Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

Beau View Cottage is a romantic bolthole for two set in the grounds of Beau View Lodge in Kent. Tucked away down a country lane, this modern but cosy retreat comes with everything you need to make your time away comfortable and relaxing.

Information correct at time of writing. Canterbury Cathedral is a magnificent building that is a World Heritage Site as well as being a holy place. Visitors have been making pilgrimages here since the Middle Ages. The building has an overwhelming majesty but it’s beautiful on a small scale too. There are lots of fascinating details to look out for – from the ‘Adam delving’ stained glass window to the carvings of the shields in the cloisters. The River Stour is a beautiful lazy river that wends its way through the South East. The artist John Constable painted many views along the river stretches, and one unique way to enjoy this special landscape is to take a punt from Westgate Punts. You can leave the hard work to the boatman! Howletts is a wildlife park that is home to over 400 animals, including elephants, tigers and monkeys. There are even giant anteaters. You can listen to talks from the experts, watch animals being fed and visit the education centre. If you’re planning to spend the day exploring Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre is worth a visit even if you haven’t got tickets for a performance. This large theatre was recently redeveloped and is an impressive,...