The National Express East Coast route is perfect for a country break as it runs practically the length of the country, passing some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery along the way—from the gently undulating hills of the Hertfordshire countryside to the rugged mountains of the Scottish Highlands. Start planning a summer escape with our selection of cute, quirky and cosy properties, just a stroll or cab ride from the station.
1. Star quality in Northamptonshire
Deep in the Northamptonshire countryside is Kirby Hall—founded in 1570, it’s one of England’s grandest Elizabethan houses and the set of films, including Mansfield Park and A Cock and Bull Story. Within the grounds is the picturesque Custodian’s Cottage, which has been beautifully restored by English Heritage. Here, you have your own tree-lined driveway and peacocks parade in the grounds.
2. Three centuries of history in York
Just three miles from the city centre, in the pretty village of Acaster Malbis (it’s in the Domesday Book), Chestnut Farm Holiday Cottages are part of a 300-year-old farm conversion in a landscaped courtyard. They have many of their original features, such as brick inglenook fireplaces, oak beams and slate floors, and kitchens built using the old pine. They all have south-facing gardens with a patio, brick barbeque and outdoor furniture.
3. More than a mooring in Lincoln
If you like boats and water, you’ll love Harbour Cottage, which is right by Burton Waters, a unique marina development a couple of miles from Lincoln town centre. As well as all the usual mod cons, there’s a garden leading to the marina; and you can bring Rover or Tiddles with you.
4. Little Devon—in Hertfordshire
High Trees Farm is a 600-year-old working farm with a barn that’s just been converted into three lovely cottages. About eight miles from Stevenage, it’s just a short cab ride into the historic market towns of Bishop’s Stortford, Saffron Walden and Hertford. Each cottage has panoramic views from the huge, floor-to-ceiling windows and is fitted out to a high standard. And there’s even a welcoming food hamper awaiting visitors on arrival.
5. Spectacular views in Harrogate
Riffa Manor Bungalow, in Leathley just outside Harrogate, is a pretty bungalow set within the grounds of a manor house. It has glorious views of the North Yorkshire countryside, and Alms Cliff Cragg—made famous by Emmerdale—is a little over a mile away.
6.Eco chic in Darlington
Set in 55 acres of prime national park, Natural Retreats, just a 20-minute walk from the market town of Richmond and 15 minutes by taxi from Darlington train station, has 18 wooden, yet hi-tech, eco-cabins. Each was built from sustainable timber and has an efficient gas boiler, under-floor heating and huge, solar-panelled windows. Inside, there are three double en-suite bedrooms. The cabins all have their own deck, and organic hampers to greet you. They open in early July.
7. Hillside hideaways just outside Edinburgh
Eastside Farm Holiday Cottages, set on a 3,000-acre sheep farm, are just a 10-minute taxi journey from Edinburgh, yet they’re surrounded by open countryside full of wildlife such as badgers, hares, buzzards and kestrels. The three hillside cottages have been imaginatively converted to retain their 18th-century character and have spectacular views. Wood-burning stoves, maple-wood floors and exposed beams add to the charming homeliness.
8. Picture-perfect living in Durham
Set in three acres of woodland in the pretty village of Plawsworth, just outside Durham, is the 4-star Old Powerhouse. In the 1800s, it was an outhouse of a grand country estate, but you would not guess its inauspicious past now. Today, it’s a pretty, whitewashed cottage with two bedrooms, surrounded by neatly manicured gardens and with all the mod cons you could need.
9. Imposing Victoriana in Berwick-upon-Tweed
The Apartment in Castle Hills House, an imposing Victorian villa that was a maternity hospital until 25 years ago, is a 20-minute walk from the town centre and has wonderful views of the River Tweed. You’ll immediately feel at home here: there are puzzles, books, a piano and good, old-fashioned furniture, giving it a “lived in” feel.
10. A five-star retreat in Lanarkshire
Muirhall Farm, in the dramatic Lanarkshire countryside a 20-minute taxi drive from Glasgow, has been transformed into four 5-star cottages, which sleep between two and four people. They’re all beautifully furnished and, with their handsome fireplaces, wood beams and sweeping staircases, could easily pass for grand Scottish manors.
Get an exclusive 10% discount at cottages4you
If you book your train tickets online at nationalexpresseastcoast.com, you can take advantage of a fantastic 10% discount when booking a holiday cottage with cottages4you. There are more than 9,000 to choose between, from charming seaside hideaways to classic thatched cottages in the country. Go to nationalexpresseastcoast.com and click on “special offers” for details.