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.

Behind a table set for cocktails on a balcony is a view of Brixham Harbour.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Blue Horizon is a luxurious coastal cottage boasting superb views of Brixham Harbour, Devon. The sophisticated former fisherman’s cottage sleeps four and blends chic with tradition. It features exposed beams, stone walls & antique furnishing, and a furnished balcony for basking in the sunshine.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
Exterior of a North Devon mill cottage surrounded by gardens in a valley floor.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large old mill cottage nestles in a wooded Exmoor valley.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
An Exmoor holiday home on the banks of the calm River Barle flowing under a stone bridge.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

ridge Cottage is a pet-friendly holiday cottage located in Withypool, featuring river frontage, a beautiful garden, and authentic rural charm. The cottage includes exposed beams, tiled floors, antique furnishings, a log fire, and limewashed walls. Additionally, it offers a sunroom with lovely views and access to Exmoor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
2-storey country cottage with large conservatory overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Bridlecott is a delightful rural cottage in Monksilver, offering the best of both worlds: the picturesque Somerset countryside and the stunning coastline. The property, situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is a paradise for walkers. It boasts ample grounds, spacious rooms, an open-plan layout, and access to a charming English country village.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A one-bedroom, modern terraced holiday cottage with a large rear lawn.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A country escape awaits at Brook Cottage. Expansive views of rolling green hills stretch forever from the romantic cottage near Challacombe in Devon. Boasting a four-poster bed and other luxury touches, the pet-friendly Exmoor cottage promises seclusion, a woodburning stove and a sunroom.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Gable end of a wood panelled Dorset barn conversion with wooden steps to a front door and deck.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Explore Brookhaven, the ideal Musbury holiday let—a barn conversion creating a modern, open-plan studio for couples seeking a rural retreat in East Devon. Recently finished to high standards, this charming apartment boasts a king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen, and a private seating area overlooking the serene Axe Valley. Enjoy village amenities, coastal charm, and nearby attractions. Discover the allure of this Musbury cottage for couples and plan your escape. View full details for an unforgettable East Devon getaway.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A table  with parasol and chairs tands on a sunny patio behind a stone built holiday cottage in Devon.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Escape to tranquillity at Buzzards View, a captivating holiday home in Cornworthy. Renovated in 2022, this South Devon country cottage nestles in the scenic Dart Valley. Revel in the open-plan kitchen/diner, unwind in the spacious sitting room, and relax on the tranquil patio. Three chic bedrooms, including a master with ensuite, guarantee comfort. Benefit from off-street parking and explore the fuller description for an in-depth look at this charming South Devon getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An Exmoor holiday cottage nestles below a lawn that slopes down to it.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Byre Cottage is a beautiful romantic Exmoor cottage situated in Dulverton. The pet-friendly cottage is a beautifully converted barn that retains original features while offering a lovely garden with a summerhouse, seclusion and views of Exmoor's inviting hills.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

C S Lewis Balcony is a stylish, two-storey Lynton holiday apartment overlooking the sea. The impressive property sleeps four and enjoys beautiful views from its furnished balcony. It offers an interior with dual-aspect windows, sophisticated décor, sunlit spaces, and luxurious details.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a road and beachfront at low tide.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Captain’s Cottage in Minehead, Somerset, offers beachfront charm with sea views. This thatched seaside cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. Period features include an inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a rear terrace for sea gazing. The dog-friendly cottage has no garden. It is close to the harbour and the South West Coastal Path. Limited mobility is cautioned. It is an Ideal Exmoor coast retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The exterior of a stone-built country cottage overlooks a pretty garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cascade Cottage is a gorgeous holiday home in the heart of the Exmoor National Park near the moorland village of Exford. It is an ideal child-friendly holiday retreat and can be accessed by a footbridge. The cottage features a spacious kitchen, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Interior and exterior photos of Chapel Cottage, a double-fronted Exmoor holiday cottage in Exford.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

With views over the village green, Chapel Cottage is an ideal family cottage. The pet-friendly cottage in Exford provides comfort and style and is set inside Exmoor National Park and its endless natural wonders. Set over three levels, the cottage boasts a wood burner plus generous outdoor areas for relaxation.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the secluded luxury of Chapel House One, an Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island, surrounded by the Blackwater Estuary. Revel in the exclusive tidal island, a 90-minute escape from London, with private beaches, an outdoor pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more. This dog-friendly waterside cottage offers flexible accommodation, ideal for family get-togethers—Book Chapel House One for a unique, beautiful getaway with stylish living areas and mezzanine space. Explore the island, visit The Puffin Pub, and enjoy EV charging facilities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A House with large conservatory is surrounded by a garden with lawns and mature shrubs.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Chapel Knap is a luxurious Exmoor holiday cottage on the Somerset coast dating back to the 12th century. The pet-friendly cottage in Porlock Weir, Somerset, boasts an impressive sunroom and a subtropical garden with stunning ocean views. It also features period furnishings, a log fire, seclusion, and access to the delights of Exmoor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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.