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 large contemporary holiday home overlooks a beach and St. Michaels Mount in Cornwall
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Captains House, a large holiday cottage in Marazion, enjoys direct, uninterrupted views across crystal clear water to St Michael’s Mount. This luxury waterfront Cornish coast cottage is immaculately presented and enjoys direct access to a sandy beach. Sleeps 10.

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Large, stone-built Cornish cottage overlooks a garden with a hot tub.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This luxury Cornish seaside holiday cottage in the coastal village of St. spoils guests with its sublime blend of old-world charm and contemporary chic. The three-bedroom converted barn boasts boutique standard finishes, an alfresco dining area, a hot tub, an open fire, modern fittings and stunning views of St Just and the Cornish coast.

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A 3-storey, restored barn in Exmoor countryside.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Tower is a unique Exmoor holiday let in Simonsbath, perfect for couples. This converted barn sleeps two and features a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar. The comfortable sitting room is on the first floor, and the king-sized bedroom is on the top floor. Guests can enjoy a private garden with outdoor furniture. The local pub and restaurant are within easy walking distance. WiFi, heating, and electricity are included. Bed linen and towels are provided. The property is non-smoking and pet-free. View the full property description for more details.

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The River Lyn in Lynmouth flows through the village.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Lorna Doone Cottage is a Lynmouth Holiday Cottage enjoying beautiful views of the East Lyn River from its elevated hillside location in Lynmouth. Split over three floors, the coastal cottage is just moments from the quaint village centre and the beach and offers a lovely balcony, contemporary comfort and a warming log fire for those autumn and winter holidays.

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  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

A historic Georgian property offering self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 12, Derwent House provides six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a panelled dining room and a large, superbly equipped kitchen. It is an excellent holiday cottage in Derbyshire for special occasions and meeting with friends and families, ideally for exploring the Peak District.

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The Stables cottage in Snainton Nr Pickering, North Yorkshire
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Stables Cottage is a detached holiday cottage near Snainton in North Yorkshire, offering easy access to the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest and the Yorkshire coast. Sleeping up to four guests, it's well suited to couples, families and friends looking for a self-catering base close to Pickering, Scarborough, Whitby and many of the region's walking, cycling and sightseeing attractions.

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Granary Cottage sleeps 4 Snainton Nr Pickering North Yorkshire
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Granary Cottage is located near the village of Snainton in North Yorkshire, within easy reach of the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire coast. From here, guests can explore walking and cycling trails, visit market towns including Pickering and Malton, or spend a day by the sea in Scarborough, Filey or Whitby. Its central location makes it a good base for discovering many of North Yorkshire's best-loved countryside and coastal attractions.

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A restored barn with fenced garden and blue skies
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

Mutton Barn is a beautifully restored self-catering holiday home set high on the Alne Hills in Warwickshire, overlooking rolling open countryside within the Heart of England Forest. Sleeping up to ten guests across four bedrooms, the barn combines traditional rural character with stylish, modern living spaces designed for comfort and relaxation.

Outside, a private enclosed garden makes an ideal, pet-friendly retreat, while sweeping rural views, resident owls, visiting deer, and sightings of birds of prey create a truly magical and restorative escape. Surrounded by footpaths and bridleways, Mutton Barn is perfectly suited to walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

The property offers on-site parking, a wood-fired hot tub, and welcomes dogs, all while remaining just a short drive from local amenities and charming market towns nearby.

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3-storey house with a 2-storey wing and a large parking space in front
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

The North East Coast of Scotland is adored for its scenic coastal walks all year round. 1 Seafield Street is a large holiday cottage in Cullen, a historic coastal town on the Murray Firth, sleeping up to ten adults and two children in spacious, well-equipped accommodation. One well-behaved pet is welcome.

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Exterior of modern a 2-storey brick house facing  a garden with off-road parking for 2-3 cars.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

A large luxury holiday cottage in Denbighshire, The Beeches is located near the centre of Llangollen. Its proximity to the River Dee suggests packing a picnic basket of crackers and wine to relax by the river bank on sunny days. This beautifully furnished 5-bedroom dog-friendly cottage sleeps 10.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the coastal serenity of 16 Combehaven, a top-floor duplex apartment in Salcombe, South Devon. This holiday rental is ideally situated just a 5-minute walk from Salcombe's heart and offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a balcony with stunning estuary views. Featuring modern amenities, underground parking, and close proximity to sandy beaches, it promises to be the perfect South Devon retreat. Come and explore the charm of this Salcombe holiday rental and escape to the seaside, where comfort meets coastal allure.

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Exterior of an L-shaped apartment building with iron-railings protecting walkwabys and spaced for parking beneath.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

3 Dolphin Court epitomises coastal convenience. The seaside apartment lies just minutes from the harbour and Brixham's attractions. Its location allows families to explore South Devon with ease. This Brixham holiday cottage's sophisticated, light-filled interior carries a nautical aesthetic and catches the sea breeze and the sun.

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aerial view or a beach with a small seaside village overlooking the sands
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Just metres from the beach at Slapton, this chic, beachside apartment is perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy a slice of coastal life. We can't think of a better way to experience this special part of south Devon with a lovely, open-plan layout, two spacious bedrooms, and allocated parking.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

With fabulous waterside views across the beautiful River Dart and the Marina beyond, the 2-bedroom apartment at 40 Dart Marina is in a fabulous South Devon location within walking distance of central Dartmouth within a designated National Landscape.

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A semi-detached with a large 1st floor balcony overooks a front garden with off-road parking.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

7 The Retreat is a sophisticated coastal cottage in Torbay, just a short walk from the beach in Paignton. Sleeping six, the pet-friendly Devon cottage is beautifully furnished. It boasts a lovely enclosed garden with a summer house, plus a light-filled interior with wooden floors, pastels & Juliet balconies.

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  • Waterpark Nearby

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.