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 limestone-built Dorset holiday cottage with a porch and tiny front garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Explore Dovecot Cottage, a quality holiday home in the sleepy coastal village of Portesham in Dorset. This charming retreat boasts an open-plan living space, a delightful garden room, and a secure patio garden, ideal for relaxation and pets. Discover hidden gems like Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and Chesil Beach on the stunning Jurassic Coastline. With allocated parking, proximity to Weymouth and Dorchester, and local amenities, it's the perfect choice for cottage holidays in Dorset. Immerse yourself in tranquillity—view our full description for an unforgettable Dorset holiday!

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The rooftops of a large holiday cottage surrounded by a sloping lawn and trees with a river estuary in the distance.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Dower House is a large 18th-century Devon holiday farmhouse that sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. It is located in the village of Dittisham, between Dartmouth and Totnes, and offers panoramic views across the Dart Estuary. It is ideal for holidays with families or small groups of friends.

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2-storey exterior of a stone-built Peak District holiday cottage in a remote rural location.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

With breathtaking views of the Staffordshire Moorlands, this countryside holiday cottage in Buxton sleeps seven and features an open fire and a beautifully furnished living area. Downsdale Cottage is a cosy barn conversion on the edge of the pretty village of Flash in the Peak District National Park.

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  • Waterpark Nearby
 Exterior of Dunkery View, an Exmoor Holiday Cottage in Wootton Courtenay
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Dunkery View is a romantic holiday cottage for couples in Wootton Courtenay on the Somerset coast. The cottage sleeps two and offers beautiful Exmoor views from inside the cottage and its delightful garden. The spacious interior features an open-plan design, natural light, and contemporary comforts.

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Stone-built terraced farm cottage in Somerset overlooking a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

East Harwood Farm Cottage is a pet-friendly, stone-built cottage located on a working farm in Timberscombe. It sleeps four and boasts stunning countryside views, stabling for horses, and a wood-burning stove.

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An L-shaped, wood-panelled Essex holiday bungalow with a wooden deck containing a table and sunlounger, all overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

East Village No.2 is a luxurious coastal retreat located on Osea Island in Essex. This ground-floor gem is perfect for families or groups, featuring an open-plan living area that is ideal for gatherings. With two stylish bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, it can accommodate up to 5 guests. The garden is a lovely spot to enjoy, complete with a fire pit and BBQ. Osea Island offers a private beach, outdoor pool, cinema, and more, making it a unique getaway. East Village No.2 is the perfect escape for celebrations or a family break.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

One Manor Beach Cottage is a picturesque, four-bedroom Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island. Nestled by the shingle beach, this spacious coastal retreat provides tranquil, family-friendly accommodations. Unwind in the cosy living spaces with an original wood-burning stove. The cottage is just steps from the water's edge, offering splendid sea views. Enjoy communal facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more—a remarkable place for special celebrations or family vacations.

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A mature garden slopes up to a large house backed by trees.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Gaze across the coastline of Porlock Bay from Elthorne, a large Exmoor coastal cottage just moments from the centre of Porlock, a desirable little seaside town in Somerset. Play with your pets in the beautiful private gardens and relax in the 1930s cottage with a wood burner and spacious light-filled rooms.

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Exterior of a bubgalow surrounded a a garden with trees and mature shrubs and off-road parking space
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Exmoor View is a charming one-bedroom holiday bungalow in Wootton Courtenay, perfect for couples. This Exmoor holiday let features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with a gas 'wood-burner'. Enjoy stunning views of the Avill Valley and Dunkery Beacon from the patio and garden. The property includes WiFi, heating, and bed linen. Off-road parking is available. Nearby, the village shop and Parish Church add convenience. Discover more about this tranquil rural retreat in Exmoor National Park by viewing the full property description.

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A single-storey holiday cottage overlooks a courtyard with a table laid for a meal
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 5

Discover comfort at Firm Anchor, a pet-friendly South Devon coastal cottage in Salcombe. With spacious living across three floors, a well-equipped kitchen, and estuary views from the terrace and balcony, it's a super family-friendly retreat. The property accommodates up to 5 guests, boasts a child's relaxation area, and is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Explore the detailed description of this inviting seaside holiday haven for more information.

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Climbing roses surround the porch of a country cottage in Somerset.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 1

Forge Cottage is situated in Wootton Courtenay, one of the most desirable villages in Exmoor. This pet-friendly cottage promises couples romance and serenity. The spacious rural holiday cottage lies close to the heart of the village and offers cosy comfort plus access to the Somerset coast and the Exmoor National Park.

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A modern bungalow in an elevated remote rural location wit sea views.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Enjoy Somerset holidays at Gapperies in West Porlock, where you'll revel in the awe-inspiring vistas that grace nearly every room of this modern retreat. With sweeping views over fields and salt marsh to the picturesque coastline of Porlock Bay, Gapperies offers an ideal sanctuary for those searching for a peaceful escape in the unspoiled realm of Exmoor. The ever-changing panorama outside your window promises a continuous source of delight. This exquisite property accommodates up to 6 guests.

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A wisteria-clad, single-storey brick building with large windows overlooks a garden full of shrubs.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Garden House is a gorgeous rural holiday cottage near Aylsham in Norfolk set on the lavish grounds of a grand private estate. The pet-friendly cottage boasts beautiful views and 150 acres of grounds with lakes. It combines rural charm with modern elegance in a cottage with an open fire and coastal access.

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A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

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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.