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.
Sometimes you need to get away without too much driving. These holiday cottages are all within two hours of London - traffic willing!
Commited to providing the best selection of quality self catering accommodation in Kent and East Sussex- Garden of England Cottages offers a selection of 70 properties for holiday lets, or longer stays.
The classic local, service based agency that knows their holiday cottages inside and out.
Flexible short stays, catered cottages, organic food deliveries, and advice on recreational activities.
Log cabins to rent in the grounds of a 16th century country house surrounded by parkland with views to the sea. The 120 acre Crowhurst Park Estate provides a
home to countless wildlife, while facilities include a pool and leisure complex.
Based near Brighton, owner Richard Harris has personally visited all of the 130+ cottages he offers. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the properties range from small studio flats,to large houses accomodating up to 20 people.
Over 100 properties across Kent and East Sussex from cottages, to barns and granaries, make for an interesting ansd unique stay in some of Englands most beautifal countryside.
For over 70 years Rumsey Holiday Homes has offered a range of properties in and around the Poole area. An innovative e-mail system can send late cancellations information for those looking for a last minute break. Virtual tours available on all properties.
Beware of low- or no-deposit offers. They look attractive, but if you have to cancel your holiday you usually lose quite a lot of money.
Based in Burford, and with a selection of properties around the Cotswolds, Manor Cottages are able to provide plenty of that honey-coloured stone experience. They offer a wide selection of holiday cottages to rent, from cosy one bedroomed apartments and cottages to a magnificent Hall that sleeps 20 people.
Established in 1978, New Forest Cottages claim to be the oldest and largest letting agency specialising in self catering holiday cottages in the historical New Forest area of the county of Hampshire in Southern England. 120 Properties ranging from quaint thatched cottages to comfortable town houses and luxury apartments.
Founded by the current owner's Mother in 1976, Mrs Jane Good Holidays boasts over 30 years of local knowledge and letting experience. A small selection of traditional cottages, with locations including Aldeburgh, Snape and Woodbridge.
Country and coastal cottages in typically English settings
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.
With around 20,000 properties across Europe, Interhome is a huge operation. The UK programme features around 120 cottages, mainly in Scotland, Ireland, London and the West Country
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.
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
Commited to providing the best selection of quality self catering accommodation in Kent and East Sussex- Garden of England Cottages offers a selection of 70 properties for holiday lets, or longer stays. [-]
The classic local, service based agency that knows their holiday cottages inside and out.
Flexible short stays, catered cottages, organic food deliveries, and advice on recreational activities.
[-]
Log cabins to rent in the grounds of a 16th century country house surrounded by parkland with views to the sea. The 120 acre Crowhurst Park Estate provides a
home to countless wildlife, while facilities include a pool and leisure complex.
[-]
Based near Brighton, owner Richard Harris has personally visited all of the 130+ cottages he offers. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the properties range from small studio flats,to large houses accomodating up to 20 people. [-]
Over 100 properties across Kent and East Sussex from cottages, to barns and granaries, make for an interesting ansd unique stay in some of Englands most beautifal countryside. [-]
For over 70 years Rumsey Holiday Homes has offered a range of properties in and around the Poole area. An innovative e-mail system can send late cancellations information for those looking for a last minute break. Virtual tours available on all properties. [-]
Based in Burford, and with a selection of properties around the Cotswolds, Manor Cottages are able to provide plenty of that honey-coloured stone experience. They offer a wide selection of holiday cottages to rent, from cosy one bedroomed apartments and cottages to a magnificent Hall that sleeps 20 people. [-]
Established in 1978, New Forest Cottages claim to be the oldest and largest letting agency specialising in self catering holiday cottages in the historical New Forest area of the county of Hampshire in Southern England. 120 Properties ranging from quaint thatched cottages to comfortable town houses and luxury apartments. [-]
Founded by the current owner's Mother in 1976, Mrs Jane Good Holidays boasts over 30 years of local knowledge and letting experience. A small selection of traditional cottages, with locations including Aldeburgh, Snape and Woodbridge. [-]
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. [-]
With around 20,000 properties across Europe, Interhome is a huge operation. The UK programme features around 120 cottages, mainly in Scotland, Ireland, London and the West Country [-]
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 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! [-]
Coast and Country Holidays boast over 120 picturesque cottages, spacious barn conversions and even a houseboat, to cater for anyone looking for a break in Norfolk and Suffolk. Self-catering holiday cottages in the beautiful Norfolk & Suffolk Coast, Broads & Countryside. [-]
Flexible start dates (outside school holidays) and flexible durations, from 3 nights up. (But a 3 night break costs 75% of a full week). A regional rural retreats, with some delightful holiday cottages in Southwold and Sandringham. [-]
Incorporating holiday cottages from English Country Cottages, Welcome Holidays and Country Holidays, Cottages4You is a great place to go if you want a a specific location or date, enabling you to choose from over 10,000 cottages. [-]
Based in Gloucestershire, Rural retreats are the most flexible agency, offering stays from as little as two nights. You certainly won't find the prices cheap, but they pitch their level of service at a high point and many customers swear by them. [-]
