With petrol prices significantly increasing the cost of a holiday, suggestions for a car-free holiday can be very welcome. My Favourite Holiday Cottages feature a wide choice of charming UK self-catering retreats where guests can make the most of their holiday. You can leave the car on the drive and explore by bus, or book cottages accessible by train.

At Derwent House in Matlock, guests can arrive by train (East Midlands railway has frequent services to Matlock) and not miss the car all week. All the shops and restaurants of this Peak District Town are within easy walking distance, and there are no worries about who is on driving duty after a stroll to the local pub. The historic village of Bakewell can be reached by bus, as can the majestic Chatsworth House. Scenic Dovedale Valley is on the doorstep. Committed to eco principles, the thoughtful owners have arranged for cycle hire delivery and collection from the property. An award-winning Matlock holiday cottage, Derwent House sleeps up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms, and seven nights costs from £915.

Wood Cottage  This charming terraced cottage in Kendal is a delightful, architect-designed property just a few minutes walk from the town centre. Nestled in one of the narrow alleyways by one of Kendal’s ‘yards’, this Lake District cottage has been creatively renovated with an upside-down layout. The stylish open-plan living area is situated on the first floor, while the bedroom and wet room are on the ground floor, making it a unique and cosy place to stay. It’s an ideal romantic retreat, complete with its own Juliet balcony,  within walking distance of the town centre shops, restaurants and pubs.

Despite The Old Tavistock Railway Cottages no longer having a station, the friendly owners offer a collection service from Exeter and Plymouth Airports and train stations for arriving guests. Once settled into one of the charmingly atmospheric 5-star cottages, it is possible that visitors will not want to go too far. Nestled above Tavistock and overlooking Dartmoor, the Porter’s Office, The Refreshment Hall, and the Ticketing Hall have all been carefully and comfortably modernised yet preserve their historic character. Moments away from great walking and cycling (the nearby old viaduct forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle route), Tavistock has plenty to entertain the holidaymaker with its shops, bars and restaurants. Plymouth is accessible by bus, 5 minutes walk away.

All these UK holiday cottages above are available via My Favourite Holiday Cottages and offer week and short break options. Contrary to most holiday rental sites, 

My Favourite Holiday Cottages offers direct access to an owner’s website upfront. Select your favourite, and one further click links you directly to the cottage owners’ own website. To help keep the cost of a holiday down, there are no booking fees or other charges for guests or property owners.