The UK&#039;s most popular staycation cottages revealed

Holidays in the UK are in high demand as the nation prepares to ease out of lockdown.

Bookings for hotels, holiday parks, rentals and camp sites are booming as Brits look to get away for the first time in more than a year.

According to a new report from Aviva insurance, more than half the nation would rather stay closer to home than go abroad this year due to the uncertainty surrounding foreign travel.

This could change on May 17 if foreign travel is given the go-ahead by the government, however, for those choosing a UK staycation this year there's still plenty of choice on offer.

Holiday cottages are a favourite amongst our nation and destinations like Cornwall, Devon and the Lake District are some of the most searched for staycations so far.

Sykes Holiday Cottages has already noted an 85% year-on-year increase for bookings made in March.

Graham Donoghue, Sykes Holiday Cottages CEO, said: "Our app helps customers to bookmark their preferred properties when planning their next staycation – and it's clear there's some firm favourites at the top due to their remote locations and countryside views.

"When it comes to this year's bookings, as the honeypot locations across the country are booking up fast, we've seen a huge growth in demand for lesser-known – but no less enjoyable – staycation destinations this year.

"As well as summer holidays, we're also seeing a steady stream of bookings for next year and we're confident the trend will continue beyond that as Brits settle into new holiday habits post-pandemic."

The holiday company has given us an exclusive look into their top 20 most 'favourited' properties listed on their app - My Sykes.

From private hot tubs, open fires and even an otter neighbour, there are a range of accommodation types to suit travellers needs.

We've decided to take a look at some of the properties among the list and find out what makes them so popular amongst travellers.

All of the properties below are listed on the app and have availability towards the end of the year.

Coal Drops

Topping the list is a holiday cottage called Coal Drops.

The cottage is located in Alnwick, Northumberland and sleeps up to four people.

Comprising of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living area, the cottage is nestled in the Northumberland countryside.

It's popularity could be because it boasts far-reaching views of the ruins of Edlingham Castle, or because the building has been lovingly converted from an old coal drop depot for the railway line.

Coal Drops has been designed to offer a base for a family looking to explore an area steeped with rolling hills, rugged moorland and a heritage of its own.

To book or for further details visit the website here.

Lapwing

Lapwing is all about location as it sits near to one of the UK's most popular theme parks and comes in second of the My Sykes most favoured properties.

Lapwing is a group of three adjoining apartments in a converted barn set on Upper Whittle Farm on the edge of Longnor on the Peak District National Park, seven miles from Buxton.

The Upper Whittle Farm Cottages are modern yet classy in an old, traditional barn conversion.

They all have en-suite double bedrooms and are finished with underfloor heating, smart TVs, oak furnishings and exposed wooden beams and stone walls throughout.

These properties sit in the heart of Longnor, a village offering walking opportunities for miles and miles, and nearby is the famous theme park of Alton Towers as well as as well as Bakewell and Chatsworth House.

For more visit the property here.

Cyffdy Cottage

What a view!

Cyffdy Cottage is the fifth favourite Sykes property amongst the app users.

The stone-built cottages are set overlooking the astonishing scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, three miles from the charming market town of Bala.

All three properties combine traditional features such as exposed stonework and wooden beams, with contemporary interior features to create a homely, relaxing spot to base your North Wales getaway.

The area abounds in elite walking paths and trails, including Aran nearby.

The Aran cottage sleeps four and has two bedrooms, one bathroom and also allows pets.

To book visit here.

Orchard Barn

Did someone say hot tub?

Orchard Barn has plenty on offer for larger bookings.

The barn conversion is nestled between the Staffordshire villages of Hilderstone and Fulford, and has been renovated and furnished in a traditional style.

It sleeps six and has two bedrooms, one bathroom, an open fire and a private hot tub.

Travellers will also be allowed to bring their pets and enjoy the private, enclosed garden with outdoor furniture to accommodate alfresco dining in the warmer months, and a lawned area for canine companions.

See here for bookings.

Neddy Cut

Coming in a bit further down the list for most favoured properties is Neddy Cut - but that doesn't mean it's no less spectacular, after all there are otters involved.

Situated in the Lake District National Park, Otter Tarn Holiday Cottages are set in a small, prestigious development in idyllic countryside on the owner's working livestock farm, near the villages of Backbarrow, Newby Bridge and Cartmel.

With woodland views, these cottages have been furnished and equipped with every comfort in mind.

Each cottage has a private hot tub which has been set in a dry stone wall, extensive open decking which runs all around each cottage and shared lawns.

Just a short walk away is a private lake where guests can wander and admire the scenery, fly fish and possibly catch a glimpse of the otter.

Haverthwaite Steam Railway is a six minute drive away, where you can catch the steam train to Lakeside, then catch the Windermere Steamers to Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside.

The Neddy Cut cottage sleeps six, has three bedrooms, three bathrooms but doesn't allow pets.

For more visit here.

Southern Place

This property is in a wildlife hotspot.

Coming in at number 11 on the list, 2 Southern Place stands out due to its location and facilities.

The one-bed property sleeps two and is located in the resort of Southern Halt, close to Dobwalls, Cornwall.

The airy lodge is the perfect escape for a couple looking for a break in rural, peaceful surroundings.

In a wildlife hotspot surrounded by nature, the quaint lodge even offers a cinema room and sauna.

Although only a few miles out of Liskeard, you are surrounded by hills and woodland, a great way to escape city life.

Nearby you'll find the local attraction of Golitha Falls and the River Fowey, with diverse landscapes and picture-perfect scenery.

The cottage sleeps two, has one bedroom, one bathroom and allows pets.

To book a staycation here visit the website.

Sea the View

The Sennen Cove Cottages are eco-friendly holiday homes set in an ideal position within the village of Sennen, Cornwall.

Sykes Holiday bookers rated Sea the View as number six of their top favoured properties and it's easy to see why.

Each designed to a high standard with stylish bespoke interiors and a well-presented garden with exotic plants, a sociable bar area, hot tub and outdoor seating, these properties offer a truly unique and luxurious setting for a family or group of ten travelling with their four-legged friends to this splendid part of the country.

Nestled in the village of Sennen, visitors will be able to hike along the rugged clifftops of the South West Coast Path and discover the ancient ruins of Maen Castle and Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck, all whilst enjoying views across the English Channel and Celtic Sea.

The cottages sleep four, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and allows pets.

Find out more and how to book here.

The Windmill

The Windmill, originally built in 1840, is a home nestled within Nottinghamshire countryside, in the conservation village of Eakring.

Surrounded by both historical farming villages and the colliery villages from the now defunct coal mining years, this listed property is ideal for friends and families wishing to relax in a tranquil setting and be close to some of north Nottinghamshire's hidden gems.

The home was restored by the current owners from a derelict tower in the 1990s, into a spacious and quirky family house, blending the old and the new, with three rooms situated within the Windmill itself.

While you're in the area, you can visit the Robin Hood's tree, the Major Oak, in Sherwood Forest then Rufford Park with its 16th century abbey, lake and grounds.

The Windmill sleeps eight, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and allows pets.

For more pictures of inside the Windmill visit here.

The Riverside

This cottage is ideal for beautiful walks along the river.

1 The Riverside is a luxury two-bedroom apartment in an award winning Grade II listed development.

The apartment looks onto the floodlit remains of Barnard Castle and also has spectacular views of the River Tees from the living room and master bedroom windows.

Dating back to the late 1700's , once a weavers cottage and immersed in local history, the apartment has now been brought into the 21st century with all mod cons and boasting a floodlit glass floor panel giving direct views down into the original cellar.

It's a popular choice on Sykes Cottages due to its location - step out of the front door and in a few minutes walk you are into the centre of the historical market town of Barnard Castle.

The Riverside sleeps four, has two bedrooms, one bathroom and allows pets.

To book visit here.

River Cottage Hayfield

Boasting a superb position overlooking the River Sett, in the village of Hayfield, is this stone-built cottage.

River Cottage Hayfield has been designed to bring together family and friends, or group of walkers to the North Western edge of the Peak National Park.

The property sleeps eight, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open fire.

From the doorstep of the cottage you will find a number of walking and cycling routes to enjoy on the Peak National Park, with varied walks to suit all ages and tastes.

For those seeking a challenge there is Kinder Plateau, Pennine Way and Snake Path, while the Sett Valley Trail offers a gentle stroll for families.

Alternatively, a short drive will bring you to the villages and towns of Buxton, Castleton and Bakewell, as well as the historic houses of Chatsworth and Lyme Park to brush up on the local history.

Book via here.

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