A countryside retreat just a two-hour drive from London? Sign us
up. To best explore the chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds, make the Egg Store cottage at
Daylesford Farm your manor for the weekend. Sleeping two guests,
this cosy one-bed bolthole is ideal for a romantic retreat with
your main squeeze. With a king-sized bed framed by rattan pendant
light fixtures, a spacious garden terrace and a hamper stuffed with
tasty treats from the farm shop, you’re all set for a proper rural
recharge. Guests are also invited to choose between complimentary
yoga, sound healing or a meditation session at the stunning Bamford
Wellness Spa. Also, check out the garden tour, or look to book into
one of the cookery school classes.

What it costs: £350 per night

That holiday you’ve been trying to nail with your gang? We’ve
got you covered. Set in bucolic Somerset countryside, this
five-bedroom Georgian townhouse is flanked by overgrown meadows and
rolling hills. It’s rare to find a cottage that ticks the boxes for
both style and size, but Damask Rose has plenty of both. Bedrooms
are dressed in earth-tone linens and furnished with antique
mirrors, while the dining area is centred around a 12-seater table
fit for a royal banquet. Fill days with outdoor games in the large
garden, or take a picnic to nearby Portishead Beach.

What it costs: £1,814 per night

Let’s be honest, the first getaway with your partner is one that
can either make or break the relationship. Sidestep the traditional
rose petal-strewn suite and head to the Welsh countryside for a
more authentic experience instead. Situated on the outskirts of
Llanfrynach village, this former coach house has been converted
into a snug one-bedroom hideout. Downstairs, burnt orange-painted
walls complement oak-wood flooring, while, upstairs, a bright and
airy bedroom sports wood-knotted beams and natural stone walls.
You’ll also have two outdoor patios, ideal for post-hike
lounging.

What it costs: £219 per night

Nothing quite says staycation like a trip to the seaside.
Located in the Kentish town of Sandgate, this three-bed property is
just a stone’s throw from the shores of Rivage Beach, allowing
virtually every inch of the place to offer sweeping views across
the Channel – and, on a good day, of France. Set across three
floors, the bedrooms and bathrooms are decked out with
coastal-themed decor: think blue-striped cushions, fish murals and
seagull-print wallpaper. Our favourite part is the top-floor
balcony, from where you can enjoy blustery sunrises and
sunsets.

What it costs: £1,463 per night

It’s borderline impossible to describe how special Cornwall is:
if you haven’t already visited the county, we suggest booking a
stay at Lemail House and experiencing it first-hand ASAP. Slotted
between St Kew and Rock, this 18th-century farmhouse is the epitome
of Cornish chic. Four individually designed bedrooms feature the
likes of Aztec-inspired headboards, upholstered armchairs and
hand-crafted ceramics. Keen surfers will feel right at home here.
If you’re chasing waves, make this your base and head out after
breakfast to picture-perfect Polzeath. Insider tip: this is a
dog-friendly set-up, so you can bring your pup along for the
ride.

What it costs: £320 per night

The brainchild of Lord and Lady Shaftesbury, this 19th-century
gem has recently undergone a major refurb, where it has graduated
from traditional country house to contemporary oasis. Nods to its
original colour palette can be found in the duck egg blue walls and
moss green furnishings, while the additions of bronze-plated
roll-top baths and Egyptian cotton bedding have made for a sublime
finish. Friends can pick between two design-driven bedrooms,
sleeping up to four. Our favourite design detail is the open-plan
bed-and-bathroom, made cosy by brick walls clad with historical
artworks.

What it costs: £435 per night

This Scandi-chic bolthole had us hooked the second we clocked
its rainforest shower, four-poster beds and views across the
sapphire-blue waters of Loch Rannoch. Drawing inspiration from the
works of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, Elemental’s
light-filled rooms could easily have been extracted from an episode
of Grand Designs. Plus, there are two private beaches separated by
an overgrown headland. There are two kayaks on hand, perfect for
when you decide to unleash your thrill-seeking side on the
sparkling Scottish waters. This place usually books up months in
advance, but you’re in luck for the early May bank holiday. Be
quick!

What it costs: £1,695 per short break