Small Holiday Cottages and Homes

Browse small holiday cottages and self-catering homes across the UK. This collection includes one- and two-bedroom properties for couples, friends and smaller families looking for a more compact place to stay.

Small describes the size of the property, not its style, setting or price. You may find a cottage by the coast, a rural retreat, a city apartment or a character property in a village. Use the filters to narrow your search by destination, group size and features, then check the individual listing for the bedroom layout and facilities that suit your plans.

2-storey country cottage with large conservatory overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Bridlecott is a delightful rural cottage in Monksilver, offering the best of both worlds: the picturesque Somerset countryside and the stunning coastline. The property, situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is a paradise for walkers. It boasts ample grounds, spacious rooms, an open-plan layout, and access to a charming English country village.

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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
A one-bedroom, modern terraced holiday cottage with a large rear lawn.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A country escape awaits at Brook Cottage. Expansive views of rolling green hills stretch forever from the romantic cottage near Challacombe in Devon. Boasting a four-poster bed and other luxury touches, the pet-friendly Exmoor cottage promises seclusion, a woodburning stove and a sunroom.

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  • Short Breaks
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Gable end of a wood panelled Dorset barn conversion with wooden steps to a front door and deck.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Explore Brookhaven, the ideal Musbury holiday let—a barn conversion creating a modern, open-plan studio for couples seeking a rural retreat in East Devon. Recently finished to high standards, this charming apartment boasts a king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen, and a private seating area overlooking the serene Axe Valley. Enjoy village amenities, coastal charm, and nearby attractions. Discover the allure of this Musbury cottage for couples and plan your escape. View full details for an unforgettable East Devon getaway.

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An Exmoor holiday cottage nestles below a lawn that slopes down to it.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Byre Cottage is a beautiful romantic Exmoor cottage situated in Dulverton. The pet-friendly cottage is a beautifully converted barn that retains original features while offering a lovely garden with a summerhouse, seclusion and views of Exmoor's inviting hills.

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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

C S Lewis Balcony is a stylish, two-storey Lynton holiday apartment overlooking the sea. The impressive property sleeps four and enjoys beautiful views from its furnished balcony. It offers an interior with dual-aspect windows, sophisticated décor, sunlit spaces, and luxurious details.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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A terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a road and beachfront at low tide.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Captain’s Cottage in Minehead, Somerset, offers beachfront charm with sea views. This thatched seaside cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. Period features include an inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a rear terrace for sea gazing. The dog-friendly cottage has no garden. It is close to the harbour and the South West Coastal Path. Limited mobility is cautioned. It is an Ideal Exmoor coast retreat.

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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

In an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes. A perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area, and a separate bedroom with an en-suite rolltop bath.

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A Exmoor coastal cottage lounge with leather sofas, French windows to a garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Coachman’s Cottage is a gorgeous romantic bolthole with ocean views in West Porlock, Somerset. The former stable block sleeps two, welcomes pets, and features contemporary style and traditional charm, ample grounds, wooden floors, furnished outdoor spaces, a sea breeze and a log fire. 

  • Active Holidays
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A thatched holiday cottage faces the village green in Exford.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Crown Cottage is a thatched roof end-terrace holiday cottage in Exford, a charming village in the Exmoor National Park. The pet-friendly cottage is made for walkers and those who enjoy country life and features traditional details such as a woodburning stove, a traditional fireplace, and period furniture.

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A lounger with two matching sofas facing a widescreen TV and open fire with gas-flame effect.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 3

Cuain Cottage is a new holiday cottage in Somerset's lovely seaside town. Just 100 yards from Watchet Marina, Cuain Cottage, is a new holiday cottage in this lovely seaside town of Somerset. The coastal cottage features exposed beams, original features, and contemporary comforts and is just a hop and step away from the beaches and attractions of Watchet.

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A limestone-built Dorset holiday cottage with a porch and tiny front garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Explore Dovecot Cottage, a quality holiday home in the sleepy coastal village of Portesham in Dorset. This charming retreat boasts an open-plan living space, a delightful garden room, and a secure patio garden, ideal for relaxation and pets. Discover hidden gems like Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and Chesil Beach on the stunning Jurassic Coastline. With allocated parking, proximity to Weymouth and Dorchester, and local amenities, it's the perfect choice for cottage holidays in Dorset. Immerse yourself in tranquillity—view our full description for an unforgettable Dorset holiday!

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  • Walking Holidays
2-storey exterior of a stone-built Peak District holiday cottage in a remote rural location.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

With breathtaking views of the Staffordshire Moorlands, this countryside holiday cottage in Buxton sleeps seven and features an open fire and a beautifully furnished living area. Downsdale Cottage is a cosy barn conversion on the edge of the pretty village of Flash in the Peak District National Park.

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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Waterpark Nearby
 Exterior of Dunkery View, an Exmoor Holiday Cottage in Wootton Courtenay
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Dunkery View is a romantic holiday cottage for couples in Wootton Courtenay on the Somerset coast. The cottage sleeps two and offers beautiful Exmoor views from inside the cottage and its delightful garden. The spacious interior features an open-plan design, natural light, and contemporary comforts.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
Stone-built terraced farm cottage in Somerset overlooking a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

East Harwood Farm Cottage is a pet-friendly, stone-built cottage located on a working farm in Timberscombe. It sleeps four and boasts stunning countryside views, stabling for horses, and a wood-burning stove.

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  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
An L-shaped, wood-panelled Essex holiday bungalow with a wooden deck containing a table and sunlounger, all overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

East Village No.2 is a luxurious coastal retreat located on Osea Island in Essex. This ground-floor gem is perfect for families or groups, featuring an open-plan living area that is ideal for gatherings. With two stylish bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, it can accommodate up to 5 guests. The garden is a lovely spot to enjoy, complete with a fire pit and BBQ. Osea Island offers a private beach, outdoor pool, cinema, and more, making it a unique getaway. East Village No.2 is the perfect escape for celebrations or a family break.

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Find a small cottage that fits your plans

A smaller holiday home can be a good choice when you do not need extra bedrooms or unused living space. For a stay for two, you may be looking for privacy, a good kitchen and a location close to places you want to visit. For friends or a small family, the bedroom layout, bathroom and sleeping arrangements can be more important than the headline number of guests.

Your plansDetails to compare
A cottage for twoBedroom, bathroom, kitchen, location and parking
Friends travelling togetherWhether bedrooms have double, twin or bunk beds
A small family breakBedroom layout, cot space, child equipment and outdoor space
A short stayAvailable arrival days, minimum stay and total price
Bringing a dogNumber of dogs allowed, outdoor space and property rules

What to check before booking a small holiday cottage

  • Bedrooms and sleeping layout: Check the number of bedrooms and the type of beds, especially if more than two people are travelling.
  • Property type: The collection may include cottages, apartments, studios and annexes. Read the individual description before booking.
  • Living and dining space: A cottage sleeping four may still have a compact kitchen, lounge or dining area.
  • Bathroom arrangements: Check whether there is one bathroom, an en-suite or a separate WC.
  • Facilities: Parking, outdoor space, accessibility features and pet arrangements vary between properties.
  • Location: Small cottages can be coastal, rural, urban or village-based. Check the exact setting and nearby amenities.

More small-break ideas

If you are looking specifically for a stay for two, browse our cottages for couples. You can also combine your search with short breaks, dog-friendly cottages, coastal holiday cottages or country cottages.

Frequently asked questions

These are usually one- or two-bedroom self-catering properties. Sleeping capacity varies, so check the individual listing for the exact bedroom and bed layout.

No. Many suit two people, but some have two bedrooms and work well for friends or a small family.

Not necessarily. Price depends on the location, dates, facilities and demand. Compare the total cost for your chosen stay rather than assuming a smaller property will cost less.

Some can. Check how the guests are accommodated, particularly where a sofa bed, bunk beds or a shared bedroom are involved.

No. The collection can include coastal, rural, village and town properties. Check the location information for the individual cottage.