Weekend and Short-Break Cottages

Browse self-catering cottages for a weekend away, a midweek escape or another short stay. Use the filters to find a cottage by destination, group size and the features that matter to you.

The length of a short break, the minimum stay and permitted arrival days can vary between properties and dates. Check the individual cottage details before booking, particularly for school holidays, bank holidays and peak-season stays.

  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This beautiful Devon penthouse apartment in Torcrossis overlooks Slapton Sands, a three-mile stretch of shingle beach. With its own entrance, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a gorgeous open-plan living space, we can't think of a better place to enjoy a break on the South Devon coast.

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A Countryside barn conversion overlooks a courtyard with tables and chairs.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Piggery is a charmingly renovated cottage located on Stockham Farm, near Dulverton in Somerset. This Exmoor cottage is pet-friendly and situated on a large property, offering guests stunning views, generous grounds, peaceful seclusion, contemporary elegance, and traditional features woven into the interior of the property.

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A bungalow surrounded by lawns and open countryside on the West Somerset coast..
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Pippins is a charming detached cottage that provides a romantic getaway for couples in Old Cleeve, a coastal village located in West Somerset. This award-winning cottage offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday in one of the most beautiful regions of England, positioned perfectly between the rolling Quantock Hills and the stunning Bristol Channel coast. It boasts a sunroom and delightful grounds, making it an ideal choice for a romantic retreat.

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An Exmoor stone barn conversion within a courtyard in the North Devon countryside
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Pony Stalls, near Brompton Regis, is a recently converted stone-built barn on a working farm in the Brendon Hills on Exmoor, just a stone’s throw from Wimbleball Lake, which is within easy walking distance. Sleeping up to 6 guests in three rooms, it’s well-suited to families.

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  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

If your large family is looking for a place in the Peak District for a cottage holiday, look no further than The Rindle! This large rural holiday cottage near Leek comfortably houses up to 14 people and serves as the perfect rural base for countryside holidays for families and friends.

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  • Waterpark Nearby
A converted stone-built, remote Exmoor schoolhouse with a lawn and large patio.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 5

The School House is a large holiday cottage on the North Devon coast near Lynmouth. The pet-friendly cottage features a wood burner and other traditional details and boasts a beautiful garden with a running stream and rural views.

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A Weymouth apartment deck with a table laid for breakfast.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Discover the homely comforts of The Seafoal, a Lyme Regis holiday apartment, perfect for a seaside retreat for two. Enjoy breathtaking sea views, a private roof terrace, and a king-size bed. This contemporary haven, nestled behind Lyme’s main high street, offers a prime location with onsite parking. Immerse yourself in comfort with a well-equipped kitchen, smart TV, and Juliet balcony. Explore Lyme Regis’s charm, beaches, and iconic landmarks from this exclusive second-floor escape. Experience the best of the coast at The Seafoal – your ideal seaside apartment.

  • Active Holidays
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The leafy-clad exterior of a stone-built single-storey Exmoor holiday cottage with a flight of stone steps to the front door.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Shippon is a wonderfully converted cow shed on a working farm in the Exmoor National Park, Somerset. Dating back to the 14th century, the pet-friendly holiday cottage near Wheddon Cross sleeps four. It promises beautiful views and tranquillity, exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, authentic style and a log fire.

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Against a woodland backdrop, a large cottage with a spacious deck overlooks a flower and shrub-filled garden surrounding a lawn.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Stable Block is an Exmoor holiday cottage for couples near the ancient seaside village of Porlock Weir with underfloor heating and an open-plan living and dining area. It's perfect for romantic breaks on the Somerset coast. This dog-friendly cottage features a Juliette balcony and has gorgeous views of the garden and Porlock Bay,

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ATudor farmhouse with timbered beam and overhanging floor overlooks a mature garden.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 7

Top Farm House exudes rural charm. The Grade II listed 17th-century farmhouse in Knockin is surrounded by the Shropshire countryside and boasts original beams, uneven floors and antique furnishings, as well as a wood-burning stove, Aga, baby grand piano, four-poster bed, playroom & lovely gardens.

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A modern, 2-storey, half-timbered house overlooks a long garden and paved terrace lined by palm trees.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 5

Tredarloe is a comfortable 5-bedroom detached South Devon holiday home. This large holiday property in Salcombe has lovely rural views with estuary glimpses and spacious suntrap gardens, including a patio, raised decking area, balcony and large lawn.

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A two storey Marazion holiday cottage overlooks a lawned garden and sweeping sea views.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A stunning Cornish cottage located right on the coast of Marazion, offering breathtaking views of St Michael's Mount. The holiday home features three spacious bedrooms, original details, and a luxurious interior, providing truly relaxing seaside holidays in Cornwall.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Treverbyn Vean Stable is a tastefully refurbished detached 2-bedroom holiday home in the Cornish countryside near Dobwalls/ This waterside cottage is surrounded by almost one acre of beautiful grounds, including a garden and private access to the River Loveny, where guests can fish.

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A drive leds to a tall stone house with a mullioned bay window. A wood grows behind the house.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Treverbyn Vean Lodge is a large Grade II listed detached holiday home in Dobwalls, a large village within easy reach of beaches on the South coast of Cornwall. 

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  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
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A Somerset farmhouse overlooks a large lawn lined by shrubs.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Trinity Cottage is a gorgeous detached cottage surrounded by greenery in Roadwater, Somerset. The large, pet-friendly holiday cottage boasts beautiful views over the surrounding valley and offers a log fire and spacious rooms with subtle elegance. A sophisticated escape with access to Exmoor and the coastline.

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Find a short break that fits your plans

A cottage short break can suit many different plans: a weekend away with friends, a quieter midweek stay, a couple’s escape or a family break without taking a full week off. Some properties may offer a choice of short stays, while others have fixed arrival days or longer minimum stays at busy times.

Start with the dates you have in mind, then check the stay length and booking conditions for each cottage. If your plans are flexible, trying a midweek arrival or a different weekend may give you more choice.

What to check before booking a short-break cottage

  • Minimum stay: Not every cottage is available for two nights or a three-night weekend.
  • Arrival and departure days: A Friday-to-Monday stay may be possible at some properties, while others may offer different changeover days.
  • Date availability: Short breaks can be restricted during school holidays, bank holidays and popular seasonal dates.
  • Price for your chosen stay: Compare the total cost for your dates, including any optional extras or property-specific charges.
  • Travel time: For a short stay, a manageable journey can make a real difference to how much time you have to enjoy the break.
  • Property rules: Check pet arrangements, group rules and accessibility information before confirming your booking.

Ideas for a weekend cottage break

A short stay can be tailored around the kind of time away you want. Browse cottages for couples for a romantic break, dog-friendly cottages if your dog is coming too, or cottages with hot tubs for a more relaxing weekend.

For a change of scenery, explore coastal holiday cottages, walking holidays or waterside cottages. If you are travelling without a car, see our holiday cottages accessible by train.

Frequently asked questions

No. The minimum stay varies by property, season and date. Check the booking details for the cottage and dates you want before making plans.

Some cottages may allow Friday arrivals and Monday departures, but this is not universal. Check the available arrival days and minimum stay for the individual property.

No. A short break describes the length of the stay. A last-minute holiday usually relates to a near-term arrival date and may or may not involve an offer.

Not always. Prices depend on the property, season, demand and length of stay. Check the total price for your chosen dates rather than assuming a midweek break will cost less.

Many properties welcome dogs, but the number allowed, any charges and the property rules vary. Use our dog-friendly cottages collection and check each listing before booking.