Find self catering and cottages that are great for a short break in England

Cranmore, Harberton, Devon, South West England

Sleeps 9
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Harberton sleeps 9.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Sleeps 9

Accommodation overview: Tucked away in the tiny rural hamlet of Harberton, just 2 miles from the vibrant town of Totnes, this barn conversion is situated within walking distance of the village pub. This property is ideal for a larger family, all year round, for those looking for country living in a good village location with a large, enclosed, meadow garden for the children to play in. The barn is built of stone and set in a pretty little courtyard of four other properties in the heart of this very quiet village. The holiday accommodation is over three floors, with exposed roof trusses and sloping ceilings, and an open fire and baby grand piano in the sitting room. From the kitchen, French doors open onto a large patio with garden furniture and vine-covered pagodas offering shade on a hot summer’s day. From the first floor sitting room another patio is accessed from French doors. The South Hams is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a diverse range of places to visit and things to do. There are so many glorious beaches and coves in this area of the South Hams coastline including Slapton Sands - well known for its wartime connections, Blackpool Sands, Beesands - excellent for mackerel fishing, historic Hallsands, Bigbury on Sea with the sandy causeway across to Burgh Island, and Bantham with its sand dunes and good surfing. For walkers, the South Devon coastline path has some of the most picturesque and spectacular views. In this region of South Devon there are also some lovely old quaint towns and villages, with many thatched cottages and narrow winding lanes. A complete contrast to the seascapes is the rugged landscape and wild outdoors of the Dartmoor National Park, with mile upon mile of open moorland and wild ponies grazing. Further afield are the historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth, both with large shopping malls. Shop 2 miles, pub 200 yards.

Beamed living room with dining area and rugs on ceramic-tiled floor. Beamed kitchen with breakfast area, tiled floor and French doors to patio. Separate toilet. Open-tread stairs to first floor: Sitting room with TV, open fire, baby grand piano and French doors to patio. Double bedroom with 5ft bed, rugs on wooden floor and en-suite bathroom with corner bath, separate shower cubicle, bidet and toilet. Open-tread stairs to second floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed. Twin bedroom with ladder stairs to top level bunk (for +1), sloping ceiling and exposed beams. Bunk bedroom with sloping ceiling and exposed beams. Bathroom with over-bath shower, bidet and toilet.

Rushy Rise, Crantock, Cornwall, South West England

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299

Self catering accommodation in Crantock sleeps 6.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Easy Walking • Garden • Sleeps 6

Accommodation overview: A truly stunning detached single-storey property, furnished and equipped to the very highest of standards and boasting many fine features including a secluded enclosed garden enjoying wonderful sea views of Crantock Beach. Adjoining NT land, there is a beach within 10 mins’ walk. Newquay, 4 miles, offers a variety of attractions. Truro is just a 20-min drive. Eden Project 35-min drive. Shop and pubs within walking distance.

Two steps to entrance. Spacious living room with wood-burning stove, wooden floor and patio doors to terrace. Spacious well-equipped modern kitchen/dining room with tiled floor and patio doors to conservatory with French doors to garden. Utility. Double bedroom with en-suite shower room with double shower and toilet. Two twin bedrooms. Bathroom with shower over Jacuzzi bath and toilet.

Fairmaiden, Polruan-by-Fowey, Cornwall, South West England

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £600 to £ 899

Self catering accommodation in Polruan-by-Fowey sleeps 8.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: Just two minutes’ uphill walk from the quay and the beautiful Fowey harbour, this delightful character cottage in the heart of the old village offers two bathrooms and a courtyard garden for sitting out. Thoughtfully furnished and equipped, it provides an ideal base for a relaxing holiday. Surrounded by NT land with breathtaking coastal and inland walks, Polruan is an unspoilt, picturesque village with two excellent inns and a small sandy beach. There are frequent ferries across the river to the historic town of Fowey with its annual regatta, Daphne du Maurier festival, shops and restaurants. Sailing and fishing trips available. Eden Project only 6 miles away. Shop 10 yards.

Beamed living/dining room with wood-burning stove in fireplace, rugs on wooden floor and French doors to small courtyard. Small, well-fitted kitchen. First floor: Two bedrooms with rugs on wooden floors; one twin with en-suite bathroom with shower attachment and toilet, and one double with en-suite shower room and toilet and access to steep stairs to attic twin bedroom (for +2) with low sloping ceiling (unsuitable for children under 7 years).

Windsong, Newquay, Cornwall, South West England

Sleeps 10
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Newquay sleeps 10.

Features include: Hot Tub • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Garden • Sleeps 10

Accommodation overview: Windsong, in the village of Mawgan Porth overlooking the bay, offers fantastic year-round accommodation which is perfect for larger groups. Having been completely refurbished this detached house offers very comfortable, stylish holiday accommodation with its own balcony, hot tub and decking areas to sit on and enjoy the view. Mawgan Porth itself is situated between Newquay and Padstow, and offers unique, dramatic scenery. Its main attraction is the white sandy beach bordered by cliffs on each side and backed by the village with its beach shop, delicatessen, family friendly pub and restaurant. The beach is a centre for surfing, crabbing and rock pooling, as well as kite flying. Padstow and Newquay offer further visitor attractions such as a zoo, marine aquarium and the restaurants of the famous chefs, Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver. More adventurous holidaymakers can try their hand at off road cycling, kite surfing, sea fishing, kayaking and go karting. Many quaint Cornish towns and villages can be easily reached. Fowey, Truro, Mevagissey, Falmouth, Port Isaac and St Ives are all worth visiting in the surrounding area, whilst cycling, horse riding, swimming, golf and sailing are all also available. Popular local places of interest include the Roseland Peninsula, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project, historic Bodmin Moor and National Trust houses and gardens. Newquay airport is a 10-minute drive. Windsong is in an ideal location to make the most of all that this area of Cornwall has to offer. Shops and pub ¼ mile.

Spacious open-plan living/dining room with electric fire, patio doors to decked area and garden, bamboo floor and large well-equipped kitchen area. Double bedroom with TV and patio door to decked area. Twin bedroom. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet. Shower room and toilet. Lower ground floor: Games room with double sofa bed (for alternative sleeping only) and TV. Shower room and toilet. Upper ground floor: Double bedroom with TV and patio doors to balcony. First floor: Two double bedrooms, each with TV; one with 5ft bed. Shower room and toilet.

Thatch Cottage, Chittlehampton, Devon, South West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £600 to £ 899

Self catering accommodation in Chittlehampton sleeps 4.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Garden • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: A charming, Grade II listed, adjoining thatched cottage nestling within the tranquil, pretty, part-thatched rural village of Chittlehampton with its village square and welcoming inn. Thatch has achieved the VisitBritain ‘4 Star’ Gold Award. One of a pair, built from stone and cob, and restored and equipped to a very high standard. The surrounding Devon countryside offers so much within easy reach. Nearby Exmoor and the Tarka Trail for walking and cycling, many superb beaches of the Golden Coast of North Devon for sandcastles and surfing, excellent local golf courses, fishing on the River Taw, NT properties and gardens, and numerous sleepy, unspoilt villages with inns. The historic market town of South Molton is nearby with restaurants, antique shops and swimming pool. Thatch is in a truly wonderful holiday location. Shop 300 yards, village inn 200 yards.

Living room with electric ‘wood burner’ in feature fireplace and oak floor. Modern fitted kitchen/dining room with beamed fireplace. Cloakroom with toilet. First floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed. Two single bedrooms. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.

Stable Cottage, Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299

Self catering accommodation in Barnstaple sleeps 6.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Beach nearby • Detached • Sleeps 6

Accommodation overview: In the heart of the North Devon countryside, this converted detached barn is an ideal holiday retreat in which to relax and enjoy the delights of the area. It lies adjacent to the owner’s home and has a spacious layout with exposed beams, oak floors and modern conveniences, making it ideal for any time of year. Situated 1½ miles from the village of Bratton Fleming and 8 miles from the larger town of Barnstaple, it offers an excellent base to explore the surrounding area. The Exmoor National Park and rugged coastline between Ilfracombe and Lynmouth are a short drive, and the fantastic beaches at Croyde and Woolacombe are within easy reach. Shop and pub 1½ miles.

Beamed throughout. Spacious living room with wood-burning stove and wooden floor. Well-equipped kitchen with tiled floor/dining room with wooden floor. Twin bedroom with en-suite shower room and toilet. First floor: Two bedrooms, each with en-suite shower room and toilet, one double and one twin.

Nab End Farm - Silver Birches, Glaisdale, North Yorkshire, North East England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £600 to £ 899

Self catering accommodation in Glaisdale sleeps 4.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: These very well cared for cottages are situated in one of the most peaceful and beautiful areas of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, almost at the head of Glaisdale. Nab End is no longer a working farm and its stone buildings now house five skilfully converted holiday cottages, which are cosy, comfortable and attractive. The owners, who live in the main farmhouse, welcome their guests with the warmth so typical of this lovely part of Yorkshire, and take every care to ensure an enjoyable stay.
The cottages look out over immaculately maintained lawns bordered with shrubs and flowers, and visitors are also free to enjoy the delightful gardens of the owners’ home . On every side of the farm is the steep dale of sheep farms, pine woods, waterfalls and streams – a perfect English rural scene, still mercifully unspoilt.
This is wonderful walking country, with a network of footpaths leading up on to the moors, and more gentle walks along the riverside. There is good fishing in the river, and plenty of excellent pubs and places to eat within 3 miles. Nearby are villages such as Goathland, Egton and Lealholm, all picturesque little places close to the River Esk as it makes its way to the sea at Whitby (12 miles). Goathland, with its superb stone-built houses, is better known as Aidensfield in television’s popular Heartbeat series. From nearby Grosmont, the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway makes a delighful ride through stunning moorland scenery, skirting the edge of the North Riding Forest Park, until it reaches the market town of Pickering.
The beautiful heritage coastline is within easy reach, with stunning cliff scenery and many delightful fishing villages to explore. Whitby, famous as the town from which Captain Cook set off on his voyages of discovery, is a bustling seaside resort and fishing port, yet still retains its old world charm. There are steep streets crammed with cottages, a busy harbour and attractive marina, and a wealth of antique and craft shops. Above the town, the ruined abbey looks down from the cliff tops, and a long sandy beach completes the picture. Robin Hood’s Bay lies just down the coast, clinging to the steep cliffside. It was once the haunt of smugglers and The Smuggling Experience, open in summer, captures the atmosphere well. York is less than an hour’s drive away, offering a wealth of attractions, from its famous museums, to theatres, restaurants, and superb shops. Shops 3 miles.

Vellan Dreath Valley - Sheldrake, Sennen, Cornwall, South West England

Sleeps 10
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Sennen sleeps 10.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 10

Accommodation overview: A little piece of heaven . . .

That’s how the local postman has described the Vellan Dreath Valley, a lovely and hidden corner of Cornwall overlooking the wide sweep of Whitesand Bay. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a haven for botanists and wildlife enthusiasts – these delightful holiday cottages are set in a privately owned, unspoilt 8-acre valley, bordered by a stream, and offer spectacular panoramic sea views all year round. Converted with flair and imagination to the same high standards of comfort, each of these cottages enjoys its own personal garden. Their quiet and magical settings are only accessible on foot down the sandy beach path from Sunny Corner Lane.
The local inn and the attractive little fishing harbour of Sennen Cove are only 10 minutes’ walk across the vast expanse of the sandy Blue Flag beach, which is perfect for water sports and famous for surfing. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins, spot the odd seal or basking shark. Rock climbing is popular on the cliffs and headlands, and this is superb walking country. Dogs are permitted on the sand dunes and neighbouring Gwenver beach, with restricted access during summer at Whitesands Bay beach. Land’s End is only about a mile further along the glorious coastal footpath, while in the opposite direction the path leads to the dramatic scenery of Cape Cornwall. All around this coast are countless pretty and secluded coves to explore. Inland, this wild and unspoilt corner of Cornwall, is dotted with prehistoric relics.
The little fishing village of Newlyn and picturesque Mousehole harbour, both popular subjects for artists, are 8 miles away. At Porthcurno (4 miles), is the open-air Minack theatre, in a spectacular setting on the cliff top with the sea and setting sun as its backdrop. A short drive away is St Ives, long popular as an artists’ colony, with its pretty stone cottages and narrow cobbled lanes through which to wander. There are many galleries, including St Ive’s Tate Gallery. The town of Penzance (8 miles) has a wealth of amenities for visitors, including museums, cinema, golf, tennis and riding, as well as many good shops and restaurants. In the summer months, day trips by ferry, plane or helicopter are available to the romantic Isles of Scilly. Shops ½ mile.