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?
If you do have a problem, ask the owner or caretaker to resolve it. If that doesn't work - call the agency straight away. Don’t suffer for a week then write a letter – too late!
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
Devon Lodges with hot tubs, fishing and tranquility
Cottage style lodges in stone and timber, all with hot ... [+]
Cottage style lodges in stone and timber, all with hot tubs. On the Devonshire/Somerset border with fishing on the doorstep in a delightful, totally clear old lime-transport canal which is now a country park. [-]
Norfolk Country Cottages are the region's leading holid... [+]
Norfolk Country Cottages are the region's leading holiday letting agency, and offer more than 350 properties- ranging from quaint cottages, to larger homes sleeping up to 18. [-]
Just under 40 cottages in popular destinations througho... [+]
Just under 40 cottages in popular destinations throughout Cornwall, such as Truro and Falmouth. All are well equipped, and many welcome pets. Perfect for an animal loving family! [-]
The county with a National Park and great beaches!
Based in the heart of Northumberland between Alnwick an... [+]
Based in the heart of Northumberland between Alnwick and the beautiful sandy beaches of the Northumbrian Heritage Coastline, Northumberland Cottages offer a wide variety of quality self-catering accommodation.
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In the heart of the Cotswolds, near the traditional vil... [+]
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. [-]
Country cottages in - surprise - the Brecon Beacons
With over 300 holiday cottages set around the Brecon Be... [+]
With over 300 holiday cottages set around the Brecon Beacons, the Black mountains and the Welsh Marches, Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages offer properties ideal for a relaxing break or walking holiday in Wales. [-]
Founded by the current owner's Mother in 1976, Mrs Jane... [+]
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. [-]
Fowey was described by Country Life magazine as one of ... [+]
Fowey was described by Country Life magazine as one of the quaintest little towns in Britain and one of the top three places to live in the country. Estuary Cottages has 90 properties in and around the Fowey Estuary in Cornwall - each with its own caretaker to guarantee the highest standards. [-]
Over 20 years experience in the Northern Lake District.... [+]
Over 20 years experience in the Northern Lake District. Lakeland Cottage Holidays personal service and wide range of country cottages has helped develop a loyal customer base [-]
Around 300 Irish holiday cottages, all beautifully phot... [+]
Around 300 Irish holiday cottages, all beautifully photographed, with keen pricing and a loyal following of both cottage owners and customers. A quality operation which has been going for over 30 years [-]
For over 70 years Rumsey Holiday Homes has offered a ra... [+]
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. [-]
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. [-]
This is different! Living Architecture came about from ... [+]
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. [-]
If you like your breakfast in bed brought by a butler, ... [+]
If you like your breakfast in bed brought by a butler, then these are the folks for you. Since 1986 Blandings has offered privately-owned country houses available for holiday rental in Britain - and recently extended to include southern Europe. [-]
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. [-]
Based in Deganwy, across the water from Conway on the N... [+]
Based in Deganwy, across the water from Conway on the North Wales coast. North Wales Holiday Cottages & Farmhouses (NWHC&F) is a long-established agency providing self-catering holidays in North Wales. The staff have all lived and worked in the area for many years and between them have first-hand knowledge of all the properties. [-]
Looking for an english country cottage in a spectacular... [+]
Looking for an english country cottage in a spectacular location, but without the crowds? Sally's cottages lie mainly in the quieter Western Lakes, featuring places like Eskdale, Wasdale and Scafell Pike. [-]
