Three UK staycations with both city and countryside that start from £138 a night

FINDING it hard to choose between a relaxing cottage holiday and a city break?

Luckily, it’s possible to enjoy the best of both worlds in the UK this year.

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Sykes Cottages has come up with some suggestions for twin stays within an hour’s drive of each other, as Lisa Minot reveals here. 

CHESTER AND NORTH WALES

THE ancient city of Chester, with its Roman, Saxon and medieval architecture, is a great twin-centre holiday as the wild landscapes of North Wales are just a 55-minute drive away.

In the city, check in to 4 Albion Place.

This historic cottage sleeps four and is an ideal base for exploring Chester.

There’s a courtyard garden for enjoying a cup of tea in the sun, and by night you can kick back and relax in front of the wood-burning stove.

The cottage is also a good base for visiting Chester Zoo.

A three-night break starts at £453.

City stay over, head into the North Wales countryside. Here, there are hundreds of walking routes, including the North Wales Path that stretches along the coast from Bangor to Prestatyn.

To stay amid the mountain scenery and rugged coastline, head to The Old School in Conwy.

This Grade II-listed property is close to the Snowdonia National Park and Conwy Morfa Beach.

Sleeping six, it has character features, including high ceilings and the original old school hooks, as well as a large garden.

Three nights’ self-catering is from £891.

LANCASTER & WINDERMERE

ALL good holidays need a decent pint, and you won’t have to travel far for one in Lancaster – known as the Northern City of Ale.

And just 40 minutes from the city is the perfect place to walk off those beers – the paths around the enchanting Lake Windermere.

In Lancaster, 5 Castle Hill is a lovely Georgian townhouse, sleeping six, right in the heart of the city and with views over the castle.

A three-night stay is from £551.

In summer, enjoy a pint at nearby inn The Borough, which features local ales and a great beer garden.

In Windermere, Ash Cottage is a traditional Victorian townhouse, sleeping six.

Spend your days boating on the famous lake or enjoying walking routes such as Loughrigg Fell.

And, of course, the Beatrix Potter Attraction is one not to miss.

Three nights’ self-catering is from £535.

PLYMOUTH AND CORNWALL

SPLIT your break across two fabulous coastlines when you combine a trip to Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City – and Corn­wall’s gorgeous Bos­castle, an hour and a quarter’s drive through stunning ­scenery.

The Penthouse at Phoenix Quay in Plymouth is a stylish, fourth-floor apartment with views over the buzzing marina from its balcony.

A three-night stay starts at £472.

Home Farm Cottage in the relaxed village of Boscastle is set on a working farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by far-reaching sea views.

Sleeping four, the stone cottage has beamed ceilings, slate floors and a wood-burning stove.

Just a short stroll away is the village itself, with a great choice of pubs, restaurants and bistros.

Three nights is from £414.

• To book a staycation with Sykes, visit sykescottages.co.uk, call 01244 617 683 or download the new Sykes Holiday Cottages app.