SUMMER is over and autumn has arrived, so it’s time to swap the beaches for a break in the countryside.
We checked out what’s on offer in The Cotswalds, Norfolk and Lincolnshire – to find the perfect rural retreat to leave the city behind for a weekend.
The Cotswolds
Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Stacey Halls, friend Daisy Jordan, Art Editor Nikki Ackerman and Writer Molly Reynolds embraced village life.
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THE PAD: Leymary Farm Cottage in the sleepy village of Windrush is a Pinterest board come to life. Luxe decor blends traditional and modern with wood-burning fires, exposed beams, underfloor heating and huge comfy beds. This isn’t a place for nightlife, so embrace the quiet and snuggle on the sofa with a glass of wine and some board games.
EXPLORE: Chastleton House and Garden is a half-hour drive away, and this country pile is entrenched in centuries of family history. Wander the grounds through enchanting rose vine archways and spot the impressive 400-year-old tree (Nationaltrust.org.uk).
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Less than five miles from the cottage is picturesque Burford. Visit The Burford Emporium for an Aladdin’s cave of homeware, jewellery, books, maps and more. Later, build up your appetite for pub grub with a country walk along the River Windrush – the views of the rolling hills are incredible.
REFUEL: Burford has many brilliant traditional pubs. The Cotswolds Arms serves up tasty beef and local ale pie, £14 (Cotswoldarms.co.uk), while The Angel at Burford is perfect for a cosy, candlelit dinner. Start with garlic butter prawns, £9, followed by pan-fried sea bass, £17. It also offers a vegan menu (Theangelatburford.co.uk). For Sunday lunch, stop by The Wheatsheaf Inn. A roast with all the trimmings, £18, is served in the prettiest dining room (Cotswoldswheatsheaf.com).
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DON’T MISS: Keep an eye out for a Windrush Cinema night hosted in the local village hall. Advertised around the green, it’s the perfect finish to the day. Tickets cost £3.50.
BOOK IT: A three-night stay at Leymary Farm Cottage, which sleeps six, costs from £681 (Holidaycottages.co.uk).
Norfolk
Writer Emma Ledger, boyfriend Alex and friends Sophia and Sandy breathed in some sea air.
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THE PAD: Barsham is a collection of six barns that sleep four to 14 people. Located just a few miles from the seaside towns of Wells-Next-The-Sea and Blakeney, the chic converted barns each offer total privacy, with the bonus of a shared games room and family-sized Jacuzzi. Plus there’s cake on arrival!
EXPLORE: Long walks and pub lunches are basically mandatory in this part of the world. Drive 10 minutes and park in pretty Wells-Next-The-Sea, then grab a coffee and pastry from The Beach Café, a stone’s throw from the sea.
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From there, enjoy a beautiful circular two-hour hill-free walk that takes in the colourful beach huts and golden sands, as well as the grandeur of Holkham Estate. Bird watchers will be in paradise.
REFUEL: The Victoria Inn is perfectly situated at the midway point of the walk, right at the gates of Holkham Estate. If the weather’s playing ball, nab a table in the massive sun-trap beer garden and try the Scotch egg, £5, which goes perfectly with a pint of local beer (Holkham.co.uk). For dinner, head to family-friendly Byfords in nearby Holt. With an emphasis on local and seasonal fare, they do everything from pastries to steak. Try a tasty “posh pizza”, from £9, or a full dressed crab caught just a few miles away, £11.95 (Byfords.org.uk).
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DON’T MISS: Make time for a boat trip out to see the seals who lounge around the coast. Ferries depart all year round, depending on the weather, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot groups of the cute creatures on the hour-long trip. Tickets cost £13 (Beansboattrips.co.uk).
BOOK IT: The Loose Box barn, which sleeps four, starts from £455 for three nights (Barshambarns.co.uk).
Lincolnshire
Writer Claie Wilson, husband James and kids Sam, 12, and Jake, nine, pulled on their wellies.
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THE PAD: The Old Granary, a converted barn on the edge of a family farm in the quiet village of Owmby, houses three self-catering apartments, a communal courtyard and gorgeous garden. Inside is all sleek, minimalist designs – think high ceilings and oak beams, with wet room-style showers, Smart TVs and coffee machines.
EXPLORE: For a classic day at the seaside, jump in the car to Mabelthorpe – about an hour’s drive away – where you can enjoy old-school amusement arcades and traditional donkey rides on the golden beach. There’s also a fun sand train, which has been running for more than 60 years. Return tickets cost £1.70 per person.
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Also on the beachfront is the Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre – see meerkats, snakes, seals and monkeys, plus loads more. A ticket for a family of four costs from £31 (Thesealsanctuary.co.uk). The grounds of Elsham Hall and Country Park are well worth a visit, too, with its secret garden, play area, medieval carp lake and a guinea pig village. Entry costs £7.50 for adults and £4.75 for kids (Elshamhall.co.uk).
REFUEL: The Kings Head, which dates back to 1367, has white stone walls and a thatched roof. Top picks are blade of Lincolnshire beef, £16.95, and fish pie with cheesy mash, £14.95, while kids’ meals – such as sausage, mash and peas – cost £7.95 (Thekingsheadtealby.co.uk). For amazing fish and chips, head to Papa’s on Cleethorpes Pier. It’s won lots of awards, and the classic Papa’s fish and chips costs £7.99 (Papasfishandchips.com).
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DON’T MISS: Pack your walking boots to explore the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, a range of hills that span more than 200 square miles. Designated as an Area Of Outstanding Beauty, it won’t disappoint with its endless walking routes (Lincswolds.org.uk).
BOOK IT: One- to two-bedroom apartments at The Old Granary
cost from £85 per night (Theoldgranarylincolnshire.co.uk).
