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Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in culture and history.

A visit to Stratford would not be complete without finding out more about the English poet and playwright that makes it famous. Shakespeare’s Birthplace’s allows you to visit the house where the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up to discover more about his early years.
Other Shakespeare locations include Hall’s Croft (home to William’s daughter), Nash’s House and New Place (the last chapter in his life), Anne Hataway’s cottage (the childhood home of William’s wife) and Mary Arden’s Farm (the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother).

One of the world’s best-known theatre companies, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) performs throughout the year at its home in Stratford-upon-Avon. The company focuses on works by Shakespeare, other renaissance dramatists and contemporary writers.

While in the area visit historic Warwick and Kenilworth with two of the most magnificent castles in English history and Royal Leamington Spa with its superb shopping in stunning Regency setting.  Stratford upon Avon is also a splendid base to explore the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills and Oxfordshire. With 100’s of things to do and places to see including historic castles, stately homes, theatres, award winning gardens, racing, stunning country and hillside walks, children’s theme and adventure parks, pubs and restaurants, art and antiques – it is ideal for families, romantic couples, sight seers and longer stay holidays.

Henley Cottage is only a five minute drive from Stratford upon Avon.  This charming end of terrace cottage has recently been converted from a 19th century barn and can sleep four.

Horseshoe Cottage is a charming 18th century cottage at Pebworth, 10 miles from Stratford upon Avon and can sleep five.

Golden Pond is a Scandinavian log cobin nestled in three acres of countryside in the Atholl Estate, surrounded by breathtaking scenery of lochs and glens.  A perfect location for birdwatchers, hill walkers, fishermen, golfers and cyclists.  Within easy reach of Inverness, Aviemore, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

The ancient market town of Newtown is in the heart of the magnificent Montgomeryshire countryside nestling on the banks of the River Severn. The bustling town is steeped in history dating back to 1279 and offers many attractions and places of interest.  Within a short drive there are several gardens to enjoy. Larger stately homes such as Powis Castle and Glansevern Hall also have gardens.

Steam railways are the perfect way to see the countryside and often give you the chance to see deer and birds of prey, heron, kingfisher and even otters. Many lines have been reclaimed over the years by groups of dedicated enthusiasts and there are 4 within a 1 hours drive.

Nearby Llanidloes is an attractive little market town on the River Severn.  It is rich in history and is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Cambrian mountains, the Hafren Forest, and the Llyn Clywdog resevoir.  The remains of Bryntail an old lead mine nestles at the base of the reservoir.

Three miles away at Kerry are Forest Country Cottages,  three Victorian country cottages that can sleep four or five people.

Boston Spa is a charming old Spa town, predominantly Georgian in character,  on the banks of the River Wharfe, 3 miles to the south of Wetherby. It has been called “the little Cheltenham of Yorkshire”.

Boston was established as a spa in 1744, following the discovery of magnesian, limestone and sulphur springs here, and at that time it was known as Thorp Spa. Its popularity as a spa, however, declined as much more plentiful supplies of spa waters were found in the nearby town of Harrogate. Many of its attractive creamy-coloured stone houses remain and it boasts a small but nice selection of restaurants, pubs and bars.  A single track bridge over the Wharfe, built around 1770 using local limestone links Boston Spa to the neighbouring village of Thorp Arch. A public footpath runs alongside the river all the way through the village.

York, Leeds and Harrogate are all 12 miles away and the Yorkshire Dales are a 30 minute drive.
The stately home of Harewood House with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating ‘Below Stairs’ exhibition is 4 miles away.

Garden Cottage is a lovely one bedroom apartment in converted outbuildings that sleeps four

Skye Cottage is a charming 19th century stone cottage within walking distance of Boston Spa and can sleep six.

Burgess Hill had a modest beginning based on the brick and tile industry.  It is located in gently rolling countryside with views to the Sussex Downs to the south and the High Weald to the north.   Now Burgess Hill is a centre for business with the second largest business park in Sussex. It is part of the Gatwick Diamond business area and has an excellent location at the “Crossroads of Sussex”. It has direct access to the motorway network, two railway stations with a good service to London and Brighton and is close to Gatwick Airport.  Town Centre facilities include the modern covered shopping mall in Market Place Shopping Centre, the outdoor Martlets Shopping Centre and the Martlets Hall complex incorporating the Library and 300 seat theatre.

For a real taste of Sussex visit one of the local vineyards and try their excellent locally produced wines.  The south coast towns of Brighton, Eastbourne and Lewes can be easily reached.

Local attractions include Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve,  situated on the northeast edge of Burgess Hill. There are a wide variety of including ponds, woodlands and wild flower meadows.   Wakehurst Place is Kew’s country garden with 170 acres of woodland, wetlands and ornamental gardens and Millennium Seed Bank project.

Country View Suite is a self contained, ground floor apartment at Burgess Hill just a ten minute walk from the mainline railway station.  The suite can sleep up to three people.

Set in the heart of the beautiful Devon Countryside Honiton grew up as a coaching stop on the busy London to Exeter route and by the mid 19th Century there were some 24 coaching inns.

For centuries Honiton has been renowned for lace, pottery and glove making, and although these time honoured crafts are no longer carried out to their former extent, Honiton has numerous specialist shops dedicated to both lace and pottery.

In more recent years, the town has also become the main centre in the West Country for antiques and antiquarian books. Honiton is a magnet for antique dealers and bargain hunters from all over the world, who come to browse in the 30 or so shops, or to visit one of the regular auctions.
Honiton is also within easy reach of both of the West Country’s National Parks - Dartmoor and Exmoor, as well as being close to the cathedral city of Exeter. Vast tracts of the area surrounding Honiton are designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and the town’s location, near to the River Otter, provides the visitor with an abundance of country walks and footpaths to explore.

Bidwell Farm Cottages are two luxurious barn conversions, each sleeping six people at Upottery, near Honiton.  Also at Upottery are Odle Farm Cottages, a collection of four cottages sleeping between two and five people.

Devizes lies at the mouth of the Vale of Pewsey and its eighteenth century houses, stately semicircular market place, two churches and excellent museum make it well worth a visit.
The Devizes Market Place is the largest in the west of England. A mixture of buildings of many periods surrounds it; nearly all listed as of architectural or historic interest.  Added to this are many fine pubs, eating places and specialist shops tucked away in courtyards and old alleyways.

Just outside Devizes you can enjoy a pleasant canalside walk alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal which boasts 29 locks which rise 237 feet in 2.5 miles at Caen Hill.  On the edge of the hill above Devizes, the Devizes White Horse was cut into the hillside as part of the Millenium celebrations.

Nearby attractions include Boxwood House & Gardens, a family stately home embracing a whole world of fascination in the splendour of a bygone age, Courts Garden, 9 miles and Stonehenge, only 13 miles away.

Situated just 2.5 miles from Devizes are Tichbournes Farm Cottages,  a group of three luxury cottages in a courtyard setting, each sleeping four people.

Set at the foot of the Ochil Hills, Tillicoultry lies nine miles to the east of Stirling.

There is an old saying that the name Tillicoultry comes from when a Highlandman was taking a drove of cattle along the old road, and when passing a burn, none of the cattle took a drink,  In astonishment, he exclaimed ‘ There’s Tiel a coo try ‘ (Deil a cow dry) in the Highlandman’s way of pronouncing the D; and hence the town got its name!

The other suggestion is that the origin of the name is Gaelic “Tullich-cul-tir” (once the burgh seal and still used by Tillicoultry Community Council), the mount at the back of the hill.
Hill climbing is the area is very popular. The glens are also very popular with walkers but care must be taken.

Local attractions include The Wallace Monument, a ten minute drive, Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles, a 16 minute drive and The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boatlift, just over half an hour away.

West Wing is a fully refurbished wing of a Victorian mansion set in its own wooded grounds and offers self catering accommodation for up to seven people.

Nestled in the Fen countryside, this small city in East Cambridgeshire is full of charm and beauty and home to one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England. Whether you are looking for a tranquil, peaceful retreat or an inspiring, invigorating visit then the bustling city of Ely surrounded by dramatic countryside has it all.

Ely has a beautiful waterside area where you can enjoy a boat trip, riverside walks, explore the many cafes and antique shops, visit the Babylon Art Gallery or listen to music in Jubilee Gardens.

Ely has the major tourist locations of Cambridge and Newmarket on its doorstep at the same time as being only an hour away from London by rail and only two hours away from the Norfolk Coast by car. Not forgetting the numerous small villages and towns in between that each have their own individual characteristics to offer.

The Old Granary is a luxury cottage conversion only 3 miles from Ely.  It can sleep up to six people.

This charming old wool merchants’ town has so much to offer, varied architecture and the enviable reputation as the most beautiful High Street in England.  This ancient town has many beautiful buildings. From St James Church right through to Dover’s Hill all nestling in tranquil and beautiful countryside. 

There are a wealth of historic monuments, houses, parks and gardens in the area such as Hidcote Manor Garden, the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Dovers Hill and Snowshill Manor
Due to its central location in the north Cotswolds, you can enjoy the delights not only of this charming old town, but also the nearby surrounding shire counties of Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. From Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds to the south, to Worcester and the Malverns to the west plus Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick (with the best medieval castle in Europe) all within an hour’s journey.

For the adventurous walker, you can take the 100 mile long Cotswold Way all the way from Chipping Campden to the Roman City of Bath.

Molly’s Cottage is a period cottage in an enviable position on Lower High Street in Chipping Campden and can sleep up to four people.  Benfield Cottage is a Grade II listed house on the HIgh Street and can sleep two people.