The beauty of Britain

The English countryside is famous the world over. It's a wonderfully diverse landscape that offers those who explore it the chance to see wild and mysterious moors, manicured fields and dramatic coastlines. And there's no better way to take it all in than from one of these 10 view points, all situated close to a wealth of charming holiday cottages.

PUSLINCH BRIDGE, Yealmpton, South Devon

At the head of the River Yealm, queues of butterflies and a commonwealth of wildflowers mod the bench near Puslinch Bridge. Spread out a blanket on the bank, dunk your toes in the water and let nature irrigate your weary soul. This is an area of outstanding natural magic.

HAWKER'S HUT, Morwenstow, North Cornwall

A thousand couples have cut their initials into this tiny shack that looks like it was thrown at the cliff by a Celtic god. The hut, fashioned from driftwood by Parson Hawker, a poet-come-priest, is now under National Trust care. On a good day you can see past Tintagel to Pentire.

COT VALLEY COUCH, Far west Cornwall

Naturally upholstered, this throne celebrates its 607th birthday this year. It comes and goes with the thrift, and is actually easy to miss such is the jaw-drop scenery that cascades down from its ankles into the sea at Nanven where the exposed rock resembles the moon. From St Just, take Bosorne Road opposite the school and weave down to the sea, park up and amble left up the coast path for a quarter of a mile-ish.

HEXWORTHY LOG, Two Bridges, Dartmoor

Nicknamed the Wishbone, the Dartmoor's Water Diviner pre-empts the marriage of the West and East Dart rivers.

BASS POINT LOOKOUT MARKER, The Lizard, South West Cornwall

At 2m (7ft) high, this lofty chaise longue needs a leg up, or an impromptu ladder. Yet even sitting on the turf at the base you get a sense of what it's like to be a gull. With its sister wall at nearby Church Cove, these red beacons form a triangle with a lethal reef to alert fishermen.

STAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN, Northcott Steps, North Cornwall

The southwest coast path is lore unto itself. It is laden with sacred seats and steps, at least one for every star above you.

FERRIES AND OTHER MOVING BENCHES, Helford River and Dartmouth

Even on an evil day, a seat on a boat is a joy. There's something about the bobbing up and down as you scuttle along on the water that brings the bench to life.

HI-BENCH, Golden Cap, Dorset

Sedately perched at 191m (627ft) on the highest sea cliff along the south coast, this delightful arrangement feels like the remnants of a medieval catapult. On a clear day, you can see France. With the right wind, you can just about smell it too.

TARKA TRAIL, Okehampton to Barnstaple, North Devon

Immortalised by Williamson's Tarka the Otter, this 56km (35-mile) trail runs along a disused railway line from Okehampton to Barnstaple. Along the way Sustrans has ingeniously and poetically commissioned artists to create a series of benches. They all function as a resting place, way marker or shelter. Some are beautiful, some are funny, some totally bizarre.

THE FLOTSAM THRONE, Build your own bench at a cove, wood or moor near you

Classic Cottages UK offer more than 600 wonderful coastal and countryside holiday cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset & Dorset. Each cottage is a home from home whether it is set deep in the countryside or on the coast overlooking one of the regions many sandy beaches. Explore, search and book on-line. Whether you look for Cornish cottages or holiday cottages in Dorset - on Classic.co.uk you will find a huge selection of child and pet friendly cottage holidays.

There is no better way to experience all the magic and mystery offered by this beautiful landscape than with a traditional UK cottage, a window into the English heritage.

24 September 2009