The Best Cosy Cottage Airbnbs in England
Cottage stays are one of my favourite ways to travel around the UK, and I've stayed in a lot of them.... over 20 at this point.
There's something about the feeling of a cottage that a hotel just can't replicate, the character, the charm, the fact that some of them are literally hundreds of years old. They suit the way I like to travel too, slowly, without a rigid plan, and almost always with Baxter in tow.
The good news is that so many cottage Airbnbs in England are dog-friendly, which makes finding somewhere that works for both of us a lot easier than you'd think. This post is the round-up of the of some of the cosiest cottage stays in England!
Why choose Air Bnb?
Traditional holiday let agencies have their place, but the booking model hasn't really moved on. Most still push Saturday-to-Saturday slots in peak season, minimum week stays, and a fairly rigid process that doesn't suit the way a lot of us travel now.
Airbnb fixed a lot of this. You can book three nights in October, check in on a Wednesday, filter for exactly what you need, dog-friendly, wood burner, parking etc. Oh and you can read reviews that tell you what a place is really like, written by people who've been there.
Many Air Bnbs have flexible cancellation policies and the means to modify bookings too.
🏡 More UK Stays & Travel Guides
If you're planning more time exploring England, these guides will help you find the best stays and plan your next trip:
- 🌿 Cosy Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds – A roundup of the most charming cottage stays in one of England's most beautiful regions.
- 🌊 Sussex to Cornwall: The Ultimate 2 Week South Coast Road Trip – The full south coast route covering the best stops, stays, and coastal highlights.
- ☀️ My Top 10 UK Holiday Destinations – Not sure where to base your cottage stay? Start here.
💡 Tip: Most of the cottages in this guide are dog friendly — always filter by pets allowed on Airbnb and double-check the listing details before booking.
Cottage Air Bnbs in the north of England
The Dovecot at Reedsford, Northumberland
I recently stayed at the Dovecote in Northumberland National Park and it was quite the arrival. After 5 hours of travel up north, I was greeted by golden hour over the Northumberland hills, and when I finally arrived at my Air Bnb, it was surrounded by friendly mooing cows.
The Dovecote dates back to the 18th Century, originally to house the birds of the farm it sits on. Today it's a lot more luxurious than it would have been back then, and of course it has been fully renovated too.
One of the sweetest Air Bnbs in Northumberland, this small and cosy tower is perfect for solo travellers or a couple. Downstairs has a beautiful seating area and kitchen, flanked by huge glass windows that overlook surrounding farmland. If you're lucky by me, you will be greeted by the cows each morning.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
The Coach House, Robin Hood's Bay
I love this cottage in Robin Hood's Bay, and the best part is that it's so much better in real life than in a picture.
The Coach House is tucked away at the bottom of the hill and just steps from the sea. It's surprisingly spacious, just mind your head as there are a few low beams.
The cottage is charming and wonky, with two bedrooms - best suited for a couple or a family as one of the bedrooms has twin beds.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
Cottage Air Bnbs in the Cotswolds
Jasmine Cottage, Bourton on the Water
Perfectly located in the most famous village in the Cotswolds, Jasmine Cottage offers all the historic charm you want from a cottage, wrapped up in one gorgeous renovation.
Most visitors never stay in Bourton-on-the-Water, they just visit for the day. This is why I always suggest people DO stay here, you wake up in the morning with the whole village to yourself, and it is a beautiful place to wander on a summer's evening too. It's incredible how such a popular place can just empty out at 5pm.
Jasmine Cottage dates back to the 1600s and it shows, thanks to its exposed Cotswold stone walls, original wooden beams, and a wood-burning stove that offers the cosiest spot in winter.
There are two bedrooms, a private garden, and a location that means you can walk to everything without having to get back in the car.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
Little Cottage, Stow-on-the-Wold
Located in the gorgeous town of Stow-on-the-Wold, Little Cottage is a gorgeous period cottage with exposed stone walls, log burner, and low-ceilinged cosiness.
Two bedrooms sleep three, so it works well for two friends or a couple who want a bit of extra space. The interiors are calm and considered without being overdone, and the enclosed courtyard garden with a pergola is a nice touch for summer evenings.
One thing worth knowing: no children under 12 and no pets, so it's firmly in the grown-ups-only category. If you're after a quiet, well-located base for village-hopping and long walks, this one ticks the boxes.
Check prices or book here
Loveview Cottage, Painswick
This cottage is very special to me, I was actually eyeing it up to buy before someone else snapped it up - I really wanted this to be my home, but maybe I just need to be a little more patient.
Loveview Cottage is a pretty Cotswold cottage in the heart of Painswick. It has two bedrooms with beautiful views acorss the churchyard and countryside, is dog friendly, and has a lovely living area.
If you love to walk, there is no better choice. Painswick sits on the Cotswolds way and lives in a valley, meaning there are plenty of gorgeous hill walks to enjoy.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
Cottage Air Bnbs in the Peak District
Bert's Cottage, Derbyshire
Just 10 minutes from the Peak District National Park and situated in a cosy corner of the Derbyshire Dales, Bert's has been featured in House & Garden and Condé Nast Traveller.
This cottage has been put together with a real eye for detail, antiques, art, textiles, creating and beautiful yet cosy environment.
Four bedrooms sleep up to eight, with a four-poster master, a king room with views over the hillside, and a bedroom built around a 16th century beam they uncovered during restoration.
It's a big group booking or one for a family rather than a couples retreat, but if you're after somewhere in the Peak District that is filled with character, this is it.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
Tideswell Cottage, Peak District
Tideswell Cottage sits in the middle of Tideswell village, an off the radar village with no less than three pubs, a bakery, a butchers, and a Co-Op.
Recently renovated, the cottage offers two bedrooms with en-suites, a log burner, and a lovely kitchen (complete with bean to cup coffee maker, Quooker tap, and a wine fridge).
The enclosed south-facing garden has a mud daddy outside the back door for washing dogs off after walks, which tells you everything about how well this place has been set up for our four legged friends.
And the icing the cake, Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, Chatsworth and Bakewell are all within easy reach.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb.
Check prices or book here
Cottage Air Bnbs in the South West of England
Cove Cottage, Lulworth Cove
Just two minutes from the famous Lulworth Cove, Cove Cottage is in one of the most stunning spots on the entire Jurassic Coast.
I have passed this cottage so many times and always longingly looked into its pretty garden, it really looks like a dolls house. The cottage dates back to the 18th century and has been renovated well with original features kept, modern comforts added, fireplace included.
Bedrooms can be set up as super kings or twins which gives it flexibility for different groups. A few flights of steep stairs means it's not ideal for young children or anyone with mobility issues, and it's not dog friendly. But if you want to fall out of bed and be at one of the south coast's most iconic spots within minutes, this is the one.
Check prices or book here
The Barn, Dartmoor, Devon
One of my favourite Devon cottages, The Barn sits in a quiet valley on the edge of Dartmoor, part of an 18th century cob and stone farmstead.
The the owners converted it themselves five years ago, and you can tell it was done with care. Original materials are kept throughout, underfloor heating added.
It's a one bedroom cottage, so more of a coupoes retreat than a family stay. It's perfect for walkers, the Two Moors Way runs right past it, and Drewsteignton village is a couple of miles down the road for a pub lunch.
Dogs are very welcome, which given you're on the doorstep of Dartmoor is exactly as it should be, Baxter approves!
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
Stares' Nest, Holne, Dartmoor, Devon
Stares' Nest is a 14th century cottage sitting right in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, next to Holne's Norman church. This is one of the sweetest and most idyllic holiday cottages in Devon and you will want to book a second stay before you've even left.
There are two bedrooms which sleep upto five people, and 3 bathrooms so everyone has their own space. There is an AGA in the kitchen, a wood burner, and a gorgeous garden that wraps around the whole cottage.
The Two Moors Way passes through the village, the River Dart is a 15 minute walk, and open moorland is in every direction, so if you're coming with a dog this is an obvious win.
My favourite part? There are no streetlights, so on a clear night the stargazing is stunning. It's not one for very young children given the ponds and steep bits, but for a group of five wanting a Dartmoor base, it's hard to beat, Baxter did not want to leave.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
Cobbled Terrace Cottage, St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives is a place where location does a lot of the heavy lifting, and this cottage has a good one. Tucked along a cobbled terrace with easy access to the harbour and with the beach accessible on foot, it's a no brainer for a cosy escape.
It's a two bedroom, one bathroom cottage that works well for a couple, it's open plan downstairs and has a vaulted ceiling in the main bedroom that stops it feeling poky.
There's a lovely outside seating area for a morning coffee, which in St Ives in summer is all you really need.
This is a dog friendly Air bnb
Check prices or book here
Cottage Air Bnbs in the South East of England
Dot Cottage, Rye
Rye is one of the most characterful small towns in England and Dot Cottage sits right in the middle of it.
This is not a cottage for people who want neutral linen and a Nespresso machine, the owner is an artist and it shows, in the best way. Mossy green living room, mustard yellow sofa, pink bedroom walls, salvaged kitchen units that used to be part of a snooker table, and artwork covering every surface. It's small and intentionally imperfect.
Their is one bedroom with a king bed, a bathroom with an actual bath, and a garden that catches the sun when the weather plays along.
If you want somewhere with personality rather than polish, Dot is it.
This Air Bnb is dog friendly for small dogs
Check prices or book here
Otter's Hatch, Sandwich, Kent
Otter's Hatch fits right into the medieval town of Sandwich. It's a Tudor cottage with crooked walls, a dusty pink exterior, and a wood burner that earns its keep in winter.
There are two double bedrooms sleeping four, a walled garden with a BBQ for summer, and interiors that lean into the Wind in the Willows charm. The clawfoot bath upstairs is the perfect addition too.
This is a dog friendly Air Bnb
Check prices or book here
What to Pack for a Cottage Stay
Cottages vary wildly in what they provide, so a little preparation goes a long way. A few things I never travel without:
- A blanket — most cottages have them, but in winter I'd rather have my own than rely on it
- Dog towel and a Mud Daddy — non-negotiable with Baxter. The Mud Daddy lets you rinse muddy paws before you're even back through the door
- Wellies — muddy footpaths stop being a problem the moment you stop caring about your shoes
- Beach towel and bag — if you're heading to the coast, don't assume the cottage has these
- Your own tea bags — nearly every cottage provides them, but nearly isn't always, and that's a risk I'm not willing to take
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Airbnb cottages in England pet friendly?
Many Air Bnb cottages in England are dog friendly. If you are searching for dog friendly holiday cottages in the UK, Air Bnb allows you to add a dog into the search and then will only bring up pet friendly stays.
Please note if you have an assistance dog, you can bring him or her to any stay regardless, this is a legal requirement
2. What is the best region in England for a cottage Airbnb?
The best region in England for an Airbnb cottage is the Cotswolds and the South West.
The south coast is hard to beat if you want coastal walks and characterful villages. The Cotswolds deliver the classic English countryside cottage experience. Cornwall and Devon attract the most bookings for good reason, but book early, especially in summer.
3. Are Airbnb cottages good quality in England?
Quality of cottage stays across England varies, which is why personal recommendations matter more than star ratings alone. Superhost status is a reasonable starting filter, but reading reviews specifically for mentions of heating, cleanliness, and how responsive the host is will tell you far more than the overall score.
4. Is it better to book a cottage through Airbnb or a dedicated holiday let site?
I prefer to book my holidays through Airbnb Airbnb because there is more flexibility — shorter minimum stays, easier communication with hosts, and a wider geographic spread.
Dedicated cottage sites like Sykes or Cottages.com can offer more traditional holiday let properties, but Airbnb tends to win on variety and last-minute availability.
5. How far in advance should I book a cottage Airbnb in England?
For peak summer and school holidays, three to six months is realistic for the most sought-after areas, south coast properties in particular move fast.
Shoulder season is more forgiving, and if you're flexible on location, last-minute deals do exist. Winter weekends in places like the Cotswolds or Dorset can fill up faster than people expect too, especially around Christmas and New Year.
About the author
Hannah is a UK-based travel creator and founder of Postcards by Hannah, sharing destination guides and hotel recommendations to her audience.
She was born and raised in the English countryside, going to university in London and living there for half a decade before heading back to her country roots.
Hannah has travelled extensively around the UK, especially England, opting for countryside and coastal travels rather than the big cities. She loves train travel, country houses, long walks with the cocker spaniel Baxter, and sunny days on the south coast.
Her dream is to convert a camper van, pack her bags and travel the whole length of Britain’s coastline with her trust sidekick, Baxter.
