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.

Single-storey exterior of a white-rendered bungalow with hanging flower baskets.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Palmer’s Lodge induces romance with its charming exterior, cosy, contemporary open-plan layout, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The one-bedroom romantic cottage lies on the outskirts of Elgoskerry, surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful beaches for which Cornwall is famed.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A charming, modern Lake District holiday apartment for two set in an idyllic rural location, this beautifully decorated property in Bowness-on-Windermere sleeps two and is a perfect base from which to explore the Lake and surrounding countryside.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
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  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The charming property located at Wickmere near Sheringham boasts antique furniture, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove, surrounded by breathtaking views of the countryside. Cromer, a popular seaside town, is only nine miles away.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
A lighthouse tower overlooks the rugged North Cornwall coastline.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Pelorus Cottage promises spectacular ocean views from its position within Trevose Head Lighthouse. Nestled between Harlyn and Constantine Bays, the special coastal cottage promises coastal seclusion and modernity, as well as outdoor spaces and clean, refreshing sea breezes. Enjoy a unique getaway on the Cornish coast.

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The exterior of a stone-built cottage with a wooden extension overlooks a flower-filled garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Sitting on the lush grounds of the owner’s house in Welsh Newton, Pembridge Cottage charms visitors with its stone exterior and modern, characterful 2-bedroom interior. The pet-friendly Herefordshire holiday cottage offers high-quality accommodation and free fly-fishing lessons.

  • Active Holidays
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A double-fronted stone cottage  with a hedged-in lawn to the front and a gated driveway for cars.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Pen-Y-Parc is a delightful 18th-century stone-built rural cottage offering the delights of the countryside and the coast. Situated in peaceful Gwaenysgor in North Wales and Snowdonia, the homely cottage provides seclusion, rural charm, delightful gardens, and views of the surrounding hills.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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Half hidden by trees, a luxury Hertfordshire cottage overlooks a long, manicured lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Picture This is a luxurious rural cottage set on the grounds of Pembroke Farm near Slip End in Hertfordshire. The idyllic setting ensures relaxation, and the manicured gardens are a delightful space to dine and unwind. The farmhouse-style kitchen typifies the successful blend of tradition and modernity.

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A red brick Herefordshire holiday cottage with a ground floor extension is surrounded by a low tone wall
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Point Cottage is a gorgeous 18th-century stone-built cottage full of rustic charm. The pet-friendly, 2-bedroom village holiday cottage near Hereford features a wood burner, exposed wood beams, wall timbers and floors, plus lovely grounds with views.

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Exterior of a single-storey, vine-dlad, one bedroom holiday bungalow near Bude overlooked by mature trees.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Primrose End is a romantic cottage for couples in North Cornwall. It sits upon a smallholding with livestock in the North Cornwall hamlet of Broad Langdon near the village of Jacobstow. This romantic cottage features open-plan living space, a contemporary kitchen, a wood-burning stove, a rear lawned garden and a cosy double bedroom.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 1

Prince Cottage is a pet-friendly coastal cottage sleeping 3 in the seaside fishing village of Skinningrove, North Yorkshire, offering comfortable, contemporary accommodation for small groups on holiday looking to enjoy beach-combing, walking the nearby moors and discovering the area’s rich history.

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  • Walking Holidays
A single storey stone cottage overlooks a flower-filled garden
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Quiet Corner Cottage is a charming single-storey East Somerset holiday home with rural views situated in the peaceful village of Henstridge. It sleeps three people in two bedrooms.

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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey eco-lodge surrounded by a deck and open fields.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Championship golf courses and spa treatments beckon at Ramson Lodge, a contemporary cottage near the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa in Suffolk. Walks and fresh air also await at the surrounding Constable County Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while lovely views are promised at the cottage.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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A Northamptonshire barn conversion with a paved courtyard surrounded by open fields.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 1

Rectory Cottage is a gorgeous romantic cottage surrounded by lush green fields near Clipston in Northamptonshire. The eco-friendly holiday cottage sits on 14 acres of farmland. It boasts beautiful grounds, outdoor dining areas, incredible views, and a chic open-plan interior with natural light and high-end décor.

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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built barn conversion with a garden protected by a low hedge.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Rectory Cottage is an exquisit, One-bedroom, romantic cottage for two set in ‘The best place to live in Britain’. The luxurious, pet-friendly holiday cottage near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is a former stable dating back to the 18th century and offers a neutral palette with a limed oak floor, exposed stone walls and beams, and gorgeous gardens.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
Large stone-built rural cottage exterior with a spacious lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A beautiful hillside traditional stone-built end terraced house in the Peak District village of Bakewell, River Cottage has been thoughtfully renovated to a high standard and sleeps up to four people. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

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.