Country Vacations & Resorts

Set in a quiet hidden corner of the medieval cobbled area of Alston, this immaculately presented cottage has been imaginatively developed by the owner who is an architect from original buildings dating from the late 17th Century.

Sowerberry Cottage has charm and character, incorporating a wealth of attractive features including solid oak floors, exposed beams and many interesting little niches.

Alston is a market town steeped in history with a good range of individual shops, tearooms, art gallery, local crafts, and character inns serving traditional ales and good food. Alternatively take a leisurely trip on the South Tyne Railway winding through stunning scenery, with Nenthead Mines Visitor Centre, Hadrian’s Wall, The Lake District, Durham City and the Scottish Borders within easy driving distance.

Find more UK vacation rentals in Northern England and Scotland by visiting
Dales Holiday Cottages.

Cottage of the Month: Traveller’s Rest
Location: Somerset
Local Weather: Somerset
Pets allowed: Yes

I’m wishing right about now that I was a published author looking for an extended stay location to finish my next, (and no doubt highly successful) novel. I’d be booking time at Traveller’s Rest to complete my task.

For those who need a quiet place to get away and just relax, I’ll let the images shown here do most of the talking.

Lush, green hills and pastures in the scenic Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor, the neighboring Doone Valley, scenic nearby beaches, and a castle or two for inspiration – Traveller’s Rest combines all the factors required for selection as UK Cottage of the Month.

This four bedroom, two bath cottage has plenty of room for both family and guests with a dining area seating up to 10 and a large and spotless kitchen. Upstairs you’ll find an open lounge with large French windows where you can relax during each evening’s sunset with a glass of wine on the verandah.

17th century character with 21st century conveniences are what you’ll find at Traveller’s Rest.

The property has color satellite TV, video, radio, and a stereo/CD player. You’ll find the beds freshly made upon your arrival and sheets and bath linen are provided.

The full kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, a dishwasher, and stove. Kitchen cabinets are stocked with everything you’ll need for meals or entertaining.

The cottage’s utility area also has a washer and dryer for your convenience which you’ll need because there are so many…

Things to do…

Once you are rested and refreshed, it’s time to get out to see the area and this location has much to offer. How about a visit to see the Exmoor ponies? Anyone who has seen the Corolla ponies on the Outer Banks in North Carolina will not want to miss a quick visit to these UK “cousins.” Spend a “green day” with a visit to nearby Exmoor National Park (Hint: you are actually “in” it!)

Take a truly unique trip on the West Somerset Railway, the longest steam Heritage railway in the United Kingdom – taking you on a slow-travel, 20+ mile journey between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead – with scenic stops in between.

Walk to Snowdrop Valley and then up onto the moors and Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point, with its outstanding views across the Bristol Channel.

I received a little insider-scoop that Wood’s Bar and Restaurant in Dulverton is definitely worth a stop. Looking at their sample menu, I can guess why!

Dunster and Watermouth Castles

Love spending time walking around castles and grounds? Two are nearby for your viewing pleasure. Visit Dunster and Watermouth Castles and spend a day in a distant century…

Did I mention the beach?

You’ll be close by the wonderful sandy surfing beaches of North Devon. Woolacombe Beach, Croyde Bay, and Putsborough are clean and safe beaches and are great family favorites. Rock pools at Croyde always seem to fascinate younger children. Saunton Sands has 3 miles of sandy beach and dunes – again with excellent surfing and is ideal for all water sports.

Horseback riding, fishing, touring, scenic towns with rural atmosphere, and a quaint and restful country cottage. Put Traveller’s Rest on your list of places to visit this year and make sure you allow plenty of time for exploring beautiful Somerset and Exmoor.

Tune in to My Favourite Holiday Cottages for the best cottage accommodations, last-minute specials, and unique destination options in the United Kingdom.

View past selections – UK Vacation Cottage of the Month

As the Royal Wedding day gets closer, the Best Man (William’s brother Harry), Maid of Honour (Kate’s sister Phillipa Middleton), bridesmaids and pageboys have all been chosen. The wedding dress and flowers are still to be announced.

Osbourne House

One thing for sure is that the bridal bouquet will include a sprig of Myrtle. Known as the ‘herb of love’, the fragrant white-flowers have been carried by all Royal brides since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. Following a long-running tradition, the myrtle will be taken from Queen Victoria’s private garden at Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight and transported to London in time for the big day.

Osbourne House was the grand summer palace of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and, now open to the public, offers a fascinating insight into Royal life through the centuries.

Afton Thatch cottage

Visitors to the Isle of Wight may like to stay at Afton Thatch, a quintessential British holiday cottage, and one of the UK’s best country houses. Tasteful and yet understated, this lovely cottage features antiques, handmade curtains and upholstered furniture throughout.

Highgrove, in Gloucestershire is the current royal residence of HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Whilst the house is private, the grounds are open to the public on carefully organised tours and are acknowledged to be some of the most inspired and innovative gardens in the UK. There is a lovely shop too.

Highgrove

Stay nearby at Churn Cottage in Tetbury, one of a number of charming and sympathetically restored stone houses at The Great Tythe Barn.

Churn Cottage

Thanks again to our “cousins” at My Favourite Holiday Cottages for this great info on the Royal Wedding and also for the fantastic vacation cottage rentals they offer.

Review prior posts UK Royal Wedding Year – Across the Country and UK Travel Tips in a Royal Wedding Year.

Dales Holiday Cottages has over 600 cottages available to book online throughout the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire Coast and Wolds, the Derbyshire Dales, Northumbria, the Northern Dales, the Lake District, Cumbria and Eden Valley, the Scottish Borders and the Highlands of Scotland.

Scotland Cottages have a range of almost 100 personally inspected holiday cottages located in some of the most scenic areas of Scotland. From the Borders to the Highlands; from rugged mountains to lush valleys; Scotland has much to offer you.

Most cottages accept pets free of charge.

Take a virtual visit through Dale’s web site – you’ll find the perfect cottage for your next vacation!