Am I looking for a UK destination that doesn't exist?

[notesfromasmallisland]

I work remotely 100% of the time so I'm lucky enough to be able to work anywhere within the UK with a WiFi connection.

Normally I work from home in London, but I need a change of scene. I've realised I should take better advantage of being able to work wherever, so I'd like to go on a few short trips.

I'd like to be self-catered, so I'm looking for a holiday cottage or similar. It would be just me, for a few days, and I'd like to stay somewhere quite remote. Ideally in the mountains, but on the coast would be OK. Somewhere with fresh air and a bit of peace and quiet. It would be just me.

Here's the catch though. I can drive, but wherever I go, I don't really want to have to hire a car, because it would just sit on the drive for the whole time I was there. Instead I'd like to get there by train or bus. I don't mind a half an hour walk to and from a train station once I arrive. And I'd need to be also within walking distance of somewhere with a small shop or supermarket.

I've spent lots of time on AirBnb and holiday cottage sites but none of them seem to have the option of being able to search for places that are accessible by train.

Am I looking for something that doesn't exist? If anyone's stayed anywhere that sounds like this, I'd love to hear about it.

Swansea Marina is also a possibility. You can get Air BnBs in the Marina with sea views looking over to Mumbles and near Sainsbury's and museums although there is a Co-op in the Marina. Short walk to Swansea city centre and no more than a half hour walk from the train station. You can walk along the sweep of Swansea beach, near Singleton Park and Clyne woods. Direct train from Paddington.

The North East is on the east coast mainline. So Northumberland, Tyneside , Durham, even North Yorkshire. Train and then a bus to your holiday destination.

Swansea Marina 2 days ago. Although there was quite a lot of people out enjoying the rare sunshine it was not packed with people.

I used to live there, it's ok but I wouldn't have said really matched the OPs requirements - there are some views of Sutton bank but I wouldn't bother without a car tbh.

You could go to Gleneagles by train. There are always taxis at the station and there's a bus. That should give you some options.

Another idea might be the Glasgow to Argyll train - here are the stations it calls at which might fit:

Helensburgh Upper - Garelochhead - Arrochar and Tarbet - Ardlui - Crianlarich - Tyndrum Lower - Dalmally - Lochawe - Taynuilt - Connel Ferry - Oban

Also Dunkeld and Pitlochry would work, both lovely small towns, and quiet away from the centre. I wouldn't stay at Fort William, it's run down these days.

Train to Windermere via Oxenholme Lake District on the west coast mainline from Euston. The bus to Ambleside/Grasmere. Mountains, peace (if you choose the property carefully) and facilities.

I'd look at south West Wales. You can get trains to Haverfordwest from Paddington and be there in just over five hours, then you can get a bus or taxi to Broad Haven (about 20 minutes) or there are tinier places along St Brides Bay. Lovely part of the world. There is a coastal path, great for walking, bird life, deserted beaches and there are some really nice pubs.

It's a good thing the OP wants to to a few trips not just one!

Re my suggestion of Arnside, I've just remembered it featured in the 'villages by the sea' series. Most people zoom past this area on the M6 (or crawl by) without noticing it.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010cbs

(Just realised we've only watched the first two series, must catch up!)

That's a good thought - holiday cottages will usually say if they have broadband / wifi but worth checking out how reliable it is!

Internet can still be pretty ropey in remote areas and public transport non existent, not much hope of a taxi either unless you book it a week in advance. It's a different country if you are used to London.

It's probably worth checking 4G coverage for your mobile network, it could be anything from virtually non existent to excellent. If the latter then that may provide a decent alternative to the accommodation's WiFi.

There are some rural locations with surprisingly good WiFi in the NW of England if they're connected to the B4ARN system, I think but I don't know how to check that. Similar may apply elsewhere.

I loved north Berwick. Beach literally straight out your door if you pick the right cottage and short train ride to Edinburgh.

Malvern would be perfect for you - direct train from London to Great Malvern. The town centre is on the hills so find an air bnb anywhere within walking distance. It's a short (steep) walk up to the hills and you have miles of footpaths with beautiful scenery. In town there is a big Waitrose and several coffee shops etc so no need for a car at all.

We stayed in Tarbert years ago. Lovely b and b near the station. You could hear the gentle sound of the trains going through. We loved this, other guests who were drivers were less keen.

https://www.holliedaisymiacottages.co.uk/en/mia-cottage

My absolute favourite place…I’ve been twice in recent years and going again next year for my 50th.

I drive, but if you don’t want to, you can get a train to Keighley and a cab from there. All the major supermarkets and takeaways deliver.

Fabulous views, great self catering facilities and a hot tub if you fancy it. Excellent internet but no phone service (which is an absolute winner imo!)

It’s just off the Pennine Way and walking distance from Haworth via the countryside/footpaths, with a traditional pub about half a mile away.

I’m honestly not the owner…just fell in love with the place on my first visit a fee years ago!

Richmond in North Yorkshire. Taxi from Darlington station. Some supermarkets deliver and there are supermarkets there.

Oh…and the views…

Only on MN😂

I agree. Very idyllic places being mentioned here but just rubbish areas for WiFi connection.

Try here https://www.cottages.com/cottages/spindrift-ukc1040
Train to Aberystwyth. Walk along coastal path into town one way. The other way is very scenic coastal path with some steep climbs.

Lyme Regis?
Waterloo to Axminster train
Bus connection from Axminster to Lyme Regis.

Norfolk has a couple of really quaint branch lines with nice villages along them. For example take the Wherry line out towards Lowastoft and get off at Somerleyton. There are lodges and cottages to rent there.

Conwy - mountains behind it, sea in front.
lovely high street - lots of cafes, pubs etc.

And a particularly good castle iirc