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.

This pretty stone cottage is situated in the Castle Howard Estate village of Coneysthorpe. With two cosy wood burning stoves and furnished with antiques from Castle Howard itself, the cottage has carefully chosen modern furnishings, and is perfectly appointed. A picturesque garden with trickling stream the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the region.

Information correct at time of writing. Castle Howard is a magnificent stately home that has been the home of the Howard family for more than 300 years. The house and gardens are open seasonally (usually from around April to October), however please make sure to check opening times and book ahead – and don’t forget your complimentary guest tickets and 20GBP voucher to spend at the farm shop here. If you're looking for peace and tranquillity, you will find it at the Yorkshire Arboretum, with 120 stunning acres of parkland, lakes and ponds to explore. There are over 6,000 trees here along with a welcoming café too. More walks can be enjoyed at Sutton Bank and the White Horse. Take a trip to the beautiful east coast; Scarborough, Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Sandsend are just a few of the top seaside destinations. From the Vikings to the Romans, civilisations through the ages have made York their home. There’s a bewildering amount of history to explore, with 30 world-class museums and the superb York Minster, not to mention plenty of top-notch shopping to enjoy. Foodies will delight in visiting the food capital of the North, Malton, packed with restaurants, pubs, cafes, artisan delis and much more. Malton is also home to Flamingo Land, an award winning zoo and theme park which will delight guests young and old. For some Michelin star treatment, try The Star at Harome, or in the same lucky village, The Pheasant Hotel boasts 2 AA Rosettes and provides a delicious fresh and local menu. And not forgetting The Black Swan at Oldstead by chef Tommy Banks, a Michelin-starred, 4 AA Rosette restaurant. Head east and you’ll come to the glorious Yorkshire coast, where Scarborough is the jewel in the crown. Take a stroll along the beach and chance your arm in an amusement arcade, visit Scarborough Castle and learn about the area’s history or pop and see the penguins at the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary. There’s plenty to keep you occupied all day. Whitby,...