FEATURES
How to choose the perfect cottage for your next escape
22nd January 2026
There’s something quietly magical about a cottage escape. It might be the promise of slower mornings, fires crackling as dusk falls, or the feeling of being wrapped up in a place that has a real sense of history and character. But with so many beautiful cottages to choose from, finding the perfect one can feel surprisingly overwhelming.
This guide is designed to help. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family getaway or a restorative break with friends, use this detailed checklist to choose a cottage that doesn’t just look good in photos, but truly delivers the escape you’re hoping for.
This guide is designed to help. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family getaway or a restorative break with friends, use this detailed checklist to choose a cottage that doesn’t just look good in photos, but truly delivers the escape you’re hoping for.
Start with the feeling you want to take home
Before you look at maps, availability or price, pause and think about the emotion you want this break to give you.
Are you craving:
Some cottages are designed for hibernation, others for adventure or celebration. When you’re clear on the feeling you want (calm, cosy, uplifting, energising) it becomes much easier to spot the cottages that will genuinely suit you.
Are you craving:
- Deep rest and total escape from everyday life?
- A sense of adventure, with walks, swims and exploring from dawn to dusk?
- Quality time together, cooking, talking and lingering late into the evening?
Some cottages are designed for hibernation, others for adventure or celebration. When you’re clear on the feeling you want (calm, cosy, uplifting, energising) it becomes much easier to spot the cottages that will genuinely suit you.
Choose a location that supports your pace
Location is about more than scenery. It’s about how you’ll spend your time once you arrive.
Ask yourself:
A remote cottage reached by winding lanes can feel wonderfully wild, but it suits a different kind of break to a village cottage with a pub down the road. Coastal cottages bring salt air and shifting light, while countryside stays offer rolling views, footpaths and space to breathe. Choose a setting that makes your days feel easy, not complicated.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to stay put, or head out exploring each day?
- Is this a long weekend or a longer escape?
- Do I want everything on the doorstep, or am I happy being tucked away?
A remote cottage reached by winding lanes can feel wonderfully wild, but it suits a different kind of break to a village cottage with a pub down the road. Coastal cottages bring salt air and shifting light, while countryside stays offer rolling views, footpaths and space to breathe. Choose a setting that makes your days feel easy, not complicated.
Decide which features genuinely matter to you
It’s tempting to aim for cottages that offer everything, but the most memorable stays usually focus on doing a few things beautifully.
Think about which features will really shape your experience:
Let go of features you won’t use and prioritise those that support how you want your days to unfold.
Think about which features will really shape your experience:
- A wood burner for long evenings and winter escapes
- A hot tub, sauna or outdoor bath for slowing down under open skies
- A view that draws you in and makes you pause
- A kitchen you’ll actually enjoy cooking in
Let go of features you won’t use and prioritise those that support how you want your days to unfold.
Match the cottage to the season you’re travelling in
A cottage that feels perfect in summer may feel very different in winter — and vice versa.
For example:
Choosing a cottage that complements the season helps the stay feel natural, comfortable and in tune with its surroundings.
For example:
- Winter suits cottages with fires, thick walls and cosy interiors
- Spring works beautifully in rural settings full of life and colour
- Summer favours coastal or lakeside cottages with outdoor space
- Autumn shines in woodland or hillside locations with big skies and moody views
Choosing a cottage that complements the season helps the stay feel natural, comfortable and in tune with its surroundings.
Read the description for atmosphere, not just information
Photos show you how a cottage looks. The description often tells you how it feels.
Look for:
A thoughtfully written listing usually reflects a thoughtfully run cottage — and that often shows the moment you arrive.
Look for:
- Language that suggests pace — slow, peaceful, sociable or adventurous
- Details that hint at how guests are encouraged to use the space
- Signs of care, personality and pride from the owner
A thoughtfully written listing usually reflects a thoughtfully run cottage — and that often shows the moment you arrive.
Pay attention to the details that shape your stay
Small, practical details have a big impact on how relaxed you feel once you’re there.
Things worth checking include:
These aren’t the most glamorous details, but they quietly shape how easy and enjoyable your stay will be.
Things worth checking include:
- Parking and access
- Outdoor space that’s genuinely private and usable
- Storage for coats, boots, bikes or dogs
- Clear arrival information and helpful hosts
These aren’t the most glamorous details, but they quietly shape how easy and enjoyable your stay will be.
Decide how connected (or disconnected) you want to be
Every escape has a different relationship with the outside world.
Ask yourself:
Being honest about this upfront helps avoid disappointment and ensures the cottage fits your version of getting away.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want reliable Wi-Fi, or a proper digital detox?
- Am I happy driving everywhere, or do I want walks from the door?
- Do I want total privacy, or a sense of nearby life?
Being honest about this upfront helps avoid disappointment and ensures the cottage fits your version of getting away.
Trust your instincts
Finally, trust that feeling you get when you find the one. Often, the perfect cottage isn’t the one with the longest list of features — it’s the one that makes you picture yourself there instantly.
When a place feels right, it usually is.
When a place feels right, it usually is.
Our favourite regions for unforgettable cottage escapes
Here's a selection of our favourite spots for cottage stays.
- The Cotswolds – Honey-coloured stone villages, rolling countryside and timeless market towns, perfect for slow mornings, long pub lunches and scenic walks straight from the door.
- Cornwall – Dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and sea-salt air, with cottages perched above coves or tucked away in quiet fishing villages where days revolve around tides and sunsets.
- The Lake District – A dream for walkers and nature lovers, offering waterside cottages, mountain views and cosy boltholes where you can return to roaring fires after days on the fells.
- Northumberland – Wild, open landscapes and dark skies, with remote cottages near empty beaches, historic castles and some of the best stargazing spots in the UK.
- Devon – A blend of countryside calm and coastal adventure, from thatched cottages surrounded by fields to clifftop retreats overlooking the Atlantic.
- The Scottish Highlands – Big skies, dramatic scenery and total escapism, ideal for off-grid stays, lochside views and cottages where nature sets the pace.
- Wales – From rugged national parks to peaceful rural valleys, Welsh cottages offer a deep sense of tranquillity, perfect for switching off and reconnecting with the outdoors.
FAQs: Choosing the perfect cottage
How far in advance should I book a cottage holiday?
For popular locations and peak seasons, booking several months ahead is wise. For quieter times of year, you may find more flexibility and availability closer to your travel date.
What should I prioritise when choosing a cottage location?
Think about how you want to spend your time — exploring, resting or socialising — and choose a location that supports that pace rather than just looks pretty.
Are remote cottages suitable for short breaks?
They can be, but consider travel time carefully. For weekend stays, closer destinations often feel more relaxing.
What features add the most value to a cottage stay?
Features that enhance atmosphere — fires, views, outdoor bathing and thoughtful design — tend to make the biggest difference.
How do I know if a cottage is suitable for children?
Look for mentions of enclosed gardens, flexible sleeping arrangements and practical layouts rather than relying on sleeping numbers alone.
Are cottages good for year-round stays?
Absolutely. The key is choosing a cottage that suits the season, with appropriate heating, insulation and indoor comforts for colder months.
Should I choose a cottage with lots of amenities?
Only if you’ll use them. Focus on the amenities that support how you want to relax rather than ticking every box.
How important are reviews when choosing a cottage?
Reviews can be very helpful for understanding how a place feels in reality, particularly when it comes to comfort, cleanliness and atmosphere.
Is it better to stay in a village or somewhere secluded?
Neither is better — it depends on whether you want convenience and local life, or privacy and peace.
What makes a cottage truly ‘perfect’?
A perfect cottage is one that matches your mood, your pace and your idea of escape — and lets you relax the moment you arrive.