Cottage stays in or near the UK’s national parks

Underheron, Grasmere – This lovely cottage sleeps eight and is set right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. You’re a short stroll from the village of Grasmere, or you can hop in the car to nearby Ambleside and Windermere. Plus, there are walks from your doorstep up to Easdale Tarn or Helm Crag. Or, you can relax in your private garden, listening to the waterfall and spotting squirrels.

Fieldgate Farmstead – This huge property on the edge of the Lake District is one for special occasions, sleeping up to 30. You’re surrounded by rolling countryside, with views out to nearby Haweswater Reservoir. But you could easily not even leave, with a games room, cinema room and hot tub, available on request.

Lighthouse Barn, Parwich – A holiday home in the White Peaks that sleeps up to 20. Huge panoramic windows frame the view of green rolling fields. It’s a short walk from the dinky village of Parwich, or a quick drive from the start of popular walking trails like Monsal Head and Dovedale.

Bleaklow Farm, Great Longstone – This perfectly restored farmhouse is in a prime spot, just a few miles from popular Bakewell – home of markets and that famous Bakewell Pudding shop. It sleeps up to 30 people across 15 bedrooms, with panoramic Peak District views from outside.

Craven House, Skipton – You get the best of both worlds at this grand Victorian-era house. You’re a short stroll from the centre of Skipton – a market town packed with independent shops and pubs. But you’re also within easy reach of the Dales for walks and fresh air.

Neddy House, Grinton – This five-bedroom home brings you to the northern tip of the Dales, with plenty of walking and exploring right from your doorstep. You’ll be near the village of Reeth, which is home to tea rooms, shops and traditional pubs. And, back at your cottage, you can expect luxe extras, like a cinema room and games room.

Tan Llan & The Coach House, Dolgellau – This Grade II-listed holiday home sits at the foot of Cader Idris, a mountain in southern Snowdonia. As such, it’s spot on for heading out on walks, with a boot room for leaving dirty walking boots after.

6 Bed Cottage in Fron Goch, near Bala – Sleeping 12, this place is just a short drive from Wales’ biggest lake, Bala, so days spent sailing, canoeing or wild swimming are on the cards. There’s a hot tub at the property, too.

Bagtor Granary– You’ll find this place on a working beef farm, so stays include a meet-and-greet with the livestock. You can walk straight out onto the moor from your holiday cottage. But we wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to leave the little luxuries back at base, like a hot tub, copper bathtub and woodburning stove.

Sandsgate, Chagford – Set on a high point in northerly Dartmoor, this beautiful home shows off sweeping views of the Moor and Castle Drogo. Its grounds roll on for 18 acres, including its own prehistoric stone circle. And you’re a short drive from the village of Chagford, which is well-stocked with pubs, tea rooms, a deli and a bakery, as well as a stream-fed outdoor pool.

Gorselands Cottage, Burley – Tucked into woodland on the edge of Burley, this modern home is perfectly positioned for both village sights and nature walks. There are walking and cycling trails just outside, while the village of Burley is a 20-minute stroll away for pubs, tea rooms and cafés.

Thatchby Oak, Brockenhurst – This pretty-as-a-picture thatched property has more than looks up its sleeve. Not only do you get an outdoor pool, games room and six bedrooms, but there’s also direct forest access straight from your door.

An Torr, Newtonmore – A lovely base for exploring the Cairngorms with views of the surrounding hillsides from multiple balconies. The house comes with its own private orchard, where you can pick fruit in the summer. Plus, nearby Newtonmore is considered the Walking Centre of Scotland, thanks to the popular Wildcat Trail.

4 Bed Cottage in Boat of Garten – This well-equipped lodge has everything you need for a family escape to the Cairngorms. You can follow trails down to Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie, spotting wildlife en route. Or, stay put and enjoy the hot tub, fire pit, indoor sauna and children’s play set.