Our holiday cottages across the UK include everything from luxury coastal retreats and romantic cottages for two to rural farmhouses and historic homes full of character. At Sawday’s, we don’t try to list every holiday cottage in Britain. Instead, we’ve spent decades refining our special places to stay, finding the unique cottages we’d confidently recommend to our closest friends, shaped by hosts who genuinely care about creating the most memorable guest experiences in the UK.  

You might find yourself in a medieval Cotswold cottage where every ancient beam has been lovingly restored, or a luxury cottage stay on the coast of Scotland, where a hand drawn map guides you to hidden local gems. Every cottage is personally inspected by our team and chosen for the things you can’t mass produce, like the thoughtfulness of a good host, and that attention to detail that defines a Sawday’s stay.

Shortcut to special places

Carefully selected self-catering homes, hotels, pubs and B&Bs

Personally inspected

We've visited every place and chosen them for their warmth and character

UK & Europe

Our collection spans the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

No fuss from us

You book direct with the owners, with no fees or fuss from us

 

Our most loved holiday cottages in the UK

From coast to countryside, these are the cottages guests come back to and recommend to friends. Each one has earned its place through exceptional hosting, beautiful settings and a genuine sense of home. 

New cottages to the collection

Be among the first to discover the latest holiday cottages to join the Sawday’s collection. Every new stay has been personally inspected by our team, so you can find a stay with confidence, knowing it meets our high standards for character, comfort and quality.

 

Personally inspected, thoughtfully chosen

For over 30 years we’ve been knocking on holiday cottage doors across Britain looking for the places that feel different from the moment you arrive. This “different” feeling usually comes from owners who have put extra care into making you feel welcome and could be as small as a note granting you permission to help yourself to vegetables from the garden to owners who offer to come and pick you up from the local train station. We’ve stayed in cottages where owners lend guests wellies for muddy walks and leave hand-drawn maps of hidden beaches. 

Those thoughtful touches can’t be filtered for on a booking site, and they’re exactly what we’re looking for when out on inspection. 

Holiday cottages for every type of holiday

We’ve gathered holiday cottages to suit every kind of trip so you can explore our collections to find the stay that feels just right for the way you love to travel. 

Discover our featured holiday cottage locations

Some holidays are all about the landscape. Whether you’re dreaming of Cornwall’s coastline, the Yorkshire Dales, the Scottish Highlands or the Welsh countryside, explore our favourite cottage destinations across the UK. 

Need help choosing the right holiday cottage?

 Find the right cottage for the way you travel. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, a group holiday, a dog-friendly escape or a luxury break by the coast, our curated collections make it easier to discover a stay that fits your plans.  

✓ Expert recommendations from decades of exploring Britain. Drawing on 30+ years of inspecting special places to stay, we’ve brought together carefully chosen collections to help you narrow down choices and find a cottage that’s just right for your next escape. 

✓ Keep exploring. Read our guide to holiday cottages in the UK to discover expert recommendations, seasonal options, travel inspiration and ideas for every kind of cottage holiday. 

Looking for more holiday cottage inspiration?

Browse our holiday cottage guide to discover new corners of the UK and find the kind of cottage that fits the way you love to travel.

Read more >

Interior trends often move quickly, but the ones that truly endure tend to come from somewhere familiar. This year, that somewhere looks surprisingly like your grandmother’s house.

A growing number of holiday cottages are embracing nature-led wellness, pairing private stays with wood-fired saunas, cold-water dips and restorative outdoor spaces.

Read more >

Holiday cottages FAQs

What makes a Sawday’s holiday cottage different? 

Every holiday cottage in our collection has been personally inspected by our team. We look beyond star ratings and glossy photography to find independent owners who care deeply about how their guests feel. Thoughtful interiors, genuine hospitality and a strong sense of place matter just as much as beautiful locations. 

Are all Sawday’s holiday cottages self-catering? 

Yes. Every cottage offers the freedom of self-catering, from romantic cottages for two to large family homes for group holidays. Many include kitted out kitchens, outdoor dining spaces and gardens, so you can settle in and make the place your own. 

What kinds of holiday cottages does Sawday’s feature? 

Our collection includes luxury holiday cottages, rural farmhouses, converted barns, historic cottages, coastal retreats, family-friendly cottages and romantic hideaways across England, Scotland and Wales. Every property is independently owned. 

Can I book directly with the cottage owner? 

Yes. When you stay with Sawday’s you book directly with the owner, not through a call centre. That means no booking fees from us, better local recommendations and a more personal experience from the moment you enquire. 

Are Sawday’s holiday cottages suitable for families? 

Many are. We feature family-friendly cottages with large gardens, play spaces, beaches nearby and plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Others are perfect for couples seeking a peaceful escape, so you can choose the holiday that suits you best. 

Do you have luxury holiday cottages? 

Yes. Our luxury holiday cottages range from beautifully restored manor houses to contemporary coastal retreats. Rather than focusing on five-star extras alone, we look for places where exceptional design, comfort and thoughtful hosting come together naturally. 

Are your holiday cottages dog friendly? 

Lots of them are. You’ll find dog-friendly holiday cottages with enclosed gardens, countryside walks from the doorstep and welcoming owners who know exactly where to find the best dog-friendly beaches, cafés and pubs nearby.