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There’s something uniquely magical about a UK summer escape. Imagine long coastal walks, quiet sunlit evenings, bustling pub gardens, and the joy of discovering somewhere new, without the stress of airports or long-haul travel.
And, after a long day exploring, there’s a special kind of comfort in returning to your own private retreat – a place where you can truly switch off and recharge. While most of us probably don’t have a holiday home we can visit on a whim, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the many pleasures of a second property…particularly one that’s beautifully located and thoughtfully designed.
To show you how this can become a reality, we’ve teamed up with Holiday Property Bond (HPB), who have spent more than four decades building a collection of characterful holiday retreats across the UK and Europe, many set within historic estates, coastal hideaways, or national park landscapes. With over 1,500 properties ranging in style and size, the portfolio spans grand country houses, contemporary lodges, and secluded woodland escapes, all designed to make holidays feel effortless, indulgent, and restorative.
In exchange for an initial payment of £5,000 and a quarterly fee of less than £39, you can access all these properties. For each holiday you go on, you’ll pay a user charge covering maintenance costs and onsite facilities like swimming pools – yet because HPB holiday homes are finished to the highest standard, this is significantly less than you’d pay for similarly luxurious properties.
Here are some of the most idyllic UK properties to inspire your summer 2026 getaway.
1. Upper Norton, Shropshire, England
Set on the edge of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, framed by rolling farmland and distant wooded hills, Upper Norton is an idyllic rural retreat. Created from a traditional 19th-century farmhouse and its outbuildings, these 36 homes combine original character with cosy modern comforts. Properties range from one-bedroom apartments to cottages sleeping up to six, while facilities like tennis courts, a games room, and a library add to the sense of relaxed country living.
The surrounding landscape is a big part of Upper Norton’s charm. With over 3,500 miles of walking trails, Shropshire is home to quiet valleys, ancient woodlands, and winding canals you can enjoy exploring at your own pace. Nearby Ludlow is famed for its thriving food scene, while historic Shrewsbury and Much Wenlock provide a wealth of architecture, heritage, and independent shops ideal for unhurried summer days out.
2. Northway Court, North Devon, England
Northway Court, in the summer hotspot of North Devon, is a unique blend of seaside charm and country comfort. Perched above the dramatic coastline, this collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and cottages caters perfectly to both couples and families. Onsite facilities, including an indoor pool, sauna, and tennis court, make it easy to balance busy days with relaxed evenings, but beyond your doorstep (yet still within easy reach), there’s plenty more to do.
A scenic walk leads down to Peppercombe Beach, while the vast sands of Westward Ho! – a favourite for surfers and walkers – are just a short drive away. Nearby Bideford offers historic architecture, waterside cafés, and boutique shops, while the wider area boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful coastal scenery. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Lundy Island, known for its seabird colonies and marine life, while Exmoor National Park and the South West Coast Path provide breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Discover holidays to treasure
Discover over 1,500 beautiful UK and European holiday homes with Holiday Property Bond. Enjoy wonderful facilities, stunning landscapes, and a lifetime of breaks to treasure.
Your return is in holidays but like most investments your capital is at risk. Initial payment from £5,000 and quarterly fee (under £39) provide access to HPB holiday homes. Initial and ongoing charges. User charges of around £388 for a studio, £597 for a two-bedroom. Surrender possible after two years, you will receive less than you invested. Advertisement by HPB Management Limited, HPB House, Newmarket, CB8 8EH regulated by FCA, FSCS scheme does not apply.
3. St Brides Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wild, windswept, and wonderfully unspoilt, Pembrokeshire boasts one of the most impressive coastal landscapes in Europe, making it a dream destination for summer holidays centred around the sea. The famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path weaves its way along the cliffs, offering unforgettable walking routes with panoramic views, while medieval castles, ancient forts, and charming harbour towns add a rich sense of character and shed light on the area’s storied past.
For travellers seeking to experience it from a truly unique base, St Brides Castle is difficult to beat. Set in 100 acres of landscaped parkland overlooking St Brides Bay, this striking 19th-century baronial mansion marries historic grandeur with a quiet sense of seclusion. The castle is home to elegant apartments, while the cottages within the grounds sleep up to eight guests. When you’re not off exploring, you can read in the library, enjoy a game in the billiards room, or unwind in the sleek, heated indoor pool.
4. Duloe Manor, Cornwall, England
Set within one of Cornwall’s most iconic landscapes, Duloe Manor enjoys a classic countryside setting just a short distance from the coast. Dating from around 1690, the restored Queen Anne manor house sits at the heart of a collection of 40 holiday homes, combining historic character with family-friendly facilities. Indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and children’s play areas mean there’s plenty to enjoy on site, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with family and friends.
Just three miles from the fishing village of Looe, Duloe Manor provides easy access to golden beaches, towering cliffs, and the South West Coast Path – perfect for long summer days spent swimming, walking, and exploring. Nature lovers can visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan or the world-famous Eden Project, while nearby harbour towns offer fresh seafood, quaint shops, and a quintessentially Cornish seaside experience.
5. Coo Palace, Galloway, Scotland
Set on the rugged coastline of Dumfries and Galloway, Coo Palace is a unique take on a Scottish coastal escape. Originally built in the early 20th century as an eccentric dairy farming facility, the site has been stylishly converted to a collection of 26 holiday properties, each blending tradition with contemporary comforts. The Palace’s facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, games room, and outdoor mini golf, while woodland walks begin directly from the property itself.
The surrounding area provides an ideal base for exploring one of Scotland’s most scenic yet lesser-known regions. The Galloway coast is known for its dramatic shoreline, sandy beaches, and unspoilt villages, while Galloway Forest Park offers excellent walking trails and dark skies ideal for stargazing. Historic towns like Kirkcudbright are also a joy to explore, while local distilleries and craft producers beautifully showcase the area’s food and drink heritage.
Discover holidays to treasure
Discover over 1,500 beautiful UK and European holiday homes with Holiday Property Bond. Enjoy wonderful facilities, stunning landscapes, and a lifetime of breaks to treasure.
Your return is in holidays but like most investments your capital is at risk. Initial payment from £5,000 and quarterly fee (under £39) provide access to HPB holiday homes. Initial and ongoing charges. User charges of around £388 for a studio, £597 for a two-bedroom. Surrender possible after two years, you will receive less than you invested. Advertisement by HPB Management Limited, HPB House, Newmarket, CB8 8EH regulated by FCA, FSCS scheme does not apply.
6. Braithwaite Court, Cumbria, England
Nestled in the pretty village of Braithwaite, Braithwaite Court offers a welcoming base right on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The collection includes 32 holiday properties, ranging from cosy apartments to larger cottages, all designed with open-plan living spaces and comfortable interiors. Many enjoy views across surrounding hills or quiet courtyards, while amenities like a heated indoor pool, games room, and billiards room mean you don’t even have to step foot outside the grounds if you don’t fancy it.
A short drive away, the market town of Keswick provides easy access to the calm, gleaming waters of Derwentwater, with a wealth of scenic walks and boating opportunities to enjoy. If you’re seeking a greater challenge, the surrounding fells provide some of the Lake District’s most rewarding hikes. The wider area is also home to many historic houses, National Trust gardens, and literary landmarks linked to figures like Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, so there’s plenty of culture to discover, too.
7. Ballylinny, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of dramatic landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, and Ballylinny is nestled in its centre. Perched on the craggy coastline, this cosy collection of holiday homes offers sweeping views of the Giant’s Causeway, Portballintrae village, and rolling green countryside. The two- and three-bedroom properties are perfect for families or friends, while terraces and patios provide a front-row seat for spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic.
From here, you can easily set off on coastal walks, explore local villages, or simply kick back while taking in panoramic views across one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated regions. When you’re not exploring County Antrim’s iconic landmarks – from the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to Dunluce Castle and the Old Bushmills Distillery – Ballylinny keeps the fun going onsite. Enjoy a match on the tennis court, relax in the clubhouse and games room, or swim in the indoor pool.
8. Barnham Broom, Norfolk, England
Set among rolling hills and overlooking two championship‑standard golf courses, Barnham Broom makes for a charming, central base in the River Yare valley. The development features 39 lodge-style apartments, each with open-plan living spaces and balconies or terraces overlooking the fairways. After a day exploring the area, guests can make the most of onsite leisure facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, tennis and squash courts, as well as the relaxed Brasserie restaurant and lively Sports Bar.
Beyond the property, Barnham Broom’s rural Norfolk location makes it a wonderful choice for a summer break. The county is known for its vast sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, and the quiet waterways of the Norfolk Broads, offering all kinds of walking, boating, and birdwatching opportunities. Historic Norwich, with its castle, independent shops, theatres, and museums, lies just 10 miles away, making it easy to combine relaxation with cultural exploration.
Discover holidays to treasure
Discover over 1,500 beautiful UK and European holiday homes with Holiday Property Bond. Enjoy wonderful facilities, stunning landscapes, and a lifetime of breaks to treasure.
Your return is in holidays but like most investments your capital is at risk. Initial payment from £5,000 and quarterly fee (under £39) provide access to HPB holiday homes. Initial and ongoing charges. User charges of around £388 for a studio, £597 for a two-bedroom. Surrender possible after two years, you will receive less than you invested. Advertisement by HPB Management Limited, HPB House, Newmarket, CB8 8EH regulated by FCA, FSCS scheme does not apply.
Final thoughts…
From the rolling hills of Shropshire and Norfolk to the windswept shores of Northern Ireland – not to mention the hidden gems of coastal Cornwall and Galloway – the UK is packed with beautiful summer escapes. Each HPB property has its own unique blend of character and comfort, while being in easy reach of stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and immersive local culture.
Whether you’re seeking a coastal retreat to watch the sunset, a country hideaway for long, invigorating walks, or a family-friendly base with pools and outdoor adventures, these eight idyllic holiday homes are just a selection of what’s on offer at HPB.
If you’d like to enjoy more than one of these properties, remember that if you’re a Bondholder, you have the option of staying in them all. One of the best things about HPB holidays is discovering new parts of the country – and once you find your perfect UK holiday property, you can return time and again.
The Holiday Property Bond is a financial product, and its sale is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. All new Bondholders benefit from a “Money Back Promise”; if you take your first holiday within three years and aren’t completely satisfied, you can apply to cash in your Bond. As long as you do so within 14 days of returning and one of the investors was on the holiday, you’ll receive a full refund of your initial payment.
Exclusive holidays for life: An initial payment from £5,000 and a quarterly fee of under £39 (that is around £155 a year), which can increase in line with but not exceed the Retail Price Index Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX), gives you access to all HPB’s holiday homes. For each HPB holiday, you will pay a no-profit user charge covering only property running and maintenance costs and use of on-site facilities. The average charge is the same throughout the year, the average weekly charge for a studio sleeping two is around £388 and around £597 for a two-bedroom property, larger properties are also available. After an initial charge of 25% your money is invested in a fund of holiday properties and securities. The fund itself meets annual charges of 2.5% of its net assets at cost, calculated monthly. Your investment return is purely in the form of holidays and, as with most investments, your capital is at risk. You can surrender your investment to the company after two years or more (subject to deferral in exceptional circumstances), but you will get back less than you invested because of the charges referred to above, as well as other overheads and changes in the value of the fund’s properties and securities.
This advertisement is issued by HPB Management Limited (HPBM), the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively through HPBM. HPB is issued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA.
Holders of policies issued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them but Isle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies.