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.

A semi-dtached, stone-buit North Yorkshire holiday cottage sits behind afront garden with shrubs and roses.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

This semi-detached, sandstone coastal cottage is in the countryside hamlet of Dalehouse on the edge of Staithes on the North Yorkshire coast and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.

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Clapper-board exterior of a 2-storey apartment with a terracotta roof and large courtyard.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

River View is a romantic cottage in Aldeburgh which occupies the first floor of Marsh Lodge & enjoys gorgeous views of Hazlewood Marsh. The luxuriously appointed cottage rewards couples with sophisticated design features, a sun-trap courtyard, and views of the famous big skies of Suffolk.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday cottage with ground fllor extension behind a paveed  garden with dining table and chairs.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Rock Mill Cottage is a perfect blend of contemporary style and rural charm. This 18th-century coastal farm cottage in Northumberland features a contemporary design combined with traditional Northumbrian style. The property is situated near Embleton and is pet-free. It offers a serene environment surrounded by breathtaking countryside and includes an open fire. The cottage can accommodate up to four people.

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A spacious, wood-panelled lounge with leather sofas, hardwood coffee table and flooring.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Situated in the centre of Bath, Rose & Slate is perfectly positioned for a wonderful holiday in Somerset. The luxurious urban cottage boasts refined elegance and multiple fireplaces plus wooden floors, open-plan spaces, immaculate presentation and access to one of the most attractive and historic cities in Britain.

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A glimpse of a cottage wall and window peeping through a gap between bushes.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Situated on the owner’s organic farm near the historic market town of Tavistock, Devon, Rose Cocoon offers a beautiful rural holiday experience. It is a child-friendly cottage with access to a gym, spa, and swimming pool. The cottage boasts a traditional English vibe with wood panelling and antique furnishings.

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A side elevation of a luxury Cotswold Barn conversion with wide, full-height sliding French Windows.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set amidst the rolling countryside of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rosebank Barn on the edge of the charming Gloucestershire village of Ablington is a child-friendly cottage converted from a natural stone barn, boasting underfloor heating, vaulted ceilings, and a wood-burning stove.

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A single storey county-conwy holiday-cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Visit Snowdonia from this delightful stone-built, romantic Betws-y-Coed holiday cottage for two. Royal Oak Farm Cottage promises tranquillity in a tastefully restored one-bedroom cottage. Wooden décor features strongly in this cottage, which is equipped with all of the comforts of home.

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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Sail Boats is a lovely beachfront holiday bungalow within walking distance of Marazion's sandy beach in far West Cornwall. The Cornish holiday cottage can sleep two people in one bedroom within sight and sound of the sea.

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A modern cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Juliet balcony.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Explore the picturesque Isle of Wight and The Solent from the perfect holiday home base of Sail Loft, a family-sized seaside 2-bedroom apartment just west of the historic harbour town of Yarmouth.

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A paved path leads to the side entrance of a brick built, Isle-of-Wight holiday cottage
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A romantic holiday retreat for two awaits visitors to the Isle of Wight at The Sail Loft Annexe. Just west of the historic harbour town of Yarmouth, guests can easily access a private beach from this delightful ground-floor beach apartment.

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Exterior of a sympathetically restored 3-storey farmhouse in County Durham.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Built in 1560, Scargill Castle epitomises country charm. The pet-friendly romantic cottage in Scargill, Yorkshire, emerges from the ruins of an old castle and features exposed beams, oak floors, a wood-burning stove, period furnishings and modern comforts, and seclusion and countryside views.

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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Enjoy a romantic Cotswolds holiday with a stay at Second Nature on the outskirts of the spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the perfect getaway for couples wanting to explore this picturesque region. Second Nature is an eco-friendly rural retreat for two boasting a distinctive four-poster bed and walk-in rain shower.

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A mock Shropshire castle on a small hillock surrounded by a stone wall and open fields.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 3

Sham Castle is a beautiful waterside cottage located near the village of Acton Burnell in Shropshire. With three bedrooms, it offers stunning views of the lake and is surrounded by lovely gardens. The cottage sits atop a rocky knoll and boasts original quarry tile floors. The drawing room features oak floors and arched windows, providing a perfect view of the serene surroundings

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Gable end of a contemporary wooden lodge in Powys with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Sleeps
  • Bedrooms 2

Shepherd’s Rest is a luxurious holiday cottage surrounded by open countryside near Llandyssil in Powys, Mid Wales. The pet-friendly rural cottage boasts glorious views and tranquillity, an open fire, a hot tub, extensive grounds, a sophisticated interior and serenity.

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A single storey bick-built bungalow is surrounded by a lawn lined by hedges.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Based in the peaceful Norfolk countryside near Kings Lynn, Sheppard's Hut is a quaint bungalow on the outskirts of Terrington St. Clements. A quiet and simple holiday home, it is a perfect base to explore the Lincolnshire coast and countryside, popular for its trails and wildlife.

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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.