Hideaways & escapes

Every month, we trawl the nation’s coastline to bring you news of the people, places and exciting goings-on that are worth knowing about

Take your pick from our edit of fabulous flight-free English breaks

January is a great time for a relaxing staycation by the sea. Bracing walks followed by cosying up in front of an open fire is the ideal way to start the year. Here are some of our favourite picture-perfect cottages to rent for your first break of 2026

(whatever your budget!)

St Ewe, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EL T 01726 842714 W heligancampsite.com OPEN 31 January – 16 November While technically not a hidden gem, as the Lost Gardens of Heligan is quite well known, this at

A couple with no DIY experience decided to take on a self-build and now live in a beautiful oak-framed cottage