Located in an enviable position in the pretty village of Fylingthorpe and within walking distance of Robin Hood's Bay in the North York Moors National Park, Alpha House is the perfect getaway for families who enjoy the outdoors. With several footpaths from the house, you can enjoy a new walk and stunning views each day of your holiday. Spend a day on the beach, explore Whitby Abbey and take a steam train into the moors. Alpha House sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and can be booked with Alpha Cottage to accommodate groups of up to ten people.
As long as you've got the legs for it, you won't need a car once you arrive at Barn Cottage. The pretty one-bedroom cottage is in the Peak District village of Birchover, within walking distance of two friendly pubs serving food and having direct access to footpaths and cycling routes from the door. Walking, bouldering, caving and climbing are all popular, as are mountain biking and road cycling. Bakewell and Chatsworth House are just over five miles away, with other local attractions, including the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Spa, Buxton, and Alton Towers. Barn Cottage is ideal for couples or individual visitors, offering comfortable accommodation in all seasons.
A beautifully restored white washed terraced holiday cottage on the High Street in the pretty village of Dent in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Croft Cottage is just a two-minute walk to two fantastic pubs, the village shop and a choice of cafes, whilst the surrounding countryside is a haven for walkers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sleeping five guests in three bedrooms, and with a log burner for cosy nights in, this is the perfect self-catering retreat for families and friends at any time of the year.
Tucked away between the coast and the mountains, Ty Newydd is a comfortable self-catering holiday cottage close to the centre of Clynnog Fawr within walking distance of the beach, village shop and a short drive to the pub. There is space for up to six people to sleep in three bedrooms, with a layout that makes it suitable for couples, families and friends. The Llyn Peninsula and the Snowdonia National Park are nearby, as are Trefor, Caernarfon and Portmeirion.
This three-storey Victorian townhouse is perfect for families as there is loads of space for up to eight people to sleep in four beautiful bedrooms, many of which have views of Criccieth Castle. The beach is a minute's walk from the door, as are shops, tea rooms and cafes. Walk along the Wales Coast Path and spot dolphins frolicking in Cardigan Bay, and spend your days exploring Snowdonia National Park, the Llyn Peninsula, and favourite attractions that include Portmeirion and the magnificent Caernarfon Castle. Aeolian is an ideal holiday rental for families or friends and is available for self-catering holidays all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
This comfortable and contemporary bungalow, located in Scotland's National Book Town of Wigtown on the south west coast of Scotland, is perfect for families and friends wanting to escape to a peaceful and beautiful corner of the UK. Couthie Brae has been recently renovated and sleeps up to six guests in three comfortable bedrooms. With a large garden, plenty of bike storage and dogs welcome too, there is no need to leave anyone behind whilst on holiday here! Enjoy fantastic walks and bike rides, secluded beaches and pretty harbour towns. Bookings are available all year round. Discounts are available for singles and couples holidaying on their own…please contact the owner.
Surrounded by breathtaking views and gorgeous countryside, this charming 17th century farmhouse is a true gem. Perfectly combining character with modern day comforts, the owners of Hill House have created a cosy and welcoming holiday cottage in the beautiful Upper Eden valley. Hill House is located in the small village of Winton, just a 30 minute walk to the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen. Explore a new footpath each day or enjoy meandering around the picturesque towns and villages. With the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, and the Lake District just a stone's throw away, there are endless opportunities for exploring this stunning part of the world.
A delightful Lakeland holiday cottage converted from a former Watermill with a cottage garden that provides an ideal place to relax and unwind. Located on the outskirts of a small village close to Grizebeck, The Watermill is ideally situated for exploring the Southern Lakes and its popular attractions.
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage with wonderful views perfectly placed near to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale where the stunning Lake District meets the rolling Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for walkers or anyone wanting to discover the many attractions of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Beautifully presented, this delightful detached holiday home with log burner enjoys an enviable position in the popular Lakeland town of Windermere. Fantastic location for a luxury break with a country house hotel serving fine food just a two minute stroll away. Whether you want to relax, walk or explore the national park and its many attractions, this is an ideal retreat. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Two individual character holiday cottages, located in the heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With spectacular views across the dale, this is an ideal base for walkers, cyclists or those wishing to explore the Dales. West Close Cottage benefits from a biomass heating system.
One of two self-catering cottages full of character ideally placed in the very heart of Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales. A great location for cyclists who want to take on the challenge of Le Tour de France route (bike storage available) and cosy all year round with a log burner and biomass heating system. Together the cottages can sleep groups of eight.
A beautiful coastal holiday cottage with lots of character, The Boathouse sleeps five people in two bedrooms and is ideal for couples or families. The living room features a huge picture window with views down to Little Haven beach - just 30 seconds from the door - and a cosy log burner for cold weather. Three pubs and a cafe are within walking distance, with more amenities a mile away in neighbouring Broad Haven. Local attractions include St Davids Cathedral, Folly Farm and Skomer Island. The Boathouse has recently been refurbished and is available for bookings all year round.
This fantastic holiday cottage is less than 200 metres from the beach at Broad Haven and a leisurely stroll to shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities. Markington Cottages sits on a private lane with sea views and off-street parking and is ideal for families and friends as there is space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms plus a double sofa bed. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is on the doorstep, waiting for guests to explore and enjoy. St Davids, Tenby, Narbeth and Folly Farm are all within easy reach for fun days out.
You'll see birds, deer, foxes and possibly the aurora borealis from this lovely holiday cottage on the outskirts of Insch. The Drawing Room is a beautiful retreat for couples or individual travellers who appreciate its quiet garden setting, elegant furnishings, and location within easy reach of the Bennachie hills, River Dee, Aberdeen and the coast. Insch is well-served with shops and amenities, including a golf course. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists and appeals to sightseers who come to experience whisky tours, medieval castles, and the Highland Games.
Stay in the desirable Pottergate area of Richmond in this gorgeous Yorkshire self-catering holiday home. The first-floor, two-bedroom apartment sleeps four people and is furnished to a very high standard. A comfortable sofa bed can sleep one or two more people, making the apartment well-suited to couples or families. Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are all within a five-minute walk. Stroll beside the river to Easby Abbey or tackle the footpaths and mountain bike trails of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales, which are on the doorstep. Garden View has allocated off-street parking and is available for bookings all year round.
A delightful holiday cottage located on a private Cairnsmore Estate near Newton Stewart in Galloway, Scotland. A perfect place to escape the pressures of everyday life and explore this beautiful quiet part of Scotland.
Forest Field is a delightful holiday cottage within the Rusland Valley providing the perfect self-catering base for couples to relax and explore the beautiful Lake District and its many attractions. Set within unspoilt rolling countryside, the views are simply stunning and the walks are equally as lovely. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A 17th Century holiday cottage located in a peaceful position amongst beautiful countryside just three miles from the Cumbrian cobbled village of Dent in the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing or visiting the areas many attractions and with a fire for winter nights and pretty garden with glorious views, it is the perfect place to escape away from it all and relax. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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 at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
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.