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.

A Devon barn conversion with a deck at sunset.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Tumbledown Barn is a luxurious barn conversion and a North Devon holiday let in Knowstone. This property offers three spacious ensuite bedrooms and an open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove. The private courtyard features a hot tub and outdoor kitchen. The barn is pet-friendly, set on 20 acres of scenic farmland. Nearby, explore Exmoor and North Devon’s spectacular, award-winning beaches. Enjoy a night dining at the Michelin Star restaurant, the Masons Arms. View the complete description to learn more about this exceptional rural retreat.

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A stone-built Exmoor barn conversion at sunset.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Come and experience the charm of Tumbledown Barn, a delightful holiday cottage located in Knowstone that is pet-friendly and comes with a hot tub. This cottage, which used to be a cow shed, has been tastefully transformed into a spacious 3-bedroom stone and cob retreat that offers both rural tranquillity and modern luxury. With ensuites, open-plan living, and a private courtyard, it is an ideal space to relax and unwind. You can soak in the hot tub, enjoy alfresco dining, and explore the stunning views of Exmoor. This cottage is perfect for family getaways or couples' retreats in the heart of Exmoor National Park.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday cottage in Dunster with a secure front garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Two Grooms Cottage promises refinement. The luxury holiday home in Dunster is fitted to an exceptionally high standard and is situated in the heart of the village. The stone-built rural cottage blends tradition with contemporary styles and offers spacious, well-appointed rooms plus access to the delights of the Exmoor National Park.

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A country cottage overlooks a walled lawn garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Two Lower Spire Cottage is an Exmoor holiday cottage in the Liscombe Valley near Dulverton with beautiful rural views and within easy reach of open moorland for lovely walks. The pet-friendly three-bedroom cottage sleeps six.

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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Two Tweenways, near the Lake District village of Ambleside, is the perfect romantic holiday cottage for couples in Cumbria. It is complete with a fitted kitchen, dining area, small patio with garden furniture, and access to magnificent Lake Windermere and its nearby attractions.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Tyas Cottage is a secluded rural cottage in West Yorkshire and offers lovely walks from its doorstep. The elegant pet-friendly cottage near Bradshaw boasts a sculpture-filled garden, antique furnishings, modern comforts, woodland views, a log fire, a four-poster bed and exposed beams.

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A large Someerset house overlooks a spacious lawn lined by flowering shrubs and trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Vale View Apartment is a light, airy, spacious first-floor holiday apartment in Porlock Weir within the west wing of a beautiful Edwardian hunting lodge. Patio doors open onto a private balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the front of the property. Sleeps four guests.

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Exterior of a luxury Minehead lodge with bi-fold glass dors and a spacious deck.o
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Vikings Annexe is a luxurious coastal cottage in Somerset, offering breathtaking views of Minehead. The cottage can comfortably accommodate four people and boasts a spacious furnished deck and a beautiful garden. With its modern open-plan design, large windows, high-quality furnishings, and refreshing sea breeze, Vikings Annexe is the perfect place to relax and unwind. To top it all off, the cottage also features a hot tub for guests to enjoy.

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A stone built cottage overlooks a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by wide terraces
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Waterfall Cottage is a charming stone cottage with two bedrooms and a terrace that leads to an outdoor heated swimming pool. It is situated in the beautiful South Devon near Ivybridge and surrounded by 26 acres of woodland and lakes. Waterfall Cottage is conveniently located for those wishing to spend days on the beaches of South Devon and those looking to explore Dartmoor National Park.

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Ivey-clad exterior of an Exmoor stone barn conversion.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Set among the meadows in the Quarme Valley, West Huckham Barn is a converted rural holiday cottage on Exmoor boasting wonderful moorland views and contemporary style. The pet-friendly cottage near Wheddon Cross has a wood-burning stove, traditional features, vaulted ceilings, expansive grounds and a conservatory.

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Large country cottage in Watchet overlooking a daffodil-filled lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Westcott Cross Cottage is a sophisticated, detached rural holiday cottage in Luxborough, a tiny Exmoor hamlet in Somerset. It has fabulous gardens, stunning rural views, and traditional features such as a wood burner, stone fireplace, exposed beams and stone walls. Walks leave from the door, and pets have ample space to play.

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A large Exmoor holiday cottage nestles in a remote wooded valley.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 5

Whitley Farm is a 5-bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse located on the outskirts of Exmoor National Park in North Devon. Offering self-catering accommodation for up to 9 guests plus a cot, this charming farmhouse near the rural village of Molland is perfect for families and groups seeking a peaceful retreat.

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A terrace of 4 slate-roofed cottages over looking a lawn with tall shrubs and an open field in Dittisham.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Willow Cottage is a 2-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday cottage in Dittisham, South Devon. Nestled in a picturesque waterside village, this Dart Valley gem offers a tranquil escape with stunning River Dart views. Ideal for couples and families, the well-presented cottage features a sitting room, modern kitchen, and inviting patio. Enjoy local pubs, cafes, and walks, or venture 5 miles to Dartmouth for more amenities. Discover the charm of Willow Cottage—your perfect South Devon retreat. View now for a detailed glimpse into this idyllic getaway.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 3

Wingate Farm is an impressive coastal cottage above Lynmouth on a working farm in the hamlet of Countisbury, Devon. The large, pet-friendly holiday home enjoys stunning views of the Exmoor countryside and the ocean beyond and offers seclusion, spacious grounds, fresh air, contemporary design and a log fire.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday home in Dunster surrounded by a stone wall..
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Withycombe Cottage is a charming rural holiday cottage in the Exmoor National Park near Dunster. The pet-friendly property sleeps six with an indoor pool, a swimming pool, a tennis court and children’s playground, a games room, and an interior combining tradition and style.

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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.