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?
Everyone wants the cottage with great pictures! Sometimes a great cottage can be disguised by distinctly ordinary photography, so try and look beyond the first impression.
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
Idyllic cottages in Dorset and the South of England
Dream Cottages have over 300 holiday cottages in Dorset... [+]
Dream Cottages have over 300 holiday cottages in Dorset and the surrounding counties for you to choose from. They have cottages at the Seaside or in the countryside and cottages that welcome pets. Dream Cottages offer self catering accommodation suitable for short breaks or long lets. [-]
From their base in the Scottish borders Unique (formerl... [+]
From their base in the Scottish borders Unique (formerly Ecosse Unique) offer over 150 holiday homes in Scotland, and an excellent map-based search. Well worth a look. [-]
Dream Ireland Holiday Homes claim to offer the largest ... [+]
Dream Ireland Holiday Homes claim to offer the largest selection of over 3000 self catering holiday homes, apartments, cottages and holiday parks located all over Ireland. [-]
Mackay's have close to 500 holiday cottages in Scotland... [+]
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.
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Nestled in a 70 acre private estate, this small collect... [+]
Nestled in a 70 acre private estate, this small collection of just 11 log cabins offers visitors stunning scenery and the tranquil surroundings of famous Yorkshire Ilkley Moor. Sunken hot tubs, decks, and food delivery to your lodge are available. [-]
A selection of 60+ holiday homes in the heart of the La... [+]
A selection of 60+ holiday homes in the heart of the Lake District. Perfect for an Autumn or Winter break, with various special offers available on the website. [-]
Over 750 holiday cottages from a family run business su... [+]
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. [-]
Some wonderful holiday homes on offer here, at places l... [+]
Some wonderful holiday homes on offer here, at places like Rievaulx Abbey, Witley Court and Dover Castle, often with 5-star contemporary interiors. And the web site at last has online availability, if not booking. Stay in a piece of history! [-]
Sometimes a simple country cottage just won't do. The r... [+]
Sometimes a simple country cottage just won't do. The range of 700 properties here runs from holiday cottages to grand houses and privately-owned castles, where the owners are happy to help you arrange caterers, a Scots piper, marquee or a band. [-]
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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Extensive East Anglian self catering accommodation
Coast and Country Holidays boast over 120 picturesque c... [+]
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. [-]
Dartmouth Holiday Homes has pet friendly cottages, flat... [+]
Dartmouth Holiday Homes has pet friendly cottages, flats and houses ideal as a base for the beach and coast and country walks. All properties are within the beautiful town of Dartmouth in South Devon, at the mouth of the River Dart. [-]
Properties accomodating up to 30 people make a perfect ... [+]
Properties accomodating up to 30 people make a perfect location for a special occasion in the spectacular Lake District. Many properties are over 100 years old, as well as having tradtitional log-fires and exposed beams. [-]
Imagine Ireland are now well-established in letting Iri... [+]
Imagine Ireland are now well-established in letting Irish holiday cottages. They take care of all the ferry arrangements, and are much cheaper than other operators. A top selection of country cottages across Ireland, and they would be very happy to advise if you have any special requirements. [-]
Long established Skipton agency specialising in Yorkshi... [+]
Long established Skipton agency specialising in Yorkshire Dales and Moors, but with a growing portfolio of English and Scottish country cottages. Special searches include eco friendly, with pool, and near a good pub.
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This is the classic agency founded by cottage owners wh... [+]
This is the classic agency founded by cottage owners who thought they could do it better. And they must be on the ball, as they now have over 200 cottages to rent in the Lake District and Eden Valley. Open 'til eight, seven days a week. [-]
Marsdens offer holiday cottages around the spectacular ... [+]
Marsdens offer holiday cottages around the spectacular North Devon coast including Croyde, Woolacombe, and Combe Martin as well as Exmoor. Many properties are in or close to National Trust land, and enjoy spectacular views over beaches and the coastline. [-]
