Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

This converted barn near Thornbury sits on top of a hill, next to the site of an iron-age fort, with breath-taking views stretching across Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Wales. Situated up a quiet lane it is truly an idyllic country retreat.

Information correct at time of writing. There are several good gastro-pubs within a 15 minute drive. An ideal outdoor break, public footpaths and bridleways pass very close to the holiday property and the rambling opportunities are endless. For the more serious walker, the Malverns, the Mortimer Trail and Offas Dyke are all nearby. Riding, golf and other outdoor pursuits can be arranged locally and further afield. Many National Trust and other historic houses and gardens can be found in the surrounding areas and are well worth a visit, including Croft Castle with interesting buildings and gardens; and fabulous walks in the woods and up on the common; Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, a medieval-type castle with lots to do; Berrington Hall, an Impressive National Trust property; and Hampton Court Gardens for both adults and children, where there is a maze, underground passage and grotto. Lunch in the Orangery is inexpensive and good. Not open all year round so check first. This is a really super day out. Visit Tenbury Wells, an attractive riverside spa and market town in the Teme Valley (12 miles away). The fine Georgian town of Ludlow is a 35-minute drive and is one of the gastro capitals of England with award winning restaurants, secluded gastro-pubs, a historic market square and famous castle ruins. To celebrate all the excellent food and drink, each September it is host to the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival where food lovers descend in their masses to enjoy the popular three day event. The Ludlow Food Hall is the perfect place to stock up for a self-catering holiday as delicious as dining out. Further attractions are Leominster, renowned for its antique shops, Hay-on-Wye, famed for its antiquarian book shops, the Ironbridge Museum at Telford, the Severn Valley Railway, West Midlands Safari Park and the Malvern Hills. The beautiful Wye Valley and Welsh Borders are approximately one hour away. The beautiful city of Worcester (40 minutes drive) is home to lots...