The largest island in Poole harbour, Brownsea is known for its connections to the Scouting movement and as a habitat for red squirrels (the island's nature reserve is run by Dorset Wildlife Trust). Its castle hotel is open only to John Lewis staff but, there is also an elegant self-catering cottage ... Photograph: PR
It has dramatic waterside views and a small walled garden. • 0844 335 1287, nationaltrustcottages.co.uk. From £625 a week. Sleeps 6 Photograph: PR
A 15-minute ferry ride from Skye, the island of Raasay is definitely a place to escape to. So is the Old Schoolhouse: when the road runs out, the final 500m is travelled on foot or by quad bike. It has five bedrooms (sleeping eight)and a large kitchen, dining and living area in what was once the schoolroom ... Photograph: uniquescotland.com
olidays here are timeless affairs of picnics by the sea, snuggling by the open fire or, if you time it right, joining the islanders for a ceilidh. • 01835 822277, unique-cottages.co.uk. From £795 a week Photograph: uniquescotland.com
Once the home of the gun battery caretaker, this whitewashed, low-rise home is now owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, and is as luxurious as that suggests, with a well-equipped kitchen, posh bedding and everything from Wi-Fi to a welcome pack of Duchy Originals goodies ... Photograph: Duchy of Cornwall
t's a 10-minute walk down a country lane from Hugh Town, on St Mary's, with panoramic views of other islands. • 01579 346473, duchyofcorn-wallholidaycottages.co.uk. From £500 a week. Sleeps 4 Photograph: Duchy of Cornwall
The small island of Lundy, off Devon's north coast, has plenty of secluded cottages. Most remote is Tibbetts, a former watch station almost two miles from the island's village. Ringed by a stone wall to keep out sheep, it's one for Enid Blyton-style holidaymakers: it has running water and a shower (but no electricity), two sets of bunk beds and a woodburning stove ... Photograph: Landmark Trust
The only frills are of the starlit-sky and candlelit-dinner variety. • 01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk. From £440 a week. Sleeps 4 Photograph: Landmark Trust
Find solitude on the Thames close to London in this newly built chalet on Eel Pie Island, accessed via a footbridge. It's perfect for lazing on the balcony watching boats, but you can walk to Twickenham station in 10 minutes ... Photograph: PR
It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a garden with barbecue, and a modern kitchen • 020 8788 1243, homeaway.co.uk. From £994 a week. Sleeps 6 Photograph: PR
