Travel

Wild Isles with cottage comfort

Photo: Cairngorms National Park. Credit: Shutterstock

One of the UK’s most beloved national treasures, Sir David Attenborough, has returned to our screens this month to spotlight locations across the UK in his latest series, Wild Isles.

Available to watch on BBC One, so far the series has seen Sir David visit locations closer to home in three episodes, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, to study marine, freshwater, woodland, and grassland habitats.

To help holidaymakers discover some of the captivating UK locations explored throughout the series, Sykes have rounded up their best ‘Wild Isles’ properties, including a former traditional laundry building on the edge of the Cairngorms and a cosy Cornish bolthole. Get ready to spot the species featured and find places to stay within reach of some of the most enchanting spots mentioned.

To book a Wild Isles inspired break, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.

For those inspired by episode one, Our Precious Isles

The Lookout – Broadford, Isle of Skye

Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £682

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Fort-William-Isle-of-Skye-The-Western-Isles-Bgh-aChnuic/The-Lookout-1039409.html

Perched in the idyllic location of Saasaig near Broadford on the Isle of Skye, is The Lookout.

Complete with idyllic views of the surrounding ocean, mountains, and countryside, the property has a woodburning stove, plush furnishings, and an enclosed garden for groups or families looking to explore one of Scotland’s Isles.

Various wildlife can be spotted from the property, including dolphins and eagles, and the nearby village of Armadale has a quaint local shop for stocking up on essentials. Dunscaith Castle and its ancient ruins are also a short drive away for history buffs.

The Old Laundry – Grantown-on-Spey, Cairngorms

Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £512

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Aberdeenshire-Angus-Dreggie/The-Old-Laundry-20852.html

The Old Laundry is a detached stone cottage which sits next to a working farm in the Speyside countryside.

A former laundry building for nearby Castle Grant, the cottage has been transformed into a light and airy holiday home complete with an outdoor space, well-equipped kitchen, woodburning stone, and spacious rooms. 

Groups and families can try their hand at fishing on the River Spey or enjoy the plethora of walking trails in the nearby Cairngorms National Park.

6 George Yard – Burford, Oxfordshire

Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £525

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-Gloucestershire-Burford/6-George-Yard-988846.html

6 George’s Yard is a charming cottage located just off the high street in Burford.

Owned by antique dealers, the cottage is full of treasures and furniture with an interesting history, including a Chesterfield sofa and period artefacts.

Burford is full of pubs, shops, and cafes, with delicious home cooked meals just a stroll away for couples looking to explore the local area.

For those looking for a rural escape following episode two, Woodlands

Pippins – Bream, Gloucestershire 

Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £387

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-Gloucestershire-Mill-Hill/Pippins-966511.html

Pippins is an inviting cottage which sits in the village of Bream, Gloucestershire.

Originally built in 1814, the cottage has been updated while preserving its original character. There is plenty of space for groups and families to relax, with a conservatory and garden to bask in the sun during the warmer months.

The Forest of Dean is a mere minute’s walk away, with a variety of walking routes and cycling trails, while the village of Bream has a number of activities on offer, including caving, abseiling, and a high ropes course.

Cheesewring Cottage – Upton Cross, Cornwall 

Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £339

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cornwall-Higher-Stanbear/Cheesewring-Cottage-1129446.html

Cheesewring Cottage can be found on a working farm close to Bodmin Moor in Upton Cross.

With off-road parking, an open-plan living space and Smart TV, the cottage is a great bolthole for couples inspired to explore the region after catching up on Wild Isles. 

Surrounded by rugged landscape, attractions including the historic Bodmin Jail, Eden Project, and Lanhydrock House and Garden can all be easily accessed. 

Yelford’s Cottage – Chagford, Devon 

Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £797

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Devon-Chagford/Yelfords-Cottage-975871.html

Yelford’s Cottage is a detached cottage situated two miles from Chagford and within the 15-acre grounds of the owner’s home.

Equipped with a wood burning stove, welcoming patio and barbeque, the cottage is a summer haven for groups looking to getaway to Devon in the upcoming months.

The town of Chagford has a wide variety of shops and inns for guests to find the perfect souvenir, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool and tennis courts.

For those yearning to see more wildlife after episode three, Grasslands

Rosnacarthna More Apartment – Beaufort, County Kerry, Ireland  

Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £587

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/County-Cork-Faha/Rosnacarthna-More-Apartment-1017629.html#duration=7&calendar=2023-12&changeover=6

Rosnacarthna More Apartment is a charming annexe attached to the owner’s home in County Kerry, Ireland.

With exposed beams, high ceilings, and a feature stone chimney breast, the apartment is the ideal home away from home for a small group of friends or family.

Killarney National Park, which has spectacular mountain views and lakes, is close by for exploring, while local water boats are available for trips around the lake. Alternatively adventurers can try their hand at canoeing or kayaking.

The Huffy House – Alnmouth, Northumberland 

Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £476

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Northumbria-Northumberland-Bilton/The-Huffy-House-1122240.html

The Huffy House can be found close to Alnmouth in Northumberland.

Equipped with a wood burning stove, ornamental fireplace, patio, and barbeque, couples can take time to relax and reconnect in the peaceful setting, dining al fresco against the setting sun. 

Alnmouth has miles of sandy beaches, as well as a golf course and selection of shops for guests to peruse. A short drive will also take couples to Alnwick, which is famous for its castle and gardens. 

Willow – Notton, Maiden Newton, Dorset  

Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £687

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/DorsetSomerset-Notton/Willow-1096952.html

Willow is a barn conversion in the hamlet of Notton near Maiden Newton.

Surrounded by countryside where you can watch the local wildlife or discover the range of cycle and walking trails available on the front doorstep.

Maiden Newton is a mile and a half away and has a welcoming local pub, as well as a train station to enable guests to explore the wider region with ease. 

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