Holidays with History

Holiday Cottages in the countryside

Uniquely located in the grounds and gardens of some of England's finest stately homes or overlooking famous battlefields and monastic ruins, our cottages located inland make for the perfect getaway.

Prior’s Lodge - Mount Grace Priory

Priors Lodge, which sleeps five people, is located in the grounds of Mount Grace Priory. The cottage consists of three buildings on different levels linked with internal staircases. Attached to a wall of the medieval guesthouse, the cottage overlooks the spectacular ruins of the Carthusian monastery. Built in the mid-18th Century from stones taken from the ruins, the interiors are full of pale timbers, a cast iron fireplace and mullioned windows offering fabulous views of the ruins and the Vale of York. With exclusive access to the grounds outside of public access hours, guests can explore the ruins and the renovated Arts and Crafts gardens on their own terms.

Refectory Cottage – Rievaulx Abbey

Refectory Cottage is sat within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey amidst the rolling North Yorkshire countryside and in the valley of the ancient River Rye. The cottage, which comfortably sleeps four, was bullt using reclaimed abbey stone and close inspection reveals the medieval masons' marks on many of the blocks used in its construction. The interior of the cottage is spacious and comfortable for a family holiday so you may be tempted to simply stay at home and catch glimpses of the abbey through the cottage windows. Access to the abbey is through a gate from the cottage's private garden. It is adjacent to a cottage belonging to a local working estate.

South Lodge – Battle Abbey

Stay in the beautiful Sussex landscape, and enjoy the fresh air and open spaces surrounding at one of the most famous battlefields in England's history. South Lodge comfortably sleeps up to four people and is the perfect base to discover the atmosphere of one of England’s most significant historic sites, where the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror clashed here at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The cottage is situated in the south east corner of the estate with direct access to the battlefield. Conveniently located, the cottage also provides a pleasant walk up to the ruins of the Abbey, the Gatehouse and the Visitor Centre.

The Head Gardener’s House – Audley End

Our latest addition to our collection of historic holiday cottages, Head Gardener's House was built in 1875 as a family home for Audley End’s Head Gardener. The handsome red-brick house signalled the Head Gardener’s status as one of Audley End’s most senior servants. Empty for several years, English Heritage has given the three-bedroom property a new lease of life as a cosy and energy-efficient holiday cottage with views over the walled kitchen garden and stable courtyard.

 

Pool House – Witley Court

The Pool House is a four-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps eight people, ideal for those special group getaways. Located in the grounds of Witley Court, this holiday cottage was once built in 1930’s to provide residential and office accommodation on the site. Discover glorious rhododendron-lined paths that lead you to the ruined mansion – with its magnificent fountain featuring Perseus and Andromeda. 

Peacock Cottage - Kirby Hall

Peacock Cottage is a two-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps up to four people. Named after the peacocks that wander freely around the site, you’re sure to spot one of these impressive birds during your stay. The cottage was built in the 1970’s to provide residential and office accommodation on the site of Kirby Hall, one of England's greatest Elizabethan and 17th Century houses, now a well-lit spacious cottage offering cosy and contemporary accommodation to any staycation. Spend your evenings exploring the ruins of this once great house, Kirby Hall, and its recently restored Great Gardens.

Gardener’s House – Wrest Park

Gardener’s House is a three-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps six people, plus it has a sofa bed for two extra guests if required. This holiday cottage is part of the original design of the house built by Earl de Grey in the 1830s. The Gardener’s House was originally constructed for Wrest Park’s Head Gardener and is situated within the renowned 17th Century gardens. Across three-storeys, The Gardener’s House is perfect for your group getaway, with highlights including a private garden for outdoor dining and lawn games, a cosy snug for relaxation, and a utility room to store those muddy boots after a day of exploring!

East Lodge – Hardwick Old Hall

East Lodge is a two-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps four people. Situated within the walled grounds of the romantic ruin of Hardwick Old Hall, set within the 1,000 acres of the Estate that overlooks the Derbyshire countryside. This spacious holiday cottage features high ceilings and lead light windows so you can expect a spacious stay with spectacular views of Hardwick Hall and its gardens, ready for you to immerse yourself in one of the grandest periods of England’s History.

Cambridge Lodge – Audley End

Cambridge Lodge is a two-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps four people. Built in 1843, Cambridge Lodge holiday cottage is the Victorian gatehouse to one of England’s finest stately homes, Audley End House and Garends, and is a stunning building in its own right – with ornate architecture and impressive views over the lawns to the River Cam. Cambridge Lodge is set across two levels, offering ample space for group getaway.