Castle Narrowboats, Church Road Wharf, Gilwern, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

Discover South Wales by Water with Castle Narrowboats

Castle Narrowboats offers a unique and relaxing way to explore South Wales, cruising along the tranquil Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Surrounded by stunning countryside, peaceful waters and the dramatic backdrop of the Brecon Beacons National Park, guests can experience the region from an entirely different perspective.

Unlike traditional holidays that rush from one attraction to the next, life on the canal encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the journey itself. Guests can wake up to mist rising from the water, spend leisurely afternoons drifting through picturesque landscapes and end each day beneath clear skies and peaceful surroundings. With no traffic, crowded schedules or constant distractions, it is the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge.

Castle Narrowboats' well-equipped narrowboats provide everything needed for a comfortable stay, combining the freedom of outdoor adventure with the comforts of home. Cosy living spaces, fully fitted kitchens and comfortable sleeping accommodation allow guests to enjoy life on the water without sacrificing convenience.

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal meanders through some of Wales’ most beautiful scenery, passing rolling farmland, woodland paths, historic villages and charming waterside locations waiting to be explored. Wildlife is abundant throughout the journey, with kingfishers darting across the water, herons standing watch along the banks and plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the local surroundings.

Every day offers something different. Guests may choose to moor beside a traditional country pub, explore a local market town, enjoy scenic countryside walks or simply sit back and watch the landscape unfold from the comfort of their boat. The flexibility of canal cruising means there is no fixed itinerary, allowing each holiday to be as active or as peaceful as desired.

Whether travelling as a couple, a family or a group of friends, a narrowboat holiday provides the perfect setting for spending quality time together. Guests can share meals, learn the simple pleasures of steering through locks and bridges and create lasting memories away from the pressures of modern life.

A holiday with Castle Narrowboats is more than just a getaway; it is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, spend time with loved ones and discover the beauty of South Wales at a pace that allows it to be truly appreciated.

For more information about Castle Narrowboats and their range of narrowboats, please visit their website.

Rates: From £900 to £1,700 per week, depending on the season.
Maximum Occupancy: 6 people.
Children: Welcome.
Pets: Welcome.
Parking: Off-street parking and EV car charging available.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Monmouthshire/18401

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The Showman's Wagon Gunnerton, Hexham, Northumberland

Showman’s Wagon

This rare 1940s Showman’s Wagon has been meticulously restored to create a luxurious and unique holiday retreat overlooking gardens, rolling fields and the famous dark skies of Northumberland. Located near Hexham, the wagon offers a peaceful and tranquil escape in beautiful countryside surroundings.

Rich in character and comfort, the accommodation combines vintage charm with modern luxury. Original etched glass windows fill the handcrafted kitchen with natural light, while crisp linen sheets, a cosy wood-burning stove, Wi-Fi and a spacious shower room provide everything needed for a relaxing stay.

The wagon features two bedrooms, including a comfortable double bedroom at one end and a snug at the other that can be arranged as either a double or twin room, allowing accommodation for up to four guests.

Outside, guests can unwind in the beautifully paved garden surrounded by trees and flowers, creating a peaceful setting perfect for couples, families or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The property has also been thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, using renewable energy, composting, home-grown produce and support for local suppliers. The planting of one hundred trees further enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Situated in an excellent location for exploring Northumberland, guests are within easy reach of stately homes, beautiful gardens, museums and historic towns. Hadrian’s Wall, one of the country’s most famous Roman landmarks, is located just a short drive away.

Rates range from £929 to £1155 per week depending on the season.

The accommodation sleeps a maximum of four guests. Children and dogs are welcome, with dogs charged at £30 per stay.

Wi-Fi access and off-street parking are available.

For more information, guests are encouraged to visit the website directly.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/northumberland/17942

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Aylsham Windmill, Aylsham, Norfolk

Aylsham Windmill has been beautifully converted into luxurious self-catering accommodation for up to six guests. The unique holiday property is located on the outskirts of the historic market town of Aylsham, set within the stunning Norfolk countryside.

Accommodation

The accommodation is arranged over four floors, all connected by standard domestic stairs.

The ground floor features an entrance hall leading to a utility room equipped with a sink, washing machine, tumble dryer, and freezer, along with a separate cloakroom.

On the first floor, there is a charming beamed open-plan living area. The fitted kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge, dishwasher, microwave, gas cooker, and hob. The lounge area includes two sofas, a dining table with six chairs, a TV with digital Freeview, DVD/VCR player, and a radio/CD/tape player. A hearth with a wood burner effect gas fire adds to the cosy atmosphere.

The second floor offers two bedrooms—one double and one twin—which share a ‘Jack and Jill’ en suite shower room.

On the third floor, there is a spacious king-size double bedroom with its own en suite bathroom featuring both a bath and shower.

There are two additional floors within the windmill that are not accessible to guests.

The property benefits from full gas central heating throughout. Outside, guests can enjoy a private walled patio garden complete with garden furniture and a gas barbecue.

Location

Situated on the edge of the picturesque market town of Aylsham, the windmill provides an ideal base for a relaxing stay in North Norfolk. It also offers easy access to Norwich and the Norfolk Broads, making it perfect for exploring the surrounding area.

Additional Information

• Rates: From £690 to £1,350 per week, depending on the season
• Short breaks available from £380
• Discounts of 5% to 20% available for smaller bookings of 2 or 3 guests
• Maximum occupancy: 6 people
• Children are welcome
• Sorry, no pets
• Wi-Fi/internet access available

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/norfolk/7351

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The Ticket Office, Allerston, Pickering, North Yorkshire

The Old Station offers three unique self catering railway carriages in the village of Allerston, near the historic market town of Pickering in North Yorkshire. Set on the edge of the North York Moors, the carriages provide a cosy and unusual place to stay, with excellent opportunities for walking and cycling in the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation

Originally built in 1968, the three railway carriages have been thoughtfully converted to provide exceptionally well-equipped holiday accommodation.

Each carriage includes central heating, an oven, hob, microwave, fridge, TV, DVD player, radio, and a bathroom with a bath, shower attachment, WC, and wash basin. The carriages are positioned in train formation, although they are not inter-connected.

Carriage One and Carriage Two each offer three bedrooms. Carriage One comprises one double bedroom, one twin room with two single beds, and a twin room with one single bed and a head-height bunk. Carriage Two includes one double bedroom and two twin rooms, each with a single bed and a head-height bunk. Carriage Three features two double bedrooms, both with an additional head-height bunk.

Set within two acres of grounds, the carriages offer plenty of outdoor space for children to play. Each carriage has its own picnic table, BBQ, and a selection of toys, games, and bikes for guests to enjoy.

Visiting Allerston & Exploring North Yorkshire

There is a wide variety of activities to enjoy in the local area. Ryedale is known for its excellent cycling routes, suitable for all ages and abilities, from gentle rides across the Vale of Pickering to more challenging mountain biking trails in Dalby Forest, which is considered one of the best mountain biking locations in the country. Guests can also enjoy fishing, walking, and golf nearby.

The attractive market town of Pickering is located close by and is home to the North York Moors Railway. It offers a range of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The North York Moors National Park is also easily accessible, providing beautiful landscapes, woodland walks, and stunning views, along with numerous nearby towns, villages, and historic houses to explore.

Rates range from £594 to £998 per week depending on the season. The accommodation sleeps up to six guests, with children welcome. Pets are not permitted. Off-street parking is available.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/north-yorkshire/4455

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Seabank, Selsey, Chichester, West Sussex

Seabank – Historic Coastal Retreat in Selsey, West Sussex

Seabank enjoys an enviable seafront location in Selsey, West Sussex, offering guests the rare opportunity to stay just steps from the beach. This remarkable property features two 19th-century Stroudley railway carriages, beautifully restored and thoughtfully integrated into the main structure. Once part of the historic Brighton to London line, these carriages were repurposed as seaside holiday homes along the Sussex coast following World War I. At Seabank, each carriage has been carefully adapted to retain its nostalgic charm while providing a warm, comfortable, and distinctive living space.

Accommodation

Inside, Seabank combines vintage character with modern convenience. The inviting living room includes a TV and a cosy sofa, perfect for relaxing after a day by the sea. The kitchen and dining area offer panoramic coastal views and feature a woodburner, adding warmth and atmosphere to the space. The bathroom includes a shower (please note there is no bathtub).

The property offers sleeping arrangements across four bedrooms:

• Bedroom 1: Double bed

• Bedroom 2: Double bed

• Bedroom 3: Twin room with bunk beds

• Bedroom 4: Bunk beds with cot or camp bed

Outside, guests can unwind in a charming fenced, beach-style garden with decking that wraps around the property. This outdoor space leads directly to an often quiet and unspoiled stretch of beach — perfect for seaside walks, family fun, or simply soaking up the coastal tranquillity.

Visiting Selsey & Exploring West Sussex

Selsey provides a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The area is ideal for walking, cycling, and golfing, with scenic routes across the Manhood Peninsula — from Pagham to Selsey Bill and on to East Wittering. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy spotting wading birds, seals, and other coastal wildlife.

Nearby Chichester offers a blend of culture and countryside charm, with historic attractions, boutique shopping, and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Across West Sussex, visitors will find an abundance of activities and sights to suit all ages — from coastal exploration and water sports to heritage sites and countryside trails.

Seabank perfectly combines history, comfort, and location, offering a truly unique coastal escape steeped in character and charm.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/WestSussex/16227

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Ashby Boat Company, Stoke Golding, Nuneaton. Warwickshire

Ashby Boat Company offers charming self-catering accommodation in Stoke Golding, Warwickshire. Guests can enjoy a unique canal cruising experience along the Ashby Canal, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday.

Accommodation

All boats are beautifully furnished to provide a relaxing and comfortable stay. A variety of boats are available for both short breaks and weekly stays, sleeping between 2 to 10 people. Each vessel comes equipped with excellent facilities, including:

Gorgeous fabric upholstery

Elegantly fitted interiors crafted from teak, mahogany, and ash

Stainless steel utensils with traditional willow pattern crockery

Fully equipped galley kitchen with oven, hob, and electric fridge with freezer compartment

Wood plank effect easy-clean flooring

Side doors in the galley

Microwave, toaster, and cafetiere

Fresh water flush porcelain toilets

Mira showers

Full thermostatic radiator central heating and ventilated airing cupboards

Hair dryer

LCD TV/DVD player, compact disc player, and radio

240 volt electrical system with charging points for telephones and camcorders

Quiet water-cooled diesel engines

Freshly laundered bed linen with non-feather quilts on double and single berths

Large aft decks with removable seating for the steerer

Removable tables in either the front or rear cockpit

Helmsman’s waterproofs, golf umbrellas, and foldaway director’s chairs

Centre rope for easy mooring

Free car parking is also available.

Visiting Stoke Golding & Exploring Warwickshire

The Ashby Canal is a peaceful 22-mile, lock-free waterway that passes through Market Bosworth, where visitors can explore Bosworth Battlefield Ground or take a trip on the Shackerstone Steam Railway. Further along, the canal joins larger stretches near Braunston. The Ashby Canal and North Oxford Canal are also dotted with welcoming public houses serving delicious food, making it an ideal base for exploring Warwickshire’s countryside and history.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/warwickshire/16659

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Dod Mill, Lauder, Scottish Borders

Dod Mill – Holiday Cottages & Treehouse Cabins in the Scottish Borders

Located in the picturesque north Scottish Borders, Dod Mill offers a unique collection of rustic-modern holiday cottages and treehouse-style cabins. Set within the scenic grounds of a historic former mill, this peaceful hideaway is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape surrounded by wildlife, riverside walks, and woodland charm.

The Old Mill

Brimming with rustic elegance and modern comfort, The Old Mill retains its historic character with features like a stable-style door and a stunning double-height living space centred around a wood-burning stove. The aubergine-toned kitchen is ideal for relaxed, sociable cooking, complete with a fan oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, Nespresso machine, and artisan crockery and glassware.

Upstairs, the original mezzanine has been transformed into a romantic king-size bedroom with a roll-top bath and en-suite bathroom featuring a rainforest shower and Meraki spa products. Additional amenities include a downstairs toilet, Freeview TV, WiFi, books, games, and a dining table seating six (extendable to twelve). Outside, a woodland garden provides seating and access to riverside walks where guests might spot deer, otters, owls, or salmon leaping upstream.

The Bothy

The Bothy is a beautifully converted stone barn brimming with character, showcasing exposed beams, natural stonework, and a soaring ceiling. The spacious open-plan living area includes a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy lounge warmed by a wood-burning stove (with unlimited logs). Above the kitchen is a mezzanine kingsize bedroom (convertible to twin beds), and a separate twin bedroom leads to a shower room with fluffy towels and Meraki toiletries.

The cottage is thoughtfully equipped with free WiFi, a TV, Bluetooth speaker, Nespresso machine, artisan crockery, Egyptian cotton linens, and all cooking essentials. Guests can relax in the private walled garden, which features seating, a chiminea, and views of apple trees and peaceful mill grounds.

Fishing Hut

Tucked away on the banks of the Boondreigh River, the Fishing Hut offers a unique off-grid experience perfect for those looking to disconnect. The wooden section of this cabin includes an Esse Bakeheart stove for heating and cooking, a daybed, sofa, and a snug reading corner. The adjoining vintage caravan holds a cosy double bed (ideal for shorter guests), with linen and blankets provided.

The compact kitchen includes a cold-water tap, cast iron pans, crockery, and a cool box. Power is supplied via solar panels, and heating comes from locally sourced wood. A composting toilet is just outside, and guests have access to the nearby Wash House, which includes a shower, flushing toilet, and laundry facilities. This riverside retreat offers opportunities to spot ducks, herons, and even otters at dawn or dusk.

Stilt House

Combining the whimsical charm of a treehouse with modern style, the Stilt House is a light-filled studio cabin designed for one or two guests (or up to four snugly). This elevated retreat features elegant interiors, a cosy woodburner, a built-in king-size bed with storage, a small sofa bed, and scenic views of the river and mill pond.

The compact kitchen includes a mini-fridge, an electric hob, essential cooking tools, and an Esse Bakeheart stove for baking, grilling, or cooking on the hot plate. Outside, a fire pit offers a place for campfire meals. A private shower room with eco-friendly toiletries and a flushing toilet is located just 30 metres away. Rain or shine, the stilted outdoor area or pond-side spot is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.

Exploring the Local Area

Just under four miles from Dod Mill lies the Royal Burgh of Lauder, a quaint town offering artisan food shops, a butcher, baker, fruit and veg store, art gallery, and several inviting pubs and restaurants. Not far away, Thirlestane Castle adds a touch of fairy tale grandeur to the area and makes a fantastic day out for history lovers and families alike.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/ScottishBorders/18107

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The Carriages at The Old Station, Allerston, Pickering, North Yorkshire

The Old Station – Unique Railway Carriage Accommodation in Allerston, North Yorkshire

The Old Station offers a charming and distinctive self-catering experience, featuring three unique railway carriages set in the picturesque village of Allerston. Situated near the historic market town of Pickering in North Yorkshire, these cosy carriages rest on the edge of the North York Moors, providing an ideal base for walking, cycling, and outdoor adventures.

Accommodation Details

Originally built in 1968, the three railway carriages have been thoughtfully converted to offer exceptionally well-equipped holiday accommodation. Each carriage includes:

Central heating

Oven, hob, and microwave

Fridge

TV and DVD player

Radio

Bath with shower attachment

WC and wash basin

Although the carriages are arranged in train formation, they are not interconnected, allowing guests privacy and individual space.

Carriage One features three bedrooms: one double room, one twin room with two singles, and one twin room with a single bed and a head-height bunk.

Carriage Two also offers three bedrooms: one double room and two twin rooms, each with a single bed and a head-height bunk.

Carriage Three provides two double bedrooms, both with an additional head-height bunk.

Set within two acres of grounds, there is ample space for children to play. Each carriage has its own picnic table, BBQ, and a selection of toys, games, and bicycles for guests to enjoy.

Discovering Allerston and Exploring North Yorkshire

The surrounding area offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Ryedale is renowned for its excellent cycling routes, ranging from gentle rides across the Vale of Pickering to challenging mountain biking trails in Dalby Forest, one of the UK’s premier destinations for off-road cycling.

Guests can also enjoy fishing, golf, and scenic walks in the local area. The nearby market town of Pickering—home to the iconic North York Moors Railway—boasts a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants.

The North York Moors National Park is easily accessible and offers breathtaking views, woodland and forest walks, and countless opportunities to explore charming villages, heritage sites, and stately homes.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/northyorkshire/4455

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