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?
You will normally be asked for a deposit when you book, with the balance to be paid around two months before your holiday.
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
In the heart of the Cotswolds, near the traditional vil... [+]
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. [-]
Just 1 mile from the historic town of Newton Stewart. T... [+]
Just 1 mile from the historic town of Newton Stewart. There's an 18 hole golf course ajoined to the park and the famous Turnberry lies just an hour away. However if golf isn't to your taste there's also free fishing nearby, while Culzean Castle is well worth a visit. [-]
Enjoy a relaxing break in a tiny hamlet or a traditiona... [+]
Enjoy a relaxing break in a tiny hamlet or a traditional village in the 50 square mile Purbeck area- on the World famous Dorset coastline- with Wyke Holidays. [-]
Don't worry - it's named after the family! Argument Cot... [+]
Don't worry - it's named after the family! Argument Cottage is located in the historic market town of Guisborough, Yorkshire with 12th Century Priory ruins nearby. Cycling and Walking friendly and with a silver grade from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. [-]
Luxury self catering accommodation with pool near Bath
Seven holiday cottages plus heated swimming pool (heate... [+]
Seven holiday cottages plus heated swimming pool (heated to a delightful 30 degrees) and games room. Non-smoking and environmentally sound. One cottage with good access suitable for disabled guests. Green Tourism Silver Award. Wi-fi in each cottage [-]
Some hard-core environmental practice here in Northumbe... [+]
Some hard-core environmental practice here in Northumberland, including solar panels, air source heat pump and a composting toilet. Not far from Holy Island. Green Tourism Gold Award. [-]
St Ives Holidays supplies over 240 quality holiday prop... [+]
St Ives Holidays supplies over 240 quality holiday properties in and around St Ives, with its fabulous beaches, restaurants, galleries and scenery. [-]
Commited to providing the best selection of quality sel... [+]
Commited to providing the best selection of quality self catering accommodation in Kent and East Sussex- Garden of England Cottages offers a selection of 70 properties for holiday lets, or longer stays. [-]
Flexible start dates (outside school holidays) and flex... [+]
Flexible start dates (outside school holidays) and flexible durations, from 3 nights up. (But a 3 night break costs 75% of a full week). A regional rural retreats, with some delightful holiday cottages in Southwold and Sandringham. [-]
Looks over the Isle of Wight with indoor and outdoor pools
Comes complete with a tennis court and takeaway service... [+]
Comes complete with a tennis court and takeaway service. Perfect if you want somewhere to getaway with the family and don't want to have to arrange everything as this site has something for everyone, including lodges with whirlpool bath, large flatscreen TV and Wii console. [-]
Over 65 cottages for 2 to 14 people in the Lake Distric... [+]
Over 65 cottages for 2 to 14 people in the Lake District. Enjoy a simple break in the country - or celebrate in style with the opportunity to have a chef cook for you in your chosen property. [-]
With more than 30 years of experience Classic Cottages ... [+]
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. [-]
Hand-picked properties off the beaten track is the clai... [+]
Hand-picked properties off the beaten track is the claim, and Simply have been around a long time. Their programme is mainly Europe, with a little North Africa and turkey thrown in for good measure (and to escape the Euro) [-]
Looking for an english country cottage in a spectacular... [+]
Looking for an english country cottage in a spectacular location, but without the crowds? Sally's cottages lie mainly in the quieter Western Lakes, featuring places like Eskdale, Wasdale and Scafell Pike. [-]
One of Ireland's largest letting agencies, Self Caterin... [+]
One of Ireland's largest letting agencies, Self Catering Ireland offers thousands of properties across the country- from the centre of Dublin, to remote County Wicklow. Mainly large holiday complexes. [-]
A small selection of holiday homes in and around West S... [+]
A small selection of holiday homes in and around West Sussex. If you want to get sea front in West Wittering or Bracklesham Bay these are the people to get you there! [-]
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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