West Country
For self catering breaks in the west country, these sites provide a good range of locations and prices, as well as choice of accommodation.
http://www.holidaycottages.co.uk
http://www.simplycottages.co.uk/default.asp
http://www.westcountrycottages.co.uk/publicwcc/index.html
England and Wales
The National Trust has some fascinating properties available throughout England and Wales, and immense variety. If you can’t find somewhere which meets your needs here you’re in trouble:
http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/
Scotland
The first point of departure should you be heading north of the border is the visit Scotland site, and their section on unusual and luxury places to stay has a good search facility:
http://www.visitscotland.com/library/luxury
Wales
These cottages in Wales are all quite quirky, and many are tucked away in pretty spots where children can run around to their hearts’ content, and you can get some peace and quiet. Many are a bit of a drive to get to, but it’s so worth it when you are there:
http://www.welsh-cottages.co.uk
Rare Bits is an expert guide at finding lovely and unusual accommodation in Wales:
http://www.rarebits.co.uk/
Northern Ireland
For accommodation with a difference in stunning Northern Ireland look no further than this site which is searchable, and has good selection of different sized period and modern houses to be rented all year round.
http://www.elegant.ie/period.html?gclid=CKyJ7qTir4YCFTYbGgodmXsmCw
National
Alastair Sawday is well known to many as a man who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to finding lovely places to stay. But do you know you can also search by county online?
http://www.specialplacestostay.com/maps/britain/index.html
Unique Home Stays has places all over the UK which are special: some are country houses, some are manses in Scotland or shooting lodges in the home counties. You can also browse by interest, which is useful, albeit slightly limited.
http://westwing.uniquehomestays.com/unique/country/data/uk/default.asp
