Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

The perfect rural retreat, surrounded by unrivalled views of open countryside, this delightful property at Wickmere near Sheringham has antique furniture, exposed beams and a wood burning stove. The seaside town of Cromer is nine miles away.

The small village of Wickmere is situated north of the river Bure, between Norwich and Cromer. The Saxo-Norman village church is typical of Norfolk. Originally an early Saxon settlement site, urns, rinds and bronze have been unearthed here. Wickmere later grew to a village comprising of a few cottages for workers on the nearby Wolterton Estate. Surrounded by single track country lanes and footpaths, Wickmere is a well-kept secret. The neighbouring village of Aldborough, can be reached by foot or bicycle, and boasts a large village green with pond, great pub The Cricketers on the Green, village shop, surgery with pharmacy, and a community centre. Less than a ten minute drive away, Manning Estate offers beautiful gardens with tea rooms, and hosts family events in the summer such as Nature Discovery Days. Be sure not to miss the magnificent setting and incredible food at The Gunton Arms in nearby Thorpe Market, which is also home to the equally impressive Suffield Arms. The coast at Sheringham is eight miles away. Sheringham boasts a Blue Flag beach supported by a multitude of amenities, making it a popular destination for visitors. Originally a small fishing village until the arrival of the railway in 1887, The Poppy Line still operates heritage diesel and steam engines running from the pretty station in Sheringham centre, along the coastline through Weybourne and Kelling, then on to the charming Georgian market town of Holt. The town hosts a traditional market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and offers plenty of family entertainment whatever the weather! The Reef leisure centre has an indoor swimming pool, and there are numerous festivals and carnivals all year round, including the famous Crab & Lobster Festival and Sheringham Carnival. The hourly Coasthopper bus service that passes through Sheringham in summer, and every two hours in winter, will take you all along the coast to the east and west. For delicious fresh local seafood, head a few miles east along the...