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The UK’s 7 best holiday homes to book for 2025

From the Cotswolds to western Scotland, these are the 2025 winners of Vrbo’s prestigious Holiday Homes of the Year awards

Ed Cunningham
Written by
Ed Cunningham
News Editor, UK
Smithycroft, Vrbo Home of the Year
Photograph: Vrbo
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The sun is finally out, warm weather is almost within reach – and so, naturally, you’ve got staycations on the mind. But where should you go? You could, of course, consult Time Out’s list of the UK’s best places to visit in 2025, or our guides to the country’s best beaches, national parks and so on. 

Sometimes, however, a staycation doesn’t have to revolve around a destination – it can focus instead of an especially marvellous place to stay. It’s those sorts of places celebrated by the ‘Holiday Homes of the Year’ list by Vrbo – part of Expedia Group – and 2025’s winning rentals have just been announced. 

This is the fourth year that Vrbo has chosen its Holiday Homes of the Year, which is selects from a total of two million listings on the platform. The winning rentals are all multi-bedroom options with ‘premier host’ status, an average guest rating of 9.8 (out of 10) or higher and ‘standout amenities’ like pools, hot tubs, cinemas and so on. 

Commenting on this year’s winners, Vrbo general manager Larry Plawsky said: ‘Every year, Vrbo Holiday Homes of the Year inspire travellers to book their next family holiday, and the 2025 collection is no different. 

‘The holiday homes on this year’s list reflect the places with amazing guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms.’ 

Without further ado, here’s where Vrbo says is best to book this year. 

The UK’s best holiday homes in 2025, according to Vrbo

Kilmartin Castle (Argyll and Bute)

Kilamartin Castle, Vrbo Home of the Year
Photograph: Vrbo

Dating back to 1550 and sleeping 10 guests in five bedrooms, Kilmartin Castle boasts an orchard, sunken fire pit and outdoor kitchen. It was named one of the world’s best places to stay last year by eviivo

Book and find out more.  

Smithycroft, Chard (Somerset)

Smithycroft, Vrbo Home of the Year
Photograph: Vrbo

A thatched cottage near the village of Combe St Nicholas, this one sleeps six and costs from £52 per person, per night. 

Book and find out more.  

The Natterjack Manor House, Morecambe (Lancashire)

The Natterjack Manor House, Vrbo
Photograph: Vrbo

This vast (sleeping 14) seaside manor in the northwest is like its own spa, with an indoor heated pool, sauna, massage room and gym. 

Book and find out more.  

Downs Cottage, Deal (Kent) 

Downs Cottage, Vrbo Holiday Home of the Year
Photograph: Nathan Shepherd

In Deal, Kent’s next big staycay spot, the Downs Cottage is akin to a sized-up, luxurious beach hut – with beachfront access to-boot. 

Book and find out more

The Cosh, Moreton-in-Marsh (Cotswolds)

The Cosh, Vrbo Home of the Year
Photograph: Vrbo

The most affordable on the list (from £39 per person, per night), The Cosh is a converted Dutch barn with slick modern décor and wide views of the Cotswolds. 

Book and find out more

Quarry House, Kingsbridge (Devon)

Quarry House, Vrbo Home of the Year
Photograph: Vrbo

Designed by an award-winning architect (Stan Bolt), Quarry House sees industrial style meet views of both the coast and rolling hills. 

Book and find out more

Hermitage House, Caton (Lancashire)

Hermitage House, Vrbo Home of the Year
Photograph: Vrbo

Holiday homes rarely get much more spectacular than this: a pad that comes with not just a private cinema, games room, casino and hair salon but its very own island. The biggest in Vrbo’s 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year list, Hermitage House sleeps 24 guests in eight bedrooms. 

Book and find out more

Read more about all seven holiday homes on Vrbo here.

ICYMI: The holiday homes Vrbo crowned the best in the UK in 2024.

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