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.

  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Well Furlong Cottage blends a luxury spa experience with a rustic feel near Little Comberton village in Worcestershire, a spacious child-friendly Cotswold holiday cottage set on 80 acres of countryside with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and steam room, along with an Astro court, three bedrooms, and wood-burner stove.

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A stone-built North Devon barn conversion overlooks a paved courtyard.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 3

Escape to the tranquillity of West Bowden Farm, a charming Exmoor farm cottage near Knowstone. This spacious retreat, part of a 17th-century farmhouse, offers a peaceful self-catering holiday for up to six guests. Enjoy far-reaching rural views from the inviting sitting room. Explore the farm fields and sleep peacefully in well-appointed bedrooms. Modern amenities and a pet-friendly policy make it the perfect base for exploring Exmoor's beauty. Discover the authentic charm of Exmoor country at this idyllic rural retreat.

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2-storey stone-built cottage overlooking a shrub-lined lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

West House is an 18th-century, stone-built, semi-detached rural cottage set among beautiful grounds near Middleton-in-Teesdale, in the Yorkshire Dales. The traditional exterior houses a contemporary interior with touches of yesteryear, an open fire, and spectacular views from all vantage points.

  • Active Holidays
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2-storey exterior of a stone-built, large Dorset holiday cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Explore West Perry Hay, a charming Jurassic Coast holiday let located on the edge of North Chideock village. This spacious, stylish, and well-appointed semi-detached property is surrounded by countryside. It's perfect for family getaways with a multi-game table, a grand kitchen, and three cosy bedrooms. Enjoy alfresco breakfasts with farm views on the large lawned area. It is ideally situated to discover the Jurassic Coast's scenic wonders. This seaside holiday home in Dorset is your gateway to a delightful coast and countryside retreat. Click for a fuller description and book your escape.

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A stone-built, 2-storey holiday cottage in Helmsley overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Based on a working livestock farm, Wethercote Cottage is an authentic farmhouse adjoined to the owner’s home in the heart of the North York Moors near Helmsley. This remote 2-bedroom rural retreat is ideal for walking or cycling holidays. Pets welcome.

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Stone built Whitby holiday home with terracotta tiles and Velux windows on the roof overlook a lawn and parking space
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Rural character dominates this large coastal holiday cottage in Whitby: exposed beams, a feature brick fireplace and a whalebone in the wall transport guests back to yesteryear. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms sit within the stone walls of the pet-friendly holiday home, offering easy access to the North York Moors National Park.

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Exterior of a single-storey Cornish stone barn conversion.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Wheal Hart is a stunning rural cottage offering rural tranquillity and proximity to the gorgeous Cornish coastline. Situated among rolling green hills near St Newlyn East, the barn conversion retains much of its original character and has large gardens ideal for entertaining and enjoying the views.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
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An L-shaped, single-storey barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a raised flowerbed.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Overlooking picturesque green pastures, this holiday cottage near Newquay provides well-presented and attractive accommodation for up to four people, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

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A ground-floor rural barn conversion in Cornwall overlooks a shingle-covered courtyard.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 1

Wheal Rose is a romantic cottage tucked away in the hills near St. Newlyn East in Cornwall. The rural cottage boasts exposed beams and a delightful garden, modern comforts and proximity to the Cornish coast. Relax, connect, unwind and sample the delights of this beautiful county.

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  • Sleeps 17
  • Bedrooms 7

Wheelbarrow Castle is a large Herefordshire holiday cottage, partly dating back to the 16th Century, that lies in rural surroundings near Leominster in the pretty village of Stoke Prior. This well-maintained and nicely furnished dog-friendly holiday home sleeps 17 in 7 bedrooms.

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A courtyard barn conversion with a frontage comprising wall-to-ceiling French windows.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Wheelhouse Cottage is a barn conversion with exposed beams, a log fire, and a pretty courtyard, and it sleeps 6. Perfectly positioned for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and coast, this countryside holiday cottage in North Yorkshire is near the village of Sowerby, in the Vale of Mowbray.

  • Active Holidays
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Exterior of a two-storey Devon holiday cottage with rendered walls and a slate roof overlooking a lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Overlooking a peaceful country lane with a handful of other pretty cottages and the neighbouring parish church, this beautifully updated chocolate box detached Dartmoor holiday cottage in Mary Tavy is a 4-bedroom home from home for families, friends and family pets looking for a base in the Devon countryside to explore and unwind.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Whites Farm Barn is a picture-perfect rural holiday cottage near Ledbury, set among manicured gardens. The stone-built barn contains vaulted beamed ceilings and country charm, modern sophistication, ample gardens with lovely views, abundant natural light and serenity.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

James Court Cottage is located on the idyllic grounds of the Irton Hall Estate, just outside the peaceful Cumbria village of Santon Bridge. This cosy Lake District holiday cottage sleeps 4 with oak flooring, a wood-burning stove and excellent walking and climbing on its doorstep. Pets welcome

  • Active Holidays
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Whitewashed exterior of a Cornish cottage overlooking a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Willow Cottage sleeps four and has an open fire and private patio. This beautifully furnished Cornwall holiday cottage is located in the pretty medieval town of Lostwithiel, in the Fowey River Valley, near glorious South Cornwall sandy beaches, Lanhydrock House and Gardens, and the local farmers’ market.

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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.