As magical as Christmas is, it brings with it a fair number of stresses and strains. Let Independent Cottages take the strain out of Christmas for you and book a holiday cottage to spend the festive season in. We have romantic cottages for two, ideal for those who want to escape the Christmas mania. Log cabins set deep in the forest for a traditional family Christmas which is bound to capture the imaginations of the little ones. Luxury retreats to spoil the family at this special time of year and for large groups, we have some fantastic big houses which can cater for you, your friends and family, all under one roof. So no need to worry about space, seating, crockery and slaving over a hot stove - go away and let everyone share the cost and muck in! Read more
One of two self-catering cottages full of character ideally placed in the very heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales with extensive views. A great location for walking and cycling, the cottages are cosy all year round with a log burner and biomass heating system. Both cottages offer metered electric vehicle charging sockets (type 2). Together the cottages can sleep groups of eight.
A cosy, dog friendly wood cabin in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, just a mile from safe, sandy Broad Haven beach along a woodland path. Enjoy wonderful views from the deck, country walks from the door, and easy access to the sea. Whimsy by the Sea has WIFI, a panoramic enclosed deck and private dining patio, two parking spaces, and use of 100-acres of private grounds. Train station 15 mins.
A versatile holiday cottage well located in the picturesque seaside village of Little Haven on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. With the beach just 150 yards away and pubs on the doorstep, sea lovers and walkers will love this coastal location. A haven for wildlife.
A modern stylish Four Star Gold self-contained annex in the Hampshire village of Godshill within the New Forest National Park. Close to Fordingbridge, Wayside is an ideal place for enjoying all the forest has to offer including fabulous walking, cycling and horse riding. Family swimming passes for the pools and gym at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Stylish and modern throughout, this single level holiday home is a golfers, walkers and beach lovers dream. Saunton's 36 hole course and superb sandy beaches are close by, and there is a good choice of shops and restaurants, as well as the Tarka Trail within walking distance. Perfect for relaxing or visiting the many attractions and beaches of North Devon.
On one level and ideally situated on a quiet street close to the town centre, old harbour and coastal walk our spacious cottage is light and airy with 2 living rooms, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 of which is an ensuite), a very well equipped dining kitchen and modern shower room as well as an additional cloakroom. It really is a haven of relaxation and tranquility.
A stylish riverside holiday cottage in an enviable position in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads sitting within a private garden right on the bank of the River Bure in Wroxham. With miles of magical waterways to explore and being just ten miles from the Norfolk coastline and the City of Norwich, Sandringham Cottage is the perfect self-catering base for up to four guests from which to explore Norfolk. The mooring and private garden area make this the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy all that the Norfolk Broads has to offer from boating, kayaking, fishing in season to bird watching and photography or just relaxing and watching the world go by.
Ideally placed with views over Lake Windermere, this modern stylish holiday apartment sits in extensive grounds where guests can enjoy peace and tranquility, along with an all-weather tennis court, putting area and croquet lawn. The many amenities of Bowness-on-Windermere are just a mile away. A perfect retreat to enjoy the many attractions of the Lake District.
Drifter Holiday Cottage puts Filey Bay in full view from the living room, dining table and king-size bedroom. This three-bedroom holiday cottage in Filey sleeps six family and friends right on the seafront, with the sandy beach immediately outside and visible from the windows. Inside, you'll find two sofas, a 50-inch Smart TV, a real-flame gas stove, and a modern kitchen, plus two bathrooms upstairs. Filey's independent shops and cafés are within walking distance. This self-catering accommodation offers free, unrestricted roadside parking (subject to availability) opposite and makes a handy holiday rental for Filey Brig, Bempton Cliffs, and the Yorkshire coast.
A comfortable cosy holiday cottage in a lovely rural location within Cumbria & the Yorkshire Dales National Park near the unspoilt village of Ravenstonedale. Conveniently located for exploring the many attractions of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, ideal for walkers and bird watching. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Perfectly placed in the picturesque Somerset village of Porlock, Bracken is a one bedroom ground floor holiday apartment with garden and car parking which provides the ideal place for individuals and couples to enjoy a relaxing break and discover the many attractions of Somerset, Devon and Exmoor National Park including the South West Coastal Path and Coleridge Way. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
This spacious holiday cottage is in a quiet location opposite a recreation sports ground, a short walk from the centre of Pickering with its fantastic amenities. It's ideal for couples or families who want to walk, cycle, eat and explore their way around the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Coast. The two-bedroom bungalow sleeps four people and has recently been refurbished and redecorated throughout. There are excellent footpaths from the door and secure bike storage so you can enjoy the region's plentiful opportunities for cycling and mountain biking.
With a gorgeous garden for outside relaxing and socialising, a country-style kitchen and a cosy sitting room with log burner, Gardener's Retreat is an excellent choice for a holiday with family or friends. Sitting in an idyllic position just a short stroll from the Hampshire village of Burley in the New Forest National Park, this beautifully presented self-catering cottage is perfect whether you want to explore the areas many attractions or simply relax and unwind.
Located in the New Forest National Park midway between Lymington and Brockenhurst, this spacious holiday home provides a good self-catering base for families and couples to explore the areas many attractions. Spout House Studio is a great choice for walkers and cyclists.
A picturesque thatched holiday retreat on the edge of the New Forest National Park providing a superb self-catering base for exploring the forest, and also the many attractions of the area including Winchester, the South Coast and Stonehenge. The county town of Fordingbridge with a good choice of shops and eateries is just half a mile away. It is just 25 mins from Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs are welcome (up to 2 in Wishing Well). Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details - www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk EV charger now installed (shared use with the other cottage wing at Burgate Farmhouse)
A pretty thatched self catering holiday cottage on the edge of the New Forest, providing very comfortable holiday accommodation and an ideal base for touring the area being just a few miles from world famous Stonehenge, Bournemouth and beaches. Just half a mile from Fordingbridge with a good choice of amenities close by. Just 25 mins to Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs welcome (up to 3 in Little Thatch) - secure back garden/yard area leading off from the kitchen door. Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details. www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk EV charger now installed (shared use with other cottage wing at Burgate Farmhouse)
A detached, delightful ground level cottage, no stairs. Visit England rated 4* Stars and 100% awarded for cleanliness. Cosy gas central heating and all utilities, broadband, quality linen and towels included. Two bedrooms - a kingsize double and a twin bedroom, sleeps 4 plus a cot for an infant. Each bedroom has an en-suite shower room with wc and hand basin. Open plan living, dining and fitted kitchen maintained to a high standard, Games room and furnished garden ideal for alfresco dining. Rural aspect, superb location on New Forest / East Dorset border, perfect for a variety of sites and pursuits. Walking or cycle route into Moors Valley Country Park activities. Easy access to all areas of the New Forest National Park, Dorset heathland and your choice of beaches. Ringwood Market Town and New Forest tour bus. Children and Pets welcome. EV Charger by arrangement. Safe Direct Booking with the on-site owner - no booking fees, vat, or security deposit. Enquiries welcome. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A newly-refurbished two-bedroom, single-storey, luxury cottage with vaulted ceilings, wood burner, underfloor heating and spectacular views of Farndale in the middle of the North York Moors National Park. Tourist Board Rating: 5 Star
With a warm climate, spectacular beaches and a location that is easy to reach, Sandhead is the perfect holiday destination made even better by the fact that it always feels relaxed and uncrowded, even in the height of summer. This two-bedroom cottage sleeps up to four people and is within walking distance of the beach and village, and only 15-minutes from Stranraer. It is pet-friendly and ideal for everyone from couples to families and friends.
Honeysuckle Cottage is a beautifully presented magical Cotswold cottage quietly located on the edge of a lovely village in the heart of the Cotswolds surrounded by countryside close to Stow on the Wold. Ideally situated for exploring the nearby towns and villages offering a host of pubs, restaurants, independent shops, coffee houses and tea rooms together with numerous wonderful walks through the rolling countryside with other attractions just a short drive away.
Many owners decorate the cottage for the Christmas period, allowing you to arrive, unpack and instantly get into the Christmas spirit. Others are more than happy for you to add your own little sprinkle of Christmas magic. One of the many benefits of booking directly with the owner is that you can discuss your arrangements in advance, to ensure your Christmas is every bit as special, if not more, than normal.
Tips: To ensure Christmas runs smoothly, make sure you discuss any special requirements you have, at the point of booking with the owner (for example: the number in your party including pets; whether you can put up decorations and a tree if not supplied; whether friends are allowed to visit and the size/quantity of catering facilities such as ovens and dishwashers if you are a large group). Find out what supermarkets deliver groceries and pre-book a delivery (some owners are happy to accept deliveries ready for your arrival). Do a little research and find some good local suppliers for your turkey or goose and make sure you pre-order it. If you're planning on eating out over the festive period, book well in advance. Make sure you pack your winter woolies and walking boots so you can burn off some Christmas calories on Boxing Day. For more tips, see our Essential Cottage Christmas Checklist.
