Cottages in Yorkshire

Where the cottages are

There are 2254 cottages listed on BritStays across Yorkshire. Most of them cluster around a handful of places. Whitby has by far the most with 301, followed by York (147), Bridlington (117), Scarborough (112), Pickering (96), Filey (86), Skipton (83) and Leyburn (79). Your first decision is usually whether you want the coast or the countryside, and the numbers show you'll have plenty of choice either way.

Coast or countryside?

If you want the sea, Whitby, Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey between them hold a large share of the cottages on this page. Whitby is the obvious starting point simply because there's so much to choose from. That matters if you're booking late or need a particular size of place.

If you'd rather have quieter countryside, look at Leyburn, Hawes, Skipton and Pickering. The example stays in Hawes are larger farm-style properties. Stable Cottage and East House Farm each sleep 6.

York sits apart from both. It's a good base if you want a city break with a cottage rather than a hotel, and it has the second-highest number of listings in the region.

Which areas suit which trip

• Couples: smaller places do exist. Lawson's Studio in Leyburn sleeps 2 and is listed as near a train station, so it's handy if you'd rather not drive.
• Families or two couples together: most of the example stays sleep 4 or 6. Scarborough has several 4-sleepers, such as Oak Cottage, Willow Cottage and The Rise. For six, The Lookout Penthouse, Scarborough and West End Farmhouse in Bridlington are options. Flamborough has the North Moor Farm Cottages, including Blackbird and Dove, each sleeping 6.
• Inland breaks: Delamere House- The Snug in Malton sleeps 4 and is listed as near a bus stop.

Bringing a dog, needing parking or a hot tub

Be realistic here. Only 23 of the 2254 cottages are marked as pet friendly, and only 11 list a hot tub. If either is essential, filter for it first and book early, because the choice is small.

Parking (39) and WiFi (24) also appear on relatively few listings. That may partly be because owners haven't recorded them rather than because they're missing. Still, don't assume either. Check the individual listing, and ask the owner if it isn't clear, especially if you're arriving with a loaded car.

Getting there without a car, or with an electric one

Public transport links show up far more often than on-site extras:

• Bus: 1011 cottages are listed as near a bus stop.
• Train: 764 are near a train station. In Whitby, Seaside Haven and Number 7 are both listed as near a bus stop and a train station.
• EV charging: 1031 cottages have EV charging nearby, but only 7 have charging on site. If you drive an electric car, check where the nearest charger is before you arrive. Don't expect a socket at the door.

What to do once you're there

On the coast, Whitby Abbey is the landmark most people head for. Inland, the North York Moors National Park is there for walking and big skies. If you want heritage, try these:

• Castle Howard
• Rievaulx Terrace
• Goddards (National Trust)
• Birdsall House, Farnley Hall and Kirkby Fleetham Hall, all listed as stately homes

For a rainy day, Leeds has a good cluster of museums: the Royal Armouries, Leeds Industrial Museum, Leeds City Museum and Horsforth Museum. Harrogate has the Folk Museum. Mother Shipton's Museum and Gift Shop is another option. Check opening times directly before you set off, as we don't list them here.

When to book

The general rule is simple: the more specific your needs, the earlier you should book.

• Dogs, hot tubs or on-site EV charging: each applies to only a few dozen cottages or fewer, so book well ahead, particularly for school holidays.
• Flexible plans: if any well-located cottage for 4 will do, you'll have more room to wait. Whitby and York have the deepest choice.
• Larger groups: places sleeping 6, like those in Hawes and Flamborough, are fewer than 4-sleepers in the examples here, so don't leave them late.

Before you pay, read the listing carefully. Then confirm parking, WiFi and pet rules with the owner in writing. A two-minute message now saves a frustrating arrival.