Last-minute staycations for the late May bank holiday

It’s not too late to book a bank holiday escape. While trips abroad will be permitted, the additional costs and risk of regulations changing make staying on British shores a hassle-free alternative. And with rugged beaches, olde worlde villages and rambling country walks just a short drive from London, there’s plenty to gain from spending some time in our own rural pastures.
Whether escaping with your partner or planning an overdue catch-up with a big group of friends, finding the right property will enhance your holiday. Here are six gorgeous homes with availability on the late May bank holiday.

Adam’s Whim, Herefordshire

This Grade II-listed sandstone gatehouse comes with its own private sauna, hot tub and b- (not butler, alas) but barbecue. Amble around the private garden or stretch your legs further on one of many secluded walks nearby the property, which overlooks the grounds of Pudleston Court estate. If you crave more life, take a trip to Hay-on-Wye and browse bookshops and boutiques, or head to the historic market town of Ludlow, where a castle, boutiques and cosy pubs await.

Stays from: £1,108 per night

Sleeps: Two (one bedroom, two bathrooms)

WHERE

Pudleston Court estate, Herefordshire

Old Rectory, Northamptonshire

Antique ornaments, frilled furniture and regal touches are just some of the tropes which lend this country manor house its charms. Ideal for large families, the ping pong table and outdoor swimming pool will provide hours of entertainment. Don’t forget to say hello to the friendly resident chickens.

Stays from: £2,168 per night

Sleeps: 12 (six bedrooms, four bathrooms)

WHERE

Tiffield, Northamptonshire

A Barn to Remember, Essex

Perfect for celebrating with a big group of friends, this barn conversion in the Essex countryside melds traditional features (exposed brickwork, wooden beams) with modern conveniences (a flat-screen TV, coffee machine). A bookcase stacked with retro board games will rouse your competitive streak, while the lawns surrounding the property offer ample space for a games tournament. When you’re ready to turn in from the day’s activities, tumble into your bed of choice (singles and doubles are tucked away in pockets of the property) and sleep nestled in luxury.

Stays from: £2,327 per night

Sleeps: 12 (six bedrooms, six bathrooms)

WHERE

near Colchester, Essex

The Bronze Knight, Cheltenham

For a slice of grandeur – the kind that comes with its own private pool – melded with English country-garden charm, look to The Bronze Knight in Cheltenham. A Cotswold barn conversion steeped in character, this quirkily decorated home is part of a larger estate that boasts an on-site pantry and views of rolling hills punctuated by the occasional thatched roof. Once you’re done exploring the antiques and artworks lining the walls, amble through the surrounding countryside or visit local attractions including Neolithic heritage site Belas Knap (built around 3000 BC) or, if you have little ones in tow, the Cotswold Farm Park. And if you want to continue the sense of luxury outside your lodgings? Book a table at The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham, or relax at nearby Cowley Manor Spa.

Stays from: £1,665

Sleeps: 12 (five bedrooms, six bathrooms)

WHERE

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Lighthouse View, Devon

In this seaside escape for two, you’ll almost be able to taste the salty waters of the Atlantic from the balcony of Lighthouse View, an elegant home boasting period furnishings, broad sash windows and singular sea views. Keep it mellow with strolls along the waterfront or venture into Plymouth city centre to catch a livelier buzz.

Stays from: £435 per night

Sleeps: Two (one bedroom, one bathroom)

WHERE

Plymouth, Devon

Daisy Meadow, Oxfordshire

On the hunt for a romantic, rural getaway for two? Daisy Meadow is a shepherd’s hut with a difference. For starters, it’s more spacious than the more typical bed-wedged-between-two-walls affair. Sturdy wooden furnishings, pastel hues and quality kitchenware make a stay here practical, while furry throws and a wood-burning stove layer on the comfort. But it’s the heart-shaped bed nook that makes the hut so popular with couples. The hut is surrounded by acres of farmland, ideal for long, rambling walks. Days can also be spent moseying around the grounds of historic properties and tended gardens, including those of designer William Morris at Kelmscott Manor. Pop into quaint villages to stock up on supplies, then take your dinner plans outdoors, making use of the barbecue. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch the sun set over the rolling hills beyond.

Stays from: £396 per night

Sleeps: Two (one bedroom, one bathroom)

WHERE

Faringdon, Oxfordshire