Holiday cottages in South West England

Susan Roscoe
( Travel Expert)

Cottages4you - Thousands of Cottages and Villas in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy Spain and Portugal all in one place.

Hoseasons - Hoseasons offer a superb range of carefully selected cottages for holidays and short breaks throughout the most beautiful locations in the South West of England.

English Country Cottages - A premium Cottage holiday brand with a portfolio of 4 and 5 star graded properties throughout England and Scotland.

See more of our recommended companies

Cottage holidays in Cornwall

A self catering cottage holiday is a wonderful way to explore the many attractions of Cornwall. From surfing holidays to chic restaurants, this county has something to offer everyone with its 300 mile coastline of dunes, cliffs and fishing harbours. The sand is soft and golden - perfect for building sandcastles - and the surf is amazing. Surfing and body boarding have become so popular that the main resorts - Bude, Polzeath, Newquay, Perranporth, Portreath, St Ives and Sennen - have vastly improved their facilities. The shacks and campervans have been replaced by attractive wooden structures housing a wide range of board and wetsuit hire, surf-school offices and, above the obligatory cheap-and-cheerful cafés, smart bars and restaurants where parents can watch the action.

In high summer, the beaches are the main attraction for tourists but there are still things to do on dull days including a visit to the giant domes of the Eden Project where you can soak up some tropical warmth and view plants from all over the world.

You won't be stuck for somewhere to eat with the numerous cafes serving homemade fare (try afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream at least once during your stay) whilst celebrity chefs including Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver have opened restaurants here!

Cottage holidays in Dorset

The stunning county of Dorset boasts breathtaking countryside, sleepy villages, clean sandy beaches and a Jurassic coastline so unequalled that it has recently received World Heritage status.

It is frequently described as 'The Best of Both Worlds', for behind the varied coastline lies a county rich in archaeology and unspoilt rural villages that nestle within a countryside of many contrasts. Whether you're looking for a week long holiday or a weekend away, you'll never be short of things to do. Why not soak up the sights and sounds of the bustling seaside town of Bournemouth, savour great food in quaint country pubs or visit one of the county's many excellent museums, historic sites or family attractions?

Dorset has less rain and more sunshine than neighbouring Devon and Cornwall, making it an ideal destination for a cottage holiday. Most Dorset holiday cottages are situated within traditional villages both inland and on the coast.

Cottage holidays in Devon

There is so much to see and do in Devon, from natural attractions such as the stunning coastline and rugged moorland, to exploring the local towns, historic sites or enjoying the thrills and spills of family adventure parks.

Rain or shine, there is something for everyone thanks to the wide range of indoor and outdoor attractions, including a zoo, the national marine aquarium, museums and adventure farms.

If you prefer an active holiday, there are plenty of opportunities for walking, golfing, sailing, riding or just about any pastime you can think of, and don't forget Devon's natural attraction - its wonderful beaches!

Holiday cottages in Devon are split between the following regions - North Devon, Exmoor, Dartmoor, East Devon, Mid Devon, West Devon and South Devon (including 'the English Riveria') so choose your location carefully to ensure you are within close reach of all the attractions on your 'to do' list.

Cottage holidays in Somerset

A cottage holiday is an ideal way to explore Somerset's mix of classic English countryside, pretty villages, unique cities of Bath, Bristol and Wells along with sweeping beaches and coastal resorts at Minehead, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon - all perfect for families looking for sand, sea and surf. 

Somerset's principal town is Taunton, lying in the Vale of Taunton Deane, a region famed for its production of cider and scrumpy. Tourists can see the production process in some of the cider mills in the autumn - and get a free sample too!

Steeped in history, legend and tradition, this county is the location for the Mendip Hills, home of the famous Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole and the nearby towns of Glastonbury and Frome, the former most famous for it's music festival.

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of choice as well as some that are more specialist. Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book. It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on cottages, gîtes and holiday homes