Spoil yourself with luxury holiday cottages

You can turn that next getaway to the country into a 5-star jaunt by picking luxury holiday cottages. Whether it’s a minimoon before the big day or a family reunion with the whole crew, these sorts of accommodations promise something a little out of the ordinary. In this guide, we range from chic Cornish marinas to Scottish adventure towns in search of some of the most enticing destinations for that plush pad.

The coast of Dorset, England

Where to look for luxury cottage rentals by the coast

A high-class, self-catering stay on the coast promises to give you the freedom to explore some seriously beautiful corners of the UK. Whether your trip takes you to the South West for curling surf or the wild North for frothing waves and castles, you’re bound to find luxury stays waiting nearby.

Choose luxury cottages to rent in Cornwall

If there’s anywhere in Cornwall where the A-listers will feel right at home, it’s Padstow. With plenty of monied folk settling in the picture-perfect harbour town on the north coast of the county, there’s now a lacing of swanky restaurants and cooking schools, not to mention oodles of lavish home rentals that have deck spaces, steaming hot tubs, huge kitchens – the list goes on.

Northumberland has some luxury cottage rentals

If you’re keen to have that slice of luxury all to yourself, heading for the far-flung coast of Northumberland could be an option. The cottages around the fishing-boat-bobbing town of Seahouses spill down to meet stunning bays like Beadnell and Bamburgh. They might be top-draw attractions, but the abundance of space here means there’s always an atmosphere of wilderness and isolation.

Head to Dorset for luxury holiday cottages

There aren’t many coastal corners of the UK that can live up to the uber-chic vibes of Sandbanks in Poole. A cottage anywhere near that salt-washed strip of mansions and elegant bistros is surely going to push the luxury level through the roof – not literally, of course.

Where to look for luxury cottage rentals in the mountains

The arched backbone of the UK comes with the crags of the Pennines, topped off with the desolate Scottish Grampians and joined at the hip to Wales’s Snowdonia massifs. Together, these enticing hinterlands make for excellent countryside rendezvous. Some great destinations to consider within are listed below.

Scotland has plenty of peaks

The Cairngorms National Park occupies a whole cut-out of the Highlands of Scotland. The tiny town of Aviemore is the gateway, with its ski shops and hiking outfitters rubbing shoulders with some cosy cottage stays. Meanwhile, connoisseurs of Scotch can head to Fort William, where the Ben Nevis Distillery has aged tipples beneath the highest summit in the British Isles.

Luxury cottage rentals for 2 in Snowdonia

With over 3,000 holiday rentals in Snowdonia currently available, it should hardly come as a shock that some of them are luxurious. Real seclusion and privacy is on the table in the small village of Betws-y-Coed, which will also put you close to the great peaks, the misty Gwydyr Forest and the soaring turrets of Conwy Castle.

Lake District luxury cottage rentals

The Lake District isn’t just about seeing Scafell Pike and Windermere. It’s a land writhed in English traditions and heritage. The old home of both Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter await those who can peel themselves away from their deluxe holiday let in Ambleside. Meanwhile, stays in South Lakeland will be close to award-winning Cumbrian eateries like Michelin-starred L’Enclume.

What sorts of luxury cottage rentals are there to pick from?

Choosing a luxury cottage isn’t just about clicking book. It can be a fun and inspiring journey through some of the country’s most opulent stays. You’ll also need to consider precisely what type of home you’re after. There are 3 possibilities listed below.

Dog-friendly luxury holiday cottages

No family getaway could be complete without the floppy-eared member of the crew. Thankfully, even upscale cottages recognise this, with many providing extra space and enclosed gardens for the pooch. You’ll just need to check if your chosen place charges any extra for bringing the dog along.

Romantic luxury cottage rentals

You don’t have to crank up the square meterage of your stay to crank up the style. Many of the most sumptuous cottages in the UK are actually small and cosy. The diminutive size lets them mingle with the towns and villages of regions like Cumbria and Snowdonia, so you’ll feel worked into the local fabric. What’s more, pint-sized lounge spaces can really help get the romance flowing, particularly if there’s a wood-burning stove or fireplace present, too.

5-star luxury cottages to rent with all the frills

The very top end of the luxury cottage scale is reserved for the cream of the crop. These are the places where the 1% holiday. They invariably have swimming pools, perhaps inside and heated, and hot tubs, perhaps outside and surrounded by rolling dales or sweeping beach views. They could also wow with a rich history. The Cotswolds, for example, comes laden with Grade-listed cottages dating from the 14th century, while Kent and Sussex have castles or Tudor-era manor homes to rent.