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

They say that the view can make a holiday truly special, and families can certainly experience this at Glintings, a holiday cottage located in Polperro. This spacious and pet-friendly cottage in Cornwall can accommodate up to six people and boasts stunning views of the village and harbour from its sunny hillside location.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a 2-storey, stone-built,  barn conversion in a rural Peak District location.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Don’t let the unassuming stone exterior of this large Peak District holiday cottage fool you. Walk inside Goldcrest, this former 17th-century farm barn in Meerbrook near Leek, Staffordshire, and admire how the interior skilfully blends the original character with contemporary styling. Sleeps 12.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
A terrace of Somerset cottages and front gardens.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Grace Cottage is a characterful 19th-century holiday cottage in Porlock on the West Somerset coast. The stone-built cottage sleeps four and welcomes pets. It offers a suntrap garden, abundant natural light, an open-plan design, a log fire, and easy access to the coast and the Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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Exterior of a Dunster holiday cottage with a pave courtyard and sun loungers.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Grist Mill is a large and characterful rural holiday cottage in Dunster, a medieval village on the West Somerset coast. It is a charming semi-detached cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It boasts a spacious leafy garden with furnished areas, a brand-new sunroom, unique decor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a modern style, and a warm and inviting wood-burning stove.

The large semi-detached cottage sleeps eight and features a large leafy garden with furnished areas, a new sunroom, quirky décor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a contemporary style, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Gun End Cottage, located on a quiet country lane near Ruston Spencer in Staffordshire, is a large and comfortable Peak District countryside cottage sleeping 8 in a secluded rural location amidst the splendour of the Staffordshire Moorlands.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Waterpark Nearby
Modern, 3-storey Dorset eco-lodge overlooking a patio and large lawn.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Harbour Lights is a spacious seaside cottage located in Dorset, situated between Bridport and West Bay. The cottage provides modern amenities and offers breathtaking views of both the countryside and the sea. It is pet-friendly and comes with a large furnished terrace, perfect for hosting gatherings. Inside, the cottage features elegant Corian work surfaces, as well as marble and wooden floors.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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A stone built Exmoor cottage  faces a lawn containing a sheltered hot tub  and a two outdoor chairs around a tea-table.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Hartford Cottage is a beautiful romantic Exmoor holiday home in a moorland village near South Molton in Devon. The pet-friendly cottage with a hot tub enjoys tranquillity, far-reaching views, a generous sunroom, traditional character and access to a tennis court, games room and Exmoor.

  • Active Holidays
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An Exmoor stone barn conversion overlooks a bend in a country lane.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

This pet-friendly farm cottage in Somerset nestles in an idyllic valley between the Brendon Hills and  Exmoor. Harthanger View Cottage near the rural village of Luxborough was recently converted from a barn into a charming retreat with a spiral staircase, cosy sitting room, and en-suite master.

  • Active Holidays
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Exterior of a thatched cottage facing a paved, flower-filled courtyard in Brixham.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Hearthstone East Cottage is a large, thatched holiday cottage in Brixham, a popular seaside resort in Torbay. Set in idyllic surroundings, the pet-friendly cottage boasts stone walls, exposed beams, tiled floors and antique furnishings, plus a log fire, a lovely sunny garden and proximity to sandy beaches.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
Exterior of an Exmoor country cottage with large chimney in front of tall trees and overlooking a large courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set on a working farm near Wheddon Cross, the highest village on Exmoor, Hedgehog Cottage promises serenity and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage offers fresh air, spacious grounds, a log fire, country charm, and contemporary luxury.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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A remote hillside lodge on the side of a hill surrounded by fields, hedgerows and trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Looking for a peaceful and scenic holiday escape? Discover Hillway Lodge, a beautiful three-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday cottage in the heart of Exmoor National Park. You can enjoy stunning views from almost every room, with sweeping vistas across the garden and down to the meandering River Barle. It is perfect for those seeking a tranquil and rustic retreat or a base for walking holidays on Exmoor.

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An exterior of s Victorian holiday villa in Torquay with ample car parking space in front.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Holcombe House is a large and luxuriously presented Torbay holiday cottage in Torquay. This detached period property can sleep twelve people in six bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
Double-fronted cottage exterior with traditional quarter-light windows.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 5

Holmdale is a large, character-laden coastal cottage in Porlock, a sought-after location in Somerset. The pet-friendly holiday cottage within the Exmoor National Park boasts sea views, exposed beams, a farmhouse-style kitchen, a cosy log fire, and a spacious garden with outdoor seating and dining furniture. Explore the coast and countryside of Exmoor in true style.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large house with a portico overlooks a lawn bordered by mature shrubs.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Explore Holset House, a large coastal property in South Devon offering the perfect setting for self-catering holidays in East Portlemouth. With breathtaking views of Dartmoor, this luxurious and well-equipped retreat features five bedrooms, a formal dining room, and expansive lawns for relaxation. Just over half a mile from sandy beaches and a short ferry ride to Salcombe, it's an ideal escape for families and friends. Discover comfort, grandeur, and convenience in this exceptional holiday home. View now for an unforgettable experience.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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.