The cosiest cottages to escape to this winter

Looking to relax in a romantic bolthole for a quiet Christmas in the country or rent an idyllic space for a big family gathering? Perhaps you’re thinking further ahead to New Year celebrations or a weekend escape in bleak January. 

We’ve found some dreamy UK properties to choose from, including an enchanting converted chapel, a stylishly refurbished cattle shed complete with a hot tub, and a farm from Tudor times that’s a protected landmark.

While we haven’t reviewed the individual rentals below, options were only selected if they were listed on sites that achieved an 80% overall customer score (or higher) from our members in our latest cottage holiday provider survey.

If you want to guarantee the best experience, book with one of our Which? Recommended Providers – Landmark Trust, Rural Retreats, National Trust and Classic Cottages. 

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Holiday cottages in Devon

The Cattle Shed, Chillington

Sleeps: 4 adults

A 3-night stay in December starts from £950 (£79 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £950 (£34 per adult per night)

At this stylish accommodation, you’re just a few miles from Slapton, where you can pick up the South West Coast Path – that’s if you can tear yourself away from the steaming hot tub in the garden. Inside is minimalist yet cosy accommodation. Just leave the kids with their grandparents, because this property doesn’t permit children under 12.

Dog friendly? Yes

Book The Cattle Shed with Toad Hall Cottages

Holiday cottages in Kent

Obriss Farm, Westersham

Sleeps: 2 adults, 3 children

A 3-night stay in December starts from £795 (£132.50 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay over New Year in December is £1,900 (£135 per adult per night), or it's available for £1,190 in January

Obriss Farm’s collection of buildings, on a 160-acre plot, dates back as far as Tudor times. Its rural setting – with the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just a short drive away – is ideal for hikes along ancient routes. When you’re all walked out, settle in for the night under beamed ceilings by the open fire inside the farmhouse and feel transported back to a bygone time – albeit with some modern-day amenities. Just don’t expect wi-fi or a TV.

Dog friendly? No

Book Obriss Farm with the Landmark Trust

Holiday cottages in Cumbria and the Lake District 

Rose Castle Cottage, near Coniston

Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 children

A 3-night weekend stay in December is £649 (£108 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December is £999 (£71 per adult per night)

Reminiscent of the famous Rosehill Cottage from The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz, this accommodation in the Lakes even has a similar name: Rose Castle. With no neighbours and no modern technology, it’s a place to really switch off. Wake to views of rolling hills before plodding down to a nearby beauty spot, Tarn Hows, and finish your day playing games by the fire. Although remote, you’re just 3km from the nearest village on foot. If you can’t bear to live without wi-fi or a television, though, it’s one to skip.

Dog friendly? No

Book Rose Castle cottage with National Trust

Dalton Cottage, Cockermouth

Sleeps: 4 adults

A 3-night weekend stay in December is £430 (£36 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December is £525 (£19 per adult per night)

Although this cottage is in a quiet village, it’s just three miles from the busy historic market town of Cockermouth – plus, you’re just an 11-mile drive from the shores of beautiful Buttermere Lake. The accommodation has been refurbished, retaining period features while incorporating modern features. Although it has wooden floors, beams and some low ceilings, it looks light and bright thanks to whitewashed walls throughout.

Dog friendly? Yes, one dog allowed (charge applies)

Book Dalton Cottage with Sally's Cottages

Holiday cottages in Norfolk

3 Chapel Cottages, Docking (nr Brancaster)

Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 children

Call for weekend break prices in December (may not be available). A 3-night stay in January starts from £487 (£81 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £653 (£47 per adult per night)

This traditional Flint Norfolk cottage on a quiet road has spacious country-chic interiors and a wood burner. It’s an inviting place to hunker down for a week in winter. You can stock up on goodies from a cheesemonger, farm shop, butcher, baker and fishmonger at the Wednesday pop-up market in the village. If you want to venture out, Brancaster, with its vast stretches of golden sand backed by dunes, is a beautiful spot for wrapped-up walks and is just 10 minutes by car.

Dog friendly? Yes, two dogs allowed (charge applies)

Book 3 Chapel Cottages with Norfolk Hideaways

Holiday cottages in Northumberland 

Stable View, Chatton

Sleeps: 2 adults

A 7-night stay in December starts from £570 (£41 per adult per night)

A 3-night weekend stay in December starts from £428 (£71 per adult per night)

A cosy winter bolthole doesn’t have to mean an old cottage with low ceilings and antique furniture. If you’re into bright spaces and minimalist decor but want a fire to cosy up in front of, Stable View is a good option. It’s a great price, too. Plus, Bamburgh – Which? members' favourite seaside town from our survey – with its magnificent 12th-century castle, is just a 20-minute drive away.

Dog friendly? No

Book Stable View with Crabtree and Crabtree

Alice Lakeside cottage, Capheaton

Sleeps: 4 adults

A 3-night weekend stay in December starts from £594 (£49 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £780 (£28 per adult per night)

This stone cottage is one of the oldest buildings on the grounds of the Capheaton Estate, but it now combines old and new. The main bedroom has an exposed brick vaulted ceiling (part of the original cottage), while bedroom two sits in an extension. Its huge picture window means you can wake up to peaceful parkland views. Each double has its own bathroom – perfect for two couples sharing.

Dog friendly? Yes, two dogs allowed

Book Alice Lakeside Cottage with Crabtree and Crabtree

Holiday cottages in Derbyshire and the Peak District 

Yew Cottage, Winster

Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 children

A 3-night weekend stay in December starts from £359 (£60 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £463 (£33 per adult per night)

This stone cottage on the southeastern edge of the Peak District may not win any interior design awards, but it looks comfortable and homely – ideal for a family getaway. Plus, at £463 for a week, it’s good value. Reviews from previous guests suggest you’ll be toasty here, so it’s ideal for crisp winter evenings (if you haven’t nipped to the local pub a five-minute walk away). Still, if it gets nippy, a wood burner is waiting to be lit. 

Dog friendly? Yes, two dogs allowed (charge applies)

Book Yew Cottage with Holidaycottages.co.uk

Wilson Farmhouse, Hope Valley

Sleeps: 4 adults and 2 children

A 3-night weekend stay in December starts from £585 (£49 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £1,299 (£46 per adult per night)

This listed farmhouse, dating from the 1700s, is one of a few rentals whose entrances share the enclosed front yard. Surrounded by grazing fields, ancient woodland and moorland, you can hike and spot wildlife from your doorstep. Inside, you’ll find sleek interiors, a log burner to keep you cosy and a roll-top bath to unwind in. 

Dog friendly? No

Book Wilson Farmhouse with National Trust

Holiday cottages in Scotland

Am Bathach, Sutherland, Scottish Highlands

Sleeps: 2 adults

A 3-night weekend stay in December starts from £544 (£91 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £915 (£65 per adult per night)

This cedar log cabin finished with homely tweed furnishings could be on a postcard for Lapland. It’s actually in the heart of Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands – a good area for wildlife spotting, bird watching and loch fishing. This bolthole for two is in a quiet hamlet with nothing but Hebridean sheep and twinkling stars (thanks to a lack of light pollution) for company. 

Dog friendly? Yes, two dogs allowed (charge applies)

Book Am Bathach with Rural Retreats

Holiday cottages in Suffolk

Belchamp Hall Hayloft, Belchamp Water

Sleeps: 2 adults

A 3-night stay in December starts from £556 (£93 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £731 (£52 per adult per night)

This first-floor barn conversion, which sits on the grounds of Belchamp Hall, is an impressive space thanks to the ceiling that’s open to the rafters. It’s been designed as open-plan accommodation, so note that the bedroom – complete with a super king-size bed – leads off the living and kitchen area. Outside, you’re free to explore the farmland of Belchamp Hall or drive 25 minutes and you’ll be in the Dedham Vale AONB.

Dog friendly? No

Book Belchamp Hall Hayloft with Rural Retreats

Holiday cottages in Wales

Oystermouth Chapel, Mumbles

Sleeps: 4 adults and 2 children

A 3-night stay in December starts from £1,111 (£93 per adult per night)

A 7-night stay in December starts from £1,462 (£52 per adult per night)

On the outer edge of the Gower Peninsula, this unique converted chapel with an original arched doorway and open-plan living-dining area is in an excellent location in Mumbles. You can easily access the independent shops, cafes and 12th-century castle in this popular fishing village, as well as the peninsula’s varied natural environment. Heathland, saltwater marshes, dramatic limestone cliffs and sandy beaches await exploration – it’s no wonder most of Gower is an AONB. 

Dog friendly? Yes (two)

Book Oystermouth Chapel with Holidaycottages.co.uk