Warm Winter Retreats

Feel like hibernating during the colder months? Do it in style and comfort at one of these cosy places to stay in the UK, writes Emily Shelley.

Bay Tree Cottage
near Charlbury, Oxfordshire

Pictured above. Bay Tree is the quintessential Cotswold cottage, built 300 years ago in the traditional mellow stone of the area. It's a quiet haven, in the pretty village of Ramsden, where you can forget about the working week. The large inglenook fireplace and the wealth of beams are just as you'd expect. And with a great pub 100 yards away for hearty fare and plenty of walks on your doorstep you probably won't feel like venturing too far. If you do get restless, however, the delights of Oxford are just 20 minutes away by train from local station Charlbury. Sleeping four people, the house is well equipped and has an enclosed private garden. It's available for holiday lettings through Rural Retreats.

Visit www.ruralretreats.net or call 01386 701177 for more information.

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Swiss Cottage
near Tavistock, Devon

While snow can't be guaranteed, Swiss Cottage on the Endsleigh estate does come with authentic Alpine garden, furniture and crockery, and a wide wooden verandah.

Perched high above a steep wooded drop to the River Tamar, the cottage with its pitched thatched roof, was built in 1815. The view may not be mountainous, but still offers an other-wordly peace and tranquility, ideal for a weekend escape.

Sleeping up to four people, the cottage is now owned and leased for holiday rentals by The Landmark Trust.

Visit www.landmarktrust.org.uk for more information.

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West Usk Lighthouse
Newport, Wales

This hotel with a difference has been named the ‘Most Romantic in Britain'. With 360-degree sea views from the lantern room, elegant rooms and, of course, a dramatic spiral staircase, it's not hard to see why. The location couldn't be more scenic, on a stony outcrop where the rivers Usk and Severn meet the Bristol Channel - with the rooftop terrace ideal for bird watching by day and star gazing by night. A flotation tank is on hand to complete the de-stressing ‘away from it all' experience and body massage and reflexology are also available. Accommodating just six guests at one time, there's no danger of feeling overcrowded. To complete the romantic experience, you can hire a Rolls Royce for the night and be driven to a local restaurant.

West Usk is featured by Unique Home Stays. Visit www.uniquehomestays.com or call 01637 881942 for more information.

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Somerleyton Lodges
Fritton Lake, Norfolk

For a real retreat, why not head for the woods? The Norfolk woodlands here are a charming wonderland, and you'll stunning views over Fritton Lake, one of the most beautiful expanses of water in the region. These new ‘Romantic Retreat' holiday lodges have the same style and finish of a luxury house, with solid oak floors, pure wool carpets and a brand new kitchen – it also has floor-to-ceiling glass walls to make the most of the amazing views. Sleeping two and featuring chocolates and champagne on arrival, this is a snug treat for couples who really want to get away from it all.

Visit www.somerleyton.co.uk or call 01493 488666 for more information.

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The Old Rectory
Luckington, Wiltshire

This Cotswold beauty based in Luckington - a location used for scenes in several films including the BBC adaptation of Pride And Prejudice - is now open to bed and breakfast guests in search of a warm family welcome. And although the Bennet sisters may not be close by, the undiluted Cotswold charm, log fires a plenty and the smell of fresh coffee enticing visitors down to breakfast ensures that there's more than enough charm to go around. Local walks and nearby National Trust attractions are all there for the taking, and there's a good pub in the village too. Just two rooms are available for guests in the house, parts of which date back to the 14th century. Warm and comforting in winter, it would be worth returning in summer to see the beautiful gardens in bloom. The Old Rectory is recommended in Alistair Sawday's Special Places To Stay.

Visit www.specialplacestostay.com for more information.

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Bronte House
Penzance, Cornwall

You might not expect to find Bronte links in the West Country, but this house was home to Maria and Elizabeth Branwell, mother and aunt to writers Charlotte, Emily and Anne.

Situated just a short walk from the restaurants and shops in the heart of Penzance, the spacious Georgian holiday home has a blue plaque by the front door, an open fire in the living room, and sea views from the rear bedrooms.

A 20-minute stroll along the Promenade will bring you to the fishing port of Newlyn, where local crab and sea bass are the stars of the menu. Cliff and beach walks abound, and you can easily take the bus to St Ives to visit the Tate Gallery. The house sleeps seven in the four bedrooms, including a king-size double with en suite on the second floor, with the essential exposed beams. It's available to hire through Rural Retreats.

Visit www.ruralretreats.net or call 01386 701177 for more information.