Monday, 4 August 2025

Swarthmoor Hall Cottages, Ulverston, Cumbria


Swarthmoor Hall – Tranquil Self Catering Accommodation in Cumbria

Set within the peaceful Cumbrian countryside, Swarthmoor Hall offers a serene environment for rest, reflection, and spiritual exploration. With deep roots in Quaker history, this historic estate provides a meaningful escape, blending tranquillity with heritage in an inspirational setting.

Accommodation Overview

Swarthmoor Hall offers five characterful self-catering cottages suitable for individuals, couples, and groups of up to eight people. One cottage is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, a wing of the 17th-century Old Hall has been converted into five beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom.


Cottages & Guest Suites

Hampsfell – Sleeps 4
This fully wheelchair-accessible cottage boasts garden views and is arranged entirely on the ground floor. It includes one double bedroom, one twin bedroom, and a shared wet room. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area is equipped with a full range of modern appliances including a dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, oven, hob, microwave, coffee machine, kettle, and toaster. Additional amenities include a 32″ Smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth soundbar. A private garden, direct parking, and pet-friendly policy (up to two pets) add to the convenience.

Wansfell – Sleeps 6
Offering stunning views of the gardens and distant hills, Wansfell features two double bedrooms and two single rooms, with three en-suite bathrooms and an additional private bathroom. Set over two floors, the open-plan kitchen/living area opens directly to the garden. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the cottage includes a 32″ Smart TV, Bluetooth soundbar, and free Wi-Fi. A private garden is available, with parking in the main car park. Pets are not permitted.

Old Hall – Sleeps 8
Guests can stay within the historic Old Hall itself, surrounded by original architectural features such as mullioned windows. Accommodating up to eight guests, the property includes one double bedroom, two twin rooms, one triple room with a king bed, and one single room – all with en-suite bathrooms, situated across the first and second floors. The cottage also features a kitchen and a cosy sitting room with an open fire. Modern comforts include a 32″ Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth soundbar. Parking is in the main car park. No pets allowed.

Garden Suite – Sleeps 2
This elegant suite is located on the ground floor of the Old Hall and enjoys beautiful garden and hillside views from its private patio. The space includes a double bedroom with en-suite shower room, a comfortable bed/sitting room, and a kitchen with air fryer, hob, fridge, microwave, kettle, and toaster. Guests also benefit from a 32″ Smart TV and free Wi-Fi. Parking is available in the main car park. No pets allowed.

Firbank Fell – Sleeps 2
A cosy retreat with garden and hill views, this cottage features a bedroom with either twin or king beds and an en-suite wet room, all on the ground floor. The compact yet comfortable bed/sitting room and kitchen/dining room include an air fryer, hob, fridge, microwave, kettle, and toaster. A 32″ Smart TV and Wi-Fi are included. Parking is available in the main car park. No pets allowed.


Discovering Swarthmoor Hall

Guests staying in any of the cottages are invited to explore the historic Swarthmoor Hall, which is open to the public Wednesday to Friday. Cottage guests enjoy free admission on these days, offering the chance to discover the Hall’s rich Quaker heritage and its role in the development of the Quaker movement.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Cumbria/17953

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      



Eilean Shona Cottages, Eilean Shona, Acharacle, Argyll


Eilean Shona – A Tranquil Car-Free Island Retreat on Scotland’s West Coast
Eilean Shona is a peaceful, car-free island sanctuary nestled in a loch along Scotland’s breathtaking west coast. Offering a complete escape from the noise and haste of modern life, this secluded haven invites visitors to reconnect with nature and savour life’s simple pleasures. Days on Eilean Shona unfold at a gentle rhythm – with time spent swimming in wild waters, gathering around a campfire, reading in cosy corners, exploring rugged trails, kayaking along the loch, or picnicking by the shoreline.

Holiday Cottages on Eilean Shona
A collection of charming holiday cottages is dotted around the island, each offering comfort, character, and a warm welcome. Whether planning a romantic escape or a family adventure, guests will find a cottage to suit their needs:

Red Cottage – Sleeps 2

Sawmill Cottage – Sleeps 2

Sail Loft – Sleeps 4 and includes a sauna

Shepherd’s Cottage – Sleeps 2

South Shore Cottage – Sleeps 2

Old Schoolhouse – Sleeps 4

Timber Cottage – Sleeps 2

Tioram Cottage – Sleeps 8

Five of the cottages are nestled in the island’s sheltered south-east corner, offering scenic views over the loch and towards the romantic ruins of Castle Tioram. South Shore Cottage is conveniently located along the path to Shoe Bay, while the Old Schoolhouse and Shepherd’s Cottage are set further north in more secluded spots near the North Channel. Every cottage is individually styled but all maintain a high standard of comfort and thoughtful interior design.

Inside each, guests will find a well-equipped kitchen, plush white towels, and beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton linen. A welcome pack is provided, including kindling, firelighters, matches, bin bags, toilet roll, washing-up liquid, and essential cleaning supplies. Every cottage also features its own fire pit – ideal for unwinding under starry skies.

Eilean Shona House – For Larger Gatherings
For special occasions or group getaways, Eilean Shona House is available and sleeps up to 18 guests. This impressive property is well-suited to extended families, reunions, or celebratory events.

Getting to the Island
Access to the island enhances the feeling of retreat. Visitors leave their vehicles in a secure parking area near Castle Tioram. On arrival at Dorlin Pier, the Eilean Shona team provides a 15-minute boat transfer across Loch Moidart to the island’s pontoon. Luggage is transported by quad trailer, and guests are then guided on a tranquil walk to their cottage.

Once on the island, peace and privacy are respected. In addition to the arrival and departure crossings, a complimentary boat transfer is available on Wednesdays (departing at 9am and returning at 5pm). With no roads and few people, it’s not unusual to enjoy long stretches of solitude interrupted only by birdsong or the rustle of deer in the woods.

Island Amenities and Experiences
Although all accommodation is self-catered, guests have access to a thoughtfully stocked island shop offering pantry essentials, fresh bread, dairy items, wine, beer, and locally sourced treats. Pre-ordered frozen meals – such as fish pie and venison casserole – are lovingly prepared by Niamh, the island chef, and delivered to cottages ahead of arrival.

The Village Hall is the island’s social heart, equipped with Wi-Fi, wildlife books, table tennis, and board games. On Tuesday evenings, guests are invited to a cosy pub night from 6–8pm, where they can enjoy drinks by the fire. For artists and creatives, a peaceful studio space is also available to hire, offering inspiration drawn from the island’s raw natural beauty.

Booking Information
Guests are encouraged to quote The Holiday Cottages when booking directly.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/EileanShona/18149

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      


Athenaeum Street Holiday Apartments, Plymouth, Devon


Athenaeum Street – Comfortable Self Catering Apartments in Plymouth
Athenaeum Street holiday apartments are ideally situated just a short walk from Plymouth City Centre and the historic Barbican. Nestled on Plymouth Hoe, these 1 and 2-bedroom self-catering properties provide a convenient and welcoming base for exploring the city and the scenic Devon coastline.

Accommodation Overview
Each apartment is fully self-contained and non-smoking, offering privacy and comfort for guests. Central heating, Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs are provided as standard. Kitchens are fully equipped with a cooker, fridge, and microwave, while the larger units also benefit from a washer/dryer and dishwasher. All linens and towels are supplied, ensuring a hassle-free stay.

Apartment Details
Maisonette 1a – 2 Bedrooms (Sleeps 4)
This spacious maisonette includes one double bedroom and a second room that can be configured as a twin or double. Additional features include a welcoming hallway, a generous lounge, a fully equipped kitchen/diner with a washer/dryer and dishwasher, and a bathroom with both a bath and a shower.

Maisonette 2a – 1 Bedroom (Sleeps 2)
Perfect for couples or solo travellers, this one-bedroom maisonette offers a comfortable layout with a hallway, a cosy lounge, a well-equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower.

Maisonette 3a – 2 Bedrooms (Sleeps 4)
Another excellent choice for families or small groups, Maisonette 3a features a double bedroom and a second twin or double room. This larger property includes a hallway, a very spacious lounge, a kitchen/diner with a washer/dryer and dishwasher, a bathroom with a bath, and a separate shower room.

Discovering Plymouth & the Surrounding Area
Guests at Athenaeum Street are just minutes from some of Plymouth’s top attractions, including Plymouth Hoe, the vibrant Barbican, and Sutton Harbour. A wide selection of local cafés, pubs, and restaurants are within easy reach, offering plenty of options for dining and relaxation. Whether planning a short city break or an extended seaside escape, Athenaeum Street apartments provide a comfortable and well-located home away from home.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/devon/18150

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      


Garden Crescent, Plymouth, Devon


Garden Crescent – Stylish Self Catering Apartments in Plymouth, Devon
Garden Crescent offers beautifully appointed self catering accommodation just a short stroll from Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth House, and the bustling city centre. Perfectly positioned for a relaxing break or a sightseeing holiday, the 1 and 2-bedroom apartments are ideal for couples looking to explore this vibrant coastal city.

Accommodation Overview
Each apartment at Garden Crescent is tastefully furnished and comfortably sleeps up to 2 guests. Guests benefit from on-street parking and access to a communal rooftop sun terrace – the perfect spot to unwind in the afternoon sun. All apartments are equipped with a TV, and fresh linens and towels are provided.

Apartment Details
Apartment 2 – Ground Floor (1 Bedroom)
This spacious ground-floor apartment includes a comfortable lounge and a fully equipped kitchen featuring a dishwasher. There is a cosy double bedroom and a modern bathroom with a shower.

Apartment 3 – First Floor (1 Bedroom)
Located on the first floor, this apartment offers a bright lounge area and a fully fitted kitchenette. It includes a double bedroom, a bathroom with a shower, and lovely sea views.

Apartment 4 – First Floor (1 Bedroom)
Also on the first floor, Apartment 4 boasts a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and the flexibility of a twin or double bedroom. A bathroom with a shower and scenic sea views complete the space.

Apartment 5 – Second Floor (1 Bedroom)
Perfect for two, this second-floor apartment includes a lounge and a fully equipped kitchenette. Guests will find a double bedroom, a bathroom with a shower, and stunning views across the water.

Apartment 6 – Second Floor (1 Bedroom)
This elegant apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen/diner with a washer/dryer and a comfortable lounge. A double bedroom and a bathroom with a shower enjoy panoramic sea views.

Discover Plymouth & Devon
Garden Crescent is ideally located to enjoy everything Plymouth has to offer. Just a short walk from the apartments lies the historic Barbican area, home to quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city also boasts the UK’s largest aquarium – the National Marine Aquarium – as well as museums, outdoor swimming pools, and waterfront attractions. With easy access to Devon’s stunning coastlines and countryside, Garden Crescent makes a fantastic base for discovering the region.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/devon/17677

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots