Five Barred Gate Barn

Five Barred Gate Barn is a stone-built former shippon dating to the early 1800s, now converted into a fully equipped retreat for two. Everything you need is already here: electricity, heating via underfloor system and woodburner, bed linen, towels, and wi-fi are all included. The kitchen has an electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, so you can cook proper meals or keep things simple. The bedroom holds a kingsize bed with an ensuite shower and separate toilet downstairs. There's no television—the idea is to step away from screens rather than into a smaller version of home.

Outside, an enclosed garden with patio and seating area opens up to countryside on all sides. You have private parking for two cars and a bike store. The hamlet of Whitechapel sits below Beacon Fell County Park, surrounded by walking and cycling country in the Forest of Bowland. Garstang and Longridge are the nearest towns; Clitheroe with its castle is about 30 minutes away, as is the Fylde Coast. The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales are both within an hour's reach, making this a sensible base for touring. No smoking indoors.