CELEBRATE 70 YEARS OF BRITAIN’S NATIONAL PARKS WITH A COTTAGE STAY IN ONE

11/01/2021

2021 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UK’s first four National Parks - the Peak District, Dartmoor, Snowdonia and the Lake District. To celebrate, Premier Cottages has picked the perfect places to stay in each. So, what not start planning?

Snowdonia National Park: Cae Du

With 23 miles of coastline and beaches, wooded valleys and a magnificent mountain range, the Snowdonia National Park offers its visitors a rich and diverse getaway. The largest National Park in Wales, Snowdonia also features the highest mountain in England and Wales, and the biggest natural lake in Wales plus a wealth of picturesque villages like Betws y Coed and Beddgelert. The park's historic Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs to the summit of Mount Snowdon, offering views across the sea to Ireland. 

Located at the heart of the park, Cae Du is a six-bedroom cottage set in 14 acres with the river LLEDR running the full length of the land. Its location offers a fabulous playground, with rocks to scramble over and a natural pool within the river for those keen on wild swimming.  A plethora of walks from gentle strolls to challenging hikes can be enjoyed from here. A three-night weekend break for up to 12 guests starts from £1023  (www.premiercottages.co.uk, 0208 5423480) 

Lake District National Park: Goodies Farmhouse  

England's largest National Park covers 2362 square kilometres. It is home to Scafell Pike - its highest mountain as well as Wastwater England’s deepest lake at 243 feet. It also boasts thriving communities like Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere and features 26 miles of coastline and estuaries.

Set in an idyllic location in Cumbria, Goodies Farmhouse offers wonderful walks straight from the door onto the surrounding high fells and is close to the villages of Kirkby Londsdale and Dent with its cobbled streets and interesting art galleries; the nearest lakes are Windermere and Ullswater. All the activities of the Lake District are on the doorstep including lake sailing on Ullswater, rowing on Grasmere, easy climbing up Cat Bells by Derwentwater, and GoApe Tree Top Adventures in Grisedale Forest to name a few.

There are two properties at Goodies Farmhouse, the main farmhouse, which sleeps six and Bluebell an idyllic cottage for two. Seven night stays start from £1795 and £595 respectively. (www.premiercottages.co.uk, 07989 989684)

Peak District National Park: Churchdale Farm 

Britain's first National Park is a land of contrasts: dramatic heather moorland hills and rock edges in the north, limestone dales and rivers in the south. The Park is 550 square miles and has nearly 200 miles of open access land for walkers to enjoy and 34 miles of family friendly trails that are great for cycling and riding as well as walking.

Churchdale Farm in the heart of the Peak District boasts three five star gold award winning cottages, that have been thoughtfully converted from old cart sheds, each retains its old world charm with beams and natural stone. There is also electric car charging and bicycle storage on site, plus walks from the cottage door - the Monsal Trail can be joined from here. A seven night stay for two starts from £825. (www.premiercottages.co.uk, 01629 640269)

Dartmoor: The Tithe Barn, Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is the largest and wildest area of open country in south England with picture perfect villages, great woodland, high granite tors and vast areas of rolling moorland.  

The moor is home to many of Britain’s globally threatened species and its rolling hills and rocky outcrops have provided inspiration for many works of fiction, most famously the setting for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mystery, Hound of the Baskervilles.

Situated within the Park is the five-star gold Tithe Barn.  Nestled in four acres of pasture and orchards with country views, the Grade II property combines rustic chic with modern comforts, and boasts an open-plan lounge, under-floor heating and three en-suite double bedrooms. 

The historic stannary town of Ashburton is nearby and the River Dart valley offers memorable riverside walks through pretty woodland. This gorgeous property is the ideal base to explore the coastal paths and beaches of the South Hams and South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A week’s stay for six guests costs from £1260. (www.premiercottages.co.uk 01364 654689).

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