7 min readGet the best of both worlds and combine your city break with a rural getaway! Fill your day with exciting events and attractions on offer in the buzzing city of Bristol before ending the day gazing out over green fields, sweeping hills and woodland.
The city is right on the doorstep of sensational North Somerset and South Gloucestershire & South Cotswolds countryside, and we’ve got an idyllic selection of excellent value self-catering places for you – check out this little lot:
Cottages at Tyntesfield, North Somerset
Based within the grounds of the scenic 500-acre National Trust Tyntesfield Estate, the beautifully restored Chaplain's House offers the chance to experience a Victorian-style stay on a country estate. Built in the dramatic Gothic Revival style, this abode was originally constructed for the Gibbs family's chaplain - a prestigious role as shown by the quality of the building’s original features. Visitors can discover the picturesque formal gardens and wider estate just outside your door, plus a complimentary visit to the main house.
For groups of up to 11 people, The Chaplain’s Lodge (reached via an interconnecting door) is also available for rent. Or, if it’s a romantic getaway you’re after, the delightful Summerhouse Cottage with its open fire in the sitting room, farmland views and access to the estate gardens in the evening, makes the perfect base.
There are also plenty of places for walks nearby, including Ashton Court, Leigh Woods and also along the coast nearby around Portishead and Clevedon.
Image: Chaplain's House, credit Mike Henton
Yeo Valley Properties, North East Somerset
Enjoy stunning views over Blagdon Lake and the surround countryside at these stylish barn conversions on the Yeo Valley farm, within easy reach of many cycling and walking routes including Yeo Valley Way, as well as Chew Valley and the Mendip Hills. Make sure to take advantage of the 10% discount at the valley's local, The New Inn and to visit Yeo Valley Organic Garden where you can get free entry.
Butcombe Brewery is also a short 10-minute drive away. Go behind the scenes on a tour to learn about the finest brews and the people who craft them. Thatcher's Cider farm is also only 20-minute drive away, where visit to learn about how cider is made on a tour or open day. You can also try local wines on a vineyard tour at Aldwick Estate.
Image - Yeo Valley Properties
The Old Parsonage, North East Somerset
This 17th-century property has oodles of charm, from the antique furniture to the grand fireplaces. The main house operates as a bed and breakfast, but there are also two self-catering apartments available to book with their own private entrances. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, as well as a fully enclosed garden for children and pets to enjoy safely.
The accommodation is a short 15-minute drive to Chew Valley Lake, a scenic beauty spot for top quality fly fishing, walks and sailing. It's also a 30-minute drive to the village of Frome home to the award-winning Frome Independent market which takes place on the first Sunday of every month from March - December.
Image - The Old Parsonage
Park Farm Country Cottages, North East Somerset
These fully equipped cottages are on a working arable farm within the hamlet of Norton Hawkfield and make a great base for visiting Bristol, Bath and Wells. The Barn has an open gallery, with exposed oak trusses, while The Dairy is light and airy, with double sets of French doors opening out onto a large patio and garden.
The cottages make a great base for visiting Bristol, Bath and Wells and is also a short 10-minute drive to the pretty village of Pensford, home to the beautiful Pensford Viaduct. Stanton Drew Stone Circle (a 6-minutes drive away) is the third largest complex of prehistoric standing stones in England. There is also a lovely pub at Stanton Drew called The Druid's Arms.
Image: Park Farm Country Cottages
Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park, North East Somerset
For a rural camping experience near the Mendip Hills, hire a bell tent from Brook Lodge or pitch your own on the site. The area of Cowslip Green (where the farm is located) - is considered by historians worldwide to be a heritage site of significance. Hannah More (1745-1883), an educator, writer and social reformer once lived in the area – she was also known for her writings on abolition and for encouraging women to join the anti-slavery movement. John Locke, a philosopher, statesman and writer of much of the American constitution, was born in this area also.
For nature lovers, the surrounding countryside is great for walking, bird watching and cycling and if you’d like a bit of city bustle, central Bristol is just a 20-minute drive away.
Image: Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park
Greyfield Farm Cottages, North East Somerset
These spacious, yet cosy stone cottages are nestled in a peaceful, private three and a half acre setting, overlooking the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Each cottage is complemented by its own garden/patio with adjacent secure parking. The free facilities offered at Greyfield Farm Cottages include the use of hot tub, sauna, fitness centre and barbecues.
Image - Greyfield Farm Cottages, Little Paradise
Mendip Basecamp, North Somerset
Basecamp is an award-winning off-grid family adventure campsite surrounded by ancient woodland and has won the Best Campsite at the Bristol Bath and Tourism awards in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The spacious campsite is perfect for families, small groups and adventurers. You can bring your own tent or campervan, stay in a Glamphouse safari tent, or rent a nomadic bell tent. The campsite is dog friendly too.
Basecamp is in the middle of the south west's largest multi-activity centre, Mendip Activity Centre, where you can take advantage of the free activities every day, including target sports, rock climbing, watersports and more.
Image - Mendip Basecamp
Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire
Get a group together to stay at this 300-year-old hunting lodge in the Cotswolds. The house has three bedrooms, two reception rooms and a drawing room with views across the beautiful Badminton Estate. Westonbirt Arboretum and the gorgeous village of Castle Combe are each just a 15-20 minute drive away.
Image - Swangrove House in Badminton Estate
The Annexe, South Gloucestershire
Situated between Bristol and Bath in the pretty village of Wick, this refurbished cottage is well situated for visiting the Cotswolds, Dyrham Park, Westonbirt Arboretum and the Badminton Estate for the Badminton Horse Trials.
The Wick Golden Valley Nature Reserve is less than 5-minutes drive and a short bus ride from the property and is a rich nesting habitat to many bird species and roosting site to 12 of the 18 UK bat species. Avon Valley Railway, a restored steam railway, is also a short drive away. There are also great pubs in the area, including The Upton located in the pretty village of Upton Cheyney (just over 10-minutes drive from The Annexe).
UK Lodge Breaks
UK Lodge Breaks offer you the choice of stunning luxury lodges, handpicked and perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding Bristol and the Mendip Hills.
Image - UK Lodge Breaks, Halmore Pod
Sykes Cottages
Choose from hundreds of cottages near Bristol with features to suit a range of requirements, from family-friendly properties with enclosed gardens and swimming pools, to pet-friendly properties and more.
Image: Sykes Holiday Cottages
GroupAccommodation.com
Browse a range of country properties which can sleep 8+ people, including cottages, manor houses, farms and woodland lodges. Many properties are family friendly, and they also have properties which welcome dogs, or are ideally suited for hen parties.
Image - GroupAccomodation, Magnolia Manor
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