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.

The indoor heated swimming pool in its own pool house.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

James’s Parlour is a spacious converted Georgian barn set on lush green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The large rural cottage offers an open-plan design, exposed beams, trusses and brick pillars, and extensive furnished grounds with an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court and play area.

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A 2-storey, thatched Dorset holiday cottage on a quiet village street.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Introducing Jasmine Cottage, a delightful holiday home in Burton Bradstock along the stunning Jurassic Coast. The cottage can accommodate up to four guests in its two bedrooms, offering a cosy and comfortable retreat. With spacious interiors, modern amenities, and a charming cottage garden, Jasmine Cottage is a perfect choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway or to explore the coastal beauty of Dorset. Discover more about Jasmine Cottage and experience an unforgettable holiday.

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A double fronted modern chalet bungalow with a terraced garden behind a fence.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Rural charm abounds at Measure Cottage, a delightful rural cottage in the quaint village of Wootton Wawen. The cottage has retained many of its traditional features, such as an inglenook fireplace and incorporates modern comforts, including a hot tub. Enjoy the tranquillity or celebrate a memorable occasion.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Milkens Cottage at Endamoor Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage located in glorious rural surroundings near Bakewell. It in Derbyshire that sleeps 4 very comfortably in 2 bedroom. This pet friendly cottage is perfect for walking or cycling holidays on the Tissington and Manifold Trails.

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Exterior of stone-built, barn conversion in the Peak District.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Moor Cottage at Endmoor Farm is a luxury holiday cottage for couples of all ages seeking a romantic rural retreat within the Derbyshire Peak District. Endmoor is a working farm between Bakewell and Buxton, and Moor Cottage sleeps 2 in a high-quality barn conversion. Pets welcome.

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  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

New Inn House is a luxuriously appointed rural holiday cottage in Abbots Salford. It boasts gorgeous interiors, uninterrupted views of the Warwickshire countryside, a heated swimming pool, tennis court, games room, children’s play area, an open fire, and lavish grounds perfect for pets and entertaining.

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Exterior of an eco-friendly, wooden caravan in a Dorset field.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

North End Cabin is a funky rural cabin offering couples seclusion and fresh air. It is located on North End Farm in Chideock, Dorset, and promises beautiful views and wonderful sunsets. The cabin features a wood-burning stove, cosy comfort, space for pets, a hammock, and furnished outdoor spaces.

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A thatched stone-built farmhouse and courtyard.
  • Sleeps 30
  • Bedrooms 12

North End Farm is a delightful property near Bridport and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. It offers ample furnished grounds, rustic charm, lovely views & stunning sunsets. Surrounded by rolling green hills, the farm offers pet-friendly holiday cottages and cabins for couples, small families and large groups.

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Large thatched farmhouse overlooks a spacious lawn
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

North End's large listed Farmhouse is available for Dorset holiday lets all year. It is situated in a spectacular countryside setting on the Jurassic Coast, between the lively market towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis. Beaches, culture, pubs, and walks are easily accessible. Pets are welcome.

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Exterior of a contemporary wood-clad barn conversion comprising 3 New Forest holiday cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

For an unforgettable Hampshire getaway, view Oak Barn, a charming village holiday cottage in Dammerham, perfect for self-catering holidays in the New Forest. This spacious barn conversion offers an open-plan layout, two accessible bedrooms, and a hot tub with scenic views. Discover the historic village of Damerham, just three miles from Fordingbridge. Oak Barn provides a unique blend of modern comfort and rural tranquillity. View the full description for more information.

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Exterior of a stone-built thatched village cottage overlooking a large lawn with a flowerbed.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

The Old Post Office sleeps five over three bedrooms. It is conveniently located in the heart of Symondsbury Village with access to plenty of countryside walks and near the market town of Bridport and the Jurassic coast. Dogs welcome.

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Ground floor, brick exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a shrub-filled garden
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Endless activities greet visitors to Oliver’s Mill, a large converted barn amid the rolling hills of Alkington. The 18th-century rural holiday cottage in Shropshire boasts style and traditional character and offers woodland, an indoor swimming pool, a multi-sports court & a children’s play area, plus a log fire.

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  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
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Exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a garden courtyard
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Pasture View Cottage is a large eco-friendly, single-storey country cottage on the edge of Pickering for holidays exploring the North York Moors and the North Yorkshire coast. Features include a large private garden and a very well-equipped kitchen. Children will love the play area and play shed.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Family-friendly Pippenwell Cottage at Farditch Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage amidst beautiful rural surroundings in Derbyshire. This dog-friendly cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) in a high-quality barn conversion.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

This unique accommodation is part of a historic water mill and retains original features, including exposed beams and huge mill windows. The peaceful Warwickshire village of Tredington is ideally situated between the Cotswolds and Stratford-on-Avon. Fishing is available on-site.

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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.