Editor’s Choice

Top ‘Shoulder Season’ Sojourns for Couples, Young Families, and Solo Travellers

19 May 2021

In travel terms, the ‘shoulder season’ refers to the lull between peak and off-peak travel times for popular holiday destinations.

Usually, this means April to mid-June, and September to October… a ‘shoulder’ on either side of summer!

There is a wealth of benefits to taking a trip during shoulder season. Not only will you escape the tourist hordes – and noisy children on their school holidays! – but prices are usually cheaper, too.

That’s why we’ve lined up some of our favourite shoulder season sojourns, especially for couples, families with young children, and those holidaying alone.

(You’re welcome!)
Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: The Secret Yurts | Powys

The Old Lockup

Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England
The Old Lockup is where historical tales of crime and intrigue reside in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales...imprisonment doesn't get cosier than this!
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 2 per room
From
£105 / night

Roulotte Retreat

Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland
Enrich your senses and live life on artisan wheels with this exquisitely quirky ‘glamvanning' experience in the wildflower-strewn natural setting of the Scottish Borders.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£110 / night

The Little Barn

Richmond, North Yorkshire, England
Relax in an enchanting stone cottage for two, blissfully secluded from the world's worries amongst miles of scenic Yorkshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£95 / night

Breac.House

Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, Ireland
Offering glorious architecture, exquisite hand-crafted furnishings and the rugged wilderness of North West Donegal, a stay at Breac House is sure to delight, indulge and inspire.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 2 per room
From
£318 prpn

Westside Woodshed

Near Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Westside Woodshed is an architect-designed oasis of calm, peacefully located at the end of a winding farm track in Scotland's Pentland Hills.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£910 (1 week)

The Enchanted Faraway Tree

Nr Canterbury, Kent, England
Spirit yourself away to The Enchanted Faraway Tree - a storybook-inspired hideaway in the form of a unique treehouse pod, cosily nestled in the Garden of England.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£450 (2nts)

Will's Tree House

Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire, England
Architect-designed luxury amongst the leaves, set on a working farm in a Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Bedrooms: Studio
Sleeps: 4
From
£255 / night

Glamping Canonici di San Marco

Mirano, Venice, Italy
A pioneering taste of nature and luxury await, in a glamping paradise set just 20 minutes from Venice.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-6 per tent
From
£108 / night

Lushna Suites at Lee Wick Farm

St Osyth, Essex, England
Eco-friendly glamping on a working potato farm... complete with spectacular sea views.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2 or 2(+2) per Suite
From
£80 / night

Radar

Dungeness, Kent, England
A wildly romantic escape for two, set on the Dungeness Nature Reserve and looking out across miles of wildlife, beach and open sky.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£660 (2 nts)

The Secret Yurts

Welshpool, Powys, Wales
The Welsh countryside's best-kept secret, until now - three luxurious, eco-friendly yurts packed with cosy creature comforts.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps:
From
£360 2 nights

Rye Windmill

Rye, East Sussex, England
A friendly, family-run B&B in an iconic Grade II-listed landmark, perfectly nestled on the banks of a picturesque river.
Bedrooms: 10
Sleeps: 2 per room
From
£80/night

Beachcroft Beach Hut Suites

Felpham, West Sussex, England
Upgrade the traditional seaside break to a luxury beach hut suite-on-the-beach, perfectly set in family-friendly village of Felpham, West Sussex.
Bedrooms: 2 per suite
Sleeps: 2 (+2) per suite
From
£250/ night

The Old Railway Station

Petworth, West Sussex, England
Travel back in time to the beautifully restored station house and Pullman carriages at Petworth, first class all the way!
Bedrooms: 10 (8 carriages)
Sleeps: 2 per room/carriage
From
£130 / night

Woodland Chase Glamping

Felton, Northumberland, England
Escape from everyday life, with luxurious, grown-up glamping on a Northumberland family farm set close to the beautiful coast.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2 per unit
From
£200 / night

Demeter Cave House

Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
A dreamily luxurious cave house with a romantic roof terrace and hot tub, blissfully secluded in a beautiful, unspoilt Santorini village.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£200 / night

The Laundry Retreat

Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire, Wales
Luxury log-cabin-style hideaways, surrounded by breath-taking gardens on a historic Grade II-listed property in North Wales.
Bedrooms: 1 per roundhouse
Sleeps: 2 per roundhouse
From
£145 / night

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