Isolated holiday cottages for a digital detox

In this fast-paced society of ours, where work pressure looms and stress is loaded on by the bucketful, sometimes a complete detox from all the commotion is needed. The lure of our phones, tablets and computers can be too strong to resist, so how about taking yourself away on a remote, wifi-free holiday? We have found ten beautiful and isolated holiday cottages where you can take a break from the internet and spend some quality time with your loved ones whilst getting back outside into the fresh air.

Hex Cottage

If you really want an ‘off-the-grid’ holiday, then this beautifully-secluded cottage in Suffolk is just the spot. Originally a forester’s cottage, the thatched roof and charming rustic interiors are an ode to a simpler time. Nestled within a meadow and surrounded by woodland, this picturesque spot looks, and feels, like it stepped straight out of a fairytale.

This is a very special place where you’ll be able to fully escape from modern life: not only is there no wifi, there’s not even any electricity. Fear not though, you’ll still have a comfortable and cosy stay, as the cast-iron wood-fired range cooker provides plenty of warmth and hot water. With a roll-top bath, king-size bed and set within 4,500 acres of parkland, this is an idyllic spot for a relaxing and detoxifying rural retreat.

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Spout Cottage

This gorgeous stone cottage can be found in the quiet hamlet of Dowbiggin, Cumbria. There is no wifi here, so it’s even more so an isolated holiday cottage, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be well catered for. You can swap your mobile’s screen for beautiful countryside scenes, or else time spent relaxing by the cosy wood-burning stove, enjoying a good book or board game.

As well as stunning countryside views, the cottage also boasts toasty underfloor heating, a garden with a perfectly-manicured lawn and parking for two cars. With the great outdoors on your very doorstep, and the Lake District just a 30-minute drive away, it’s time for you to dive into your very own bucolic paradise – enjoying all the walks, wonders and lovely views that Cumbria has to offer.

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Delightful Pwllheli Cottage 

Enjoy leisurely rambles out in the fresh air, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and spend lingering, cosy evenings lounging beside the traditional wood burner, savouring a slower pace of life. Lovingly rebuilt from ruin, the cottage itself is stunning: featuring exposed beams, stone walls and a mezzanine area.

Step outside the cottage and find an expansive garden, a pretty mountain pond and numerous local cycle and walking paths to explore. Furthermore, Snowdonia National Park, the largest national park in Wales, is just a 20-minute drive away. This is a beautiful spot, both inside and outside, where you can truly find some peace and quiet, hidden away from the rest of the world.

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Rock View Shepherd’s Hut

This shepherd’s hut in Devon is the perfect retreat à deux. There is no wifi and the property is surrounded by enchanting woodland – the perfect place to put the phone away and get back to nature. There is a woodburning stove for cosy evenings in, and outside there is decking with furniture, a fire pit and a pond.

While you’re here you can enjoy long, luxurious walks, during which you can soak up the fresh country air and all the natural beauty that Devon has to offer. This is the ultimate secluded love nest: cosy, self-contained and perfect for a romantic weekend away.

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Badnaheen

Looking for a truly remote holiday? Then this gorgeous Scottish cottage, formerly a shepherd’s hut, is just the place. Nestled in the rugged Scottish Highlands, the nearest corner shop is 15 miles away, and the last six miles to the cottage leads you along seldom-used forest roads. There is no wifi either, so you can enjoy a hiatus from all that screen time and truly enjoy your wild and wonderful surroundings.

With the Highlands on the doorstep, outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a range of activities, including walking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. For those who want to take it a little easier, there are spectacular beaches to visit, stunning stretches of craggy coastline to admire and mediaeval castles to be explored. However you choose to spend your time at this enchantingly remote holiday home, you can be sure to find peace and tranquillity in the windswept beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This is the perfect place to escape and reconnect with your loved ones.

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Ard Aoibhinn

Searching for stunning views and plenty of peace and quiet? Then head to this isolated holiday cottage in Southern Ireland for a spot of rest and relaxation. Nestled above the town of Dungloe, you can enjoy stunning panoramas and even glimpse views of the ocean from your very doorstep.

This remote holiday cottage is located in the heart of the Rosses – a rocky stretch of land dotted with tiny lakes and cute little villages and fishing towns – and there are plenty of things to do and explore. The cottage is also ideally located for visits to the incredible Donegal Islands, some of which are completely uninhabited, which are strewn along the local coastline. Sleeping up to six people, this pretty little country house is perfect for a family holiday or trip away with friends.

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Boat House

Looking for seclusion, but don’t want to sacrifice any of your creature comforts? Well, look no further. Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this gorgeous hideaway boasts all luxuries you’d need for an unforgettable weekend away.

The cottage itself is modern, spacious and flooded with natural light. Featuring an open-plan living room and wood burning stove on the ground floor, as well as a cosy snug and balcony on the first floor, it is the ideal romantic retreat for couples. The remote location makes this the perfect place to put away your phone and laptop and disconnect from the outside world, reconnecting with one another instead.

Bryn yr Haf

Situated in the gently rolling countryside which surrounds the bustling market town of Lampeter, this snug bungalow is a tranquil base for you to explore Wales from. Located down 0.2 miles of single track lane, you’ll feel removed from the rest of the world in your own little countryside bubble.

The lovely enclosed lawn gardens and minimal stairs make this cottage family-friendly, especially for those with little ones. What’s more, this homely spot is also dog-friendly – ideal if you’re looking to go away but can’t face leaving the four-legged friend behind!

Start your digital detox with a relaxing ramble along one of the lovely walks which start from the property. Later on, you can head into the quaint town of Lampeter where you’ll find an array independent shops, a farmer’s market and plenty of traditional Welsh pubs – ideal if you’re looking to rub shoulders with the locals.

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Halfen Granary 

Set on a working farm, this stone-built barn conversion packs plenty of character. Large and spacious, it sleeps up to six people and is dog-friendly to boot – making it the ideal base for a group of friends or a family who are looking to explore the beautiful countryside of Powys. The surrounding farm spans over 60 acres of land, making it a perfect place to switch off from the digital world and simply enjoy the slower pace of country life.

The cottage is located close to Powis Castle; Lake Vyrnwy, a renowned beauty spot; and the area of Dyfnant Forest, which abounds in lush verdant valleys and sleepy little villages. There are almost 100 miles of trails and paths in Dyfnant Forest, which can be explored either by foot or on the back of a sturdy Welsh pony. The remote location of the cottage makes it ideal for star-gazing and, come evening, your eyes will be glued to the velvety night sky, instead of your phone screen.

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Beech Cottage 

This quaint red-bricked farmhouse annexe is the very definition of ‘rural chic’. The interior of the annexe is simple yet cosy, featuring wooden panelling, white walls and plenty of natural light. You can expect a warm, heartfelt welcome from the friendly owners, who live in the adjoining farmhouse along with their amicable Basset Hound – the property is very much dog-friendly, so your pooch may have just found a new best friend.

Set on a working farm, this isolated holiday cottage is surrounded by a tapestry of fields and trees – the ideal spot for those wishing to relax far away from the madding crowd. Ideally located for exploring the rugged Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park, as well as the historic city of York. On arrival, disconnect your laptop and phone and spend the day wandering through the forest and fell, marvelling at the beauty of the landscape and the friendliness of the locals. Come evening, snuggle up on the rocking chair next to the woodburning stove, with a good book and glass of wine in hand.