What Are Holiday Lets in the UK?  A Complete Guide

The UK holiday let market offers thousands of self-catering properties across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Options range from cosy coastal cottages to luxury country estates.

Holiday lets give travellers the freedom to explore Britain’s regions. Guests enjoy the comfort and flexibility of a home-away-from-home experience.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat in the Lake District or a family adventure in Cornwall, holiday lets suit every type of getaway. Properties include traditional thatched cottages, modern apartments, and many feature amenities like hot tubs, dog-friendly facilities, or scenic locations.

Understanding the holiday let market can improve your British holiday experience. Choosing the right destination and booking directly or through agencies helps you find the perfect UK retreat for your needs and budget.

Definition and Key Features of Holiday Lets in the UK

Holiday lets are furnished properties rented to tourists for short-term stays. These properties differ from hotels and come in various forms, such as cottages and apartments.

A holiday let is a furnished property available for guests to rent for a few days to several weeks. Most bookings last up to 28 days.

Holiday lets come fully furnished and ready for immediate use. Guests have access to kitchen facilities, bedrooms, and living spaces, but don’t receive hotel-style services like daily cleaning or reception desks.

Key characteristics include:

• Short-term rental periods
• Furnished accommodation
• Self-catering facilities
• Tourist and holiday use
• No permanent residence

Property owners usually live elsewhere and rent out these spaces for income. Owners often market their properties through online platforms or local agencies.

Holiday cottages are especially popular in rural areas. These traditional properties offer authentic experiences for countryside breaks.

Types of Holiday Accommodation

Holiday lets include various property types across the UK. Rural properties such as cottages, farmhouses, and converted barns are popular in places like the Lake District and Cotswolds.

Urban holiday lets include city apartments and townhouses near attractions. These suit business travellers and tourists visiting cities.

Coastal properties feature beachfront cottages, seaside flats, and clifftop houses. These attract families and couples seeking beach holidays.

Specialist accommodation includes unique properties like lighthouses, treehouses, and historic buildings. These appeal to guests who want unusual experiences.

Size variations range from studios for couples to large houses for multiple families. Groups often prefer spacious cottages with several bedrooms.

Many properties offer amenities like hot tubs, dog-friendly features, or unique architecture to attract specific guests.

How Holiday Lets Differ from Hotels

Holiday lets are self-contained properties without daily services. Guests manage their own meals, cleaning, and activities during their stay.

Service differences:

• No reception or concierge services
• No daily housekeeping
• No restaurant or room service
• Guest manages check-in/check-out

Space advantages:

Holiday lets usually offer more room than hotel rooms. Guests enjoy entire properties, including kitchens, living areas, and private outdoor spaces.

Cost structure:

We charge per property, making holiday lets economical for groups and families. Longer stays often come with discounted rates.

Privacy benefits:

Guests have complete privacy without staff entering daily. This suits families and groups who want a home-like environment.

Holiday cottages provide rural retreats where guests live independently and explore local areas at their own pace.

Popular Holiday Let Destinations

The UK offers diverse locations for holiday lets, from coastal Cornwall to mountain regions like Snowdonia. Each destination stands out for its attractions, seasonal demand, and rental income potential.

Cornwall: Coastlines and Culture

Cornwall is one of Britain’s top holiday destinations. The county combines dramatic coastlines with a rich cultural heritage.

St Ives draws visitors year-round with art galleries and beautiful beaches. The town features narrow cobbled streets, studios, and the Tate St Ives gallery.

Newquay is Cornwall’s surfing capital. The town offers eleven beaches and water sports facilities for adventure seekers and families.

Mousehole provides a quieter experience with its traditional fishing village charm. Stone cottages line the harbour, creating romantic scenes.

The South West Coast Path offers 630 miles of walking routes. Hiking enthusiasts visit throughout spring, summer, and autumn.

Cornwall’s cuisine includes fresh seafood and local produce. Michelin-starred restaurants sit alongside pubs serving Cornish pasties and local fish.

North Wales and Snowdonia

North Wales blends mountain adventures with coastal attractions. Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of varied landscapes.

Mount Snowdon is Wales’s highest peak at 1,085 metres. The mountain railway takes visitors to the summit during the season.

Llandudno offers Victorian seaside elegance with its curved bay and pier. The town gives easy access to both beaches and mountain activities.

Betws-y-Coed acts as the gateway to Snowdonia. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and adventure sports here.

The region celebrates Welsh heritage with sites like Conwy and Caernarfon castles. Multiple languages and cultures add to its charm.

Anglesey offers island charm with quiet beaches and historic sites. The island connects to mainland Wales by the Menai Bridge.

Seaside Towns and Beaches

British seaside destinations see strong rental demand in summer. These places combine traditional charm with modern amenities.

Southwold in Suffolk features colourful beach huts and award-winning beaches. The pier offers vintage amusements and new attractions.

Bourton-on-the-Water earned average annual turnovers of £40,400 in 2024. This Cotswolds village features riverside walks and classic architecture.

Brighton offers city amenities and coastal attractions. The town has theatres, museums, and the famous Brighton Pier.

Seaside properties enjoy consistent summer bookings. School holidays drive peak demand from July to September.

Many coastal areas have Blue Flag beaches with excellent water quality. These beaches attract environmentally conscious visitors.

Historic Cities and Countryside Escapes

Historic destinations mix cultural attractions with rural tranquillity. These locations often maintain steady occupancy year-round.

Bath is known for Georgian architecture and Roman heritage. The city’s spas and World Heritage status attract international visitors.

York features medieval streets and historic sites. Its central location allows easy access to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

The Cotswolds region has the highest average regional turnover at £29,000 annually. Villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford feature honey-coloured stone buildings.

Peak District properties earned average annual returns of £25,500. The area offers hiking and traditional market towns.

Rural escapes attract visitors seeking peace from city life. These destinations often see longer stays and repeat guests.

Types of Holiday Cottages Available

Holiday cottages come in many styles to suit every traveller. From spacious family homes near beaches to pet-friendly countryside properties, you’ll find the right match for your needs.

Family-Friendly Holiday Homes

Family holiday cottages provide space and facilities for travelling with children. These properties often include multiple bedrooms, large living areas, and fully equipped kitchens.

Many family cottages have enclosed gardens where children can play safely. High chairs, cots, and stair gates are usually available.

Common family cottage features:

• 3+ bedrooms
• Dishwashers and washing machines
• Games rooms or play areas
• Secure outdoor spaces
• Travel cots available

Some properties have swimming pools or sit near child-friendly beaches. Cottages near theme parks or adventure centres are especially popular with families.

The best family cottages offer practical layouts with downstairs toilets and easy access. Ground floor bedrooms help families with young children or elderly relatives.

Dog-Friendly Cottage Options

Dog-friendly cottage holidays let you bring your pets along. These properties welcome well-behaved dogs and often provide special amenities.

Most dog-friendly cottages have enclosed gardens or direct access to walking areas. Owners often provide water bowls, dog beds, and treats.

What to expect in pet-friendly properties:

• Secure fencing around gardens
• Easy-clean flooring (tiles or laminate)
• Local walking route information
• Dog washing facilities
• Pet-friendly furniture

Many cottages are near dog-friendly beaches or hiking trails. The Lake District and Peak District are popular with dog owners.

Some properties charge a small pet fee, while others include dogs for free. Always check the pet policy before booking.

Properties with Sea Views

Sea views make any cottage holiday special. Coastal properties range from clifftop retreats to beachfront homes steps from the sand.

Cornwall, Devon, and Wales have some of the UK’s best sea view cottages. Many properties feature large windows or balconies to maximise ocean views.

Types of coastal cottages:

• Cliff-top cottages – dramatic panoramic views
• Harbour cottages – watch boats come and go
• Beach cottages – direct beach access
• Lighthouse cottages – unique historical properties

Enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the water. Evening meals become memorable with sunset views from the cottage.

Properties with sea views often cost more than inland options. The extra expense is worthwhile if you want to wake up to ocean views.

Booking Your UK Holiday Let

Finding the right holiday let takes planning and research. Booking early gives you better prices and more choices.

Tips for Securing the Perfect Property

Start your search at least 3-6 months ahead for peak seasons. Popular spots like Cornwall and the Lake District fill up quickly in summer.

Key booking strategies:

• Book directly with owners to save up to 40% on fees
• Read recent reviews from the past 12 months to check standards
• Verify locations using postcode searches rather than town names
• Check cancellation policies before confirming

Many cottages offer early bird discounts of 10-20% for bookings made 6 months in advance. Have backup dates ready, especially for weekend breaks.

Contact owners directly with questions about Wi-Fi, parking, or pet policies. Most owners reply within 24 hours and can provide extra photos or details.

Comparing Self-Catering vs Full-Service

Self-catering holiday cottages give you complete independence. They often cost 30-50% less than hotel stays.

You’ll need to bring or buy your own food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.

Self-catering benefits:

• Kitchen facilities for all meals
• More space for families or groups
• Flexible meal times
• Pet-friendly options widely available

Full-service options include:

• Daily housekeeping and fresh towels
• Welcome hampers with local produce
• Concierge services for activity bookings
• On-site maintenance support

Self-catering properties usually provide basic cleaning materials and kitchen equipment. Check inventory lists to see what’s included.

Full-service lets cost more but save time on shopping and cleaning. These options work best for short breaks under four days.

Seasonal Pricing and Availability

UK holiday let prices change a lot by season and location. Peak summer weeks (July-August) cost 2-3 times more than off-peak periods in November or February.

Pricing patterns:

• Peak season: July-August, Christmas, Easter
• Shoulder season: May-June, September-October
• Off-peak: November-March (excluding holidays)

Coastal holiday cottages have the biggest price swings. Some properties charge over £2,000 per week in August but only £400 in January.

Book school holiday weeks by January for the best selection. Many owners release their calendars 12 months ahead.

Weekend breaks (Friday-Monday) often cost more per night than full weeks. Mid-week stays offer better value, especially in tourist areas.

Weather doesn’t change booking patterns much. British holidaymakers book regardless of forecasts.

Want to learn how to make money from holiday lets in the UK? Read our complete guide and discover practical ways to increase your rental income.

Experiencing Local Culture and Attractions

Holiday lets across the UK put you in the perfect spot to explore history, festivals, and landscapes. From ancient castles to local food markets, your accommodation becomes the gateway to authentic British experiences.

Historical Sites and Heritage

Many holiday lets sit within walking distance of remarkable historical sites. Staying in Cornwall puts you near ancient mining heritage sites and prehistoric stone circles.

The Cotswolds offer Roman ruins and medieval villages on your doorstep. Scottish holiday homes give you access to Highland castles and battlefields.

Many properties connect directly to local heritage through The National Trust. You might stay in a converted castle apartment or historic cottage.

Popular heritage experiences include:

• Castle visits – Over 1,500 castles across Britain
• Archaeological sites – Stone circles, Roman baths, ancient settlements
• Museums and galleries – Local history and art collections
• Heritage railways – Steam trains through scenic countryside

Wales offers particularly rich historical experiences. Holiday cottages in North Wales put you close to Edward I’s ring of castles.

Snowdonia properties give access to slate mining museums and ancient Welsh culture.

Food, Festivals and Local Traditions

Local food markets and seasonal festivals bring British culture to life. Your holiday let becomes your base for exploring regional cuisines and community celebrations.

Traditional pubs serve locally sourced meals just minutes from most properties. Farmers’ markets happen weekly in market towns.

You can buy fresh ingredients to cook in your holiday cottage kitchen.

Regional specialities to try:

• Cornish pasties and cream teas
• Scottish haggis and whisky tastings
• Welsh lamb and local cheeses
• Yorkshire puddings and real ales

Folk festivals happen throughout the year across Britain. Highland Games in Scotland celebrate traditional sports and culture.

Welsh Eisteddfods showcase music and poetry. English village fêtes offer community spirit and local crafts.

Many holiday let owners share insider knowledge about the best local events. They often recommend hidden gems that tourists miss.

Outdoor Activities and Natural Beauty

Britain’s diverse landscapes offer endless outdoor adventures from your holiday base. Coastal cottages provide direct beach access for swimming, surfing, and coastal walks.

Snowdonia holiday properties put you at the heart of Wales’ most dramatic scenery. You can hike mountain peaks, explore waterfalls, and spot native wildlife.

The region offers activities for all fitness levels. Scottish lochs and highlands provide world-class hiking and water sports.

Loch Tay lodges offer fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking. The scenery changes with each season.

Popular outdoor activities include:

• Coastal walks along dramatic clifftops
• Mountain hiking in national parks
• Water sports on lakes and rivers
• Cycling routes through countryside
• Wildlife watching in natural reserves

English beaches near holiday lets range from sandy family-friendly shores to rugged surfing spots. Devon and Cornwall offer some of Britain’s finest coastal experiences.

Northumberland provides wild, unspoilt beaches perfect for long walks.

Essential Considerations Before Booking

Planning a holiday let requires attention to details that affect your stay. Check accessibility features, understand pet policies, and secure proper travel insurance coverage.

Accessibility and Special Requirements

Many holiday properties don’t show detailed accessibility information online. Contact owners directly to discuss mobility requirements before booking.

Ask about step-free access, doorway widths, and bathroom facilities. Some properties have grab rails and walk-in showers but don’t advertise these features clearly.

Key accessibility checks:

• Ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms
• Parking proximity to entrance
• Kitchen counter heights
• Emergency evacuation routes

For dietary requirements, confirm cooking facilities meet your needs. Self-catering properties should have enough fridge space and cooking equipment for special diets.

Many owners accommodate reasonable requests when contacted in advance. This ensures a comfortable stay for all guests.

Pet Rules and Family Needs

Dog friendly cottage options vary in their pet policies. Some charge extra fees while others include pets free of charge.

Check restrictions on pet numbers, sizes, and breeds. Many properties exclude certain dog breeds or limit weight allowances.

Important pet considerations:

• Secure garden boundaries
• Nearby walking areas
• Pet bed and bowl availability
• Additional cleaning charges

For family holiday bookings, verify child-friendly features beyond bedroom counts. High chairs, cots, and stair gates aren’t always provided as standard.

Swimming pools and hot tubs require supervision arrangements. Check safety barriers and access controls, especially for properties with water features.

Garden safety matters for families with young children. Ask about pond coverage, gate locks, and removal of hazardous plants.

Travel Insurance and Policies

Holiday let bookings need different insurance than hotel stays. Standard travel insurance may not cover self-catering property damages or key loss fees.

Review cancellation policies before booking. Many properties have stricter terms than hotels, especially for last-minute changes.

Essential policy checks:

• Property damage excess amounts
• Key replacement costs
• Emergency accommodation coverage
• Activity exclusions for local attractions

Some holiday let insurance policies exclude activities common in rural areas. Walking, cycling, and water sports may need extra coverage.

Consider booking protection insurance when making deposits. This covers non-refundable payments if circumstances change before your holiday dates.

Document the property condition upon arrival with photographs. This helps protect against unfair damage claims and ensures deposit return.

Conclusion

The UK holiday let market offers strong investment potential despite recent tax changes. 80% of travellers plan to stay in UK holiday accommodation in 2025, showing continued demand.

Average turnover reached £24,500 in 2023, demonstrating the sector’s financial viability. Market conditions are stabilising after returning to 2019 levels in April 2023.

The abolition of furnished holiday let tax relief from April 2025 will affect some investors. However, booking rates are increasing and demand remains strong across popular destinations.

Planning your next UK getaway? At JF Property Partners, we offer quality holiday accommodation across popular destinations. Whether it’s a weekend break or an extended stay, we have the perfect place for you.

Book your stay today: Email info@jfpropertypartners.com, call +44 7457 427143, or visit our website to explore our available holiday lets and find your ideal accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holiday let ownership involves specific requirements around availability thresholds, business registration, insurance needs, and guest stay limits. Knowing these rules helps property owners comply with regulations and maximise their investment potential.

What is a holiday let in the UK?

A holiday let is a furnished property rented to guests for short-term stays, usually for leisure. These properties can be houses, flats, cottages, or other permanent buildings.

Holiday lets differ from long-term rentals because guests don’t have tenancy agreements. They’re used for temporary accommodation during holidays or breaks.

The property must meet basic habitability standards. Most holiday lets are fully furnished with everything guests need for their stay.

Is a holiday let a good investment in the UK?

Holiday lets can generate good income streams when managed well. They require upfront investment in furnishing and ongoing maintenance costs.

Income varies by location, property quality, and seasonal demand. Popular tourist areas command higher rates but face more competition.

Fixed costs like cleaning, laundry, and utilities remain constant regardless of occupancy. Out-of-season periods can bring higher fuel costs with lower income.

Success depends on effective marketing, competitive pricing, and high guest satisfaction.

What are the new rules for holiday lets in the UK?

In England, holiday lets must be available for hire at least 140 nights and actually let for 70 nights to qualify as businesses. This determines whether you pay Business Rates instead of Council Tax.

Wales has stricter requirements with 252 nights availability and 182 nights actual letting. Scotland requires 140 days availability and 70 days letting.

Some areas require planning permission to operate holiday lets. Check with local councils about specific regulations in your area.

Properties meeting business thresholds become eligible for Business Rates rather than Council Tax payments.

What type of insurance is advisable for a holiday let property?

Holiday let insurance is essential, though not legally required. Standard home or landlord insurance usually won’t cover holiday rental activities.

Specialist holiday let insurance covers buildings, contents, and lost income. This protects against property damage and revenue loss from cancelled bookings.

Public liability insurance is important. It covers costs if guests blame you for injuries or damage and take legal action.

Contents insurance protects furnished items you provide for guests. Mortgage lenders may require buildings insurance.

How long can someone stay in a holiday let?

Holiday lets are designed for short-term stays, usually ranging from overnight to several weeks. There’s no strict legal maximum, but stays should remain temporary.

Longer stays risk creating tenancy rights under housing law. Make sure guests don’t intend to remain after their booking ends.

Properties are meant for leisure purposes only. Guests should have their own permanent residence elsewhere.

The temporary nature distinguishes holiday lets from residential tenancies with different legal protections.

What is the criteria for holiday let in England?

Holiday lets in England must be available for hire for at least 140 nights during the current and previous tax years.

Owners must let the property for at least 70 nights in the last 12 months.

If you meet these thresholds, your property qualifies as a business operation.

This makes it eligible for Business Rates instead of Council Tax.

If your property does not meet these criteria, you remain liable for Council Tax.

Contact your local council if you are unsure about your property’s status.

The criteria affect your tax obligations and how your property is classified.