Independent Holiday Cottages

Browse independent holiday cottages across the UK, from stays run by individual owners to homes managed by local independent businesses. Every property has its own booking route, so check the listing to see who handles reservations, which terms apply and the facilities available for your dates.

Use the filters to choose a location, party size and the features that matter to your break, whether you are looking for a coastal stay, a large cottage, somewhere dog-friendly or a walking holiday.

Stone-built exterior of an Exmoor country house and its courtyard garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 1

Allerford View is the only self-catering apartment at Bossington Hall near Porlock. This one-bedroom Exmoor holiday apartment with a wet room is listed as ‘accessible’, but it is equally suitable for non-disabled gusts. The adaptions are discrete and unobtrusive. We created this apartment as there are few self-catering properties in the area with facilities like this.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A wide tree-lined drive leads to a long, Boscastle holiday bungalow.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Anneth Lowen, a remarkable North Cornwall holiday cottage, welcomes couples, families, and friends to experience peaceful coastal holidays in the serene hamlet of Tresparrett near Boscastle. Recently refurbished to exacting standards, this pet-friendly 3-bedroom holiday home for up to five guests provides a comfortable rural retreat within easy reach of fabulous Cornish throughout the year.

Situated within a designated National Landscape, Anneth  Lowen occupies a spacious plot, providing an ideal escape for those seeking peace and privacy. The village, though rural, is just three miles from the stunning Cornish coast, boasting a host of remarkable beaches like Crackington Haven, Trebarwith, Bossinney, Bude, Widemouth Bay, Polzeath, Strangles, and Tregardock.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern cross-timbered gable overlooking a drive, lawn and a spacious parking area.
  • Sleeps 16
  • Bedrooms 6

Celebrate a momentous occasion at Arden Hill Farm House, a refined country house near Stratford-upon-Avon with stunning views, an elegant interior, spacious gardens and a hot tub. The rural cottage offers a traditional exterior, access to many walking and cycling paths, and tranquillity.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a large country house with a conservatory and large lawn.
  • Sleeps 25
  • Bedrooms 11

Gather friends for a memorable weekend away at Ashleigh House, an elegant and affordable rural cottage near Henley-in-Arden. The sophisticated country house boasts a hot tub and sun lounge with a snooker table, ample gardens, a south-facing patio for entertaining, and period furnishings.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
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  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The tower of a windmill (no sails) surrounded by a shrub-filled garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Once a working flour mill for over 100 years, Aylsham Windmill now offers luxurious, family-friendly self-catering holidays (with Wi-Fi) for 2-6 guests in Aylsham, a picturesque rural market town in North Norfolk midway between Norwich and the coast at Cromer.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a large barn conversion with external steps to 1st flor front door - facing a mature garden
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The upside-down design of Barn Cottage captures the beautiful views of the Yorkshire countryside and adds another feature to this award-winning holiday cottage near Pickering. The rural cottage offers extensive manicured gardens with multiple play areas and spaces to entertain, relax, and unwind.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sea views from a beach-front villa window in Filey
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

With beautiful sea views, Beach Villa offers a wonderful ocean escape for families and pets in Filey, North Yorkshire. The coastal cottage offers multiple outdoor entertaining areas which capture the view, and the interior boasts contemporary coastal chic as well as a carefree and relaxing vibe.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a holiday cottage in Cark-in-Cartmell overlooking a small patio and lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Lovely 18th-century holiday home near Cartmel village in the South Lakes. Off-road location, log fire, free Wi-Fi. Short breaks from £240.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Bryndol is a charming holiday cottage in Aberdaron. It is family—and pet-friendly and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It offers comfort and refinement with superb coast and country views. Located just moments from Aberdaron, this rural holiday cottage is a ten-minute walk to the beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A reed-fringed lake sits in front of a 2-storey Shropshire barn conversion.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 6

Buttercups Haybarn is a detached 5-star rural cottage set amidst woodland and green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The luxurious Georgian cottage blends tradition with urban chic, with shared use of an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court, an Under 5's play area, plus wonderful rural views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Peak District, stone-built farmhouse and garden.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Caxterway is a pet-friendly, luxury holiday cottage in the Derbyshire Peak District in secluded rural surroundings at Farditch Farm in Chelmorton. This large holiday cottage near Bakewell is a beautifully furnished barn conversion that sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms - one on the ground floor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial photo of a large holiday home nestling between mature woodland and fields overlooking a wide river.
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

Craig Alvah Lodge is a luxurious holiday home located near Banff in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for groups and can accommodate a large number of guests. The lodge is situated in a secluded rural location near the Moray Firth and offers many facilities such as a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, games room, and a trout and salmon fishing beat on the Devoran River.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Aerial view of cottages overlooking a river and surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Craig Lodge is a beautiful holiday home located near Banff that sits beside the River Deveron, providing a perfect fishing spot for salmon and trout. This secluded holiday home is surrounded by stunning wooded countryside and is an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy walks on the Moray Firth Coast in Aberdeenshire. The area offers amazing scenic walks for both two and four-footed guests right from the front door.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large thatched cottage overlooking a spacious lawn near Bridport.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Eagles Nest is a classic grade II-listed thatched cottage in Dorset. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is rurally located near Symondsbury, close to the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy peace and quiet with a private garden, hot tub, and games room. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A brick-built Shropshire barn conversion overlooks a shrub-filled courtyard with a picket fence.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Emma’s Dairy is a cosy rural cottage surrounded by the Shropshire countryside. The pet-friendly cottage offers sophisticated accommodation with country charm in Alkington. It features an indoor swimming pool, woodland, a children’s play area, a multi-sports court, and private relaxation spaces.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

Find the right independently managed cottage

Your priority

Look for

Check before booking

Booking directly with an owner

A clear direct-owner booking route

Who takes payment, confirms the booking and handles questions

Booking with a local independent business

The named owner or managing business

Contact details, arrival support and booking terms

Understanding the full cost

A clear price breakdown and terms

Deposit, optional extras, pet charges and cancellation conditions

Choosing the right place to stay

Filters and the individual property description

Layout, facilities, accessibility and any restrictions

What does “independent” mean?

On this collection, independent describes cottages run by individual owners or smaller independent businesses. It does not automatically mean that a stay is detached, that you will meet the owner, that there are no booking fees or that every booking is made directly with an owner.

The individual property listing and booking route are the best places to confirm who manages the stay and what is included.

What to check before booking

  • Who you book with: Confirm whether the booking is handled by an owner, an independent manager or another booking provider.
  • The total cost: Read the price breakdown and terms before paying a deposit.
  • Questions about the cottage: Use the booking contact to check details such as parking, arrival arrangements, dogs, accessibility or equipment for children.
  • The property itself: Independent management is not a facilities guarantee. Check the listing for the layout, outdoor space and amenities you need.
  • Your booking protection: Review the payment method, cancellation policy and travel-insurance options that suit your plans.

You can also refine your search for dog-friendly cottages, coastal holiday cottages, large holiday cottages and walking holidays.

Frequently asked questions

It is a cottage run by an individual owner or a smaller independent business. Check the individual listing to understand the exact booking arrangement.

Some stays may offer direct owner booking, but do not assume this from the independent label alone. Check the booking route and property details before reserving.

Not necessarily. Check the total price, any optional extras and the booking terms for the property you choose.

Use the contact or booking details on the individual listing. Depending on the property, this may be the owner, a local manager or the booking provider.

No. Independent describes the way a property is owned or managed, rather than its layout. Check the property description and photographs for the accommodation arrangement.