Summer holiday UK cottage breaks

Why choose a cottage for your UK summer holiday

A self-catering cottage gives you something a hotel rarely can: space, flexibility and a base that actually feels like yours. In summer that matters more than ever. Having a kitchen for big family dinners or beach picnic prep helps save money on eating out during peak season, while having a garden to spill out into on a warm evening, ideally with a barbecue and a hot tub, means you have the perfect summer setting right on your doorstep. You could even have your own private swimming pool to cool off in. Our cottages across the UK range from traditional stone farmhouses surrounded by lush green countryside to luxury coastal properties with sea views from the terrace, so there really is a summer home away from home to suit everyone. Many of our cottages are also dog-friendly, which makes a summer cottage break one of the few holiday options where the whole family - four-legged members included - can come along without compromise. Whether you're after a week of beach-hopping on the Cornish coast, a few days of hiking in the Yorkshire Dales or a long weekend of dolphin-spotting in Pembrokeshire, a self-catering cottage puts you close to the places you actually want to explore in summer, on your own terms.

Things to do on a UK summer holiday

Summer in the UK feels pretty special. Both coast and countryside open up in the most inviting way: from the refreshing waves that beckon you in for a dip to the open moorland that lures you to explore a little further off the beaten path. In summer, prime seaside destinations like Cornwall, Devon and the Pembrokeshire Coast offer an energy and an atmosphere that's hard to beat. Days are best spent building sandcastles and collecting shells on the beach; testing your balance on a surfboard or paddleboard; heading out on a boat trip to spot dolphins and puffins; and dining on fresh seafood with a breathtaking view of where it came from. Of course, a UK summer holiday is broader than just a coastal break. Inland, the national parks have plenty to offer for families, couples and solo travellers alike. From hiking in the Lake District and cycling around Snowdonia to wild swimming in the Scottish Highlands and picnicking in the Yorkshire Dales, there's no end to exciting summer activities to enjoy in the UK countryside.

Not a fan of the heat? You're not alone. Frequent heatwaves are driving a new trend for "coolcations" - holidays in cooler climates, like the North of England and Scotland. Check out our coolcation cottages for the best places to escape the heat on your summer holiday.