10 characterful country houses for a UK getaway - Rest Less (2024)

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The UK is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, so if you’re thinking about a staycation this year, why not consider a walking holiday? From rolling hills and rugged mountains to wild moors and gleaming lakes, the UK isn’t just beautiful, it’s also incredibly varied – and walking is the best way to appreciate its many charms and contrasts.

Plus, our lovely land is steeped in history and mythology, and many trails take you right past some of the most iconic sites and scenic spots in the country. There’s so much to see and do, in fact, that it can be tricky deciding where to go; are you drawn to the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, the idyllic beauty of the Cotswolds, or the majestic splendour of the Lake District?

To get you inspired, we’ve partnered withHF Holidays, who are one of the leading providers of UK walking tours – and Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Unlike other walking tour operators, HF Holidays also owns and manages 16 characterful properties where the coast or countryside takes centre stage. These include Victorian manors, Georgian mansions, converted granaries and farmhouses, and more.

Many of these country homes are located in the UK’s best-loved national parks, making them ideal places to stay when you want to explore picture-perfect villages, famous attractions, and well-trodden trails. In addition to a cream tea on arrival, cooked breakfasts, packed lunches, and three-course dinners are provided daily, and the focus on sociability means you’ll always have someone to talk to and connect with.

With that said, where are some of HF Holiday’s best properties – and what can you expect from a walking holiday there?

The Brecon Beacons National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, and if you’re searching for soul-stirring views and wide open spaces, you’re heading to the right place. Hiking trails in the Brecon Beacons take you along high mountain plateaus, past thundering waterfalls, through verdant valleys, and over rolling heathland – so there’s plenty of variety.

Located in the market town of Brecon is Nythfa House, built in 1867 for a solicitor and his family. And while it retains a sense of history, the rooms are comfortable and contemporary. There are cosy communal spaces as well as a bar, but because the house is close to many of the park’s hotspots, from the Black Mountains to Pen y Fan, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time outdoors!

The Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria are undeniably two of the most beautiful parts of England. The former is home to rolling green fields, heather-adorned hills, and flower-filled meadows, while the latter boasts dramatic moorland, gentle lowlands, coastal plains and, of course, the famous lakes. Plus, nestled right between these two glorious regions is the famous market town of Sedbergh.

Sedbergh is known for its cobbled streets and artisan shops, and it’s just a hop and skip from Thorns Hall, a grand Grade II-listed manor house. With a 500-year-old history, Thorns Hall contains many original features, from beamed ceilings and open fireplaces to stone flag flooring. It’s the perfect place to cosy up after exploring the Yorkshire Dales or travelling further afield to the Cumbrian lakes.

The Scottish Highlands have a wonderfully raw and wild appeal, and the gleaming lochs, imposing mountains, picturesque villages, and rugged moorlands never fail to awe and inspire. There are all kinds of stunning walking trails to take advantage of here, from challenging treks that take you to the top of towering peaks, to more gentle walks through glacial valleys and around pristine lochs.

Built in the early 1870s, Alltshellach is set on the stunning shores of Loch Leven, near the village of Glen Coe. With 38 guest rooms, three lounges, beautiful wooded grounds, and a bar well-stocked with superb local whiskies, it’s a great base for exploring this romantic region. You can hike around Glen Coe, visit Fort William, climb Ben Nevis, and warm up with a whisky in one of the cosy lounges.

The Cotswolds is famous all around the world for its unique rustic beauty. The historic villages and market towns are packed with character, and while all have their own appeal, few can compete with Gloucestershire’s Bourton-on-the-Water. Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England, its riverside location and elegant stone bridges have given it the nickname the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.

Built in 1662, and located in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Grade-II listed Harrington House features a mix of Tudor, Palladian, and Georgian styles. With 27 guest rooms, a bar, two lounges, and a grand dining room, you’ll have everything you need – but you’re also within walking distance of the Cotswolds’ best museums, as well as beautiful trails that weave through the pristine countryside.

The wild, windswept North York Moors have something to offer everyone. Home to quiet valleys, heather-covered moors, and charming villages, the landscape is criss-crossed with hiking trails. The coast is especially enchanting, and while there are many quaint fishing towns to explore, none are prettier than Whitby, which is famous for its gothic abbey, Dracula connections…and fish and chips!

Located on the edge of the town, in 14 acres of lovely grounds, is Larpool Hall, a grand Grade II-listed house that overlooks the Esk Valley and the North Sea. Built in the 1870s, the house is teeming with period grandeur, from its mahogany staircase and open-arched porch to its cosy lounge and bar. From here, the North York Moors are right on your doorstep and the coast is just a short walk away.

The Lake District is a remarkable part of the country, and countless writers, artists, and poets have been inspired by its mirror-like lakes, dramatic fells, and tranquil green valleys. Coniston Water is one of the most impressive lakes and was famously the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons. Circled by ancient woodland, it’s a fabulous place to spend the day.

Overlooking Coniston Water is Monk Coniston, a Grade II-listed house that’s packed with character. Built in the 1770s, it’s the ideal base for exploring the area, and some of the best attractions, from Grasmere to the Langdales and the Old Man of Coniston, are within walking distance. The house also has a bar, walled garden, arboretum, putting green and croquet lawn, so there’s lots to do!

The South Downs may be the UK’s newest national park, but it’s been famous for its beauty, history, and tranquillity for centuries. The landscape of ancient woodlands, undulating hills, towering cliffs and pretty villages is ideal for hiking, and the coastal views are sensational. The village of Thakeham is one of the best places to explore this lovely region, and it’s here you’ll find Abingworth Hall.

The history of Abingworth Hall can be traced back some 800 years, although following a fire, the house was rebuilt in the early 1900s. Today there are 27 guest rooms and three stylish lounges, one of which opens onto a chic conservatory and bar. There’s also a ballroom if you fancy a spin, plus eight acres of gorgeous gardens and an indoor heated pool – perfect for a warm, post-hike swim!

Snowdonia is arguably home to the most dramatically beautiful scenery in all of Wales. Home to lush green valleys, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering lakes, the landscape here is like nowhere else in the UK. Millions of visitors flock here every year with plans of climbing Mount Snowdon, hiking through the national park, or relaxing in the many charming, historic villages.

At the southern end of Snowdonia is Dolserau Hall, a characterful Victorian manor house that’s just a brisk walk from the market town Dolgellau. Located by quiet woods and craggy uplands, the house is ideally situated to follow the Mawddach Trail or trek up the foothills of Cader Idris. And after a day of hiking, you’ll return to 23 guest rooms, a comfy lounge, a bright dining room, and a well-stocked bar.

To many, the Yorkshire Dales are the epitome of serene rural bliss, but there’s a unique sense of wilderness about this region too. Packed with quaint villages, historic attractions, and dramatic landscapes to hike through, there’s plenty to see and do here, and one of the best places to base yourself is Malham, a handsome village located at the southern end of the national park.

Many of the Dales’ most impressive sites are within easy reach of Malham, from Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar to Malham Cove and the three peaks. Just outside Malham is Newfield Hall, a baronial mansion that sits on two acres of grounds. With 46 guest rooms, two lounges, a bar, a bright dining room, and an artist’s studio and games room, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking!

Take a trip off the mainland and head to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday destination, the Isle of Wight. Located off the coast of Portsmouth, the island is known for its mild climate and beautiful 25-mile coast that’s lined with dramatic white cliffs, sweeping dunes, and idyllic beaches. To the south is the village of Freshwater, which is a stone’s throw from many of the island’s top attractions.

Freshwater Bay House was built in 1823, and located between its namesake bay and village, it’s ideally situated for beach walks – and there are 43 guest rooms, three lounges, a bar, restaurants, gorgeous gardens, and an outdoor heated pool. Plus, the imposing Tennyson Down is just a short walk away, as are the rugged Stag and Mermaid rocks and the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay.

If you’re thinking about a staycation and you enjoy keeping active on your holidays and doing plenty of walking, you might want to think about a walking break with HF Holidays.

As Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative, HF Holidays stands apart from other walking tour providers in many important ways. With a 110-year-old history, the importance of its heritage is clear, as is the mission to connect like-minded people with a love of exploring the great outdoors.

Rather than staying in standard hotels or B&Bs during their walking holidays, HF Holiday guests and members can stay in characterful and historic country houses – many of which are located in some of Britain’s best-loved, and most beautiful, national parks.

Full-board at these country houses is included, so you can enjoy an indulgent cream tea on arrival; cooked breakfasts, packed lunches for your daily excursions; and three-course dinners in the evening. With a focus on sociability, meals are fun, feel-good experiences – and many guests and members leave not just with a new appreciation for the beauty of the UK, but with plenty of new friendships too.

To browse HF holiday’s full range of country houses and other offerings, from solo holidays to island hopping adventures, you can visit their website using the button below.