Rural Dorset is a great place to head for a family holiday, check out a few ideas of what to do.

Here are some of the best selling cottages in Ireland for some great ideas where to go for a holiday.

Out Top 5 list of British Castles well worth a visit on your short break or holiday.

Thatched Holiday Cottages

Thatched Holiday Cottages

Working Farm Cottage Breaks

Working Farm Breaks

Edinburgh Festivals & Tattoo

Edinburgh Festivals Breaks

 

More Holiday Days Out Ideas

Whether you are looking for a family day out, a day out with a partner or friends, on a weekend break, short break or your summer holiday we have lots of great holiday ideas to keep you entertained. So if the ideas above have not inspired you take a look at a load more Days Out ideas below. Too make it even easier we have split categorised them in to great locations, self catering types and time of year inspiriation.

 

Places to inspire

Summer Holidays in South Devon: Dartmouth. If you are looking for holiday inspiration there can be few places to look than Dartmouth in South Devon. Great weather, picturesque location, golden beaches, drammatic coastal footpaths and much more. See our Dartmouth guide

Jane Austen inspired Cottage Holidays. 2013 was the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and so why not take a Jane Austen inspired cottage break. Find out where to go, from Bath to Chatsworth, with our Jane Austen cottage break guide.

Head to the English Riviera. Torbay in the South of Devon includes the coastal towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham and is renowned for its excellent beaches and warm climate. A favourite holiday destination makes it perfect for your cottage break. Torbay holiday cottages

National Parks and Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty. There is nothing better than a holiday in the countryside but if you are not sure where to start check out these useful guides: British National Parks, English AONB, Welsh AONB

Top 5 Norfolk Cottage Breaks. Norfolk is a perfect holiday location for couples, families and groups whether you are seeking peace and quiet in the countryside or invigorating walks along the coast. Here is our top 5 most popular north Norfolk towns perfect for a cottage break. Top 5 Norfolk Cottage Breaks

Cornish Cottages. A superb collection of self catering cottages in Cornwall. Enjoy the great weather, picturesque fishing villages, the iconic Eden Project, moor-land tor and the dramatic Cornish coastline on a Cornish cottage break

Lake District Self Catering Cottages. With 13 lakes to choose from you could be spoiled for choice, so check out guide to the various Lakes and the best places to stay near by. Guide to The Lakes

Top 5 Suffolk Cottage Breaks. Suffolk is a more genteel and relaxed holiday location with wonderful unspoilt coastline and glorious countryside to explore. There is even the beautiful Suffolk Broads. This is a list of our current Top 5 cottage break locations in Suffolk. Top 5 Suffolk Cottage Breaks

Short Break in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is one of England's most popular destinations for a short break or holiday with over 38 million day visits each year. Picture-book villages, gentle rolling countryside, both largely untouched and unspoilt. Self catering breaks in Cotswolds

Popular Scottish Holiday Cottages. There is so much to see and do in Scotland, it's difficult to know where to start. Should it be exploring the cities of Edinburgh or Glasgow or heading for the wonderful landscape, locks and waterways of the Highlands? Check out some popular Scottish Holiday Cottages

Glyndebourne Opera Festival. Experience the best of world opera in a very English setting at Glynebourne, East Sussex. The Glyndebourne Festival and Tour are World reknowned events and do not cost anywhere near as much as you might think and why not stay in self catering near by and have an East Sussex short break. Glyndebourne Opera Holiday Cottages

Edinburgh Festivals and Military Tattoo. You will have heard of the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe but that is just part of the wonderful events held in Edinburgh each year. With 12 world class Festivals held through the year there is never a bad time for a short break in Edinburgh

Great Yorkshire Show. Held from the 10th July to the 12th July in 2012 the Great Yorkshire is a huge county and agricultural show that is a fantastic day out for young and old. The 3-day Show is packed full of things to do and see, find out more about the Great Yorkshire Show

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show. From the 24th July to the 26th July there is much to do and see at the Show including the Shetland Pony Grand National and Sheep Dog demonstrations. Fun for the whole family, find out more about the New Forest and Hampshire County Show

Great Gardens to Visit. Wherever you are staying, you are not far from one of the UK and Ireland's wonderful gardens. A Garden Visit is the perfect way to spend a relaxing few hours away from the hustle and bustle of life and a chance to appreciate the wonderful creations by leading gardeners. Gardens to Visit

East Devon Self Catering. Peaceful, relaxing, rural, sandy coastline, seaside resorts, pleasant weather, you'll love East Devon for all of its glorious contrasts - in fact, it's the perfect place for a self catering cottage holiday. East Devon Cottages and Self Catering

County Shows, County Fairs and Agricultural Shows. The best way to experience the UK and Ireland's countryside is to go to a County Show. See prize winning livestock, dog and horse shows, arts & crafts and so much more. Perfect for a family day out. County Shows, fayres and more

Dorset Market Towns. Explore the many wonderful Dorset towns including Wimborne Minster, Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum on a cottage short break. With wonderful countryside, coast and attractions all close by you will have plenty to keep you amused. Dorset Market Towns and Self Catering

Top Selling Scottish Cottage Holidays. From Edinburgh to Inverness-shire, check out where people are heading for a cottage holiday in Scotland this year. Top 10 Cottage Holidays in Scotland

Top 5 Traditional British Seaside Holidays. There is nothing quite like a British seaside holiday - whether its the grandeur of Victorian piers or the slightly more tacky kiss Me Quick hats and donkey rides! Family fun or a relaxing break, head for a British seaside holiday. Top 5 Traditional Seaside Holidays

Mid Devon Holiday Cottages. A wonderful part of Devon that is often overlooked by tourists passing through to bigger attractions. More fool them, they don't know what they are missing and at least it keeps those roads peaceful and quiet! Mid Devon Holiday Cottages

Scottish Championship Golf Courses. Take a golfing break or golf holiday near a Championship Golf Course in Scotland. Play on a Championship Course or watch the pros and find lots of cottages and apartments close by so you can make the most of your visit. Read more about Championship Golf Courses in Scotland

City Breaks in England. Enjoy the best of the English cities on a weekend break or short break. From the big metropolitan cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London to the delightful regional cities of Norwich, Leeds, Bristol and Nottingham you will be spoilt for choice. English city breaks

Luxury Cottages in the Lake District. Sublime Peaks, Breathtaking Valleys and 16 major Lakes... a holiday or short break in the Lake District will not disappoint. An ideal location for an active holiday or simple peace and relaxation. Luxury Cottages in the Lakes

Best Selling Cottages in Ireland. If you are heading for an Irish cottage holiday or short break here is our list of best sellers so far this year - from the top locations to the best selling cottages. Best Selling Irish Cottages

Luxury Cottages Suffolk. Genteel villages and towns in beautiful rolling rural countryside and with some of the best unspoiled coastline in Britain. Seaside resorts without the commercialism and the medieval history to explore throughout Suffolk. Luxury Cottages Suffolk

2012 Scottish Blue Flag Beaches and Seaside Award Winners. Check out the cleanest and best Resort and Rural Seasides in Scotland. 2012 Scottish Blue Flag Beaches

2012 English Blue Flag Beaches and Quality Coast Award Winners. Check out the cleanest and best managed beaches in England. 2012 English Blue Flag Beaches

2011 Blue Flag Beaches in England, Scotland and Wales. If you are looking for the best beaches in Britain then head for those awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. Find out about 2011 Blue Flag Beaches in the UK

Golfing on an English Championship Golf Course. Enjoy a holiday or short break playing golf at an English Championship Golf Course. World renowned golf courses available to visitors with cottage accommodation near by. Read more about Championship Golf Courses in England

Luxury Cottages in Norfolk. Unspoilt Norfolk coastline, family seaside resorts, rivers, waterways, windmills, medieval towns including Norman Cathedral and Castle and of course the wonderful Norfolk Broads. Read more about Luxury Cottages Norfolk

Top 5 Castles. British castles provide an insight in to a proud history, long and bloody battles, and the cut & thrust of politics that makes it a fascinating day out for all the family. Read more about Top 5 British Castles

South Devon Coast and Country Cottages. From the wonderful South Hams and Salcombe to Dartmouth, South Devon is aperfect holiday destination. Take a look at this collection of South Devon Coast and Country Cottages

Sussex Holiday Guide. Perfect for anyone heading to Sussex is our Guide with all the best places to go and things to do including historic castles, pretty gardens and lots of other attractions. Read more about Sussex Short Break and Holiday Guide

Holiday Attractions in England. Check out some fun top attractions across England suitable for all. From castles and historic buildings to theme parks and zoos, you will find some great things to keep you entertained on your short break or holiday. See Holiday Attractions in England

Holiday Attractions in Scotland. We have put together a list of top holiday attractions in Scotland. From castles and country houses to zoos and museums, there is something for everyone. See Holiday Attractions in Scotland

Luxury Cottages in Cornwall. Great weather, superb sandy Blue Flag beaches, rolling waves perfect for water activities, countryside, Bodmin Moor and lots of top quality attractions. Luxury Cottages Cornwall

Secret Suffolk Cottages. Take a look at a new selection of wonderful cottages in Suffolk, in the East of England. Over 500 Suffolk Cottages including the new selection of Suffolk Secret Cottages

Norfolk Country Cottages. We now have over 1,000 holiday cottages and apartments in Norfolk with the addition of Norfolk Country Cottages

Devon County Show Self Catering. The Devon County Show promises to be even bigger and better than ever with some great holiday attractions. However, it's all about the great British countryside with hundreds of competitions for everything from arts and crafts to livestock. Find out more about the Devon County Show and Self Catering Accommodation

Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe. In May, Brighton is the place to be for all the best in the Arts with the annual Festival taking place at the south coast city. With the Brighton Fringe running at the same time there are hundreds of events to keep all entertained. Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe

Self catering to inspire

Working Farm Cottage Breaks. If you want to get away from it all then a self catering break on a working farm is perfect. Rural locations ensure peace, quiet and relaxation, not forgetting the wonderful scenery. We have selected cottages, barn conversions and lodges that cater for parties of all sizes and budgets - cheap to luxury. Cottages on Working Farms

Scottish Castles and Country Estates. We really do have a selection of Scottish Castles and Country Houses for you to take a self catering break at. What's more you can even book a butler, cook or housekeeper! Self catering at a Scottish Castle of Country House

Grade II Listed Self Catering. These wonderful buildings have been protected for years to come because of their historical and architectural interest, you can now take a self catering break at one of them. Self catering at Grade II listed accommodation

Internet Accessible Cottages and Apartments. Internet access is not easily available at all locations across the UK, particularly away from the major towns and cities, but you can find lots of self catering accommodation that includes Internet Broadband and WiFi. Cottages with Internet Access

Customer Reviews, Feedback and Comments. Before you book why not check out some of the cottage and apartment customer feedback, comments and reviews to see what others think of it. Customer Reviews and Comments

Cheap Holiday Cottages. Selected budget holiday self catering for Families and Groups in the UK and Ireland. Search our listing by price for a weeks stay. Cheap Cottage Holidays

Fun self catering for younger families. A cottage holiday for your children can be very exciting but you can make it even more special by staying at a self catering holiday home with Oscar the Owl. Oscar adds a whole new level of fun with fun things to do and see, games, toys, emails, postcards and of course going on trips during your stay. Family fun with Oscar

Holiday Caravans and Holiday Homes. Check out this selection of static caravans and mobile homes that offer great value self catering accommodation across Britain. Ideal for couples, familes or groups on a short break or holiday. Holiday Homes in the UK

Time of the year inspiration

2014 school holiday dates. Whether you have children or not, here are the school holiday dates to help you plan your short breaks and holidays around the school calendar. 2014 important holiday dates

2014 Cottage Holidays. Now is the time to be booking your 2013 summer holiday as cottages, apartments and holiday flats sell out fast. Check out some of our Summer Holiday Cottages

Winter half term cottages. Don't let the cooler weather put you off, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the February half term. Check out these cosy February half term cottages

February Half Term Lodge Breaks. Make the most of the winter half term on a family break at a holiday lodge at superb locations across the UK. Cheap half term lodges

School Summer Holidays. The school summer holidays are fast approaching but it is not too late to still find a wonderful cottage or holiday apartment perfect for a family holiday. Family Summer Holiday

Romantic Valentine's Day treat. Whether Valentine's Day is fast approaching or you just want to treat someone special we have put together some suggestions for you. See Romantic break ideas

Winter February Half Term Breaks. Have some great fun during the winter half term whatever the weather. We have some great holiday lodges near the winter holiday fun too. See February half term ideas

Discounted Cornwall Easter Cottages. Save on some lovely cottages in Cornwall this Easter. Great for couples, families or groups on a short break or holiday. Cornwall Easter Breaks

Discounted Devon Easter Cottages. With the weather beginning to warm up and Britain in full bloom, it's a beautiful time of year to enjoy an Easter Break in Devon. Make the most of the Easter school holidays with a fun-filled family getaway. Devon Easter Breaks

Discounted Dorset Easter Cottages. The Easter school holidays do not need to cost the earth, especially with these great discounted Dorset cottages. Dorset Easter Breaks

Discounted Somerset Easter Cottages. Find some great Easter holiday bargains in Somerset with these discounted cottage holidays and breaks. Save on Somerset cottages. Somerset Easter Breaks

St Davids Day Short Breaks and Holidays in Wales. You are sure to enjoy a colourful and festive time in Wales if you visit around St David's Day at the beginning of March. Festivals and cultural events to entertain you. St Davids Day Breaks

Mothers Day Weekend Breaks. Surprise you Mum this year with a cottage weekend break at a superb coastal or country location. Let you Mother relax and unwind in a cottage with its own hot tub. Mothers Day Breaks

St Patricks Day Short Breaks and Holidays in Ireland. Have the best St Patrick's Day party in Dublin or at any one of our superb cottage holiday locations across Ireland. There is nowhere more exciting to be on the 17th March! St Patrick's Day Breaks

Easter Family Breaks and Holidays. Easter is on its way and so its not long until Spring and warm weather and chocolate eggs! Get away with the family this Easter on a self catering break. Cheap Easter Breaks

Cosy Easter Breaks. Snow this Easter, well that's what the weather centre said. Don't fret, check out these great cosy cottages ideal for an Easter Break whatever the weather. Cosy Cottages for the Easter Break

Cheap May Bank Holiday Cottage Breaks. You have 2 chances to get away on a long weekend in May without having to take an extra day off! Yes, that's right, 2 Bank Holidays in May and so why not enjoy a cheap cottage break in the warm weather? Cheap May Bank Holiday Breaks

Celebrate England on St Georges Day. On the 23rd April it is St George's Day, the Patron Saint of England. So this is the perfect time for a short break in an English cottage, holiday flat or apartment. Whether you are heading to the coast or country take a look at this selection of English cottages on St Georges Day

Big Savings with Hoseasons this May. If you are looking for a holiday cottage in May then there are some big discounts available through our holiday partner Hoseasons for cottages, holiday flats and apartments. May Holiday Cottage Savings

Fathers Day Cottage Breaks. This year's Fathers Day in the UK is on the 17th June and so now is the perfect time for sorting out a special gift for your Dad. Why not give your Dad a wonderful cottage break, sure to be something he will never forget. Fathers Day Cottage Breaks

August Bank Holiday Breaks. This is last opportunity for a long weekend break with a Bank Holiday until Christmas, so why not make thw most of it and the good weather with a cottage weekend break. August Bank Holiday Breaks

September Holiday Cottage Breaks. With the school holidays over you can get away for a relaxing and peaceful break in what remains of the sunny summer weather. There is excellent availability at even the most sought after cottages and apartments across the UK and Ireland and, even better, some great prices/deals. Cheap September Holiday Cottage Breaks

Autumn Cottage Holiday Breaks. The Autumn in Britain and Ireland is a the perfect time for a cottage break. The summer crowds have gone, the skies are still blue, the air is fresh and crisp, and the countryside is a vibrant mix of colour as we make the transition from summer to winter. Autumn Self Catering Breaks

October School Half Term Breaks. Give yourself something to look forward to after the summer holidays with a family cottage holiday in the October half term - your last chance before Christmas! October Half Term Cottage Breaks

October Cottage Breaks. The nights may be drawing in and the air is a bit chillier but with its vibrant Autumnal colours October is a great time to take in the delights of the countryside and coastal paths of the UK and Ireland. Cheap October Holiday Cottages

Autumn half term lodge breaks. What better way to make the most of the last days of Autumn with than a half term cosy family holiday lodge in the country or by the coast. October/November half term lodges

Christmas Cottages. Check out a great selection of small cottage escapes or large cottages perfect for the whole extended family this Christmas and New Year. Christmas Cottages

Christmas in East Anglia. If you fancy getting away this year check out some lovely cottages in Norfolk and Suffolk, perfect Festive retreats in the countryside or on the coast. Christmas Cottages in Norfolk & Suffolk

Celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland. Where better to spend New Year's Eve than in Scotland, the home of Robbie Burns, Auld Lang Syne and some of the best New Year parties. New Year and Hogmanay Cottages

Escape the January Blues. Once the parties are over how about chilling out in front of a roaring log fire or relaxing in your own hot tub? So much better than tidying up the house or trying to keep warm at home. January cottage breaks

2013 Summer Holiday Lodges. Family holiday lodges, caravans and mobile homes are the perfect summer holiday accommodation - comfortable, lots of room, easy access to fresh air and suprisingly cheap. Check out some Summer Holiday Lodges