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 Lighthouse complex on a clifftop with panoramic ocean views.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Panoramic ocean views stretch before Verity Cottage, a sophisticated coastal cottage within Trevose Head Lighthouse. The coast of Cornwall lies on either side of the cottage, which boasts outdoor entertaining spaces, contemporary comfort, light and airy design, the chance to get away from it all with more clean, fresh, revitalising air than you could shake a windsock at.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
2-storey Victorian town house with bay windows and small front garden
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 3

A charming and cosy family- and pet-friendly getaway in Marske-by-the-Sea, Victoria Cottage is a delightful balance of historic touches and modern convenience with room for four. This cottage makes the most of its excellent seaside location, offering a family holiday in a warm, comfortable environment.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey bungalow with an off-road parking space for two cars.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Take in all the attractions of the Welsh Borders with a stay at Virginia Cottage, a superb barn conversion on a working farm on the edge of the historic village of Burnell near Much Wenlock. The pet-friendly Shropshire farm cottage has two private patios and a modern fitted kitchen.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Walnut Cottage is a lovely converted barn near the village of Washford, Somerset. The pet-friendly holiday cottage is one of the Shells Cottages and boasts serenity, a private outdoor hot tub, light-filled spaces, a wood-burning stove, a vaulted beamed ceiling, and access to the coast and countryside.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Ward Court holiday cottage isa brick property next to the village shop.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Bright and cosy, Wards Court 1 is perfect for a romantic getaway in Gloucestershire. Updated throughout, this self-catering apartment in Frampton on Severn is a lovely idyllic village retreat for two. The River Severn and nearby countryside offer many delightful options for exploring or simply relaxing together.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built, 2-storey holiday cottage in Helmsley overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Based on a working livestock farm, Wethercote Cottage is an authentic farmhouse adjoined to the owner’s home in the heart of the North York Moors near Helmsley. This remote 2-bedroom rural retreat is ideal for walking or cycling holidays. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
An L-shaped, single-storey barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a raised flowerbed.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Overlooking picturesque green pastures, this holiday cottage near Newquay provides well-presented and attractive accommodation for up to four people, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A ground-floor rural barn conversion in Cornwall overlooks a shingle-covered courtyard.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 1

Wheal Rose is a romantic cottage tucked away in the hills near St. Newlyn East in Cornwall. The rural cottage boasts exposed beams and a delightful garden, modern comforts and proximity to the Cornish coast. Relax, connect, unwind and sample the delights of this beautiful county.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

James Court Cottage is located on the idyllic grounds of the Irton Hall Estate, just outside the peaceful Cumbria village of Santon Bridge. This cosy Lake District holiday cottage sleeps 4 with oak flooring, a wood-burning stove and excellent walking and climbing on its doorstep. Pets welcome

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Whitewashed exterior of a Cornish cottage overlooking a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Willow Cottage sleeps four and has an open fire and private patio. This beautifully furnished Cornwall holiday cottage is located in the pretty medieval town of Lostwithiel, in the Fowey River Valley, near glorious South Cornwall sandy beaches, Lanhydrock House and Gardens, and the local farmers’ market.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterrior of an eco lodge with a  covered deck and hot-tub.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A luxury lodge in the peaceful Devon countryside outside Exeter. With a huge wooden deck and sunken hot tub, this home has two en-suite bedrooms and a log burner in the spacious living room. Within just a short drive of Exeter, you can enjoy the city's vibrancy and the quiet of a lakeside setting.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Wisteria Cottage is a thoroughly modern detached cottage in an ideal location in Exmouth. The romantic cottage boasts spacious rooms and a lovely patio, plus views of the Exe estuary, allowing couples to relax and unwind after fun-filled days exploring the East Devon coast and countryside.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
1st floor exterior of a stone-built Kendal holiday cottage.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

In the Lake District charming town of Kendal, you’ll find this romantic cottage built for two nestled down a short alley just a few hundred yards from the surrounding town centre. With so much to offer in all seasons, you’ll fall in love with Wood Cottage in Cumbria.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A timbered eco-lodge sits in front of mature woods overlooking open fields.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Escape to the countryside and experience an enchanting holiday at Woodbell Lodge. This luxurious cottage is one of five detached properties located on the beautiful Wakes Hall Estate, near the village of Wakes Colne in Essex. The property is pet-friendly and features a veranda, hot tub, two en-suite bedrooms, and modern eco-technology.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to a serene getaway at Woodland Retreat Shepherd's Hut - a beautiful wooden-clad and romantic cottage situated among a forest in Brundish, Suffolk. You can snuggle up in the comfortable and modern space, unwind on the deck, and explore the lush woodland before ending the day around the outdoor fire pit. If you have a horse, you're also welcome to bring it along to enjoy this peaceful rural retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote 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.