The best holiday homes with half-term availability

By Lucy Brooks on 5/10/2021

After lockdown limitations, a wash-out of a summer and a whirlwind September, it feels like everyone is escaping on holiday this autumn. It's not too late to book a half-term break. We round up the loveliest UK holiday homes with availability over half-term.

From Georgian manors to cosy cottages, each offers a retreat from London life and an inspiring new part of the world to explore. And for peace of mind, all bookings are fully refundable if Covid restrictions should change.

Dragonfly Manor, Chiltern Hills

With and idyllic lakeside setting and state-of-the-art luxury, Dragonfly Manor is a country dream home for sprawling families and big groups.

Home comforts: nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, sleeps up to 16

Tucked away beside a private lake, the house has oodles of countryside charm. The Aga, open fireplace and barbecue cabin in the woods create maximum autumnal cosiness, while the hot tub or hi-tech home cinema room offer the perfect hideaway on rainy days.

Exploring

The area of outstanding beauty around the Chiltern Hills may be only an hour from London, but it feels worlds away with rolling hills, wild woodland and cutesy market towns with an abundance of pubs to explore.

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Pink Acid, Kent

Created and curated by an interior designer, this vibrant holiday home is an ideal match for the town so trendy it's dubbed 'Shoreditch on Sea'.

Home comforts: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleeps four

Say goodbye to bland greige and embrace acid-bright maximalism. A favourite for photoshoot bookings, this home offers more than just a boost for your Instagram grid. The private balcony is ideal for brisk sundowners and the pink bathtub will make you feel like a Juno Calypso artwork.

Exploring

There's a reason Margate has attracted an exodus of bright young things and creatives from London. Tracey Emin's hometown leans into its arty heritage, which centres around the Turner Contemporary gallery and spills out into the streets with neons and graffiti. The food and drink scene is well above your standard seaside town, with a plethora of small plates and craft ales. And of course there's Dreamland, the anarchic theme park featuring Britian's oldest rollercoaster.

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WHERE

Margate, Kent

Somerleyton Meadows, Suffolk

Elegant Georgian architecture and cosy contemporary touches make Somerleyton Meadows the perfect base for exploring the Norfolk Broads and Suffolk coast.

Home comforts: four bedrooms, four bathrooms, sleeps eight

High ceilings, spacious rooms, a large dining table and open fireplace are ideal for big families or group trips. Luxurious additions such as a pool table, clawfoot bath and rain shower mean rainy days inside will feel special, while the fire pit provides a focal point for hot toddies on crisp evenings in the garden.

Exploring

Overlooking the picturesque Waveney Valley, the house is surrounded by meadows, farms and cycle routes for rural exploring. It's a 15-minute walk to the pretty cottages and inviting pubs of the village of Somerleyton and a short drive to river boat hire in St Olaves or the striking coastal walks around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth.

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WHERE

Suffolk

By Starlight, Devon

With a private wood-fired hot-tub and the dramatic backdrop of Dartmoor National Park this cosy hideaway is perfect for romance or small families.

Home comforts: one bedroom, one bathroom, sleeps two

Squashy sofas, rustic flagstones, a private hot tub and a shared swimming pool and sauna make this the perfect spot for recharging after a day hiking the dramatic South Devon countryside.

Exploring

Step out of the house into Dartmoor National Park, where you'll find endless moors and even a few wild ponies grazing. Go cycling, horseback riding, or just enjoy the tranquility with a book.

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WHERE

Dartmoor, Devon

Calathea, Kent

Immaculate interiors and a state-of-the-art kitchen make this Georgian townhouse perfect for stylish foodies looking for a change of scene.

Home comforts: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleeps up to six

This artfully renovated Georgian townhouse feels like stepping into the pages of Elle Deco. The airy spaces and expertly curated kitchen elevate cooking and dining into a holiday experience – whether you're catering for the kids or preparing a feast with friends.

Exploring

A quick train ride or drive from London, Ramsgate is an easy minibreak offering a mix of foodie riches and coastal beauty. This house is conveniently situated a short walk from Ramsgate train station and the coast.

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WHERE

Ramsgate, Kent