Learn the secrets of finding a great holiday cottage at a great price.
Our tips on how to find the perfect cottage explains why, for example, more expensive does not mean better (really – it's true), why late bargains are so hard to find with cottage holidays, how to get your money back if you're not happy, and how to pay less for a fantastic place than other people are paying.
Many of the largest UK cottage rental agencies are owned and operated by US-based Cendant Vacation Rental Group, including:
English Country Cottages
Country Holidays
Welcome Holidays
Cottages4you
Blakes Cottages
Stilwells
You can search across all of their properties at Cottages4You
Smaller independent agencies can be harder to find, but it is often worth the effort because they have some of the best holiday cottages and can offer good local advice. This site features many independent agencies which we have selected, with a brief introduction to each of them. Just click through when you find an agency that looks right for you.
Welcome to more choice of UK holiday cottages than ever!
We are currently hand-picking over one thousand outstanding holiday cottages and luxury log cabins across the UK. Check out the regions on the left in green to see the areas already complete. Of course you can still see our directory of holiday cottage agencies too, local specialists from Cornwall to Scotland. We believe in self-catering holidays, and especially in helping people to find the perfect place to stay in the UK. We hope these changes will help you to find your ideal holiday cottage.
Over 750 holiday cottages from a family run business successfully letting self catering accommodation for over 30 years. Covering the entire West Country we offer a wide variety of holiday cottages across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Nestling in the dramatic beauty of the North Yorkshire National Park, Keldy has miles of woodland trails to explore by bicycle or on foot.
Close by is the spectacular scenery of open moorland and picturesque market towns. You’re near to the sea too, with the old smuggler's haunts of Robin Hood’s Bay close at hand.
In the heart of the Cotswolds, near the traditional village of Kingham, relax on the deck of your own luxury lodge, featuring stylish, contemporary interiors and spacious external decking, and complete with sunken outdoor hot tub. Cycle hire and fishing available, plus the antique shops and lovely pubs of the Cotswolds.
A unique collection of over 370 holiday cottages for you in outstanding locations in England, Wales and N. Ireland. Some also have discounts for late availability. NT have large venues and hotels too.
With more than 30 years of experience Classic Cottages offer over 700 holiday cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Their selection of hand-picked cottages are regularly inspected to ensure cottages are of the highest standard.
On the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, beneath Skiddaw Mountain these holiday lodges offer a spectacular setting in one of the most gloriously unspoilt areas in the Lake District.
This small park is proud holder of Visit Britain's 'Best Park in England' award and the David Bellamy Gold award for conservation. Where better for a log cabin holiday?
You will normally be asked for a deposit when you book, with the balance to be paid around two months before your holiday.
Mackay's have close to 500 holiday cottages in Scotland, and claim to have an unrivalled selection - something to suit everyone. They inspect their cottages and have a grading scheme to match expectations to the style of holiday cottage being offered.
This is different! Living Architecture came about from a desire to shift perceptions of modern architecture. They have asked a series of great architects to design houses around Britain and are making these available to rent for holidays all year round. Not cheap, but definitely special.
The local specialists for Lake District holiday cottages with offices in Keswick, Windermere and Carlisle. Over 600 country cottages with a minimum 3 star rating should enable you to find something suitable. Open 7 days a week.
Bluestone offers luxurious, contemporary, eco-friendly timber lodges to rent, plus an enchanting rural setting in glorious Pembrokeshire, and a spa! The adjacent indoor waterpark and sports club offer all- weather activity and entertainment.
Pride themselves on providing great holiday cottages and apartments in top locations throughout Devon and Cornwall. Choose from over 750 luxury 4* and 5* self catering holiday cottages. Green Tourism Award 2010 - Gold
Deerpark is a hidden gem that nestles in a secluded valley in one of Cornwall's forests.
The cabins integrate into the valley sides and afford breath-taking views of the surrounding woodlands and water. And Cornwall beaches are never far away.
Cottage Search by Date. Are you tied to specific dates for your holiday? If so, you need to search a large selection of cottages.
The biggest choices come from Hoseasons and Cottages4You. You can search across all of their properties at Hoseasons Cottages and Cottages4You
Bournecoast are the area's leading supplier of self-cat... [+]
Bournecoast are the area's leading supplier of self-catering accommodation in Bournemouth and surrounding area and are proud of being a family business since 1960. You can choose from a large selection of studio apartments and family accommodation in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding areas. [-]
Around 250 holiday cottages across Devon, Cornwall, Dor... [+]
Around 250 holiday cottages across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, nicely displayed on a clickable map which can drill down to more local areas. [-]
A small selection of holiday homes in and around West S... [+]
A small selection of holiday homes in and around West Sussex. If you want to get sea front in West Wittering or Bracklesham Bay these are the people to get you there! [-]
Log cabin holidays just get better and better!
This ... [+]
Log cabin holidays just get better and better!
This new site has cabins from one to four bedrooms. Not content with luxury interiors, wood-burners and hot tubs, the latest feature is an add-on treehouse. The kids will just love you for this!
Easy access from most of Southern England.
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Based in the villages of Elie and Earlsferry in Fife, n... [+]
Based in the villages of Elie and Earlsferry in Fife, near St Andrews, Elie Letting offers over 60 properties. This cpicturesque oastal village, centred around a sheltered sandy bay has two golf courses and numerous other attractions making it an ideal location for a Scottish seaside holiday. [-]
If you want the security of booking with a big operator... [+]
If you want the security of booking with a big operator then they don't come any bigger than Thomson. Wide range of Villas with a big flight programme too, from Aruba to Sri Lanka [-]
Both the beaches and York are only a short drive away
There's something for everyone, wether it's fishing you... [+]
There's something for everyone, wether it's fishing you enjoy, going to the beach or shopping in York city centre all these places are very easily accesible from the lodges. Each lodge comes with an outdoor hot tub making it perfect for a romantic getaway. [-]
The company which practically invented the gite concept... [+]
The company which practically invented the gite concept almost 40 years ago. Your VFB cottage will be well-located and well-equipped, with helpful service on tap in the office. [-]
Situated in the Nant Ffrancon Valley in the foothills o... [+]
Situated in the Nant Ffrancon Valley in the foothills of Snowdonia, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The River Ogwen runs through the grounds with waterfalls, pools and nearly a mile of river frontage, while just a mile away is the old traditional Welsh slate village of Bethesda. [-]
Located south of Coniston Water, These two cabins benef... [+]
Located south of Coniston Water, These two cabins benefit from a solar combination heating system, backed up with the comfort of a log burner also fitted with back boiler.
All natural products have been used as much as possible, with the handmade wooden kitchen, roll top bath & shower, cast iron radiators & natural flooring materials. [-]
Appledore is situated on the mouth of the Taw and Torri... [+]
Appledore is situated on the mouth of the Taw and Torridge Estuary on the beautiful North Devon Coast. It has unspoilt charm and is a lovely place to saty. Since 1974 Appledore Letting Agency has been letting cottages in the village. [-]
Beside the seaside village of Kippford this park is per... [+]
Beside the seaside village of Kippford this park is perfect for nature lovers. It even boasts a rare red squirrel population. Your holiday lodge is double glazed and has spectacular views. Best of all, you get the Scottish experience with a lot less driving than the Highlands! [-]
Specialised service from Emily Boriosi and her team. Si... [+]
Specialised service from Emily Boriosi and her team. Since 1977 Cornish Holiday Cottages offer a boutique-portfolio of properties in the cosmopolitan Marina town of Falmouth and the romantic ‘Du Maurier' setting of The Helford and surrounding areas.
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These luxury lodges are an ideal place for a romantic g... [+]
These luxury lodges are an ideal place for a romantic getaway. Each lodge comes with an outdoor hot tub with one coming with your own private sauna. These lodges are in the ideal location for exploring the stunning Wales countryside. [-]
Country and coastal cottages in typically English settings
A selection of holiday cottages in 12 counties includin... [+]
A selection of holiday cottages in 12 counties including Devon, Somerset and Cornwall, several character cottages in Kent and Sussex; and a wide selection in Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, including Salisbury and the New Forest. [-]
