August Bank Holiday: Best last-minute cottage breaks still available to book

It’s not too late to grab a UK getaway

Syncocks Farm in Devon (Syncocks Farm)

The August Bank Holiday marks the last hurrah of summer – and the last chance to enjoy a proper long weekend break before the back-to-school mania begins.

Although accommodation in the UK is much sought-after this year due to the pandemic, there is still some availability to bag a last-minute stay, if you know where to look.

Here are some of Britain’s best cottages to book now.

Eastbury Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne, Dorset

Fully refurbished in this summer, Eastbury cottage is a three-bedroom period property located next door to The Eastbury Hotel and Spa in the market town of Sherborne. There’s a large Inglenook wood-burning fireplace and wooden beams, modern facilities and a secluded, south-facing walled garden.

Eastbury Cottage guests can book spa treatments (Eastbury Cottage)

The dog-friendly property’s proximity to the neighbouring Eastbury Hotel means guests can also book spa treatments.

From £850 per night based on four people staying, self-catering; minimum two-night stay.

Book here

The Steadings in Balbinny, Angus, Scotland

Set on a family farm in Scotland, Balbinny comprises three glass-fronted buildings offering 180-degree views across the South Esk river towards The Angus Glens, with the Cairngorm mountains beyond.

The Steadings have floor to ceiling views (The Steadings ) (The Steadings)

Each house sleeps four in two bedrooms, and guests can access the onsite facilities: indoor pool, hot tub, tennis court and multi-games sports pitch.

From £190 per night; £1,440 for seven nights.

Book here

Hillside, Port Isaac, Cornwall

This town house on one of the narrow lanes leading up from the harbour at Port Isaac sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Traditionally furnished, the property has a wood burner in the living room and a games room with a Playstayion and selection of board games. Famous as the filming location for Doc Martin, the village makes a pretty base for exploring the nearby beaches.

Hillside is in the picturesque town of Port Isaac (Hillside)

Seven nights from 29 August costs £2,295.

Book here

Garden Bank Cottage, Kelso, Scottish Borders

Garden Bank Cottage in a former barn sleeping up to four guests in two bedrooms. It offers a private patio with views across the Eden and Tweed Valleys to the Cheviot hills beyond, and there’s also golfing, horse racing, fishing and beaches nearby to enjoy.

Available for a three-night stay arriving 28 August for £550.

Book here

Syncocks Farm, Great Torrington, Devon

With parts of the house dating back to the 1350s, this restored thatched farmhouse backs onto a large landscaped garden with a pond, leading to 25 acres of fields. The beaches of Woolacombe and Sandymouth are a short drive away, while Dartmoor National Park is accessible but slightly further afield. Four bedrooms sleep eight guests.

A three-night stay from 28-31 August is available from £1,855 based on up to eight sharing.

Book here

Warren Farm Stable Cottage, Ashford, Kent

With views across the North Downs, this newly converted stable based in the Kent countryside sleeps four in two bedrooms. The cottage is within easy reach of Faversham and Canterbury and is surrounded by countryside walking trails, while the nearest beach is 18 miles away.

Three nights from 28-31 August available from £708 based on four people sharing.

Book here

The Sheiling, Inverness, Scotland

A short distance from Inverness, The Sheiling sleeps four in two bedrooms. There’s a patio and open-plan living room with kitchen, dining and sitting area. Guests can explore the small city of Inverness with its dramatic castle, or discover the nearby Highlands and Loch Ness.

The Sheiling is near Inverness (The Sheiling)

Seven nights from 29 August costs £724.

Book here

The Great Lodging Red House, Anstruther, Scotland

Located in the seaside village of Anstruther near St Andrews in Fife, this three-bedroom cottage sleeping six is just 200 yards from the beach. The home boasts period features, sea views and an enclosed garden. The city of Dundee is 30 minutes away, while there are nearby gold courses and an award-winning fish and chip shop on the seafront.

The Great Lodging Red House is 200 yards from the beach (The Great Lodging Red House)

Seven nights from 29 August costs £1,109.

Book here

Underthuel Cottage, Perranporth, Cornwall

This semi-detached cottage sleeping four in two bedrooms is based in the peaceful hamlet of Bolingey just over one mile (20 minutes’ walk) from Perranporth’s huge sandy beach and renowned surf break. Recently renovated and modernised, Underthuel Cottage has a good-sized living room with a wood burner and its own private outdoor space.

Seven nights from 29 August costs £1,010.

Book here

The Superdome, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

The Superdome offers quirky glamping (The Superdome)

These split-level domes are set in the picturesque Forest of Dean. Offering luxury glamping, the domes come complete with ensuite showers and wood-burning stoves. They sit in a camp called the Dome Garden, which has a small restaurant in the middle serving up ‘forest-inspired’ dishes, and each Dome sleeps seven to nine guests.

From £1,200 for three nights.

Book here