South of England Holiday cottages

Make a holiday rental, home or cottage in the South of England your home away from home

The South of England, consisting of Dorset, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, is a beautiful rural region, with strong culture and some fascinating historic sites like Stonehenge and Corfe Castle.

Places to holiday in the South of England

The Isle of Wight is a spectacular island. Each season brings out a new side. During the summer, waves of tourists bask on the 60km stretch of coastline, picturesque coves, beached bays and safe swimming. Spring and autumn see an invasion by walkers and cyclists exploring the glorious countryside at the heart of the Isle of Wight. Apart from being an international destination for sailing enthusiasts, a holiday cottage on the Isle of Wight is perfect for golf, fishing, windsurfing and flying.

Oxfordshire is an inland county with a sporting and historical heritage. The county town of Oxford is a beautiful city with a plethora of museums and points of interest, not least of all the famous colleges. Taking a punt down the river on a summer’s day is an English romantic picture postcard experience, and well worth the effort!

Dorset is a magnificent place for a rural retreat. It has a beauty and atmosphere which separates it from its neighbouring counties. The land of Thomas Hardy, where Lulworth Cove inspires and Corfe Castle stirs the imagination is also the county where you can try zorbing (Swanage) or enjoy old fashioned beach resorts like Weymouth. The dramatic rocky coastline is also home to many pre-historic finds, including dinosaur fossils.

Things to do on holiday in the South of England

The South of England boast 600 miles of stunning coastline with a combination of sandy beaches, resort towns, fishing villages, shingle beaches and deserted cove beaches. There are some 14 areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and many quiet spot to relax in peace. Taking a holiday cottage in the South of England is a beautiful way to unwind and relax away from the hustle of everyday life.

The walking, horse riding and cycling in the South of England are second to none in Britain in my opinion. The Coastal Paths, New Forest and a huge number of ancient hill forts, medieval castles and trails means that taking a holiday cottage in the South of England will ensure that you get deep into the countryside.

There is also some magnificent fishing in the South of England, both from the beach, boats at sea, lakes and rivers. Fly fishing for trout is especially popular on the chalk streams of Hampshire and Berkshire.

For a real taste of life in the South of England, take a south England holiday cottage during one of the large county shows. These occur throughout the summer and not only celebrate the agricultural culture, but some of the finest foods in England.

Weather in the South of England

The South of England has a slightly milder climate than much of England. From May until October, the weather remains warm and usually dry, and winters are not as harsh as they are in the North of England.

Travel to the South of England

Much of the South of England is accessible best by road or railway. Southwest Trains offer a large number of services, and from Hampshire and Berkshire, there is a large amount number of transport links with London. For the more rural holiday cottages in South England, it will often be necessary to drive the last leg.