Beautiful Holiday Homes in the Cotswolds

Self-Catering & Holiday Homes in the Cotswolds

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By James Long

Local Cotswolds tour guide and editor of Cotswold Insider

Published: 4 January 2026

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Self-catering accommodation and holiday homes are a popular choice in the Cotswolds for families, groups, and longer stays where flexibility and space matter more than daily services.

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This category covers a wide range of properties, from modern holiday homes and managed apartments to larger rural houses designed specifically for short-term stays. While they can overlap visually with cottages, self-catering and holiday homes are often bigger, more contemporary, and better suited to group travel or extended visits.

 

This guide explains when self-catering and holiday homes work best in the Cotswolds, where they tend to be a good fit, and what to think about before choosing one.

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When Self-Catering Works Best

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Self-catering accommodation tends to suit trips where independence and flexibility are priorities.

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It works particularly well if:

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• You’re staying for several nights or longer

• You’re travelling as a family or group

• You want multiple bedrooms and shared living space

• You prefer the option to cook rather than eat out every night

 

For short breaks or trips built around sightseeing and dining out, other accommodation types can sometimes be simpler.

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Holiday Homes vs Cottages

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Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are practical differences.

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Holiday homes

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Holiday homes are often:

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• Larger and more modern

• Purpose-built or professionally managed

• Designed for group stays and longer visits

 

They suit families and groups who want space, consistency, and straightforward logistics.

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Traditional cottages

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Cottages tend to be:

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• Older and character-led

• Smaller in scale

• Located in villages or rural settings

 

They suit travellers who prioritise atmosphere and location over size or convenience.

 

Understanding this distinction helps avoid mismatched expectations.

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Location and Practical Considerations

 

Self-catering properties are spread widely across the Cotswolds, and location has a big impact on how practical they feel.

 

Before booking, it’s worth checking:

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• Proximity to shops and food supplies

• Driving times to nearby towns and villages

• Parking arrangements and access

• Check-in and check-out flexibility

 

Holiday homes work best when location supports how you plan to spend your days.

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Self-Catering Compared With Other Accommodation Types

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Self-catering and holiday homes are often compared with:

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• Cottages, which offer more character but less space

• Hotels, which suit shorter, more flexible stays

• B&Bs, which work well for brief visits

 

The right choice depends on group size, length of stay, and how self-sufficient you want to be.

 

For a broader overview of how different accommodation types compare — including hotels, cottages, B&Bs, glamping, camping, and hostels — see our Sleep in the Cotswolds guide.

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Finding the Right Holiday Home in the Cotswolds

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If you’re ready to explore specific areas and property styles, our self-catering guides focus on where holiday homes work best rather than listing every available option.

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Featured self-catering and holiday home guides will appear here as the site expands.

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What to Read Next

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→ Hotels in the Cotswolds
→ Cottages in the Cotswolds
→ Bed & Breakfasts in the Cotswolds
→ Glamping in the Cotswolds
→ Camping & Touring in the Cotswolds
→ Hostels in the Cotswolds