Cheap Airbnb Holidays in the UK

Airbnb offers you a wide range of accommodations from single rooms to glamping pods, spaceships and even the wing of a castle (find out more in our article Unique Airbnbs article).

Booking with Airbnb is a great way to support local businesses and individuals who are renting out their homes or holiday homes. Whether you are after luxury rentals are basic accommodation with the bare necessities, there really is something for everyone!

You can often find quirky staycations with personal touches you just don’t get with hotel holidays or holiday parks. Lots of the owners of Airbnb either live within the property or nearby too, so help is more often than not, always on hand. I’ve stayed in Airbnbs a few times all over the UK and all my experiences have been super positive. I’ve often found that hosts are super-friendly and eager to chat with you about the area and offer their recommendations on nearby attractions, pubs, taxi services etc… 

Airbnbs are also great last-minute options and the cool map feature on the search bar enables you to the cheapest prices in specific areas rather than having to trail through a long list of searches. This can make your search time so much quicker!

Airbnb shows you honest reviews under every property which is a very valuable insight into what each holiday accommodation has to offer. Airbnb also lets you know who the best hosts are by tagging them as ‘Super Hosts’, so you can feel safer in your decision when booking with Airbnb.

Date flexibility is also a great feature of Airbnb and during off-peak times you can get some absolute steals!

And lastly, the most important part of going on holiday is the location and if you’ve found lots of big holiday parks or websites have run out of accommodation in a specific area you can find so many wonderful hidden gems a lot nearer to your dream location.

The booking process is slightly different to other holiday websites as each Airbnb is run by an individual host, so it’s up to them if they grant you a holiday.

If you’ve selected your chosen dates and hit the ‘book’ button, Airbnb gives owners a 24-hour window to respond. If the owner doesn’t respond you will have to send another request through. The majority of the time owners will respond straight away to your request usually within 12 hours. You can also message the owners via Airbnb with any questions you may have about the property.

The exact location of Airbnbs is given to you after booking. When searching for holidays you will get a general location of the Airbnb like the town and a picture of its region on the map. So even though you don’t have the exact location or street name, you’ll get to see what the Airbnb is next to i.e. the seaside, nearby towns, attractions etc… the descriptions for each Airbnb should tell you all about the area too with a few recommendations about where to go in the area.

Airbnb hosts can charge separate fees for cleaning which will show clearly on the listing page alongside the Airbnb service fee. You’ll want to take this into consideration when booking your week or weekend away.

Keep your eyes peeled for any Airbnbs that want to charge you a cleaning fee but also ask in their description to do housecleaning jobs like stripping beds, emptying bins, cleaning the home etc… As I’m sure you won’t want to pay for cleaning fees if you have done all the cleaning!

With that being said, always make sure to respect the property and leave it in good condition as you would if it were your own home. Any breakages you will be charged for.

All Airbnb hosts will offer different amenities and services (that’s a given) but make sure you read the descriptions thoroughly as some Airbnbs require you to bring your own bedding, towels, etc…

Each Airbnb has its own rules so make sure you always respect them and any neighbours that live close by.

Run by super host Clare, Thyme Cottage is an adorable pet-friendly holiday that sleeps up to 4 people and you can spend 7 nights here for just £350!

Located just a short stroll from the busy square of St Just, Thyme Cottage is a top candidate for cheap Airbnb holidays in the UK that offer heaps of luxuries. Explore independent food shops, cafes, art galleries and pubs nearby. Head down to the rugged coastline and go on a sea adventure at Sennen Cove – it’s only 5 miles from the cottage! You may bump into some local surfers on your way down to the beach.

This cottage offers beach access, wifi, and a private garden. There are lots of kitchen appliances too so you have the option to cook up a delicious meal if you don’t fancy heading to the local pubs for tea.

This is the perfect experience for families with young children and we are so happy we’ve found this absolute gem of an Airbnb! Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside your little ones will have so much to do and see during their stay…

This cosy glamping pod comes with one double bed, three-floor mattresses, and of course, FARM ACCESS! Your little ones will get to meet chicks, baby goats, horses, hens, and cows. They’ll also get the opportunity to feed the animals in the Grooming Shire.

How are your hen skills? If you don’t know how to keep hens then you’ll get to know during your stay! Each belle tent gets a group of hens to look after but don’t worry you’ll get paid for your hard work with some fresh eggs for breakfast.

Despite being off-grid, you can still enjoy a nice hot shower! Dogs are also welcome to stop in the belle tents with you, just make sure to keep them on their leads when visiting the other animals.

The Highlands offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country with a hive of wildlife too and Angus is a wonderful place to visit with your family (and dog) for all of these reasons.

Let’s lead with one of its best features… THE HOT TUB! You’ll have a super cosy time relaxing in the arms of nature while you loosen up your muscles in the hot water. There is also a wood burner, BBQ, private garden and patio, and the shower has a ‘monsoon’ feature! It will feel like a spa getaway more than a family holiday!

There are plenty of things to do with the kids aside from chilling to maximum capacity… There are great walks accessible nearby, through Glen Prosen and Clova or magnificent walking, bird-watching, and mountain biking. If you carry on your adventures and further on you can go downhill skiing at Glen Shee (25 miles).

Check out other iconic spots nearby like Kirriemuir, it is just a short drive away and is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan! Kirriemuir is at the foot of the Angus Glens and on the perimeter of the Cairngorm National Park, and there is a broad choice of shops and eateries in the town too.

Have you got the burning desire to reconnect with nature? Suitable for two people, the Shepard’s Hut Sky Lodge is the perfect holiday home for those who love stargazing, stunning views, woodland walks, and swimming.

Take a dip in the nearby river or hike through the Cotchi Valley – it’s a mesmerising adventure for adults and kids. Keep your eyes peeled for wild animals and majestic birds like Kingfishers and otters. There are even baby fish in the river, just dip your toes in and they’ll tickle your feet!

Even though this holiday home is a lodge, the set-up is very much like a camping holiday with a compost toilet, an outdoor kitchen & communal shower facilities. There is also a firepit on site which is perfect for cuddling up next to while you look over the mountain views, at the stars.

Make sure to pack some trainers, weelies, and your swimming costumes for your all-weather adventure! 

Stop over in the 19th-century farm cottage and enjoy your very own secluded paradise for 5 days! You’ll be based on a private farm with 45 acres of woodland and pasture as well as a pond, stream, and an abundance of wildlife!

This cottage is perfect for a family of four who want a peaceful escape in the heart of Devon. Enjoy reading your favourite book on the glazed porch or cosy up next to the wood burner. You’ll also find a ‘chill zone’ with two hammocks and outdoor table tennis. And if you carry on exploring along the fields you’ll most likely bump into some farm animals!

If you’re after a real getaway with beautiful countryside views where the kids can run wild then this could be the perfect Airbnb for you. Although this Airbnb isn’t next to the sea it is a 20-minute drive to Exeter and a 53-minute drive to Sandy Beach. 

If you’re a family of 6 (or less) looking for a family-friendly holiday with heaps of helpful amenities in the North of England then may we present to you this absolute beauty in Cumbria.

It has everything that modern-day families need like wifi, free parking, TV, indoor fireplaces, a hair dryer and so much more. This holiday chalet is an attractive option for families who love being by the beach as it has direct access to the beach!

You’ll be able to watch endless sunsets and sunrises over the sea and grassy cliffs while you embark on some outdoor adventures. Then in the evenings, you can cosy up together on the settee or play lots of board games on the dining table.

This chalet is part of a holiday/residential park so you’ll be sure to meet other families and enjoy lots of additional amenities like the onsite shop, restaurant, playpark, and launderette.

This Airbnb is really great value for money, making it one of our favourite family-friendly, cheap Airbnb holidays on our list.

Whether you’re a family of surfers or you just have an affinity with the sea, this cheap and cheerful beach chalet is located in the sand dunes of Gwinthian Sands (near St Ives Bay).

This beach holiday is super affordable at just £85 per night*! This beautiful blue chalet is also just 3 minutes from the quiet village of Gwithian which has a delightful pub and church. There are also cafes and a bar in the dunes, just a short walk away. Paradise Park is also just 3 miles away!

It’s a great location too as not only is it situated on the beach but it is just 1 mile from Hayle and 5 miles from the popular holiday spot of St Ives.

If you are looking for a holiday in the Summer months or even the Winter months, this should make it to the top of your list. This Airbnb is dog-friendly all year round apart from July & August.

Located in the heart of Ryde, this beautifully decorated two-bedroom flat is perfect for families, couples, friends and, well, pretty much everyone! The only people it may not be suitable for are wheelchair users as you have to climb 2 flights of stairs to access the home.

Whether you’re in town for a short stay or a long stay, you’ll feel right at home in this spacious apartment. It’s within easy walking distance from the town centre, beach, shops, and restaurants, and it has excellent travel links too. There’s nothing more valuable than having everything on your doorstep, am I right?

This accommodation also has excellent amenities like the wifi, ocean views, garden views, beach access, a shared back garden, TV, and a luxurious bath.

This adorable seaside cottage is a really rare find. Not only is this coastguard cottage beautiful but it sleeps up to 6 people, it’s dog-friendly and it is just 150 metres away from the sea! Just follow the coastal path from the end of the garden and you’ll wind up on the beautiful South Eastern coast.

Just be mindful that because of the great price and location, this family-friendly home is incredibly popular and gets booked up very quickly so if you’re looking for a last-minute holiday this will not be for you.

Other things to remember: Make sure you bring your own bedding, sheets & and towels to this property – there is 1 double bed and 4 single beds in total. There is also no wifi available here but you really won’t need it if you spend your days exploring the nearby coastal town or get stuck into fun beach activities!

If you prefer the rolling hills of the great English countryside to the crashing of waves, then head over to South Yorkshire and check out this stunning grade II listed Apartment. 

Not only is the exterior and the interior of the property immaculate but the location is a massive plus too! Plunge into outdoor fun like cycling and walking through nearby woodlands. Get some retail therapy in Sheffield – it’s only 15 minutes away by car! Check out local afternoon cricket matches, scoff a few cream teas, and indulge in lots of delicious meals at award-winning pubs & restaurants. There really is so much to do!

The converted stable block sleeps up to 4 guests and has wifi, parking, a patio, a cot, a travel cot, a garden, a dryer, a washing machine, a TV & so much more!

Soak up breathtaking views of one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches from your apartment window at this excellent Airbnb! Less than 500 metres from Fistral Beach in Newquay, this ‘family only’ Airbnb is equipped with all your must-have amenities for a young family.

Your kids can learn how to surf in the surfboarding capital of Cornwall while you relax on the beach with an ice cream or sausage roll. You can go for lunch or dinner at nearby pubs and restaurants while also trying cocktails in nearby bars. There are plenty of shops nearby too.

And what’s more? Your furry friend won’t get left behind this holiday as this apartment is dog-friendly. It’s worth pointing out that parking is free from 1st November – 31st March but from April 1st – 31st October it will cost £8.70 for 24 hours.

Traditional cottages and farmhouses are all good and well but if you’re a family who wants all the luxuries and comforts of modern living then The Getaway in Portrush could be the answer to your holiday-making prayers.

You’ll get the apartment to yourselves and a garden which you will share with the owner. The apartment is situated on the North coast and your nearest beach is WhiteRocks Beach which is only a 5-minute drive away.

If you’re an outdoorsy family, you’ll lap up all the lush views of the surrounding countryside. Check out nearby natural landscapes and towns from Portrush to Bushmills, Coleraine and Portstewart. The famous Giant’s Causeway is only a 10-minute drive away too!