Life is busy, holidays are limited, so sometimes we have to earmark weekends for an escape to the country. The best thing is to tack an extra night onto a weekend and stay Friday to Monday morning. This allows two full days to enjoy a wander around the countryside with meals at a rural pub at the end of a day’s travels.
Walkers almost always end the day at a pub or tea shop and help keep these establishments in rural villages alive. It sometimes appears surprising to find a remote pub on top of a bleak hill in Derbyshire or in the Lake District but they are there, with a welcome and often a roaring log fire.
Even winter does not deter walkers, warmly clad, they will trudge across crisp white fields as happily as on spring grass or autumn leaves.
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Rural breaks for all seasons
Britain is beautiful during every season. It is just a case of getting out and about. It can be surprising what a good time can be had on even the bleakest days - as long as the weather stays dry. There is always something to see - a new encounter to bring joy.
Hotels and B&Bs may be a little sparse in rural areas but there are always country cottages to rent just for a weekend. There are plenty of self-catering cottages that are tailored to weekend breaks which happily provides the opportunity to enjoy a weekend in the countryside.
Weekend breaks in national park cottages
Go for a weekend holiday to one of Britain's national parks. These are not all just about walks and nature, many of them have interesting places to visit and events dotted throughout the year. November to December are always jolly colourful times because of the various Christmas markets and festivals that take place. There will be plenty of tinsel and decorations to encourage a Christmassy spirit.
Weekend cottage breaks in rural East Anglia
Apart from the lovely rural landscapes of East Anglia and the coast, the historic features are always interesting and especially so when coming up to Christmas. The ancient churches will be adorned with trees and greenery, there may be carols and Christmas fayres.
Although a holiday in East Anglia is always satisfying, each season has its own merits. Spring heralds wild flowers and blossom, summer golden fields of corn, autumn displays cascades of red and yellow leaves and winter reveals the landscape laid bare.
There is a multitude of small country cottages available to rent for weekend getaways in East Anglia. Gentle walks in the countryside, visits to antique shops and fairs and time to stand and stare at the fascinating ancient houses is all part and parcel of a weekend treat.
Weekend breaks in log cabins
People love staying in log cabins, especially during the winter when their natural cosiness is welcome. Pine lodges and cabins are often found in woodland areas where they blend naturally with the trees. Find one that has a wood burner for that extra cosiness during a winter weekend holiday in the countryside.
You may find that animals and birds are easier to spot and more willing to risk coming closer in search of food when it is scarce. Spring in the Lake District is simply gorgeous, there are swathes of golden daffodils and fresh new leaves.
Read more about weekend breaks in a country cottage.
Inspiration for weekend breaks in Britain