Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

This historic property is located in the heart of the idyllic village of Castle Combe, voted England’s prettiest village and often used as a film set, as little has changed here since the 15th century, preserving its ancient beauty.

Information correct at time of writing. The beautiful village of Castle Combe was the set for the original Dr Dolittle film and, more recently, Warhorse. Walk to the thatched Castle Inn for a beer or a glass of wine, while still being a short drive from the cosmopolitan cities of Bath and Bristol, each offering a fantastic array of shops, restaurants, theatres and bars. The nearby village of Lacock (10 miles) is almost entirely owned by the National Trust and is home to the Fox Talbot Museum of Photography and Lacock Abbey. Lacock is often used as a film set for period dramas such as Pride and Prejudice and Cranham and was used in the Harry Potter films. A leisurely and scenic drive takes you to the historical town of Malmesbury and Tetbury. The National Arboretum at Westonbirt is only 5 miles away and a must-visit at any time of year, but especially so when the autumn colours put on a fantastic show. Perfect too for visiting the Badminton Horse Trials and Gatcombe Horse Trials. Visit Bath, take a tour of the Roman Baths, where the ancient Romans of Britain came to bathe in the natural thermal spring waters and worship the goddess Sulis Minerva, still flowing hot water to this day. Brimming with history, the Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in Britain. Experience a taste of Jane Austen's life in Bath during Regency times and see how living in this exceptional city influenced this celebrated author and her creations at the Jane Austen Centre. Relax and indulge at the superb Thermae Bath Spa (open air rooftop swimming and steam rooms). For breakfast or lunch try a highly recommended sweet or savoury bun at Sally Lunn's Teashop, one of the oldest buildings in Bath. Head to Longleat Safari Park and enjoy their incredible drive-through safari - you can also have a guided tour of Longleat House, which was home to the 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath.