Hiring a Holiday Cottage in England: Top 4 Destinations
There is something timeless about packing up the car, setting off along winding country lanes, and arriving at a quintessential English holiday cottage.
Whether you are searching for a thatched hideaway with a crackling fire, a coastal retreat overlooking dramatic cliffs, or a remote stone barn in the countryside, renting a cottage offers an authentic experience.
If you are planning your next getaway, England boasts an array of diverse landscapes. Below, we explore four of the most captivating regions for hiring a holiday cottage: Norfolk, Devon, Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight.
Sykes Holiday Cottages offers over 20,000 cottages to suit all budgets and needs across the UK.
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. At the coast, read tips on how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
If you own a holiday cottage, ensure gardens are pet-friendly. Avoid facing indoor plants to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Tips for Hiring a Cottage in England
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Book Early for Peak Seasons: Summer months (July–August), Easter, and school half-terms fill up quickly. If you want a cottage with a hot tub, sea view, or enclosed garden, aim to book several months in advance.
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Check Accessibility & Parking: Many historic thatched or stone cottages feature steep stairs, low ceilings, or tight access lanes. Always check the property listing details if mobility or large vehicle parking is a priority.
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Bring the Dog: England is extremely dog-friendly! Most regions offer an abundance of dog-friendly cottages, beach access, and welcoming pubs.
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Embrace Self-Catering: Take full advantage of local farm shops and markets in your destination to cook fresh, regional produce.
- Notify if you Don’t Need a Starter Pack: This stops food waste (say you may be offered fresh milk, if you’re dairy-free).
Norfolk
Located on the eastern coast of England, Norfolk is famous for its vast, open skies, peaceful waterways, and unspoilt sandy beaches. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Why Hire a Cottage in Norfolk?
Norfolk’s topography is uniquely gentle, offering sweeping landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Hiring a cottage here puts you right on the doorstep of the Norfolk Broads, a national park made up of over 125 miles of navigable waterways. You can hire a boat for the day or simply choose a riverside cottage with its own private mooring.
Along the North Norfolk coast, you’ll find charming coastal villages like Burnham Market, Blakeney, and Wells-next-the-Sea. Here, traditional brick-and-flint cottages line peaceful lanes, offering easy access to salt marshes, pine forests, and sandy shores where grey seals come to bask.
Top Local Experiences
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Boating on the Broads: Rent an electric day boat from Wroxham or Potter Heigham to glide past historic windpumps and reed beds.
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Seal Spotting at Blakeney Point: Take a local ferry trip to observe England’s largest grey seal colony in its natural habitat. Give seals space (at least 150 metres).
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Coastal Walks: Hike along the North Norfolk Coastal Path, stopping at dog-friendly pubs.
Devon
Nestled in the South West, Devon gives you two distinct coastlines and two national parks, making it one of the most versatile staycation destinations in England. Whether you want to surf wild Atlantic waves in the north or explore peaceful, subtropical coves in the south, Devon has a cottage to suit.
Why Hire a Cottage in Devon?
Devon is renowned for its contrast between dramatic wilderness and coastal beauty. In North Devon, cottage stays near Croyde, Woolacombe, or Ilfracombe provide a paradise for surfers, walkers, and beach lovers. South Devon offers a gentler climate, with picturesque estuary towns such as Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Dartmouth’s surrounding rolling hills.
Inland, you’ll find the rugged beauty of two National Parks. A stay in an ancient stone cottage on Dartmoor offers wild ponies (never disturb or feed them), mist-shrouded tors, and dark sky reserves.
Top Local Experiences
- Hike Dartmoor Tors: Explore Haytor or Hound Tor for panoramic views across wild heather moorland.
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Explore the Jurassic Coast: Walk the cliff paths around East Devon, searching for ancient fossils along the UNESCO World Heritage coastline.
Yorkshire
Covering a vast expanse of Northern England, Yorkshire – often dubbed “God’s Own Country” – delivers grand landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local traditions. From the rolling dales to dramatic coastal cliffs, hiring a cottage in Yorkshire promises an unforgettable adventure.
Why Hire a Cottage in Yorkshire?
Yorkshire offers an immense variety of accommodation. You can book a cozy stone cottage in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, where drystone walls crisscross green valleys, or head to the North York Moors for purple-heather hills and historic steam railways.
If coastal views appeal to you, the Yorkshire coast features historic fishing ports like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. Here, cottages cling dramatically to steep cliffs, accessible via narrow cobblestone alleys. Yorkshire is also home to historic market towns like Helmsley, Richmond, and Grassington, where warm hospitality and local bakeries await around every corner.
Top Local Experiences
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Climb Whitby’s 199 Steps: Visit Whitby Abbey, the gothic inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
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Explore Malham Cove: Walk along the massive limestone pavement, and take in breathtaking views of the Dales.
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Ride the Steam Railway: Take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering to Whitby through stunning national park scenery.
Isle of Wight
Located just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is accessible via a short ferry ride, yet it feels a world away from mainland life. Renowned for its sunny microclimate, sandy beaches, and nostalgic charm, this island is a treasure trove for holidaymakers.
Why Hire a Cottage in the Isle of Wight?
Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated as an National Landscape, making it a haven for walkers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiring a thatched cottage in quaint villages like Godshill, Shanklin Old Village, or Niton feels like stepping back in time.
The island’s compact size means that no matter where your holiday cottage is located, you are never more than a short drive from the sea. From the dramatic chalk stacks of The Needles on the western tip to the bustling sailing hub of Cowes in the north, the island offers endless variety in a convenient package.
Top Local Experiences
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Visit The Needles & Alum Bay: Ride the famous chairlift down to the beach to see the iconic white chalk stacks and colorful sands.
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Step Back in Time at Osborne House: Tour Queen Victoria’s beloved summer palace and explore its lavish seaside gardens.
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Fossil Hunting at Compton Bay: Walk along the beach at low tide to spot dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone rocks.
