Going to the cottage is a way of life across Canada. We even have different names for this activity depending on where you live! Whether you go to the cottage, to camp, to the lake, to the cabin, or to the bungalow, chances are you’ve experienced this favourite pastime with your own family and friends. Essentially, we just love a chance to get out of the city and relax in the wilderness!

If you’re studying in the UK for an extended period of time, you might feel disappointed that you’re potentially missing out on cottage season. Don't fear! I’ve collected a number of experiences across the UK to help you get a similar taste of “the cottage life” while you’re away from your own!
 

How do you unwind at the cottage?
 

FEET IN THE SAND

Being located on an island does have its advantages – one of many being accessible beaches. No matter where you’re planning to study, you’re likely close to some great sandy beaches that will help you get that cottage feeling while you’re away from Canada.

Close to the capital? Try Brighton!

Located on South-East coast and easily accessibly by train, Brighton is a seaside city with sand, sun and the famous Brighton Palace Pier. If your cottage mood is sitting on the beach, reading, enjoying the sand, and taking in the ocean waves, this is sure to satisfy your craving while also providing an extra dose of fun activities close by.

Landscape view of Brighton beach, with sand on the left, water on the right, and Brighton Palace Pier in the distance. 
 

Want to treat yourself to a holiday fit for a Brit? Try Cornwall!

If picture-perfect beaches are more your aesthetic, Cornwall is not likely to disappoint. Cornwall’s coastline stretches over 250 miles!

There are no shortages of quaint bed and breakfasts here, so if you’re in the mood to relax and explore villages by the sea, this could be perfect for you.
 

More of a lake person? Try Scotland!

Scotland's beaches can please any style of cottage goer, whether you want to surf in Aberdeen, camp on the shores of Loch Ness, or walk along the pier in Portobello. There are so many shores, but sometimes you need to search for the truly amazing beaches to spend those rare sunny days at! 

Scotland has more than 30,000 freshwater lakes! With this many lakes, you can get that lake feel while surrounded by mountains. If you want a more traditional beach, check out the islands! Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris have some of the most beautiful beaches; if you go to the west coast, there is nothing between you and Canada. If you are brave, you can even swim (though you may be a bit cold!). You’ll definitely find some places to rival your favourite Canadian spots!

Did you know? The word ‘loch’ is a Gaelic word meaning lake or body of water that is surrounded by land.  
 

BY THE BONFIRE

Did you know? A staple ingredient for s’mores (the graham cracker) isn’t available in the UK! Instead, those wishing to make this dish need to get creative – using digestive crackers/biscuits in place of a graham cracker.

Not having graham crackers readily available hasn’t stopped some restaurants from creating unique marshmallow and chocolate pairings though. Especially in London, one of the world’s leading food scenes. If you want to experience some great takes on a cottage classic, check out these locations, recommended by advisor Brittany:

Chin Chin Labs – This experimental ice cream hot spot is located in Camden, London. Their signature hot chocolate is a fan favourite with toasted marshmallow on top of rich hot chocolate.

Find them on Instagram: @chinchinicecream

Mr. Bao – This restaurant, located in Peckham, London, is known for its delicious Taiwanese steamed buns (worth the trip alone). Occasionally they serve dessert Baos that pair marshmallow and chocolate in a way that you’ll dream about for years to come. The combination of fluffy steamed bun meeting chocolate and marshmallow will bring you right back to a summer bonfire.

Keep an eye on their Instagram: @mrbaouk and see if/when this summer favourite comes back.

In the meantime: The team behind Chin Chin Labs also has a marshmallow bar! With a dedication to homemade marshmallows, this spot is sure to cure any sweet tooth! Find them on Instagram: @mellodeluxe 

More of an ice cream fan? Check out Advisor Lauren’s top picks for ice cream in the UK!
 

ON THE WATER

If you’re not located near the coastline, you might be keen to get on a boat and experience the sounds of the water. Even in the city, there are many ways to get on the water for a little slice of that cottage feeling.
 

Go punting in Cambridge!

This might give you more “Venice” vibes, but punting around the canals in Cambridge is a great way to get on the water with minimal effort on your part. Sit back and enjoy the views of this world-famous university while listening to the history of the different buildings.

Note: the cost of this activity will range depending on where you go, but you can experience this for as low as £5
 

Rent a pedal boat in one of the Royal Parks in London!

If you’re located in the capital, you can rent a pedal boat in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. It’s great exercise, and you’ll usually find some Canadian geese to float amongst, which should make you feel right at home. 

Note: Cost and availability for this activity will vary.
 

Take the River Bus in London!

If you need to get across London, and you want a change from the crowded tube, try taking the River Bus. You can access these buses using your Oyster Card and cruise down the Thames.

Note: Make sure you ‘top up’ your Oyster card first – these fares are typically higher than the normal bus or tube fare.
 

Visit a pub with a view!

There is no shortage of pubs with a great view in the UK. Even in London it is possible to find serene river views that bring you back to a cozy cottage environment. Pair with a pitcher of PIMM’s for the full experience!
 

WATCHING WILDLIFE

Richmond Park

Richmond Park (located in Richmond upon Thames) was originally created in the early 17th century by Charles I as “a royal hunting preserve”. At the time, Charles was escaping the plague of London. His decision to enclose the park was not originally a popular one among the local residents. Richmond Park remains a deer park to this day and is now a National Nature Reserve where “630 Red and Fallow deer [are still] roaming freely since 1637.”

This park is open to the public, and a great place to walk and take in the wildlife. Be sure to follow all safety precautions. These include always remaining 50 metres away from the deer. Additionally, specific times of year will impact different deer behaviour. For example, when young are particularly vulnerable (between May-July), do not get in between a mother and her babies. Note: Feeding the deer is prohibited.
 

Birdwatching

One of the most unmistakable sounds in the Canadian wilderness is the call of the Common Loon. If you’re someone who enjoys listening to the sounds of different birds while you’re relaxing at the cottage, it’s worth exploring the different birds in the UK. You can even see and hear species that aren’t native to North America.

Did you know: the bird we know as a “Loon” is called a “Northern Diver” across the UK? This bird was eaten in Scotland until the 18th century!

If you’re located in a city centre, it might be tricky to differentiate between the sounds of traffic and birds, but many locations across the UK will have dedicated wetlands or nature preserves (sometimes located in the middle of the city) where you can escape the city and have a taste of the countryside.

Not sure which bird is singing? Use the free bird identifying app Merlin Bird ID. This app allows you to download location-specific maps so you can use it in Canada and the UK to expand your bird knowledge. Simply press the record button and the app will identity the birds near you by sound. The best part? The bird will light up on your screen once identified so you can see in real-time what the birds sound like.
 

CAMPING UNDER THE STARS

ESCAPE THE CITY

If your idea of Canadian cottage life involves camping, you’ll find ample opportunity to do so across the UK! Rolling hills, breathtaking lakes, and open fields will bring a different feel to the experience, but there’s also no telling what history you’ll come across in the process.

Advisor Heather brought camping equipment in order to have an unbelievable experience camping in Wales. Don’t plan to bring camping equipment with you? Consider renting or borrowing from a friend! Several websites in the UK will loan out camping equipment (some will even deliver!) Prices and availability will of course vary depending on your location, but it could be an option for those wanting to camp while in the UK!
 

Did you know: While Canadians are quite used to camping with a tent, the more popular pastime in the UK is “caravanning” - an activity that has remained popular for over a century!
 

While advisor Mackenzie was studying in London, her sister was working as an au pair in Bath. They went on a camping trip together in Wales (using borrowed camping gear and car from her sister’s host family) and got to experience several moments that were akin to Canadian cottaging! With the UK being an island, you are never far from water. Mackenzie visited the Gower Peninsula and spent an afternoon at Rhossili Bay Beach. Her sister and her camped in various spots, with several being beside the water! Although there was a campfire ban in place at the time, they honoured the Canadian campfire tradition by lighting a few tealights. On said camping trip, Mackenzie also got to see some wildlife in the form of ponies and cows! While this is not your typical Canadian bear sighting, it was much more agreeable.
 

No matter what type of Canadian cottage life experiences you’re used to, chances are there are activities to bring you right back to that cottage feeling while you’re in the UK.

Whether you’re missing classic desserts by the fire, being on the open water, or even camping under the stars... Just because you’re away from the cottage, doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of those same cottage feelings!