These are the best Airbnb cottages in the UK for getaway inspired

Published: 25 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

As Christmas approaches, it’s the perfect time for romcom enthusiasts to grab a hot chocolate and settle in for the timeless festive favourite, The Holiday. The 2006 film has long inspired viewers to dream of cosy countryside retreats, with its charming depiction of Iris’s chocolate-box cottage in Surrey and Amanda’s chic Los Angeles home. While the original Surrey cottage is no longer available for holiday rentals, the UK offers a host of enchanting alternatives that capture the spirit of the movie. From Yorkshire and the Cotswolds to Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands, there is a perfect festive escape for everyone seeking warmth, charm, and seasonal magic.

For those planning a Christmas or New Year staycation, booking a cottage via Airbnb provides an authentic experience of Britain’s historic villages. Guests can enjoy walking through streets lined with traditional pubs, exploring local hiking routes, and indulging in cosy evenings beside roaring fires. Whether you’re seeking a romantic hideaway, a family-friendly retreat, or a peaceful solo escape, these cottages offer the idyllic setting for a festive getaway reminiscent of The Holiday.

One standout is a fairytale-like cottage in the heart of the Cotswolds, spread across three floors and featuring an open living-dining room with a log fire nestled under a grand stone fireplace. The kitchen maintains the rustic charm with sanded reddish wood cabinetry, natural stone wall cladding, and copper swivel faucets paired with hidden LED lighting strips that add a luxurious feel. The bedrooms are located on the upper floors, one of which includes a freestanding roll-top bath, perfect for soaking after a winter walk. The cottage’s proximity to Soho Farmhouse and Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop makes it ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside while enjoying modern comforts.

In Gloucestershire, a remote country cottage offers breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Situated on farm grounds featuring a 13th-century farmhouse, stone barn, and ancient cider press, the cottage seamlessly blends historic character with contemporary renovations. Bare stone walls and original oak beams maintain the rustic atmosphere, while a mezzanine bedroom upstairs provides a low-level king-sized bed for two adults. Outside, a stone archway leads to a patio and a small garden with a fire pit, ideal for chilly winter evenings under the stars. This property is a dream for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Somerset’s Frome offers a four-guest barn that combines space and homeliness. Set atop a hill overlooking the Vallis Vale, the barn provides stunning vistas and easy access to national parks, rivers, and woodlands. Inside, guests are greeted by snuggly nooks, large plush furniture, and a log burner, with a fire pit and pizza oven adding to the charm. The property is only a short walk from Frome’s town centre, where independent shops and cafes provide the perfect complement to a cosy countryside stay.

For seaside lovers, Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire features an 18th-century fisherman’s cottage refurbished to blend modern style with coastal charm. Sleeping up to four guests, the cottage is less than a minute from the beach, allowing visitors to enjoy autumnal walks along the shoreline or explore the rock pools and fossil-rich sands. A log stove forms the heart of the open-plan living and kitchen area, perfect for warming up after a brisk day outside. The surrounding village offers quaint cafes, pubs, and small shops, making it an ideal base for a festive coastal getaway.

Yorkshire continues to charm with the Old School Cottage in the Dales. Sleeping four, this characterful property features a dark-wood theme, reclaimed materials, and antique furnishings that create a cosy and rustic atmosphere. The nearby village of Langcliffe is steeped in religious history, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking around Victoria Cave, exploring waterfalls, wild swimming spots, and tackling the Settle loop or even the iconic Three Peaks. This property captures the essence of a countryside retreat while providing access to Yorkshire’s scenic beauty.

For couples seeking a romantic hideaway, a stylish Cotswolds cabin in Woodmancote offers an intimate setting. Built in 1906, the A-frame cabin features an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area with warm wood tones, copper accents, and plush sofas, creating a cosy, romantic atmosphere. Guests can easily explore the surrounding Cotswolds countryside, with nearby villages such as Bibury, Burford, and Stow-on-the-Wold offering boutique shops, historic churches, and quaint coffee houses. The cabin’s charm lies in its simplicity and attention to detail, making it a perfect choice for a couple’s short festive escape.

Cornwall offers an alternative for those wanting to combine countryside charm with coastal scenery. Nestled in rolling hills and close to sandy beaches, several cottages provide traditional stone exteriors, exposed beams, and roaring fires. Guests can enjoy quiet walks along cliff-top paths, explore fishing villages, and retreat to their cosy bolthole with mulled wine in hand. Many properties also include modern kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, and outdoor seating areas, allowing for both comfort and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

In the Scottish Highlands, a timber-clad cottage offers seclusion amid majestic landscapes. With open-plan living areas, wood-burning stoves, and large windows framing lochs and mountains, guests can experience both the rugged beauty of Scotland and the warmth of a traditional cottage. Wildlife spotting, hiking, and forest walks are all on the doorstep, while cosy interiors provide refuge from the often bracing Highland weather. These properties are perfect for a festive retreat with a sense of adventure and tranquillity.

Another Cotswolds gem is a converted mill house with stone walls, wooden beams, and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Sleeping four to six guests, the property features a spacious kitchen, living room with a fireplace, and bedrooms that balance rustic charm with modern comforts. The mill house provides easy access to local attractions, walking trails, and seasonal food markets, making it ideal for a family or group holiday.

For history lovers, several cottages in the Lake District combine scenic beauty with heritage. Old farmhouses, slate-roofed cottages, and stone-built properties offer an authentic feel, while being close to lakes, walking paths, and quaint villages. Interiors often include log burners, traditional textiles, and cosy nooks for reading or board games, making them perfect for a winter escape that captures the essence of The Holiday’s romantic countryside vibe.

Whether you prefer the coast, the countryside, or historic villages, UK Airbnb cottages provide an array of festive escapes. From cosy two-person retreats with roll-top baths to spacious family homes with fire pits and countryside views, each property has been carefully chosen for its charm, comfort, and seasonal appeal. Many offer access to nearby walking routes, historic towns, and independent cafes and pubs, making them perfect for a winter getaway that blends outdoor adventure with cosy nights in.

Ultimately, the best Airbnb cottages allow guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into a scene from a film, whether inspired by The Holiday or by classic British countryside aesthetics. With roaring fires, exposed beams, wooden floors, and views that stretch for miles, these properties combine the magic of the festive season with the tranquillity of a countryside retreat. As the holiday season approaches, booking one of these cottages ensures a warm, memorable, and picturesque escape from the everyday.

From the Cotswolds to Cornwall, Yorkshire to the Scottish Highlands, these cottages showcase the UK’s unique blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and festive charm. With so many options, there’s no shortage of magical escapes for romcom fans, families, and solo travellers alike, providing the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories this winter.