’s leading holiday destinations where the fashionable flocked to shop, party and find a spouse. One of the most famous of all former residents is Jane Austen, inextricably linked with Bath due to her use of it as a setting in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austen’s Bath home at 4 Sydney Place is not open to the public but fans of her work and this era should visit the Jane Austen Centre to see how she would have lived. Bath is liberally sprinkled with Blue Plaques commemorating everyone from the siblings Sir William and Caroline Hershel, who discovered Uranus and infrared radiation, to politicians such as William Pitt (Senior and Junior) and Admiral Lord Nelson, along with various members of the royal family.
Shopping and Eating - Your credit card may go into shock, but it will be worth it for the quality of shopping in Bath. The city’s small size means it is easy to visit every retailer, if that’s your wish, even if you are only there for a short visit. If you arrive by train, then the first place you will see is the four-storey Debenhams department store, beyond which is the Southgate area lined with favourite High Street names. Union Street and Stall Street are lined with shops selling books, homewares, fashion and jewellery, and leading to the galleries in the Artisan Quarter. Bath is the sort of city where you should always duck down an alley or stroll through a small arcade as it is in these places where you may find your favourite purchase of your holiday.
Bath is full of fantastic places to eat and drink. The oldest pub in Bath is the Saracens Head although, with its wall-mounted TVs showing sport and news, it’s not the most olde-worlde place for a pint. Instead, try the comfortable Raven on Queen Street for a great choice of food (especially pies) and ale and a relaxing atmosphere. You can’t beat Cafe Retro for a delicious breakfast that will set you up for a day of sightseeing and shopping - head upstairs to nab a table overlooking the Abbey. Wine lovers should try Corkage, a relaxed wine bar where the wine menu is as important as the food, while the set lunch menu at The Bath Priory Restaurant is an affordable way to enjoy Michelin starred dining.
Historic Bath - You can’t move for landmark buildings and museums in Bath. The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are two must-sees, as is a walk along the Royal Cresent and around the Assembly Rooms (both of which are free). Have tea and a bun at Sally Lunn’s and admire the window display in Charlotte Brunswick’s Chocolate Shop a few doors down. The Fashion Museum, Museum of Bath at Work, American Museum and Holborne Museum all have a specific focus, as do the Museum of East Asian Art and the Victoria Art Gallery.
Bath is a city you can go to once and never forget or visit every year and still find new views, shops or places to eat that will surprise and delight.
