The holidaying-at-home notion doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon, and if we're being honest, we couldn’t be happier. Finding yourself somewhere beautiful – on a path gloriously untrodden and right under your nose? Well, there's no feeling like it.
Although the unpredictability of the great British weather could be enough to put off even the most tenured of staycationers, there’s still something rather magical about exploring a rugged coastline or forestscape you mightn’t know existed before.
But where to go? And, what to do once you’re there? Boutique travel experts, Sarah de Vere-Drummond and Liz Simpson – curators of ‘small places with soul’ Kip Hideaways – are on hand to answer these questions with round two of our series (you can read the first part here).
This time, the travel-loving duo help us escape to the lively town of Oban (known for its seafood), a fully-equipped cottage in the Sussex countryside and partake in an adventurous journey around the South Downs by boat.
Hiking boots and oars at the ready…
#AdventuresOfAnthro:
Escape with
Kip Hideaways, Pt 2
A whistle-stop tour of the Suffolk countryside,
Scottish coastline & South Downs.
The Suffolk Countryside
Where to Stay:
Natural textures, whitewashed beams and poured concrete flooring awaits you at The Gallery, a minimalist hideaway warmed by sheepskin rugs and sisal matting. An ingenious mix of both classic and modern design, every inch of the space is thoughtfully curated with an exquisite blend of furnishing and art – inspired by the photographer owner’s travels. There are two double bedrooms and five acres of gardens, which include a trampoline for children (or adults) to jump around.
Where to Stay:
Natural textures, whitewashed beams and poured concrete flooring awaits you at The Gallery, a minimalist hideaway warmed by sheepskin rugs and sisal matting. An ingenious mix of both classic and modern design, every inch of the space is thoughtfully curated with an exquisite blend of furnishing and art – inspired by the photographer owner’s travels. There are two double bedrooms and five acres of gardens, which include a trampoline for children (or adults) to jump around.
What to Do:
The surrounding flat landscapes are ideal for walking and cycling. We’d start at Snape Maltings and follow the River Alde through the marshes. If you have time, why not zip over to the beautiful Suffolk coast – Lowescroft is great for families as it’s sandy and calm, while Covehithe is a gloriously wild gem. Aldeburgh is our favourite coastal town if you want to mooch. It features creative independent shops galore and seafood shacks lining the shingle beach.
What to Pack:
Something pretty for perusing coastal towns, something practical for countryside frolics.
The surrounding flat landscapes are ideal for walking and cycling. We’d start at Snape Maltings and follow the River Alde through the marshes. If you have time, why not zip over to the beautiful Suffolk coast – Lowescroft is great for families as it’s sandy and calm, while Covehithe is a gloriously wild gem. Aldeburgh is our favourite coastal town if you want to mooch. It features creative independent shops galore and seafood shacks lining the shingle beach.
What to Pack:
Something pretty for perusing coastal towns, something practical for countryside frolics.
South Downs
Where to Stay:
Once an old farm store, the stylish Sunset Cottage sits at the heart of South Downs National Park. The décor bursts with joyful colour, from the mustard sofa and dashes of pink to the striking green staircase which spirals up to a mezzanine bedroom – you’ll find a second double bedroom downstairs. The space shares a massive garden with the owners, and there are trees to climb, ropes to swing and even a dreamy treehouse.
Where to Stay:
Once an old farm store, the stylish Sunset Cottage sits at the heart of South Downs National Park. The décor bursts with joyful colour, from the mustard sofa and dashes of pink to the striking green staircase which spirals up to a mezzanine bedroom – you’ll find a second double bedroom downstairs. The space shares a massive garden with the owners, and there are trees to climb, ropes to swing and even a dreamy treehouse.
What to Do:
Bring bikes and cycle straight out of the gate down to Barcombe Mills, where you can hire a rowing boat on the River Ouse for an adventure and wild picnic. You’ll want to bring your walking boots, as the South Downs Way is almost on your doorstep – and it’s beautiful whatever the weather.
What to Pack:
Everything you need to get you from bike to boat with flair.
Bring bikes and cycle straight out of the gate down to Barcombe Mills, where you can hire a rowing boat on the River Ouse for an adventure and wild picnic. You’ll want to bring your walking boots, as the South Downs Way is almost on your doorstep – and it’s beautiful whatever the weather.
What to Pack:
Everything you need to get you from bike to boat with flair.
Oban, Scotland
Where to Stay:
Scotland’s west coast is truly spectacular, with a rugged coastline and soaring mountains at your fingertips. Just 15 minutes from Oban lies a paradise, which is home to two remote hideaways: The Wilderness Cabins. When you get there, you're boated across Loch Nell to your cabin, which blends effortlessly into the ancient oaks that lines the shoreline. Step inside to a luxurious and minimalist interior – think huge windows, a dreamy mezzanine bedroom and a kitchen crafted from native ash. Morning is our favourite time here.
Where to Stay:
Scotland’s west coast is truly spectacular, with a rugged coastline and soaring mountains at your fingertips. Just 15 minutes from Oban lies a paradise, which is home to two remote hideaways: The Wilderness Cabins. When you get there, you're boated across Loch Nell to your cabin, which blends effortlessly into the ancient oaks that lines the shoreline. Step inside to a luxurious and minimalist interior – think huge windows, a dreamy mezzanine bedroom and a kitchen crafted from native ash. Morning is our favourite time here.
What to Do:
Wake up with a wild swim, then, light a fire to cook an al fresco breakfast using fresh, local produce. Later, it’s time to kayak and paddleboard around the loch, or sit reading, or even just spend your time gazing at the incredible views. This is a place to slow down, reset and reconnect with nature.
What to Pack:
A stylish swimsuit and effortless chuck-on-and-go layers.
Wake up with a wild swim, then, light a fire to cook an al fresco breakfast using fresh, local produce. Later, it’s time to kayak and paddleboard around the loch, or sit reading, or even just spend your time gazing at the incredible views. This is a place to slow down, reset and reconnect with nature.
What to Pack:
A stylish swimsuit and effortless chuck-on-and-go layers.
For travel-based escapism, scroll their instagram @kiphideaways