Find self catering and cottages with easy walking access in West England

Cottons Farm - Elm End, Dumbleton, Worcestershire, West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Dumbleton sleeps 4.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Pub nearby • Easy Walking • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Close to ridge and furrow rolling down to the River Isbourne... amidst 58 acres of Cotswold farmland.

Set in glorious countryside with outstanding views towards the Cotswold Hills and Vale of Evesham, Cottons Farm enjoys a truly peaceful setting at the end of a long tree-lined drive,
300 metres from the road. It is just ½ mile from the pretty, unspoilt village of Dumbleton, easily accessible by road or footpath, and 5 miles from Broadway, the ever-popular ‘capital’ of the Cotswolds. The holiday cottages are surrounded by 58 acres of working farmland, with ridge and furrow rolling down to the River Isbourne, which lies 150 metres away from the cottages (toddlers beware!). Visitors are welcome to walk in the fields surrounding the farm and many public footpaths run nearby. Very tastefully converted from 150-year old farm buildings (including cart-shed, stable and dairy), these comfortable cottages are well equipped and furnished to a high standard.
Cool in summer, warm and welcoming in winter, they are all centrally heated and well insulated. Set near the owners’ home, yet retaining complete privacy, each cottage has its own individual character with many original features, and enjoys its own area of garden and patio. A perfect place to relax, they are ideally situated for walking and touring the Cotswolds.
Broadway with its old stone houses and fascinating shops also boasts Broadway Tower, now the centre of a country park and home to an observatory and exhibition. The market town of Evesham (5 miles) has tree-lined streets and pretty walks along the River Avon. Only a few minutes’ drive, on the edge of the Cotswold hills, is Toddington, where visitors can board a train on the Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Great Western Railway (mid March - mid October) and enjoy a ride through picturesque villages.
In nearby Winchcombe there’s Sudeley Castle, while the Cotswolds Farm Park (with its rare breeds of animals) and the bird sanctuary at Bourton-on-the-Water are easily reached, as are Stanway House, Hidcote Garden, Snowshill Manor and Cheltenham. Stratford-upon-Avon and the cathedral city of Worcester are within an hour’s drive. The neighbouring villages boast traditional pubs and many excellent restaurants. Riding, swimming, golf, tennis and fishing are all close by. Shop ½ mile.

Skimblescott Barn, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Much Wenlock sleeps 4.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Detached • Easy Walking • Garden • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: This spacious single-storey converted barn is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Corve Dale, on a working family farm, where lambing takes place from mid-February to April. Standing detached, and beamed throughout, it boasts its own large garden as well as an enclosed courtyard. Centrally located for touring, the property is within easy reach of Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Ironbridge. Superb walking, riding, golf and fishing are all available locally. Shop 4 miles, pub 2 miles.

Step to entrance. Large living room with French windows to garden. Large well-equipped kitchen/dining room. Double bedroom. Twin bedroom. Bathroom with shower cubicle and toilet. Cloakroom with toilet.

Kivernoll House Cottages - Meadow Barn, Kivernoll, Herefordshire, West England

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Kivernoll sleeps 2.

Features include: Hot Tub • Short Breaks • Detached • Easy Walking • Sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these fine 18th-century converted farm properties are reached via a private lane. They enjoy a peaceful secluded setting in the countryside set in the 3-acre grounds of the owner’s home, which includes a landscaped garden, woodland area and paddock with two Shetland ponies. The holiday cottages each have their own garden and enjoy shared use of a six-seater hot tub. Ideally situated for exploring Hereford and the black-and-white villages to the north. Ross-on-Wye, the Forest of dean and the Wye Valley to the east, and Hay-on-Wye, the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Offas Dyke to the west. Village pubs serving good food locally. Shops and pubs 2½ miles.

Cottons Farm - The Willows, Dumbleton, Worcestershire, West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Dumbleton sleeps 4.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Pub nearby • Easy Walking • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Close to ridge and furrow rolling down to the River Isbourne... amidst 58 acres of Cotswold farmland.

Set in glorious countryside with outstanding views towards the Cotswold Hills and Vale of Evesham, Cottons Farm enjoys a truly peaceful setting at the end of a long tree-lined drive,
300 metres from the road. It is just ½ mile from the pretty, unspoilt village of Dumbleton, easily accessible by road or footpath, and 5 miles from Broadway, the ever-popular ‘capital’ of the Cotswolds. The holiday cottages are surrounded by 58 acres of working farmland, with ridge and furrow rolling down to the River Isbourne, which lies 150 metres away from the cottages (toddlers beware!). Visitors are welcome to walk in the fields surrounding the farm and many public footpaths run nearby. Very tastefully converted from 150-year old farm buildings (including cart-shed, stable and dairy), these comfortable cottages are well equipped and furnished to a high standard.
Cool in summer, warm and welcoming in winter, they are all centrally heated and well insulated. Set near the owners’ home, yet retaining complete privacy, each cottage has its own individual character with many original features, and enjoys its own area of garden and patio. A perfect place to relax, they are ideally situated for walking and touring the Cotswolds.
Broadway with its old stone houses and fascinating shops also boasts Broadway Tower, now the centre of a country park and home to an observatory and exhibition. The market town of Evesham (5 miles) has tree-lined streets and pretty walks along the River Avon. Only a few minutes’ drive, on the edge of the Cotswold hills, is Toddington, where visitors can board a train on the Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Great Western Railway (mid March - mid October) and enjoy a ride through picturesque villages.
In nearby Winchcombe there’s Sudeley Castle, while the Cotswolds Farm Park (with its rare breeds of animals) and the bird sanctuary at Bourton-on-the-Water are easily reached, as are Stanway House, Hidcote Garden, Snowshill Manor and Cheltenham. Stratford-upon-Avon and the cathedral city of Worcester are within an hour’s drive. The neighbouring villages boast traditional pubs and many excellent restaurants. Riding, swimming, golf, tennis and fishing are all close by. Shop ½ mile.

The Acton Scott Estate - The Shooting Lodge, Acton Scott, Shropshire, West England

Sleeps 11
Weekly prices from: £1300

Self catering accommodation in Acton Scott sleeps 11.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Detached • Easy Walking • Sleeps 11

Accommodation overview:

The flexible accommodation at Acton Scott can be taken together by larger parties so that 36 people can stay for family gatherings and weddings etc. Thirty minutes’ drive to the north, near Shrewsbury, is Cronkhill Farmhouse, sleeping 14, which is also managed by the Acton Scott estate. See property ref RN5.

Approached by a track that winds through fields and woodland, The Shooting Lodge dates to the mid 18th century and occupies an idyllic position in a picturesque estate landscape unchanged for two centuries. This exclusive property retains all its original privacy and character while providing every modern day comfort.
The Shooting Lodge includes a wealth of period features, such as beamed ceilings, oak floors and open fireplaces. Restored to an excellent standard, it offers a large oak framed banqueting room, for relaxing and entertaining, spacious and bespoke farmhouse-style kitchen, the convenience of a secondary kitchen and south facing lawns and patios.
With bedrooms and bathrooms thoughtfully appointed, it is furnished with a mix of new and antique and the use of traditional English fabrics throughout. There is a rustic log cabin summerhouse with viewing platform and external table tennis room. The property is very popular with families and small groups of friends, achieving many repeat bookings.
Accommodation: Large beamed banqueting room with open fireplace and flagstone floor. Well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room with feature fireplace, LPG range and Belfast sink. Utility room with additional electric oven and hob. Double bedroom with en-suite shower room. Separate toilet. Bathroom with shower cubicle and toilet. Narrow steep stairs to first floor: Twin bedroom with 2ft 6in beds (can form 5ft double), with wooden floor and wash basin. Double bedroom with 6ft bed (can form 3ft singles), wash basin, wooden floor and low door. Larger double bedroom with 6ft bed (can form 3ft singles) with additional 2ft 6in bed (for +1), wash basin, oak floor and feature fireplace. Log cabin (35 metres from main house): Double sofa-bed (for +2) with vanity unit and commode-style toilet.

Location: You will discover a piece of British history at Acton Scott, for it achieved national fame as the setting for BBC2’s hit TV series Victorian Farm, acknowledging the Acton family’s championing of sustainable practices. It has been followed by another Acton Scott-based BBCTV series Escape in Time, new for 2010 and presented by Ben Fogle.
Guests can enjoy a memorable setting and a multitude of activities on this lovingly preserved estate, including the Historic Working Farm - where the land is worked with heavy horses to preserve a way of life before the age of the tractor. This visitor attraction is a firm favourite with families. There’s the handy School House café (open April to October) and lovely guided walks and cycle rides.
The prettiest market towns and traditional country pubs are all close at hand. Including Shrewsbury to the north, on the banks of the River Severn; and Ludlow, to the south, in its medieval castle setting. This is a food paradise with Michelin star restaurants and artisan shops galore. The spectacular Stretton Hills and Welsh Marches offer riding, cycling and walking. Among the many nearby sites are Attingham Park, the famous Ironbridge Gorge and its many museums, the castles of Powis and Stokesay and Wroxeter Roman city.
But if you simply cannot tear yourself away from Acton Scott, the finest local produce and home prepared meals can be delivered to your holiday house, with a la carte catering available to pre-book for special occasions.
The Shooting Lodge is one of three holiday houses at Acton Scott. Henley Farmhouse is a finely restored, detached character property in its own extensive grounds, sleeps up to 20, ref RJJ3. Henley Cottage, an authentic Victorian farm labourer’s cottage, as seen on TV, sleeps 4+1, ref ROO4. All three Acton Scott properties may be rented together or individually, to accommodate the needs of larger parties.
Nearby and three miles to the east of Shrewsbury, Rupert Acton is also the custodian of Cronkhill Farmhouse on the National Trust’s Attingham Park estate. A spacious 17th century timber framed property with spectacular views towards the River Severn, it sleeps up to 14, see property ref RN5.

For more information about Acton Scott visit www.actonscott.com

Little Marcle - Swallow Barn, Ledbury, Herefordshire, West England

Sleeps 10
Weekly prices from: £900 to £1299

Self catering accommodation in Ledbury sleeps 10.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Easy Walking • Garden • Sleeps 10

Accommodation overview: Peacefully set in rural seclusion, and converted to a high standard, these four holiday cottages are set in 10 acres of wooded and landscaped grounds that have been awarded a Wildlife Action Gold Award by Herefordshire Nature Trust. This is a wildlife haven where visitors are free to roam. A well stocked lake and pond provide coarse fishing free to guests. Hereford, Malvern, Gloucester, Ross-on-Wye, Cheltenham and the ancient Forest of Dean are all within an easy drive. The pretty black and white market town of Ledbury - winner of Britain in Bloom and host to the renowned poetry festival each year - is 3 miles away. Walks from the doorstep. Shops 3 miles, pub serving food 2 miles.

The Pitchford Estate - Stockbatch Granary, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, West England

Sleeps 14
Weekly prices from: £1300

Self catering accommodation in Shrewsbury sleeps 14.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Games Room • Easy Walking • Garden • Sleeps 14

Accommodation overview: Peacefully situated within the extensive grounds of the Pitchford Estate, these two properties offer superb holiday accommodation. Windy Mundy Farm has been converted from an 18th-century threshing barn and deer shelter and is located on an old deer park at the centre of the estate. Built on top of a south-facing hill overlooking Row Brook, and part of a working arable farm, it is surrounded by fields of wheat and barley and has spectacular, far-reaching views towards the Shropshire hills. Enclosed by a long stone wall, the farm has its own courtyard garden with a terrace and barbecue. Stockbatch Granary is reached by a mile-long drive passing through the mixed arable land of Stockbatch Farm, with its fields of corn encircled by woodland. It comprises an 18th-century granary, clapperboard barn, stables and cowsheds, and nestles on a south-facing slope, at the bottom of which a stream wends its way gently along. A courtyard garden enclosed by a red sandstone wall provides a pleasant sitting-out area from which to survey the countryside views.
Within 6 miles of each property is historic Shrewsbury with its fascinating architecture, castle, museums, fine shops and wealth of traditional inns and restaurants. Easily accessible is popular Church Stretton, and Shropshire’s finest town Ludlow, framed by the gentle Clee Hills, with its impressive castle, magnificent church, many half-timbered buildings and Georgian red-brick houses. Bridgnorth has what is reputed to be the steepest cliff railway in Britain and superb cliff-top walks overlooking the River Severn below. From here, during summer, the Severn Valley Railway’s steam train chugs the scenic 16-mile route to Kidderminster. Attingham Park (NT), Benthall Hall (NT), Ironbridge Gorge and the old market town of Much Wenlock (with its medieval priory) are all within easy driving distance. Riding, sailing, fishing, golf, pubs and restaurants locally. Shop 2 miles.

Netherley Hall Cottages - Parkers Lodge, Malvern, Worcestershire, West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £600 to £899

Self catering accommodation in Malvern sleeps 4.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Fishing nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Easy Walking • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: These three superb holiday cottages nestle on the borders of Herefordshire and Worcestershire and are located on a 700-acre estate on the beautiful west side of the Malvern Hills. Netherley Hall Estate is a family-run farm specialising in the breeding of racehorses, show ponies, cattle and sheep and the surrounding area offers marvellous woodland walks. The cottages are within 15 minutes’ drive of Malvern and have panoramic views of the wooded hills and unspoilt countryside; the location is ideal for nature enthusiasts, with an abundance of wildlife to observe as well as unrivalled bird-watching.
The cottages are all detached and the English oak timber used to restore their interiors was felled and machined from the extensive woodland on the estate itself. The furnishings and fittings for all the cottages have been supplied by local businesses and during restoration, the owners have paid great attention to detail. Parkers (ref RAAP) was originally built in 1610 and is a listed building lovingly restored to the very highest standard and has several items of antique furniture. Parkers Lodge (ref RAAQ) is a smaller two-bedroomed cottage completed in 2006 and fitted out to a very high standard, whilst Brook House (ref RAAR) is a listed building dating from around 1670 and emanates a marvellous ambience. It has landscaped gardens and a terrace with outstanding views overlooking Mathon Brook.
Attractions to visit near the cottages include the Malvern Hills, Three Counties Showground and Malvern Theatre, as well as farm shops, gardens, gift shops, picnic areas and walking trails. Fishing, golf and riding are also available as well as pick your own fruit (in season). Racecourses in the locality include Hereford, Worcester, Chepstow, Ludlow, Cheltenham, Wolverhampton, Warwick and Stratford. Shop and pubs 1 mile.