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.

L-shaped exterior of a barn conversion surrounded by open fields.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Ty Newydd is an impressive, large rural cottage with stunning views of the Conwy Estuary. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Colwyn Bay sits on the vast Bodnant Estate. It offers guests a truly luxurious property with extensive gardens, period features and a chance to connect with nature and the outdoors.

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Exterior of a rural, 3-storey coastal holiday home and garden.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 6

Tyddn Goronwy is a large and spacious Welsh Coast holiday cottage in Gwynedd with a swimming pool between Barmouth and Harlech Castle. The spacious house is very nicely equipped and furnished. The property sleeps 10 and is a 10-minute walk to a big sandy beach.

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A thatched cottage with thatched porch and large conservatory overlooks a wide lawn.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Under Acre Cottage is a charming chocolate box cottage nestled among the Cranborne AONB in Winterborne Whitechurch. The Grade II listed 16th-century rural cottage boasts a thatched roof & more original features, plus a lovely garden with countryside views, open fire and access to the Dorset coast.

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Gable end of a 2-storey pennine holiday cottage overlooking a country lane
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Underbank Hall Cottage is a romantic cottage for couples in a secluded rural location with breathtaking views of the valleys and hills between The Peak District and The Pennines in Stocksbridge, but still within easy reach of the fleshpots of Sheffield. Pets welcome.

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A Coniston holiday bungalow with a lawn and large tarmac space for guest's cars
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

With glorious views looking down onto Coniston Water, Underwood is a beautifully presented single-story Lake District holiday cottage with a private hot tub for families of friends wishing to spend time in this Cumbrian Walkers paradise. Sleeps 6. Pets welcome.

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A 3-storey Georgian House overlooks an open field
  • Sleeps 16
  • Bedrooms 7

Upper Mowley promises groups a peaceful holiday in a delightful rural cottage boasting spacious gardens, two fireplaces, a games room, a unique indoor tennis court and privacy. The pet-friendly, large holiday cottage near Kington sits among the rolling Herefordshire countryside and blends modern comforts with rural charm.

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  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 5

Underwoods Dairy is a beautifully converted Barn in the small hamlet of Tatham on the western edge of the Pennines near Kirkby Lonsdale. This pet friendly, large holiday cottage in Lancashire offers stunning rural views. It sleeps 11 and welcomes famlies or groups of friends.

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A stone-built Wye Valley holiday cottage overlooks a paved patio with dining furniture.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Rustic elegance defines Valley View, a stone-built romantic Herefordshire holiday cottage in Howle Hill. The semi-detached property overlooks the Wye Valley and boasts a wood burner, contemporary fixtures and fittings, flagstone floors, exposed stone walls, a sun-drenched patio and countryside views.

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A lighthouse on the edge of a golf links with sea views in the background.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Valonia is an impressive coastal cottage set within Cromer Lighthouse beside the Royal Cromer Golf Course. Sitting above the cliffs, it enjoys beautiful views to the horizon and a sea breeze and is just a stroll from Cromer and the Norfolk coast. Relax and unwind in generous grounds and comfort.

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A contemporary wood and glass bungalow with a wrap-around deck overlooks a shrub-filled garden.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Unique four-bedroom coastal property near Dartmouth in South Devon, sleeping up to eight guests. Suitable for large groups or extended families, including an outside hot tub and covered sauna.

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Garden steps lead to the exterior of a classic 3-storey Georgian house with sash windows on all floors.
  • Sleeps 16
  • Bedrooms 8

Viaduct House is a large and well-equipped 8-bedroom waterside holiday home on the banks of the River Wye in the Forest of Dean. It is perfect for country walks, cycling, and fishing in this gloriously scenic corner of Gloucestershire. Pets are welcome!

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A single-storey bungalow with an off-road parking space for two cars.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Take in all the attractions of the Welsh Borders with a stay at Virginia Cottage, a superb barn conversion on a working farm on the edge of the historic village of Burnell near Much Wenlock. The pet-friendly Shropshire farm cottage has two private patios and a modern fitted kitchen.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Walnut Cottage is a lovely converted barn near the village of Washford, Somerset. The pet-friendly holiday cottage is one of the Shells Cottages and boasts serenity, a private outdoor hot tub, light-filled spaces, a wood-burning stove, a vaulted beamed ceiling, and access to the coast and countryside.

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Doublle-fronted exteerior of a Victorian brick-built terraced cottage.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

A delightful and updated 18th-century self-catering Gloucestershire apartment. Located on the Frampton on Severn village green, Wards Court 2 is a family-friendly holiday cottage with accommodations for six. The rear of the building opens to a shared, walled-in garden area with outdoor furniture.

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Aerial image of a Shropshire holiday barn surrounded by open fields and woods.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Wassall Barn is an elegant barn conversion situated on beautiful grounds in Craven Arms, Shropshire. The property is pet-friendly and offers stunning views of the countryside. The spacious rooms feature an open-plan design that allows plenty of natural light to flood in, and the contemporary style is complemented by trussed full-height ceilings.

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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.