Jim Drew

The UK’s national parks, wild places and rural countryside are the best places to go stargazing and experience our fabulous Dark Skies – thousands of stars, distant planets, twinkling constellations and even the sheer sweep of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, can all be seen in areas where light pollution is low. In fact, if you’re after a UK stargazing holiday, it’s good to know that you can normally see at least ten times as many stars in the darkest areas of the country as in a town or city. Our handy Dark Skies accommodation guide picks out some amazing UK stargazing locations, from remote hostels and country B&Bs to deeply rural holiday cottages, hotels and forest lodges. Stay up late, look up and gaze in wonder at the UK’s glorious night skies, then back to bed for a great night’s sleep!

As we creep further into autumn, you might be searching for the perfect chilly weekend getaway. If you’re thinking countryside, gorgeous views and cosiness, then we might have found the perfect place for you.

This holiday accommodation, just a short drive from Cambridge, is one of the most unique in the country. Not only is it in a gorgeous location deep in the countryside of Suffolk, but it is a historic newly renovated windmill!

Cosy up at The Windmill Suffolk this Autumn! Snuggle up on the huge oversized velvet sofas on the top floor or sip a warm hot chocolate on the balcony in your super soft dressing gowns where you can watch Suffolk turn beautiful shades of red, gold and orange as the leaves start to change. Surrounded by open countryside offering plenty of woodland walks, head back to The Windmill to warm up in the enormous bathtub for two. At the end of the day get a restful night’s sleep in one of the kingsized handmade beds piled high with sumptuous velvet throws and cushions. The perfect Autumn escape!

You’ll be on Cloud 9 if you choose The Windmill Suffolk for your rural getaway. Not only are the views across the sublime countryside second to none but inside is just as gorgeous with stylish modern interiors that make you relax as soon as you step inside.

From luxury treehouses and private island huts, to windmills, haylofts and converted trucks, these are the best places for an unusual UK staycation if you’re looking for somewhere new to book for a winter getaway. 

On TV since 2012, the BAFTA-nominated Channel Four series George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces is all about transforming small, everyday, often unconventional spaces into the most incredible places to live, work, and play.

As such, the show has won a loyal legion of fans who adore creative, quirky surroundings that are clearly imbued with bucketloads of love and care.

If you’re one of them, you may be interested to know that our listings boast more than a few Amazing Spaces-featured hideaways.

So as a special treat, we thought we’d bring them all together in one handy list… just for you!

The best private rentals for 2023 include some little hidden gems; a windmill in Suffolk.

The Windmill Suffolk is proud to feature in this richly illustrated book.

Top Santé Editorial Director, Katy Sunnassee, visited The Windmill Suffolk for a birthday celebration to remember – here’s her review…

Want a secluded, romantic getaway with a difference? And to get some perspective on life while you’re at it? You’ll be able to do both while up above the clouds – almost! – at The Windmill Suffolk. It was once a working windmill but is now a converted, luxury B&B not far from the town of Lavenham in Suffolk.

Renovated and re-invented by husband-and-wife team Natalie and Steven. The Windmill is an award-winning, eye-catching hideaway just two miles from the medieval village of Lavenham.