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.

Decked entrance, outdoor dining area and meadow setting.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A private lodge for couples only. Just a 5-minute drive from North Devon surf beaches and SW coast path. This immaculate, one-bedroom luxury lodge has a king-size bed and a gorgeous bathroom. Well-appointed kitchenette. South-facing outdoor decking, set in a pretty meadow. A calm and relaxing retreat.

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Exterior and patio of a single-storey, wooden eco-lodge surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 1

Once a barn in a beautiful rural location, The Kingfisher’s Nest has been lovingly converted to create an idyllic one-bedroom waterside holiday cottage on the banks of Cowesby Beck in North Yorkshire. It is nicely located for exploring the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. This luxury cottage sleeps 4 in one double bedroom plus a sofa bed.

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Tiny Islands on the calm Moray Firth are silhouetted against a golden sunset.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

The Old Customs House in Banff is a beautiful seafront holiday cottage that boasts a hot tub adjoining the Banff Marina. With its four spacious bedrooms, this luxurious cottage on the Moray Firth provides an unforgettable holiday experience for families and groups of friends.

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Single-storey barn conversion overlooks a spacious courtyard with dining furniture bordered by flower beds.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

The Old Forge is a characterful barn conversion with a spacious modern interior situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. This large holiday cottage near Malton is ideal for extended families or groups of friends holidaying together. It has a 4* Gold rating and is also suitable for those with limited mobility.

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Exterior of a Scottish Manse overlooking s large tree-line lawn
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

This large, spacious, pet-friendly holiday home with a hot tub in Perthshire is set in beautiful countryside near Crieff. The Old Manse has a wealth of period features: an open fire, a large garden with a croquet lawn and a trampoline. Perfect for a get-together with friends and large families.

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Single storey of a barn conversion overlooking a lawn on a North Yorkshire farm.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Smithy at Keld Head Cottages is a quaint romantic cottage on a gorgeous property outside Pickering in North Yorkshire. The rural holiday cottage boasts exposed beams, a traditional fireplace, award-winning gardens, beautiful views, and extensive indoor and outdoor play areas.

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A large, single storey barn conversion overlooks a lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Find warm accommodation for your Yorkshire holiday at The Stables at Keld Head Cottages, one of nine traditional cottages on the edge of the market town of Pickering, North Yorkshire, retaining much of the converted stone-built barn’s original features, with open beamed ceilings and stone fireplace.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Situated on a beautiful farm overlooking the Jurassic Coast in West Dorset, The Swallows is one of seven-holiday cottages at Character Farm Cottages near Weymouth. 4-star rated by Visit England, it comfortably sleeps four. It is exceptionally well-appointed and open throughout the year. Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a stone-built terraced cottage with a picket fence around the front garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

The Sycamores is a two-bedroom Dorset holiday cottage situated on our stunning farm overlooking the West Dorset Coast and Chesil Beach. Five miles West of Weymouth, it offers the perfect countryside holiday accommodation for families or friends throughout the year. Your Pets are welcome.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

Sleep among the canopy is The Treehouse, a luxurious rural cottage in Halse, Somerset, which boasts beautiful views, a swimming pool and a hot tub. The wooden-clad cottage includes a fireplace and promises 5-star eco-friendly comfort, access to the countryside, and miles of sandy beaches.

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Stone-built, single storey barn conversion overlooking open countryside.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Willows is a one-bedroom Weymouth holiday cottage ideal for couples or solo travellers. It is set on our working farm in Dorset overlooking the Fleet Lagoon and the mighty Jurassic Coastline. It is also ideal for walkers, cyclists, and people who just want to escape to the peace and tranquillity of the Dorset countryside.

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Large 3-storey contemporary holiday home with well-kept gardens.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Three Gables is a five-bedroom house in a small rural village at the western end of the Isle of Wight. If you stay with us, you'll wake up to stunning country views accompanied by birdsong. And if you're lucky, you might even glimpse a red squirrel.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Introducing Ty Afal (Apple House), your charming Powys Holiday Cottage nestled in the heart of the Mid Wales countryside. This eco-friendly holiday lodge with a hot tub has been lovingly handcrafted on our working family farm. It promises an unforgettable self-catering rural retreat.

From the moment you arrive, you'll sense the warmth and dedication we've poured into every detail, ensuring your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family retreat, a laid-back reunion with loved ones, or your cherished honeymoon, Ty Afal is here to create lifelong memories.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Unwind in the heart of Powys countryside with a warm welcome from Hugh, Sarah, and their family at Ty Ceirios, a remarkable eco-lodge with a hot tub in Carno. You're about to embark on a log house holiday like no other, carefully crafted with love and attention to detail, making it the perfect destination for a romantic retreat, a relaxing family vacation, a laid-back reunion with loved ones, or even a cherished honeymoon.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Ty Gwilym Holiday Cottages is in the heart of St Davids, with three cottages for up to 2, 4, or 6 people. They are close to the Cathedral and shops and within ten minutes of the coastal path and beaches at Whitesand Bay and Caerfai Bay.

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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.