Learn the secrets of finding a great holiday cottage at a great price.
Our tips on how to find the perfect cottage explains why, for example, more expensive does not mean better (really – it's true), why late bargains are so hard to find with cottage holidays, how to get your money back if you're not happy, and how to pay less for a fantastic place than other people are paying.
Many of the largest UK cottage rental agencies are owned and operated by US-based Cendant Vacation Rental Group, including:
English Country Cottages
Country Holidays
Welcome Holidays
Cottages4you
Blakes Cottages
Stilwells
You can search across all of their properties at Cottages4You
Smaller independent agencies can be harder to find, but it is often worth the effort because they have some of the best holiday cottages and can offer good local advice. This site features many independent agencies which we have selected, with a brief introduction to each of them. Just click through when you find an agency that looks right for you.
Welcome to more choice of UK holiday cottages than ever!
We are currently hand-picking over one thousand outstanding holiday cottages and luxury log cabins across the UK. Check out the regions on the left in green to see the areas already complete. Of course you can still see our directory of holiday cottage agencies too, local specialists from Cornwall to Scotland. We believe in self-catering holidays, and especially in helping people to find the perfect place to stay in the UK. We hope these changes will help you to find your ideal holiday cottage.
Over 750 holiday cottages from a family run business successfully letting self catering accommodation for over 30 years. Covering the entire West Country we offer a wide variety of holiday cottages across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Nestling in the dramatic beauty of the North Yorkshire National Park, Keldy has miles of woodland trails to explore by bicycle or on foot.
Close by is the spectacular scenery of open moorland and picturesque market towns. You’re near to the sea too, with the old smuggler's haunts of Robin Hood’s Bay close at hand.
In the heart of the Cotswolds, near the traditional village of Kingham, relax on the deck of your own luxury lodge, featuring stylish, contemporary interiors and spacious external decking, and complete with sunken outdoor hot tub. Cycle hire and fishing available, plus the antique shops and lovely pubs of the Cotswolds.
A unique collection of over 370 holiday cottages for you in outstanding locations in England, Wales and N. Ireland. Some also have discounts for late availability. NT have large venues and hotels too.
With more than 30 years of experience Classic Cottages offer over 700 holiday cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Their selection of hand-picked cottages are regularly inspected to ensure cottages are of the highest standard.
On the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, beneath Skiddaw Mountain these holiday lodges offer a spectacular setting in one of the most gloriously unspoilt areas in the Lake District.
This small park is proud holder of Visit Britain's 'Best Park in England' award and the David Bellamy Gold award for conservation. Where better for a log cabin holiday?
Cottage hire usually runs from Saturday to Saturday. You will usually be asked to arrive in mid to late afternoon, and leave in the morning, to allow the owner or caretaker to clean the cottage.
Mackay's have close to 500 holiday cottages in Scotland, and claim to have an unrivalled selection - something to suit everyone. They inspect their cottages and have a grading scheme to match expectations to the style of holiday cottage being offered.
This is different! Living Architecture came about from a desire to shift perceptions of modern architecture. They have asked a series of great architects to design houses around Britain and are making these available to rent for holidays all year round. Not cheap, but definitely special.
The local specialists for Lake District holiday cottages with offices in Keswick, Windermere and Carlisle. Over 600 country cottages with a minimum 3 star rating should enable you to find something suitable. Open 7 days a week.
Bluestone offers luxurious, contemporary, eco-friendly timber lodges to rent, plus an enchanting rural setting in glorious Pembrokeshire, and a spa! The adjacent indoor waterpark and sports club offer all- weather activity and entertainment.
Pride themselves on providing great holiday cottages and apartments in top locations throughout Devon and Cornwall. Choose from over 750 luxury 4* and 5* self catering holiday cottages. Green Tourism Award 2010 - Gold
Deerpark is a hidden gem that nestles in a secluded valley in one of Cornwall's forests.
The cabins integrate into the valley sides and afford breath-taking views of the surrounding woodlands and water. And Cornwall beaches are never far away.
Cottage Search by Date. Are you tied to specific dates for your holiday? If so, you need to search a large selection of cottages.
The biggest choices come from Hoseasons and Cottages4You. You can search across all of their properties at Hoseasons Cottages and Cottages4You
On the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, beneath Skiddaw Mo... [+]
On the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, beneath Skiddaw Mountain these holiday lodges offer a spectacular setting in one of the most gloriously unspoilt areas in the Lake District.
This small park is proud holder of Visit Britain's 'Best Park in England' award and the David Bellamy Gold award for conservation. Where better for a log cabin holiday? [-]
If you are flying for more than a couple of hours the a... [+]
If you are flying for more than a couple of hours the airline can make a real difference to the experience. Sometimes an online agent like Expedia offers a choice of airlines at similar prices – time to turn to this site. Legroom, catering, service are all evaluated in some detail, along with guidance on over 400 airports. [-]
For over 70 years Rumsey Holiday Homes has offered a ra... [+]
For over 70 years Rumsey Holiday Homes has offered a range of properties in and around the Poole area. An innovative e-mail system can send late cancellations information for those looking for a last minute break. Virtual tours available on all properties. [-]
Based in Deganwy, across the water from Conway on the N... [+]
Based in Deganwy, across the water from Conway on the North Wales coast. North Wales Holiday Cottages & Farmhouses (NWHC&F) is a long-established agency providing self-catering holidays in North Wales. The staff have all lived and worked in the area for many years and between them have first-hand knowledge of all the properties. [-]
Long established Skipton agency specialising in Yorkshi... [+]
Long established Skipton agency specialising in Yorkshire Dales and Moors, but with a growing portfolio of English and Scottish country cottages. Special searches include eco friendly, with pool, and near a good pub.
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Only 8 miles from York!
Luxury log cabins with decks... [+]
Only 8 miles from York!
Luxury log cabins with decks, outdoor hot tubs and widescreen TVs - no roughing it here. One, two and three-bedroomed units available.
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Established in Tenby in 1833 and still an independent f... [+]
Established in Tenby in 1833 and still an independent family business, Frank Mason has been Pembrokeshire’s leading name in self-catering holidays for over 100 years.
Over 300 holiday cottages in West Wales to choose from this traditional estate agents. [-]
Just minutes from Fakenham lies the peaceful village of... [+]
Just minutes from Fakenham lies the peaceful village of South Raynham, a perfect setting for exploring the excellent sandy beaches and coastal walks of North Norfolk. This holiday cottage has it's own hot tub, and shares an indoor pool with the heighbours, while the Norfolk Broads are also close by. [-]
If you want to stay in a remarkable building then this ... [+]
If you want to stay in a remarkable building then this is the place to come. The Landmark Trust is a building preservation charity, established to rescue historic and architecturally interesting buildings and their surroundings from neglect and, when restored, to give them new life by letting them as holiday cottages. [-]
Local specialists offer a wide choice of cottages in th... [+]
Local specialists offer a wide choice of cottages in the Cotswolds in villages such as Stow, Bourton-on-the-Water or near Cirencester. Short breaks available. [-]
From their base in the Scottish borders Unique (formerl... [+]
From their base in the Scottish borders Unique (formerly Ecosse Unique) offer over 150 holiday homes in Scotland, and an excellent map-based search. Well worth a look. [-]
Nestled in a 70 acre private estate, this small collect... [+]
Nestled in a 70 acre private estate, this small collection of just 11 log cabins offers visitors stunning scenery and the tranquil surroundings of famous Yorkshire Ilkley Moor. Sunken hot tubs, decks, and food delivery to your lodge are available. [-]
In the heart of South Devon, this ancient farm dating b... [+]
In the heart of South Devon, this ancient farm dating back to the 12th century has been converted into 8 cottages each with its own character, all appointed to a luxurious standard. Plus indoor pool and tennis court. Green Tourism Gold Award.
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Beside the seaside village of Kippford this park is per... [+]
Beside the seaside village of Kippford this park is perfect for nature lovers. It even boasts a rare red squirrel population. Your holiday lodge is double glazed and has spectacular views. Best of all, you get the Scottish experience with a lot less driving than the Highlands! [-]
