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.

Located just south of the Cotswolds and set on a farm, The Old Stables at Bradley's Farm is an idyllic rural retreat, with south-facing views of sweeping countryside and access to a private arboretum. The property is a short 10 minute walk from the village of Holt which offers a a cafe, restaurant, village shop, two pubs and a National Trust garden.

Information correct at time of writing. Bath is a unique destination, with beautiful honey-coloured Georgian buildings everywhere you look. Yet there are plenty of contemporary pleasures here too, including a thriving shopping centre, a racecourse and of course the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can enjoy some serious pampering. Bradford on Avon is an historic, small town nestled in an idyllic setting. Wander along the river, pop into the independent shops and cafes, and then visit the Tithe Barn, a spectacular medieval barn that is a whopping 51 metres long. Come to Lacock and step back in time. The street grid and architecture of this quaint village look much as they did 200 years ago. In fact, the abbey here dates back to the thirteenth century. While you’re here, visit The Fox Talbot Museum to see a fascinating display of photography, from its earliest days to the present. Situated at the source of the River Stour, Stourhead is a large estate where you’ll find a beautifully proportioned Palladian manor house and landscaped garden. There are lots of walks to enjoy, including a walk around the artificial lake that’s said to represent a journey to the underworld. If you’re a petrol-head you’ll already know all about Castle Coombe. This is the West Country’s home of motor sport, and you can come along to watch spectacular racing, soak up the atmosphere or even get behind the wheel yourself. The Courts Garden in Holt is a gardener’s delight, with lots of differently styled outdoor spaces to explore. There used to be a cloth mill on this site, and you can learn about the history of the property in the Orchard Room. Make sure to book before you come. Great Chalfield Manor is a charming 15th-century manor house that is often used as a film and television location. Come and stroll through the beautiful Arts and Crafts garden and wander through topiary houses and the rose garden.