Holidays with History

Holiday Cottages by the sea

A proper holiday wouldn't be complete without a trip to the sea. From fairytale castles to remote and tranquil ruins, if you're craving the seaside air, head to one of the properties below and enjoy stunning views - and perhaps an ice cream or three.

Callie's Cottage - Pendennis Castle

Callie's Cottage, which sleeps four, was built 100 years ago as a Sergeants' mess but takes its name from Callie Saxty MBE, the castle's retired Operations Manager. She came to live here for 18 months and stayed 24 years. Callie always felt sorry for day-trippers because Pendennis takes on a new life once the crowds have dispersed. Staying here affords a chance to find out precisely what she meant. Inside the cottage is superbly equipped and the look is sleek and contemporary. 

Fort House - St Mawes Castle

St Mawes Castle is far too pretty to be dismissed as just another of those austere, artillery fortresses built on the orders of Henry VIII to persuade the French and Spanish that invading Britain was a bad idea. Shaped like a delicate clover leaf and embellished with friendly gargoyles, it looks across the Fal estuary towards rugged Pendennis Castle. It is 450 years old. How a boutique hotel would love to get its hands on this precious spot - but at least you can with a stay in Fort House.

No.1 and No.2 Sovereign's Gate - Osborne

No 1 Sovereign's Gate and No 2 Sovereign's Gate, Osborne are two new holiday cottages that have been developed in this iconic building at Osborne. Sovereign's Gate was commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the formal entrance to Osborne. Although not used by visitors to Osborne today it remains the entrance by which members of the royal family enter the Estate. Once the public have left at the end of the day, you have the opportunity to explore Osborne's extensive grounds including the private beach at your leisure.

Pavilion Cottage - Osborne

You don't have to be a cricket fan to enjoy Pavilion Cottage at Osborne - but it will do no harm if you are. Built in the early 1900s for sporty cadets at the Royal Naval College, it later became a store room, before livestock were allowed to take over the wicket. Game over! You can also enjoy use of the Osborne's beach - once Queen Victoria's private beach - at all times and usually enjoy exclusive access outside normal opening times.

The Greenhouse Apartment - Walmer Castle

If you want a crash course in English history from Henry VIII to 20th century you will adore Walmer Castle. And if you loved the late Queen Mother you will be blissfully happy here, as she was. Built in 1539 by Henry VIII to deal with any threat of invasion from the English Channel, it went on to serve as a rural retreat for distinguished public figures, including Pitt the Younger, Wellington, Palmerston. Salisbury, Churchill and, of course, the Queen Mother herself. Stay at The Greenhouse Apartment and should you feel like venturing beyond the castle gates there are spectacular walks and cycle paths along the beach front to nearby Deal Castle.

The Custodian's House - Pendennis Castle

With sweeping views over Falmouth Bay, the Custodian's House is a superbly equipped single storey cottage in a truly stunning location. It's set in the extensive grounds of Pendennis Castle, which was built by Henry VIII to defend the southern coast against the perennial threat of a cross-channel invasion. Inside, the Custodians House's sleek and contemporary interior makes it a perfect bolthole for a romantic break or a weekend away from it all.

The Sergeant Major's House - Dover Castle

To stay at The Sergeant Major's House is to be enveloped by hundreds of years of history. This elegant and spacious four-storey Georgian building sleeps six and is set in its own grounds just inside the Western Outer Curtain Wall. As its name suggests, it was once the home of the Regimental Sergeant Majors who were garrisoned in the castle. Wander around the vast site at your leisure and be the first in the queue to tour the re-presented Great Tower, where Henry II held court in sumptuous style. 

Peverell's Tower - Dover Castle

Peverell's Tower was added by Henry III in the 13th century as an extra buttress of defence. At one time a prison, today it sleeps two in liberating comfort.  It has spectacular views - you can see France on a clear day. Delve deep within Dover's White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels