Sometimes we just need to slow down, whether that’s rising a little later or doing a little less throughout the day. Slow living is about embracing the art of hygge (the Danish tradition of cosiness) as you surround yourself with snuggly blankets, mugs of something warming, and chunky books you’ve been waiting to get stuck into. It can also be about reconnecting with the world around you, from coastal forrays to woodland walks.
Whether the UK’s breathtaking landscapes are calling or you want to sit back and enjoy a holiday full of fireside moments, these charming cottages have everything you need for deliciously slow living.
Penfoye
Fowey, Cornwall | Sleeps 6
Best for: Riverside reveries
The very embodiment of peace and tranquillity, rivers have long been a symbol of serenity, making it the perfect setting for some slow living. Overlooking the River Fowey, Penfoye is utterly captivating inside and out, with gorgeous waterside views inviting you to unwind from the moment you arrive. Throw open the large bi-fold doors to welcome in the Cornish sun or spend lazy afternoons snoozing in the hammock as the sounds of the river lull you to sleep. There are numerous riverwalks on your doorstep, or visit one of the beautiful gardens for a moment of mindfulness amidst the blooms.
St Andrews
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 12
Best for: Soul-warming steams
What better way to warm the soul than a steam in your own personal sauna? At St Andrews, a beautifully converted church on the Isle of Wight, you can sink into a soul-soothing stay full of hot tub soaks and steams in the sauna - all while basking in gorgeous views across patchwork fields. The cottage itself is an absolute dream, with exposed brick walls and oh-so-sinkable sofas inviting you to hibernate in style. If you can bear to drag yourself away, you’ll find some lovely beaches nearby for sandy strolls or head into Yarmouth for a foodie stop at The Terrace, a Michelin-recommended must.
Plas Hufen
Abersoch, Gwynedd | Sleeps 7
Best for: Soothing soaks
Surrounded by rolling countryside, with views reaching as far as Snowdonia in the distance, Plas Hufen boasts a rather magical space for your slow-living retreat. Making full use of the captivating setting, the wood-fired hot tub promises special moments, from early-morning soaks watching the mist roll across the fields to evening reveries lit by the stars. Gwynedd offers lots of things to do during your stay, including steam trains that gently chug through the countryside and ancient castles that invite you to step back in time for an afternoon.
Fell View
Hawes, Yorkshire | Sleeps 5
Best for: Fireside moments
Nothing beats curling up by the fire, it’s the ultimate celebration of hygge. At Fell View, the oh-so-toasty living room promises fire-warmed evenings throughout your stay, with plush sofas offering the perfect place to relax in front of the flames. Delve into your holiday read or whip out the Yorkshire Dales edition of Monopoly for a friendly game. As tempting as it is to light the wood burner and sink into fire-warmed hibernation mode, the Yorkshire Dales is right on your doorstep and promises a myriad of beautiful walks, including the on-screen favourite at Aysgarth Falls.
Tresillian House
Newquay, Cornwall | Sleeps 16
Best for: Bookish breaks
Whether you’ve got your own holiday reading list or fancy browsing the shelves for something new, the library at Tresillian House is the perfect place to settle into a good book. Light the fire, pour yourself a mug (or glass) of something special, and sink into a cosy evening of reading. Pulling yourself away from your book, you’ll find much to occupy yourself with, from the gorgeous grounds that beckon for a morning walk to the private spa and gym. Of course, with Newquay and its many beaches only a stone’s throw away, coastal walks and beachfront cafés will soon draw you out.
Wetley Abbey Cottage
Leek, Staffordshire | Sleeps 8
Best for: Rural reveries
Slowing down doesn’t have to mean coming to a complete stop, and with the Peak District National Park on your doorstep, it’s almost impossible not to make the most of your spectacular setting. Situated within Wetley Rocks, Wetley Abbey Cottage is a wonderful base for walkers. Explore the fascinating rock formations that sit nearby or turn your walking boots towards the Peak District for an array of breathtaking walks. When your boots are good and caked with mud (don’t worry, there’s a boot room equipped with everything you need for muddy boots, trousers, and paws), return to this gorgeous homestay for an evening of relaxation.
Bank Cottage
Moreton-in-Marsh, the Cotswolds | Sleeps 6
Best for: Cosy pub stops
If there’s one thing the Cotswolds does well (other than postcard-pretty villages), it’s proper British pubs complete with honey-hued exteriors and fire-warmed bars. Boasting an oh-so-friendly local a mere 200 yards away, Bank Cottage is perfectly placed for a cosy pub visit, whether you want a quick pint of local ale or a slap-up Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Our favourite way to slow down during your stay? Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the undulating countryside, before ducking into the pub for an afternoon of food, drink, and maybe a card game or two.
Tresahor Lodge
Falmouth, Cornwall | Sleeps 4
Best for: Toasting marshmallows
When it comes to must-have features, a barbecue hut might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but it will be after your stay at Tresahor Lodge! Nestled in a remarkable former quarry in South Cornwall, this oasis of tranquillity is the perfect place to embrace slow living. Toast marshmallows over the flickering flames in the bespoke barbecue hut or enjoy a paddle around the lake in one of the fabulous pedalos. And with Falmouth nearby, you’re within easy reach of plenty of fantastic restaurants and cafés, as well as some superb family-friendly attractions.
Stella Maris
Benbecula, Outer Hebrides | Sleeps 6
Best for: Utter seclusion
The best way to embrace slow living? Escape to a far-flung corner of the UK for a week of total seclusion, and there’s nowhere better than the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. Surrounded by a patchwork of lochs and tiny islands, Stella Maris invites you to melt into your surroundings, whether from the gorgeous sea-view cottage or the coast path, which promises excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. Spend your days spotting otters, gazing out the living room window, or feasting on fresh, locally caught seafood as you take in your spectacular setting.
Hope House
Holsworthy, Devon | Sleeps 8
Best for: Fun and games
If you’re looking for somewhere you can hole up for a week straight, Hope House with its well-stocked games room, is hard to beat. Enjoy a round or two of table football and pool, or head outside to the sun terrace for a game of table tennis. You’ll also find a good selection of board games, which are best enjoyed by the roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. The local pub is a wonderful spot for a Sunday roast, while the South West Coast Path beckons for salt-kissed walks and breathtaking views.
Oystercatcher
Sennen, Cornwall | Sleeps 5
Best for: Storm-watching
Each season has its draws for slow-living holidays, from meditative strolls through wildflower meadows to golden strolls through autumn-touched woods. With winter comes the promise of dramatic storms that turn still seas into a raging dance of waves, and we can’t get enough of it! Known for its surf throughout the year, Sennen is one of the best places to storm watch in Cornwall, and Oystercatcher invites you to do so in style. Sink into one of the comfy sofas as the fire flickers and watch the seas clash or wrap up warm and head out onto the South West Coast Path for the full show (from a safe distance, of course).
Nettlebed
Hawes, Yorkshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: Stargazing
Did you know autumn, winter, and early spring are the best times of year to enjoy the ancient pastime of stargazing? It might be chilly, but the cold air actually makes the skies clearer, giving you unrivalled views of the galaxies dancing above. Situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, one of the best Dark Skies sites in the UK, Nettlebed invites you to turn your gaze skyward as you trace constellations, marvel at the Milky Way, and wait for the elusive Northern Lights to appear, before retreating to the fire-warmed living room for a nightcap.
Ready to slow things down? Explore our collection of cosy holiday cottages across the UK for a restorative stay.
