Country weekend breaks near London
Plotting a romantic escape or a big group gathering away from the city? Luxury country weekend breaks near London have never been so get-at-able; these private homes, from Shropshire to the South Downs, are all within two to three hours’ drive from the Big Smoke.
In a couple of hours, you could be reclining on the veranda of your very own beach house, rosé on ice, sea salt on your lips, and fondue melting on the Aga. The luxury private homes that form this collection of country weekend breaks near London have all been hand-picked, nitpicking-ly examined, and granted the Unique Homestays stamp of approval, meaning a swift self-catering escape from the city has never been so carefree. If the London Underground is your go-to mode of transport, we can arrange the hire of a 4x4 or country-ready convertible, so you can fill the trunk with ensembles and pull up to your weekend abode in style. You handle the spontaneity, we'll handle the spadework.
A city trend's astir. As the crowds shuffle in for their weekend revelries, London locals are slyly departing. From gathering with all the family in lavish mansions with swimming pools, to holing up with their beaus in romantic cottages where Champagne and real fires reign, city-escapers (often with dogs in tow) are turning to out-of-towners in as little as two to three hours. Go big with indoor bowling alleys, at-home cinemas, and secret gardens, or take the hygge highway to hot tubs and fire-charred marshmallows. With oak doors aflung, baguettes in the hamper, and lavender-scented bubbles in the copper tub, the most luxurious self-catering homes in the UK are just a click away. The coast and country are calling.
Dandelion
Kempsford, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Traditional on the outside, but with flamboyance and flair within, this luxury Grade II listed manor with a hot tub and bohemian yurt near the Cotswolds has a rambunctious makeup of rich colour, bold patterns, and unteachable taste.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (+2 children)
From: £6,250 per week, £4,695 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 18 guests
Pets: Pets are considered on request
Features: There is a yurt, wood-fired hot tub, and DJ decks.
Distance: Approx. 72 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Aviary
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Traditional Cotswold stone provides the golden foundations for some striking modern flourishes at this luxury farmhouse retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 11 guests (10 adults and 1 child)
From: £7,000 per week, £5,250 per short break
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub (May - September), tennis court, cinema room and trampoline
Distance: Approx. 74 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Flower Press
Bibury, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Emerald green in spring and fire red in autumn, creeper-clad cottage The Flower Press is a restful self-catering retreat nestled in the welcoming arms of quintessential Bibury. Snow-white walls, candelabras, chandeliers and vibrant gardens brimming with anemones bring a feel of modern-day Provence to this gorgeous old Cotswold manse.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,850 per week, £1,450 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Distance: Approx. 76 miles from central London as the crow flies
Midsummer Wood
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
This magical Cotswolds millhouse calls you to run wild in private woodland, get lost amidst secret wildflower meadows, dive into a 12-metre indoor pool and unfurl within lavish Jacobean interiors.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £5,995 per week, £3,500 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Indoor heated swimming pool, two steam rooms, tennis court and games room with ping pong, gym and large TV
Distance: Approx. 76 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Palladian
Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Georgian in style and grand in nature, this self-catering Cotswold manor offers a true countryside escape perfect for multi-generational groups.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (6 adults and 6 children)
From: £4,550 per week, £3,295 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub (both May - September), gym, tennis court, trampoline, small football pitch, table tennis and tree house
Distance: Approx. 78 miles from central London as the crow flies
Filly Island
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Blending style with a big dose of ingenuity results in something truly quite magical here at Filly Island. This unique cottage near Cirencester is sat upon a tiny island accessed by a humpback bridge. Pre-loved finds are revivified to bring about the unique interiorscape at Filly Island.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,050 per week, £795 per short break
Pets: Two small well-behaved dogs are welcome
Distance: Approx. 79 miles from central London as the crow flies
Zamani
Cheltenham, Hawling, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Ancient Cotswolds barn meets contemporary charm at this luxury self-catering country house near Cheltenham. A stylish sanctuary for large family gatherings and a perfect private retreat to retire to with friends after fun-filled antics at the races.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Pool table
Distance: Approx. 81 miles from central London as the crow flies
Weddings at Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
An 18th century barn designed with love-filled celebrations and grand gatherings in mind, Anthology Farm is poised at the head of an ancient Cotswolds valley on the outskirts of vibrant Cheltenham, just two hours from London.
Sleeps: Up to 18, with 50 wedding guests
From: £15,495 per week, £13,695 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 18 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Wedding barn, heated indoor swimming pool, tennis court and electric car charging point
Distance: Approx. 84 miles from central London as the crow flies
Photoshoots at Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
As diverse as it is large, the 500 acres of Anthology Farm are an inspiring location in the heart of The Cotswolds with ample space, inside and out, to suit any creative brief.
Distance: Approx. 85 miles from central London as the crow flies
Anthology Farm
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
With acres of space and oodles of old stone style, these two traditional barns in the heart of the Cotswolds are perfect for large family gatherings or big celebrations.
Sleeps: Up to 18 guests
From: £8,995 per week, £6,495 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 10 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Heated indoor swimming pool, cinema room, tennis court and electric car charging point
Distance: Approx. 85 miles from central London as the crow flies
Elissa
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Surrounded by miles of undulating countryside, this luxury self-catering home is all about life’s simple pleasures; drawn-out pub lunches, rural rambles and evenings in the hot tub.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children)
From: £1,750 per week, £1,295 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
Gulliver´s Hall
Bisley, Stroud, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Blending ancestral tales with elegant maximalism, Gulliver's Hall brings vitality to the soul; this is a secluded luxury self-catering home where escape where escapism and comfort are key.
Sleeps: Up to 21 guests
From: £8,495 per week, £6,395 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 15 & Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (April-October), sunken spa bath, sauna, steam room, outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, paella burner, games and cinema room, tennis court, croquet lawn
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
The Find
Cranham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Dynamic pairing of luxury architect-designed properties in a beautifully secluded valley location in the Cotswolds.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £15,895 per week, £14,895 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Trampoline, rowing boat
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
Evania
Bentham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, UK
Inspired by the colours and countryside of the Mediterranean, this Gloucestershire home with heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, is the perfect family retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £5,095 per week, £3,995 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 & Up to 4 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), hot tub, games room with table football, pool table, table tennis and television
Distance: Approx. 89 miles from central London as the crow flies
