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

Thatchers Cottage, sleeping up to six, is one of seven North Devon holiday cottages at Muddlebridge House, near Barnstaple. With an indoor swimming pool and two-acre garden, it is ideally situated for surfing, cycling, golf and fishing holidays - (in between days on the many nearby beaches). Pets welcome.

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  • Sleeps 22
  • Bedrooms 8

Once a village pub, The Anchor has been tastefully converted to create a large Forest of Dean Holiday Cottage, complete with a hot tub and games room. This family-friendly holiday home in Gloucestershire lies in a magical rural location in the Wye Valley. Pets welcome.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Annexe is one of 12 Exmoor Holiday Cottages at Duddings Country Cottages in the beautiful Avill Valley near Dunster and Minehead. It sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Facilities include an indoor pool, spa bath, games room, tennis court, trampoline, and play centre. Families and dogs are welcome. The Annexe is 4-star rated by Visit England.

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Single storey exterior of a barn conversion with a hot tub on its terrace.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A charming terraced Shropshire holiday cottage in Alberbury with original oak beams and trusses and a wood burner in the open-plan living area. It sleeps 6 in 3 delightful bedrooms, all en-suite. Add in the private patio with a hot tub, and this is a perfect country cottage for a family holiday!

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A large open plan lounge with beamed ceiling, widescreen TV and comfy sofas.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Award-winning large 2-bedroom barn conversion - 5-star Gold. Free wifi - all on one floor, spacious ground floor bedrooms/wetrooms. Set on our rural farmstead in 19 acres of grass and woodland 2 miles from the historic town of Beverley. Arrive any day. Pets welcome.
USE THE VISIT WEBSITE BUTTON TO SEE OUR WEBSITE VIRTUAL TOUR.

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A cottage lounge with a pine-beamed ceiling and comfortable leather sofas.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Located close to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast near Bridport, The Cider Barn is a newly refurbished family-friendly barn conversion in secluded rural surroundings at Hembury Mil in Askerwell. The Cider Barn sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, appealing to those planning beach or walking holidays on the Dorset coast.

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Sun loungers on a lawn in front of a stone-built holiday cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Luxury cottage located in Tayside, near Aberfeldy and right on the banks of the River Tay. It features two king-size sleigh beds, a log stove, and open fires. The cottage also comes with complimentary Wi-Fi and logs for the fireplace. There's a pool table, iPod docking station, books, and games available for entertainment. The kitchen is fully equipped with all utensils for your convenience. Additionally, the cottage has an 11-acre garden and fishing rights. Pets are also welcome.

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Barn conversion buildings overlooking a grass courtyard with a raised flower bed.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Lovely large 6-bedroom barn conversion in East Yorkshire with private gardens - set on our farmstead in 19 acres of grass and woodland two miles from the historic town of Beverley. Free wifi - arrive any day. AWARD-WINNING COTTAGES. Pets welcome. Sleeps 12+2 extra children.

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A large country Manor house with a timbered Tudor wing.
  • Sleeps 24
  • Bedrooms 11

The Manor on the Monnow is an impressive baroque manor house located on the east bank of the River Monnow, just a short walk from the centre of Monmouth. The property comfortably accommodates 24 guests in 11 bedrooms/9 bathrooms, with spacious communal areas, great outdoor space, and a hot tub too!

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A 2-storey Dorset mill conversion overlooks a terrace and lawned garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Mill is a well-equipped coastal holiday cottage with Wi-Fi available all year round. It sleeps six and is set in 7.5 acres of Dorset countryside. The Mill is only a short walk from the village pub and a short drive to the market town of Bridport / West Bay, which is famous as the location for TVs Broadchurch.

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Exterior of a single-storey cottage surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Mineshop Holiday Cottages are located in the heart of the stunning Mineshop Valley, a short walk through the fields and woodland to the beach at Crackington Haven near Bude in North Cornwall. Set in a secluded and tranquil spot, it's the perfect getaway for families, couples and dog owners.

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A wooden eco-lodge with a large deck in a pine clearing.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Tucked away along their own woodland track and with private parking, these distinctive detached lodges benefit from the facilities of the Clippesby Hall family holiday park in Norfolk. They simultaneously combine a sense of separateness and peaceful relaxation. Pets are welcome.

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Exterior of a Minehead holiday cottage in a rural location
  • Sleeps 18
  • Bedrooms 8

The Stables Cottages, one of 12 4-star Exmoor Holiday Cottages at Duddings, is a large Somerset holiday cottage sleeping 16-18 in 8 bedrooms. It is in a beautiful rural valley near Dunster in The Exmoor National Park. Amenities include an Indoor pool, spa bath, games room, tennis court, trampoline, etc. Pets welcome.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Stables is a lovely two-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday cottage in Beverley, rated 5-star. Set on our farmstead in 19 acres of grass and woodland two miles from historic Beverley. Free wifi - arrive any day - ground floor bedroom and wetroom. SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR ON OUR WEBSITE.

  • Active Holidays
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A double bed with pillows, scatter cushions, bedside tables an lamps.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Studio is a one-bedroom North Norfolk holiday cottage in East Ruston. It offers a delightful and stylish opportunity for couples to relax and enjoy a peaceful (and cosy) holiday in all seasons, exploring the Norfolk Broads and nearby beaches along the coast. From an EV charger to underfloor heating, you'll find that The Studio is comfortably equipped for all you'll need during your stay, including some eco-friendly features.

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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.