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top 5 countryside retreats for peace, quiet and great views

  • holidays
  • places to visit
July 1, 2025 · 10 MIN READ

Escaping to the countryside can be the best way to recharge, which is why a UK countryside staycation is so popular.

Here at Darwin Escapes, we pride ourselves in having plenty of idyllic retreats that are designed for rest, relaxation and reconnecting with nature. Whether you are longing for breathtaking coastlines, serene lakes or just being surrounded by the great British countryside, our top 5 countryside getaways will provide you with peace, quiet and incredible views. So, no matter if you’re planning a quiet weekend or a weeklong escape, these scenic spots are perfect for switching off and soaking up the beauty of the great outdoors.

Thanet Well Lodge Retreat

Lake District

Nestled on the edge of the Lake District, Thanet Well offers a tranquil countryside escape with incredible views that stretch across open fields. Its secluded location offers the perfect mix of peace and accessibility which is what makes it perfect for those looking to unwind in nature whilst still being just a short drive away from many of the well-known walking routes and picturesque villages. Each lodge on the retreat offers self-catering facilities so you can enjoy time to yourselves cooking evening meals, enjoying a dip in the hot tub or just taking in the surrounding views.

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Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Peak District

In a prime location in the heart of the Peak District, Rivendale Lodge Retreat is a peaceful countryside haven that is surrounded by dramatic landscapes including open fields and a quarry wall. It is perfectly placed so that you can explore the many scenic walking and cycling trails, charming villages and hidden gems that the Peak District is known for. And the lodges offer the perfect tranquil escape for you to retreat to at the end of each day. All feature all the self-catering facilities you could need and some even have private hot tubs so you can relax and unwind under the stars.

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Plas Isaf Lodge Retreat

North Wales

If you are after retreating to the North Wales countryside, Plas Isaf could be the perfect choice for you. Offering an idyllic rural escape where panoramic countryside views come as standard, you can use this retreat as a base for really being at one with nature. Due to its location, you will be just a short drive from Snowdonia National Park and the North Wales coast, so you won’t be far from plenty of iconic walking trails and beautiful beaches. The lodges are also the perfect escape for relaxing, many also feature private hot tubs where you can soak in the scenery in style.

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Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat

Kent

Canterbury Reach offers the best of both worlds with being surrounded by the rolling countryside whilst being just minutes from the historic city of Canterbury. So if you are after a retreat where you can enjoy rural charm whilst having easy access to culture, the coast and countryside then this is the spot for you. Each lodge offers all the self-catering facilities you could need like a fully equipped kitchen, spacious open plan living and enough bedroom and bathroom options to suit your group. Whether you’re planning a relaxing break or a base for exploring, Canterbury Reach delivers a perfect countryside retreat experience.

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Hawkchurch Resort & Spa

Devon

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is just a stone’s throw away from the Jurassic Coast whilst being tucked away in the peaceful Devon countryside. Find yourself surrounded by scenic walking trails and charming coastal towns as you stay in luxurious lodges. The lodges themselves have everything you could need during your stay from fully-equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms and open plan living areas. Along with a private decking where you can sit and enjoy the views that surround you.

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