Treat the family to a Summer holiday in a cottage in the UK or Eire  

Have a change. Stay in Britain for the summer holidays this year.  You won't have to deal with exhausting heat, uncomfortable humidity, vaccinations or strange food.   Discover the wealth that history and nature have bestowed on our green and pleasant  land.   Every corner of Britain has something special to offer.  Visitor attractions abound in the UK and Ireland - we have everything from theme parks to castles, gardens, stately homes and beaches and the most glorious countryside in the world.  

You will find the Cottages By occupancy option on the left especially useful in helping you to identify the best country cottage or apartment for your needs. Add to Favourites as you browse to check availability by sending the one email.

Self-catering Cottages and Holiday Accommodation

Holiday Cottage on Royal Deeside, Scotland - sleeps 4

Honey Cottage is a delightful semi-detached dwelling situated up a quiet lane in the village if Dinnet, in the heart of Royal Deeside. Built out of granite in the 19th century, Honey was originally used as a cottage to accomodate workers from the local estate. Nowadays, Honey Cottage offers clean and cosy accommodation to tourists and vistors, providing an excellent base for exploration, adventure or relaxation. Furbished to a very high standard throughout, Honey Cottage has an open-plan kitchen/sitting room with wood burning stove. Upstairs are 2 bedrooms - one double and one with 3/4 sized bed - and a bathroom with bath and shower. The cottage also has a clematis clad patio area to the back with seating for four with barbecue and chimniere. Rent is inclusive of all linen and towels, fuel and logs. For the hill walker, the hills of Deeside start at the front door; for the skier, the cottage is conveniently placed for both The Lecht and Glenshee ski slopes; golf, hunting, shooting, fishing, pony-trekking, gliding and many more outdoor and water sports activities are all available locally and can be arranged. Click on the cottage photograph for email link and prices.

The Old Forge is a newly available cottage with designer interior

This beautifully architected Old Forge is open to the rafters with spiral staircases accessing galleried mezzanines. Modern radiators and Swedish woodburner, oak floors throughout with attention to every designer detail. The Forge sleeps 4, in a main bedroom and a mezzanine gallery. The superior bedroom has a superking size bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, a roll top bath in the bedroom and a separate bathroom/wc with pottery basins on a slate surface. The mezzanine bedroom has a kingsize mattress and plenty of storage space with its own separate shower room and loo. Find out more about this new luxury property in Kington, Herefordshire. Please click on the image of the living room in the cottage for details, or telephone Jo on 01544 340 241

More cottages with beautiful designer interiors

June and September availability in Leicestershire - rural cottage

spacious sitting/dining area hot tub to relax in   Give yourself a treat with a mid-week or weekend break in this newly renovated and smart cottage in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside.   Indoor hot tub or spa bath available for pampering and relaxing. Enjoy a soak watching the sunset.   Underfloor heating, en-suite bathroom, beautiful kitchen with fridge/freezer, washing machine and dryer, power showers, and all mod cons..  The cottage/bungalow sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. Take a peek at what's on offer here. It's a popular cottage so book now before it's gone.  Weekend and weekly bookings available for summer 2009. Call Jean on 01949 860 640 to book

High quality barn conversion in north Essex - available during school summer holidays

The Granary The Granary is a 3 Bedroom luxury cottage in Constable Country, on the Essex-Suffolk border, just a few minutes from the beautiful village of Dedham and the old waterfront town of Manningtree on the Stour estuary.  Spend a while in the Finnish Sauna followed by the Spa pool on your private patio overlooking open pastures. Sit by the log burning stove and watch any of the Satellite channels with theatre sound dvd/video. The bedrooms also have TV/videos. 2 double bedrooms plus 1 twin room and 3 - bath/showerooms (1 en-suite). A double sofa bed is downstairs. The kitchen is equipped, as you would expect plus a few little extras like a choice of crushed or cubed ice "on tap" and a professional range cooker. Available dates: The Tendring Agricultural Show is on during that period with show jumping and other family events. This is a superb self-catering barn conversion in an attractive part of north Essex, close to numerous historic villages and interesting tourist attractions. Beaches are nearby. Perfect for a family holiday. Telephone Robert on 01206 397248

A pretty country cottage (bungalow) in the Essex countryside

Rookery Lodge - for up to 6 people Cosy picturesque newly refurbished Holiday cottage / bungalow with half an acre of garden, can sleep up to 6 people, on a quiet arable farm. No livestock except five horses.  Duck pond nearby. The cottage is within walking distance of Dedham village in Constable country and numerous walks through beautiful countryside including by Flatford Mill. The beaches of Mersea, Frinton, Harwich, and Felixstowe are just half an hour away for days out on the beach. Orford, Aldeburgh, Dunwich, and Southwold on the Suffolk coast, the university city of Cambridge are only 1 hour away. And only 15 minutes from historic Colchester with its castle museum, and Ipswich. Lots of interesting places to visit in north Essex and south Suffolk for days out. Dining area Lounge The location is ideal for families with children.  There's a garden to play in, nearby beaches to visit and lots of other interesting things to do for a fun packed activity holiday. Several dates available in July, August and September.  Telephone Andrew on 01206 230488,   or 07720 842743 now.  This is a recommended cottage.

Self-catering apartments and other accommodation in the Isle of Wight This interesting 2 bedroom thatched cottage, restored to the highest standard, with the accent on character, won the Island Conservation Award for 2006. It is situated within the grounds of an historic manor house in 60 acres of beautiful downland with splendid views, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The cottage is very comfortably furnished and sleeps up to 4 people. At the entrance gate there is a large pond, so sit here for a while and feed the ducks. A bridle path leads to a network of footpaths and bridle paths that run across the island. You are welcome to bring your own horse, carriage and horse box, and enjoy the superb out-riding from the property. Alternatively, you might enjoy metal detecting on this site where there has been a house since the 13th century. Click on cottage photo to inspect this lovely secluded holiday cottages in the Isle of Wight.  More cottages in the Isle of Wight?

Upper Trereece - brand new barn conversion in Herefordshire for up to 10 people

Upper Trereece is a superbly comfortable home for 8 people. It is fitted with all new appliances including a Rangemaster electric/gas cooker, and is ideal for people who want to have a 'get away from it all' holiday in the wonderful Herefordshire countryside.  It is a 'home from home' and not simply a holiday let. The barn features exposed beams, a sitting room room with a welcoming log burning fire, a large galleried entrance hall with table tennis, a 27ft kitchen/dining room, a utility room and cloakroom. Upstairs are 2 double bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom, the other with an en-suite shower room, and 2 further twin bedrooms sharing a family bathroom.  Outside, there is a secure courtyard with patio, garden furniture and a barbecue. Take the opportunity to visit Herefordshire's Black and White villages and enjoy the peace and quiet of its setting. Telephone 01604 696 889 for bookings and availability or click on photographs for more information of this new self-catering accommodation in Herefordshire

Self-catering accommodation in Yorkshire Headon Farm award winning cottages near Scarborough. Enjoy our truly peaceful setting. Located along a quiet country lane, this unspoilt corner of Yorkshire was once part of the Wyedale estate and the nearby Hall is still used as a retreat by the Diocese of York. It is a world away yet only a mile from the A170 Scarborough-Pickering road giving easy access to coast, moors, York and Vale of Pickering. Village Shops and pubs are only a few minutes drive away. We try our best to provide the quality and standards we ourselves would expect, which we feel is reflected in the number of guests who return each year. Telephone: 01723 859019

A country cottage in Suffolk for the summer holidays

This charming Suffolk pink 18th century cottage is set in its own pretty garden providing a quiet and peaceful setting. Here the use of your own patio, BBQ and garden furniture can be enjoyed. 

cosy lounge with wood burner	dining table

The large double fronted sitting/dining room with traditional Suffolk brick flooring and tasteful decoration create a light airy atmosphere. The log burner and quality soft furnishings provide a warm and cosy feeling, giving the room the relaxed comfort and style of period living. It's the ideal place to leave the troubles of the world behind you and simply enjoy the moment. 

• Bedroom One is fully furnished with a double bed (duvet and linen included). On request a cot with mattress can be provided in this room (no linen or covers included).  
• Bedroom Two is small and is fully furnished with a single bed (duvet and linen provided). 
• The downstairs Bathroom has a bath with a "shower over" (flannels and towels provided). 
• The Kitchen is fully equipped with refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, coffee filter machine and so on (towel, tea towels, etc provided). 
• There is a separate shared Utility Room with washing machine and tumble dryer. 

The cottage has full central heating; its own garden with patio, furniture, and BBQ; TV and DVD/CD player; and off road parking. A complete supply of logs and kindling are supplied for the log burner. Rose Cottage, with its semi-detached neighbour Apple Tree Cottage (one double bedroom), can sleep in total 5 plus a cot. Together they comprise Owl Leisure.

The cottage is set in the heart of the Suffolk Countryside. Cycle route No.1 winds its way down the quiet lane which passes the garden gate. It is in the tiny hamlet of Sibton Green, just outside Yoxford. Minsmere, Dunwich and North Warren reserves are within easy reach, and the whole area is ideal for walking, cycling, bird watching and sailing. Steeped in natural beauty the Heritage Coastal towns of Aldburgh and Southwold are just a 20 minute drive. Slightly closer is the world famous Snape Malting concert hall with its international musical offerings and in particular its annual weekly festival in June. In addition to the local village shops in Yoxford (including antique and art galleries) and Peasenhall (home of Emmetts the delicatessen featured in Rick Stien's recent TV programme), the local market town of Halesworth is only 4 miles away.

Telephone Don on 01708 250676, or 07711 526252 or click on a cottage photograph for more information and interior photographs.

There are many more beautiful cottages in Suffolk to choose from... including luxury cottages in Suffolk

Bluegate Farm Country Cottages, near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

Two country cottages, on a farm, just an hour north of London, with good countryside views.  Lots of availability - new cottages this summer.

Each cottage sleeps 2-6 people. Private garden area with furniture. Many places to visit and plenty of things to do in Bedfordshire. 

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, is only 10 minutes drive in the car, and the beautiful National Trust Ashridge Forest and Ivinghoe Beacon with fantastic views and many different walks for all abilities. Woburn Safari Park and Woburn Abbey - 15 minutes away. The centuries old village of Aldbury, just below Ashridge, with it’s famous stocks is well worth a visit.  London is about an hour's drive away and convenient for day trips to museums, exhibitions, and tourist attractions.

Click cottage image for bookings and availability.

Self-catering accommodation Cornwall

Tamar Cottage (sleeps 6). Self-catering holiday cottage in Cornwall with excellent country views over the lovely Tamar Valley. Near Looe and 30 Miles from the Eden Project. Pet friendly and Families welcome. 

Situated on a holiday park with swimming, tennis, fitness and games room and other facilities. Golf, Horse riding, beaches, country walks, fishing, cycling, Eden project, Historic places nearby. Retreat in the heart of the West Country.

To stay in this pretty cottage click on the photograph.

More self-catering holidays in Cornwall....

Kingfisher Lodge in Hoveton, Norwich is within 30 minutes of seaside resorts such as Great Yarmouth and Cromer with funfairs, wildlife parks and many other attractions suited to families with young children. A boat is provided for guests to use.

Kingfisher Lodge is available for several dates during the summer holidays.  It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.   Tel 01603 782309

Charming country house near Ludlow, Herefordshire, with availability this summer.

Sleeps 14 in a Grade II Listed Queen Anne House + 5 in a 2 bedroom cottage if required.  This country house is located in an isolated romantic setting between Hay-on-Wye and Ludlow on the Welsh border.  It  has 3 reception rooms, 7 double or twin bedrooms including a four poster room and a French bedroom, and 3 bathrooms.  Cordon-bleu cookery delivered to your door on request.  

View details under Herefordshire. Short breaks available.

 A week of outdoor bliss in Ambleside, Cumbria, in the Lake District - sleeps 2

This captivating Period Lakeland hideaway is a special and romantic retreat for couples of all ages and for any special occasion – even honeymoon.

'Olde worldy' character and charm blend so effortlessly with modern 'state of the art' contemporary finish and we think you will agree, Church View is a real Lakeland gem.

Appropriately named and overlooking a simply stunning old church, all rooms enjoy the fabulous views over rooftops towards our famous mountains. Loughrigg Fell appears to be so close you cannot help but attempt to reach its summit. Tucked away in a gently elevated setting just above the center of this delightful and picturesque village. Yet you could not be handier for the wealth of excellent restaurants, local shops and pubs this enchanting setting has to offer. Walks are in abundance straight from this property and after a hard day on our fells you will be longing to return to the many delights this hideaway provides.

Telephone 07999 954 943 or click on the cottage photograph and book a cottage for your summer holiday now. 

Luxury cottage in Devon - several dates available, call now

Stay in the Lodge for a perfect family holiday in Devon. The Lodge is located in the Colmer Country Estate with many facilities for families including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a gym for fitness enthusiasts, tennis court, fishing lake, croquet lawn, boules, table tennis, basket ball net, stabling and a paddock for horses should you wish to bring your own.

Both indoor and outdoor swimming pools	Sitting room with wood burner

Equipped to a 5 star standard, the lodge offers guests a south-facing secluded enclosed garden - a real sun trap and perfect for families. There is a barbecue for informal meals. Three bedrooms accommodate up to 6 or 8 with cot and z bed, 2 bathrooms. All essential kitchen appliances are supplied including washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, breadmaker, dishwasher and a large dining table to seat 8. The sitting room has a wood burning stove, widescreen TV and DVD. Private parking.

The Colmer Estate has 28 acres of its own beautiful and peaceful private grounds which include full access to woodlands, a private fishing lake and meadows. It is wonderfully situated in the heart of the South Hams - an area of outstanding natural beauty in South Devon. There are many beautiful beaches, Dartmoor and the pretty towns of Dartmouth, Totnes and Salcombe all within easy reach.

Telephone 01548 821702, or 07855 475058 for availability and bookings or click on one of the photographs for more information about this luxury cottage in Devon and the local area.

More holiday home rentals in Devon

Harmony Cottage in the Forest of Dean, sleeps 9:

Detached and set on the hillside in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean, the Grade II cottage is a wonderful retreat surrounded by mature gardens on various levels from which to absorb the glorious views which are far reaching and take in the River Severn. 

Harmony Cottage sleeps 9 and offers much warmth, charm and character with inglenook fireplaces, beams and flagstone floors at different levels. This property has central hearing and is ideal for family get togethers and small walking groups because it has a dining hall plus three separate sitting rooms affording much space.

Click on the photograph of the cottage for details of self-catering in the Forest of Dean

Self-catering cottages in Conwy, Wales

Smart 4 star self-catering holiday cottages in Conway Wales

Situated in rural surrounding along side a stream with magnificent views of surrounding hills and open fields, yet just over 1 mile from the historical walled town of Conwy, local beaches and golf course.

The cottage has 2 bedrooms - one double and one single. The bedrooms have beautifully romantic pure Egyptian cotton sheets and deep duvets to dream and relax in. The cottage has a comfortable and cosy lounge suite, fully equipped with colour TV, DVD player, music CD system, and original inglenook fireplace with log burner - all beneath the original beamed ceilings,a beautifully designed and very well equipped kitchen and dining area. You'll find a fully automatic washing machine, tumble dryer and deep freezer available in the laundry room.

Outside, you can relax in our beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, sun house, pagoda and even a raised decked area with stream running beneath, also with various lawns.

Please click on the photograph to find out more about this Welsh country cottage.

Newly available 3 bedroom self-catering cottage in the Gower Peninsula, Wales

Honeywell cottage is a lovely 100 year old single floor stone built cottage situated in the small village of Oxwich, South Gower. The cottage is within walking distance of Oxwich Bay (recently voted No.1 beach in the UK and 3rd in the world), Oxwich Castle and 2 nature reserve. It is central to all the delights of the outstandingly beautiful Gower Peninsula. The views are magnificent and on a clear day, you can see to Devon, Lundy Island and over towards Pembroke.

It has just begun to be offered for self-catering lets therefore lots of availability in the summer holidays and also outside them.

The cottage is stylishly decorated with a minimalist approach. It is double glazed and has a full oil fuelled central heating system. It has wooden and tiled flooring throughout so may be suitable for people with allergies or young children. All doors, hall way and bathroom are wide for easy access, and it is on one level suitable for people with limited mobility.

It has 3 bedrooms which sleep up to 8 people. All rooms have NEW Dorma bed linen and feather pillows and quilts. The main area of the cottage is open-plan with a modern fitted kitchen/dinner which has all cooking utensils, dish washer (well you are on holiday!) washing machine, fridge, larder fridge (no need to go back into Swansea to stock up once you arrive!), and separate freezer, microwave, electric cooker with timer, steamer, toaster, kettle, iron, ironing board, vacuum, rotary line, dining room table with 6 chairs.

The living area has a large leather three pieces suite, portable stereo, TV, DVD player, selection of novels and books on Gower. From the living area and dining area you can see all the views from Oxwich to Three Cliffs Bay. The spacious bathroom is fully fitted with walk in shower cubical with POWER shower and separate bath, wash basin and toilet.

Outside has a large patio area, with elevated decking area allowing you to relax and admire the amazing views of Oxwich Bay, Cefy byn, Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Castle. It has stylish garden furniture (chairs, table, parasol and bench) decking lights and outdoor electrical point. The cottage has ample parking for cars, boat or jet ski, an out door hose to wash boats/ski’s after use and ample safe storage for outdoor leisure equipment.

Short breaks out of season – Friday to Friday rental. Please phone rather than email due to problems with spam filters. Lots of availability now onwards - newly available for letting.

Self-catering Cottages in Scotland

Lots of holiday cottages available over the school holidays.   We cannot praise the scenery in Scotland enough - there are just so many stunning locations inland or on the coast. It remains unspoilt and great to tour because of little traffic outside cities.

Grampian has a superb coastline with some of the longest and cleanest sandy beaches in Britain.  In spring,  the coastline alive with noisy breeding gulls and other sea birds.   There are castles and whisky distilleries to visit, museums, art galleries, golf, and parks to enjoy.  

 Take a look at the cottages in Grampian, in the Scottish Highlands and the West of Scotland.  Scotland is a good summer holiday destination for families, it's close to some of the best sandy beaches, picturesque harbours and fishing villages.  You will discover a new freedom. Go fishing, sailing, walking, bird watching.  A truly wonderful holiday can be yours.

holiday cottages in Scotland - choose a holiday cottage or pine lodge for your next summer holiday.

Tayside

A little further south in Scotland, why not enjoy sunny summer weather with a round of golf on one of Britain's most prestigious golf courses: Gleneagles.   Book a self-catering house or apartment for a golfing holiay.  Golf, special events etc. can be arranged. Take a look at golf holidays available here.

 Back to Yorkshire

Headon Farm - award winning cottages near Scarborough. Enjoy our truly peaceful setting. Located along a quiet country lane, this unspoilt corner of Yorkshire was once part of the Wyedale estate and the nearby Hall is still used as a retreat by the Diocese of York. It is a world away yet only a mile from the A170 Scarborough-Pickering road giving easy access to coast, moors, York and Vale of Pickering.

Village Shops and pubs are only a few minutes drive away. We try our best to provide the quality and standards we ourselves would expect, which we feel is reflected in the number of guests who return each year. 

Click on cottage for details.