Cottages in the United Kingdom

• A cottage for every trip: From snug boltholes for two to roomy family retreats, holiday cottages across the UK come with gardens, well-equipped kitchens and plenty of pet-friendly options.
• Where to base yourself: Settle in the Lake District for the fells, Cornwall for the coast or the Cotswolds for slow countryside days, with something to suit every traveller.
• Trusted by guests: Our top-rated UK cottages earn scores of 9.0 and above, with guests praising their peaceful settings from Medway to Cumbria and rural Wales.
• Eat your way around: The UK's farm-to-table scene shines, from Moor Hall in Lancashire to Devon's Riverford Field Kitchen, perfect for dedicated foodies.
• So much to explore: Discover the Eden Project, the Giant's Causeway and the beaches of Llandudno, with adventures for couples and families alike.

The UK offers a wonderful spread of holiday cottages, from whitewashed coastal boltholes and converted barns to traditional stone cottages tucked into rolling countryside. They suit couples in search of a romantic weekend, families needing space and groups gathering for a celebration, and they sit comfortably alongside our wider range of holiday lettings across the UK and short breaks. Most cottages come thoughtfully equipped for a relaxed self-catering stay.

• Private gardens or courtyards, often with a barbecue
• Fully fitted kitchens with oven, microwave and washing machine
• Wood burners or central heating for cosy cottages with a hot tub
• Free parking and reliable Wi-Fi
• Dog-friendly cottages for trips with your four-legged companion

Whatever the size of your party, you will find a cottage that feels like a proper home from home.

What are the best areas to stay in the United Kingdom?

It depends on the kind of break you are after: the UK packs coast, mountains, countryside and historic cities into a compact island. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our UK cottages are rated highly by the guests who have stayed in them, with many earning scores of 9.0 and above out of 10. Travellers tend to highlight the peaceful settings, the warm welcome from hosts and the great locations of the cottages, making it easy to explore the surrounding countryside and coast. Reviews are only left by guests who have genuinely booked and stayed, so they give a reliable picture of what to expect before you choose your retreat.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. The Waterside - 10.0+: A peaceful waterside retreat in Medway, praised for its tranquil setting and easy access to the Kent countryside and coast.
2. Woodland Retreat - 9.7+: A secluded holiday home in Cumbria, loved by guests for its woodland surroundings on the doorstep of the Lake District.
3. Cwtch Cottage - 9.0+: A cosy cottage in Carmarthenshire, Wales, where guests enjoy a genuinely warm welcome and a quiet rural base for exploring.

The United Kingdom, with its four constituent countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. Cottages may be in the Highland wilderness of Scotland, England's charming Lake District, the peaceful Welsh Valleys, or other delightful spots.

🥗Where to eat in the United Kingdom?

When staying in a cottage in a rural British setting, look out for farm-to-table fare and local produce, which is often truly exceptional. The table below shows five highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Aisha and Ravi recommend Daylesford Organic in the Cotswolds: a beautiful farm shop and café where everything is grown or reared on the estate — perfect for a relaxed, rustic lunch after a countryside walk.

1. Explore the Eden Project in Cornwall
2. Step into the world of Legoland Windsor
3. Marvel at Norwich Cathedral
4. Meet the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
5. Walk the Giant's Causeway
6. Fly the zip lines at Zip World
7. Spend a day on the beach in Llandudno

1. Explore the Eden Project in Cornwall

   Set in a former clay pit in Cornwall, the Eden Project is home to a series of giant biomes that recreate different climates of the world. Wander through a steamy rainforest, stroll a Mediterranean garden and follow outdoor trails dotted with streams and sculptures. It's covered, making it ideal for rainy days.

2. Step into the world of Legoland Windsor

   In the town of Windsor you will find the enchanting world of Legoland. Opened in 1996, it is packed with rides and hands-on workshops where children learn how the famous bricks are made. Thrill-seekers can take on the free-fall tower, whilst younger visitors enjoy the gentle boat rides and the wonderfully detailed Miniland.

3. Marvel at Norwich Cathedral

   If you are spending your holiday in Norwich, this magnificent cathedral is not to be missed. Built between 1096 and 1145 in a blend of Norman and English Gothic styles, it is crowned by a soaring spire visible from across the city.

4. Meet the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum

   One of the most popular attractions in the country, the Natural History Museum in London tells the story of life on Earth across millions of years. The collection spans everything from glittering minerals to towering whale skeletons, but it is the dinosaur gallery that draws the biggest crowds, with a famous Triceratops skull and a strikingly lifelike Tyrannosaurus rex. Best of all, general entry is free.

5. Walk the Giant's Causeway

   On the north coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway is a remarkable formation of interlocking basalt columns. Legend has it the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to cross to Scotland without getting his feet wet. The clifftop walks along the Causeway Coast are some of the finest in the UK.

6. Fly the zip lines at Zip World

   For a hit of adrenaline, head to Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales, home to one of the country's best zip-line centres. You can take on three different lines, the Bravo, the Charlie and the Alpha, each well over a mile long. The feeling of soaring above the green valleys, slate quarries and hillsides of Snowdonia is hard to beat.

7. Spend a day on the beach in Llandudno

   Seaside fun is an essential part of any British holiday. In the Welsh county of Conwy, the resort town of Llandudno boasts a wonderful sweep of beach with golden sand and a gentle tide. Spend the day soaking up the sun, paddling in the shallows or enjoying a family picnic, then take a stroll along the elegant Victorian pier.