English countryside with traditional country cottages

Holiday cottages in the Heart of England for rent

Holiday cottages in the middle of England

The Heart of England as the name suggests covers the central area of England and is wide ranging in its geography. The Cotswolds are often thought of as quintessentially English - rolling hills and beautiful buildings. The area is so lovely that many celebrities leave London to enjoy the rural idyll. Small stone cottages and wonderful barn conversions can be rented alongside the large holiday residences, which are better suited for large parties or a few families holidaying together.

Further West is the area called the Forest of Dean, from Herefordshire south to the Severn Estuary. An unspoilt region of woodlands and rivers The Forest of Dean has a lot to offer its visitors including some faboulous holiday properties.

To the North is the magnificent The Peak District. It was first National Park in England and is near the cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Stoke. The geology of the Peaks is not only fascinating but also creates the beautiful limestone hills and valleys. Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock and Asbourne are the main towns but wherever you choose in the Peak District you are sure to find an amazing holiday house.

English countryside with traditional English country cottages in: Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. You will always find great holiday deals and special offers - particularly with last minute and late availability, so book once you find the accommodation that you would like to rent, and plan the holiday activity details - and let the fun begin!

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Visiting The Heart of England

The Heart of England has some really great self catering properties.. The Cotswolds typically has some really picture postcard towns and villages that are quintessentially English with tea room, pubs and interesting shops and delis. Herefordshire is very rural and a welcome escape for city dwellers. The Forest of Dean is spectacular with beautiful wooded areas and many fabulous holiday lets. The Peak District has some famous towns as well as great walks.

If you want a walking holiday, some pony trekking, places for dog walks (many holiday cottages welcome pets to stay), some culture, independent shops, cafes, pubs tearooms then The Heart of England ticks many of these boxes as well as countless others. For some serious relaxation and to get away from a busy life then these areas must be considered. Some of the larger towns may be familiar and easily reached from a holiday home ; Hereford, Buxton, Moreton in the Marsh, Hay on Wye, Bakewell, Cirencester, to name a few!

Staying in English - Welsh border counties

The counties that border England and Wales are Shropshire and Herefordshire are known for their county fairs, farmers' markets and warm welcomes. Herefordshire villages have a quintessentially English feel, and often feature traditional black and white timbered buildings. There are cottages in Eardisland, holiday homes in Weobley, Pembridge cottages to hire, Eardisly vacation rentals and traditional holiday cottages in Dilwyn. Wherever you choose to stay, a self-catering holiday in Herefordshire will not disappoint - luxury or budget cottages are available.

For a taste of Wales in Shropshire, have a look for cottages in Oswestry. It's a beautiful place to stay, within easy reach of the Welsh mountains and with several splendid castles to see. Oswestry is an ancient hill-fort town and said to be the birthplace of Queen Guinevere (as in the Arthurian legend). Self-caterers will enjoy the speciality shops and eateries and the largest street market in the area. Powis castle has stunning gardens, Chirk castle commands spectacular views, and Whittington is straight from the pages of a story book.

Regions in Heart of England

Cheltenham

In the midst of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham is a fine Regency town and spa. It lies on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty. It has some grand architecture and is surrounded by hills and fields. It is home to perhaps the most famous Steeple Chase Horse racing festival every spring.

Cirencester

In south east Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is steeped in History, from Romans, Saxons, Normans and Tudors. Lovely buildings and a great atmosphere, it is also an ideal hub for other towns in the South West

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds stretches through Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Cotswold stone, thatched cottages, village inns, converted self-catering barns immediately spring to mind. If you're looking for a rural break within approx a two hour train ride from London, look at the rental properties in The Cotswolds.

Forest of Dean

An ancient Royal Hunting forest before 1066, The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, is an area between The River Wye down to the River Severn, and lies between Hereford and Gloucester. A meandering River and swathes of Forests characterise the Forest of Dean

Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire has many historic attractions, stately homes, market towns and medieval market squares to visit, with postcard perfect Cotswold villages, the Forest of Dean and the Malvern Hill. You will see thatched cottages, village greens, Inns and local pubs.

Herefordshire

Sitting on the border with Wales, between Shropshire and Gloucestershire, Herefordshire is another rural county with lovely villages, hills and rolling hills. Hereford is famous for its Cathedral and the River Wye flows through down to Ross on Wye. The most sparsely populated English County, Herefordshire gives the chance to escape

Painswick

Painswick is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, Painswick is a quintessential English village. Standing on a hill overlooking a valley it used to be a centre for weavers. Now it is a lovely holiday centre

Peak District

An upland National Park covering parts of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Manchester. It is in the South Pennines and not so much covered by ‘Peaks’ but by rolling hills, plateaus and valleys. It is popular for walkers, cyclists and pot holers and the main towns are Bakewell, Ashbourne and Buxton.

Shropshire

Situated on the border between England and Wales, and between Cheshire and Herefordshire, Shropshire is a rural county. Medieval Shrewsbury is in the centre and the Unesco Ironbridge Gorge is full of history. The South Shropshire Hills are an Area of Natural Beauty and the River Severn meanders through, passing many lovely towns and villages

Stow on the Wold

An Historic town dating back to Norman times, Stow on the Wold has always been a market town and is at the crossroads of a few ancient routes. Now it is a thriving and beautiful market town in the north East Cotswolds.

Stroud

The Cotswolds is an Area of Natural Beauty and Stroud is pretty close to the centre. With steep streets and a typically ‘Cotswolds’ town it is a great base for exploring. Cafe culture and farmers market are to the fore!

Warwickshire

South of Birmingham and not too far from London, Warwickshire is steeped in History and ancient towns. Warwick has a famous Castle, Stratford on Avon has Shakespeare, Kenilworth a Castle to name a few. Rugby, Royal Leamington Spa and Nuneaton are other notable towns. In other words it is quite an extensive county, handily placed and has lots of culture and scenery

Worcestershire

A rural county in the Midlands, Worcestershire sits amongst Staffordshire, Shropshire, Gloucester and Warwickshire. Worcester is the county town and has a Cathedral as well as home to the County cricket club. Kidderminster, Evesham and Malvern are other notable towns amongst the hills and agriculture.

Holiday cottages in the middle of England

Hand-picked quality self-catering cottages

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Regions in Heart of England