From all our holiday cottage locations; Lincolnshire, the Cotswolds, West Berkshire or Oxfordshire, there is genuine history to explore, and it’s never far away. From medieval cathedrals to royal residences, here’s a region-by-region look at some of the historical highlights within easy reach of our cottages.
Lincolnshire and Sandringham
You don’t need to look far to uncover Lincolnshire’s history, anchored by one of England’s great medieval landmarks.
Lincoln Cathedral can be seen from up to 25 miles away, dominating the city’s skyline and was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. Just down the street, Lincoln Castle, built by William the Conqueror, is home to one of the surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, making the pair must visit our Lincolnshire guests.
A little further afield, but well within reach, Sandringham House, the Norfolk country retreat of the Royal Family, is a brilliant day out. Its gardens and museum offer a rare look inside a working royal estate.
The Cotswolds and Bath
Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds, our holiday cottages are all within a short drive of some of England’s finest Roman and Georgian heritage.
Bath is the obvious centrepiece. The Roman Baths remain remarkably well preserved, almost 2,000 years after they were built, and sit alongside Bath Abbey and the city’s sweeping Georgian crescents. It’s a city built for a slow wander, admiring the architecture and exploring the independent shops, before a stop for afternoon tea somewhere along Milsom Street.
On your cottage doorstep, the Cotswolds itself is dotted with historic villages, working farms, and centuries-old churches – the kind of history you stumble across on a countryside walk rather than queue for.
West Berkshire and Windsor
Staying in West Berkshire puts you within easy reach of one of the most significant royal residences in the country.
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, has been a home to the royal family for almost a thousand years. State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the daily Changing of the Guard make it a genuinely full day out, and it pairs naturally with a wander around Windsor’s old town afterwards.
Closer to your base, Newbury itself has its own quieter historical layer too, from its English Civil War past to the historic Newbury Racecourse, home to horse racing since 1905.
Oxfordshire and Oxford
Few cities pack in as much history per square mile as Oxford. The university’s colleges –many open to visitors – date as far back as the 13th century, and a walk through the city takes in the Bodleian Library, the Bridge of Sighs, and Christ Church, whose dining hall famously inspired the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films.
Beyond the city, Oxfordshire’s countryside holds its own historical gems too. Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits just outside Woodstock and is well worth the short drive.
Plan a history-led break
Wherever you choose to stay with us, a genuine piece of England’s history is rarely more than a short drive away, making our cottages perfect for pairing a countryside break with a day exploring somewhere centuries in the making. Check availability and start planning your stay.