Villas in the United Kingdom

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a villa in the United Kingdom?
• Villas in the United Kingdom: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring the United Kingdom: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in the United Kingdom?

• Villas for every occasion: From coastal homes with sea views to countryside retreats and elegant city centre town houses, the UK offers self-catering villas with space and privacy for couples, families and groups.
• Best areas to stay: Base yourself in the Lake District for walking, Cornwall for beaches, Snowdonia for mountains, Edinburgh for history or Northumberland for castles and dark skies.
• Top-rated guest favourites: Recent guests rate UK villas a perfect 10.0, praising spotless homes, welcoming hosts and beautiful settings, with many travellers returning year after year.
• Where to eat well: The United Kingdom rewards food lovers, from London's celebrated dining rooms to Cornish seafood and Welsh produce, with menus made for relaxed, special evenings.
• Things to see and do: Walk the fells, explore Edinburgh's Old Town, marvel at the Giant's Causeway, discover London's landmarks and stargaze under Northumberland's famously dark skies.

Villas across the United Kingdom suit families and couples after space, privacy and a proper home-from-home. You'll find coastal villas with sweeping sea views, countryside boltholes near the fells, and elegant town houses close to the centre of world class cities. If your dates are flexible, you might also browse cottages or self-catering short breaks for the same warm welcome at a different pace. Most villas come generously equipped, so you can settle in and relax from the moment you arrive:

• Fully equipped kitchens with hob, fridge, microwave and all the crockery you need
• Superfast wifi and a smart TV with Freeview for cosy evenings in
• Comfortable double and single beds with fresh bed linen provided
• Private gardens with picnic tables and views over the surrounding countryside
• Pet-friendly options, plus villas with pools for a real treat

Whether you're travelling as a couple, a family or a large group, there's a villa to match the occasion.

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

For first-time visitors, the Lake District and the Cornish coast are hard to beat, though the right choice depends on what you're after. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our guests consistently rate villas across the United Kingdom for their comfort, warm hosts and beautiful settings. From peaceful countryside retreats to coastal escapes, the feedback points to spotless homes, thoughtful touches and locations that make exploring easy. Many travellers tell us they return year after year, which says it all about the welcome you can expect.

Here are our top-rated villas from the past year:

1. Gylly - 10.0: A charming retreat in Cornwall, England, praised for its peaceful setting and easy access to the coast, ideal for couples or a small family seeking a quiet getaway.
2. The Waterside - 10.0: A cosy waterside hideaway in Medway, England, loved by guests for its tranquil views and intimate feel, making it a delightful bolthole for two.
3. Redwood Lodge - 10.0: Another Cornwall favourite, this welcoming retreat sleeps four and earns praise for its comfort, privacy and handy base for exploring the south west coast.

Made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom is a country steeped in fascinating history. Its natural appeal can be found in its dramatic coastlines, mountains and lakes, while its cities are filled with world famous monuments and superb entertainment options.

🥗Where to eat in the United Kingdom?

The UK is a foodie's paradise. As well as top quality home-grown ingredients, like Scottish smoked salmon or mature English cheddar, it has an excellent dining scene, with cuisines from all over the world. You'll find everything from avant-garde tasting menus to rustic home-style favourites. Here are some of our travel experts' picks for dining out:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Charlotte and Henry recommend Restaurant Sat Bains in the United Kingdom: a memorable tasting-menu evening with faultless service and thoughtful wine pairings, just right for a special occasion.

1. Explore the Lake District's fells and lakes
2. Wander Edinburgh's medieval Old Town
3. Walk the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim
4. Discover London's landmarks and museums
5. Marvel at Snowdonia's mountain scenery
6. Step back in time in the city of York
7. Tour Northumberland's castles and coastline

1. Explore the Lake District's fells and lakes

   The Lake District in Cumbria is England's largest national park, shaped by glaciers into shimmering lakes, dramatic fells and gentle valleys. Spend your days walking up Scafell Pike, cruising across Windermere or enjoying a lakeside picnic. It's a wonderful base for hiking, cycling, climbing and fishing, and the scenery that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter is every bit as magical today.

2. Wander Edinburgh's medieval Old Town

   Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is built for wandering. Climb up to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Stone of Destiny and the Crown Jewels, then stroll the cobbled Royal Mile down towards Holyrood. Browse independent shops, sample a dram at a historic whisky distillery, and soak up the atmosphere of a city famous for its annual festivals and lively, welcoming nightlife.

3. Walk the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim

   Over in County Antrim, the Giant's Causeway is one of the most extraordinary sights in the United Kingdom. Some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns step down into the sea, formed either by cooling volcanic lava or two quarrelsome giants, depending on whether you believe the geologists or the local storytellers. Follow the coastal walking trails, learn the folklore at the visitor centre, and take in the wild Atlantic views along this UNESCO World Heritage coastline.

4. Discover London's landmarks and museums

   No trip is complete without time in London. The capital packs in world-class museums, royal palaces and iconic landmarks, from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey. With free entry to museums and galleries, amazing shopping, great restaurants and incredible theatres, the capital deserves your attention.

5. Marvel at Snowdonia's mountain scenery

   In north Wales, Snowdonia National Park rewards active visitors with rugged peaks, forest trails and glassy lakes. The big draw is Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), rising to 1,085 metres and often used as training for Everest, though you can also take the mountain railway to the summit. Below, quiet valleys and waterfalls make for gentler walks.

6. Step back in time in the city of York

   The historic city of York in northern England is a joy to explore on foot. Admire the soaring York Minster, walk the medieval city walls for the best views, explore Viking sites, and lose yourself in The Shambles, a wonderfully crooked 14th-century street.

7. Tour Northumberland's castles and coastline

   For something quieter, Northumberland offers wild coastline, mighty castles and some of the darkest skies in Europe. Visit clifftop Bamburgh Castle, walk the empty beaches, and stay up after dark for spectacular stargazing in the international Dark Sky Park.