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
Sykes have over 50 cottages with hot tubs across the UK... [+]
Sykes have over 50 cottages with hot tubs across the UK, from Cornwall to Scotland, with lots in the Lake District, Peak District, Wales and Yorkshire. [-]
Perfect if you enjoy fishing as there are 5 fishing lak... [+]
Perfect if you enjoy fishing as there are 5 fishing lakes set in 66 acres of Norfolk countryside. Plus there are both historic market towns and beaches close to hand - entertainment for all the family! [-]
Kielder Water has 27 miles of shoreline surrounded by p... [+]
Kielder Water has 27 miles of shoreline surrounded by pine forests and heather moorland - an ideal location for an away from it all holiday. At Leaplish Waterside Park these Scandinavian-style rental lodges enjoy private verandahs to make the most of the panoramic countryside views. [-]
The company which practically invented the gite concept... [+]
The company which practically invented the gite concept almost 40 years ago. Your VFB cottage will be well-located and well-equipped, with helpful service on tap in the office. [-]
If you like your breakfast in bed brought by a butler, ... [+]
If you like your breakfast in bed brought by a butler, then these are the folks for you. Since 1986 Blandings has offered privately-owned country houses available for holiday rental in Britain - and recently extended to include southern Europe. [-]
Helford River Holidays specialises in privately owned p... [+]
Helford River Holidays specialises in privately owned properties around the traditional villages of the Halford and Fal estuaries. With over 60 properties of different style and size from which to choose, Helford River Holidays may have what you are looking for. [-]
West Cornwall Cottage Holidays boasts over 130 self-cat... [+]
West Cornwall Cottage Holidays boasts over 130 self-catering holiday cottages in West Cornwall, and have many special offers on their web site. The site also includes weather, surf and tide reports, and features cottages in Penzance, Mousehole, Sennen and Porthcurno. [-]
Situated in the woods surrounding beautiful Lake Winder... [+]
Situated in the woods surrounding beautiful Lake Windermere this is the perfect location for total relaxation with some of the lodges coming with outdooor hot tubs. Perfect if you like the idea of relaxing after a days walking or cycling in the Lakes. [-]
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. [-]
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. [-]
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. [-]
Near to Pickering in the North Yorkshire Moors National... [+]
Near to Pickering in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Cropton has fabulous new luxury lodges from which to savour the scenery.
The beaches of Scarborough are a nearby day out, but you may struggle to leave your designer lodge, complete with hot tub on the terrace. Available in two or three bedrooms
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A small selection of holiday cottages, all close to the... [+]
A small selection of holiday cottages, all close to the sea in Cornwall and Devon. Especially good for cottages around Bude, close to the border between the counties, where the company is located. [-]
Bournecoast are the area's leading supplier of self-cat... [+]
Bournecoast are the area's leading supplier of self-catering accommodation in Bournemouth and surrounding area and are proud of being a family business since 1960. You can choose from a large selection of studio apartments and family accommodation in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding areas. [-]
Located south of Coniston Water, These two cabins benef... [+]
Located south of Coniston Water, These two cabins benefit from a solar combination heating system, backed up with the comfort of a log burner also fitted with back boiler.
All natural products have been used as much as possible, with the handmade wooden kitchen, roll top bath & shower, cast iron radiators & natural flooring materials. [-]
Around 300 Irish holiday cottages, all beautifully phot... [+]
Around 300 Irish holiday cottages, all beautifully photographed, with keen pricing and a loyal following of both cottage owners and customers. A quality operation which has been going for over 30 years [-]
Specialising in North Cornwall properties with village ... [+]
Specialising in North Cornwall properties with village locations, Rock Holidays can provide the perfect opportunity to sample the relaxed Cornish lifestlye. [-]
Both the beaches and York are only a short drive away
There's something for everyone, wether it's fishing you... [+]
There's something for everyone, wether it's fishing you enjoy, going to the beach or shopping in York city centre all these places are very easily accesible from the lodges. Each lodge comes with an outdoor hot tub making it perfect for a romantic getaway. [-]
