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 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Cornflower Cottage is a beautifully-converted rural retreat in Somerset, which provides the ideal location for a family holiday. Sitting between the country and the coast, the pet-friendly cottage in Halse, with a hot tub and swimming pool,  features a log burner, delightful views and a gorgeous stone exterior.

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Aerial photo of a large holiday home nestling between mature woodland and fields overlooking a wide river.
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

Craig Alvah Lodge is a luxurious holiday home located near Banff in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for groups and can accommodate a large number of guests. The lodge is situated in a secluded rural location near the Moray Firth and offers many facilities such as a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, games room, and a trout and salmon fishing beat on the Devoran River.

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Aerial view of cottages overlooking a river and surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Craig Lodge is a beautiful holiday home located near Banff that sits beside the River Deveron, providing a perfect fishing spot for salmon and trout. This secluded holiday home is surrounded by stunning wooded countryside and is an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy walks on the Moray Firth Coast in Aberdeenshire. The area offers amazing scenic walks for both two and four-footed guests right from the front door.

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Side view of a long farmhouse and large lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Crepe Farm Cottage is a pet-friendly detached holiday cottage in Bridport, a short walk from Symondsbury Village. It sleeps 7 in 4 bedrooms and has 2 log burners, a hot tub, and a large private garden with outstanding rural views of Colmers Hill!

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Exterior of a wisteria-clad, double-fronted Georgian House and front garden.
  • Sleeps 17
  • Bedrooms 8

Crepe Farmhouse is a large luxury farmhouse in Symondsbury surrounded by stunning scenery. Guests have exclusive access to the swimming pool, sauna, games room, cinema room, and large garden. It is ideal for extended families, celebrations, and large groups. Dogs are welcome.

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A honey-stone, thatched country cottage with a walled front garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to the idyllic Duck Street Cottage, a charming hideaway in Dorset's heart. Perfect for couples or friends, this cosy cottage boasts a traditional inglenook fireplace, providing the ideal setting to unwind after an exciting day of exploration. Nestled in Symondsbury Village, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the village's delightful artisan shops, café and pub, all within a short walk from your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience Duck Street Cottage's quintessential British countryside charm of Duck Street Cottage.

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A large thatched cottage overlooking a spacious lawn near Bridport.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Eagles Nest is a classic grade II-listed thatched cottage in Dorset. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is rurally located near Symondsbury, close to the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy peace and quiet with a private garden, hot tub, and games room. Dogs are welcome.

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A brick-built Shropshire barn conversion overlooks a shrub-filled courtyard with a picket fence.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Emma’s Dairy is a cosy rural cottage surrounded by the Shropshire countryside. The pet-friendly cottage offers sophisticated accommodation with country charm in Alkington. It features an indoor swimming pool, woodland, a children’s play area, a multi-sports court, and private relaxation spaces.

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Exterior and interior images of Falstaff Cottage, a Stratford-upon-Avon holiday cottage in the heart of Shakespeare Country.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Falstaff Cottage is a charming and spacious cottage near Stratford-upon-Avon that promises lovely countryside views and serenity. The rural cottage features exposed beams and other gorgeous details which blend perfectly with its quaint surroundings. Step into a charming and relaxing space.

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The exterior of a rural holiday cottage has a courtyard garden and a dining table with chairs.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Country charm defines Hamlet Cottage, a rural holiday home near Stratford-upon-Avon surrounded by rolling hills. Exposed beams and stable doors enhance the cottage's character, offering modernity, comfort and space to truly unwind with family and friends in Shakespeare Country.

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Exterior of a old holiday cottage overlooking Porlock Weir harbour at high tide.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Situated in the heart of the seaside village of Porlock Weir, Somerset, Harbour House Apartment once housed the harbour master but now makes an idyllic holiday home along the Exmoor coast, a waterside cottage featuring two cosy bedrooms and French windows offering gorgeous views of the bay.

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Circular exterior of cottage created within the base of a Suffolk windmill.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Harvey's Mill is a centuries-old Suffolk windmill near Saxmundham lovingly converted into a picture-perfect holiday cottage for two. It's a perfect rural bolthole for self-catering holidays and weekend romantic escapes, walking or cycling in the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast, and pets are welcome.

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A 2-storey stone cottage attached to the edge of a walled garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Discover the enchanting Head Gardener's House, a luxury countryside retreat in Lincolnshire. This Victorian gem, nestled within the Easton Estate, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, offering a perfect escape for couples or small groups. Enjoy exclusive access to 12 acres of stunning Easton Walled Gardens, ideal for year-round exploration. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stylish interiors, including a cosy library and well-appointed bedrooms. Unwind in the private garden or explore the estate's amenities. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a peaceful break, this idyllic accommodation promises an unforgettable stay. Experience the allure of this beautifully restored estate house and create lasting memories in this tranquil haven.

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The exterior of a modern Suffolk holiday home with large windows on both floors overlooking a flower-filled garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

Welcome to Hillcrest, a stunning Suffolk barn-style holiday home that offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With accommodation for up to six guests, this property is surrounded by lush fields and verdant gardens, offering a peaceful retreat near Saxmundham. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Hillcrest is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday exploring the picturesque Suffolk coast and countryside. Plus, Hillcrest is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal choice for everyone. Book now and experience the ultimate in Suffolk holiday luxury!

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A fabulously relaxing Hampshire holiday home, Inglewood Cottage provides family-friendly holidays for 2-6 guests in a stunning location on the south coast. The pet-friendly cottage is on a quiet road in New Milton, a few miles to the New Forest and just over one to the beach at Barton on Sea.

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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.