Cotswolds Holiday Letting Market Insights

Manor Cottages isn’t just another Cotswolds holiday letting agency, we’re a long-established, trusted partner for holiday homeowners across the region. With decades of experience and the backing of Sykes Holiday Cottages, we offer an unmatched combination of local expertise and national reach.

We currently manage a portfolio of 358 properties across the Cotswolds, giving us a deep understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and where opportunities lie.

For owners, this means greater visibility, stronger occupancy rates, and ultimately, higher returns. Earlier this year, we hosted an event to showcase our insights from 2025. Read on for our key information and to download the full guide.

Key 2025 Performance Highlights

Despite wider economic pressures impacting travel demand, 2025 proved to be a resilient and successful year for Manor Cottages. In fact, our portfolio outperformed expectations and showed just how robust the Cotswolds holiday letting market remains.

One of the most encouraging indicators was the increase in occupancy. Even with reduced search volumes across the sector, we achieved a 2% rise in overall occupancy compared to 2024, alongside a strong 76% occupancy rate during peak summer weeks.

At the same time, booking behaviour continued to shift. Guests are increasingly prioritising flexibility, shorter breaks, and spontaneous travel—trends that are reshaping how owners should approach pricing and availability.

Some standout performance stats include:

• +2% occupancy growth year-on-year
• 76% summer peak occupancy
• 63% of bookings were short breaks (3–5 nights)
• 26% of bookings made within four weeks of arrival
• 2% of bookings made on the same day as arrival in peak periods

Together, these insights paint a clear picture: success in today’s market depends on being agile and responsive to changing guest behaviour.

How Manor Cottages Helps Owners Earn More

At Manor Cottages, we go far beyond simply listing your property. Our focus is on helping you maximise every booking opportunity through smart, data-led strategies that are proven to deliver results.

A key part of this is our dynamic pricing system, which continuously analyses demand, booking trends, and property performance to ensure your pricing stays competitive at all times. Rather than relying on static pricing, this approach allows owners to capitalise on peak demand periods and fill gaps more effectively.

The results speak for themselves:

• 41% more revenue when following pricing recommendations
• 26% higher annual income using dynamic pricing tools
• An average of 7 additional bookings per year

Cotswolds Holiday Letting

Pricing is only one part of the picture. We also work closely with owners to unlock additional earning potential through flexible booking strategies.

For example, short breaks are no longer just an option—they’re essential. With nearly two-thirds of bookings now falling into this category, accepting shorter stays can significantly increase both occupancy and revenue.

• Up to 25% more revenue by accepting short breaks
• Around 8 additional bookings annually

This hands-on, proactive approach is a big part of why Manor Cottages continues to deliver strong results for owners year after year.

Emerging Holiday Letting Trends in the Cotswolds

The holiday letting market is constantly evolving, and our latest report highlights several important trends that are shaping guest behaviour in 2026 and beyond.

One of the biggest shifts is the rise of more frequent, shorter breaks. Travellers are increasingly choosing multiple UK getaways throughout the year instead of one longer holiday. This reflects a broader lifestyle change, where flexibility and convenience are key priorities.

• 63% of Brits plan a UK break in the next 12 months
• 34% intend it to be their main holiday

We’re also seeing growing demand for experience-led travel. From food-focused “tastecations” to solo trips and pet-friendly stays, guests are looking for something more personalised and memorable.

Other notable trends include:

• Increased interest in pet-friendly accommodation
• A rise in solo and flexible travel
• Growing use of technology, with 70% of travellers using AI to plan holidays.

For owners, these trends highlight the importance of adapting your offering to meet changing expectations.

What Features Drive Bookings and Revenue?

In a competitive market like the Cotswolds, the details really matter. The right features can make a significant difference to both booking rates and overall income.

Our data shows that guests are increasingly using specific filters when searching for properties, meaning standout features can directly impact visibility as well as appeal.

Some of the highest-performing features include:

• Pet-friendly properties (27% of bookings include pets)
• Hot tubs (can boost revenue by up to 40%)
• Large properties for group stays
• Outdoor space and gardens
• Reliable WiFi for remote working and streaming

We’re also seeing emerging opportunities around sustainability. With relatively few properties currently offering EV charging, this is an area where owners can differentiate themselves and appeal to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.

A Proven Track Record You Can Trust

Choosing the right agency is one of the most important decisions you can make as a holiday homeowner. With Manor Cottages, you’re partnering with a brand that has consistently delivered strong results and industry recognition.

With over 30 years of experience in the Cotswolds, we understand the nuances of the local market better than anyone. As part of Sykes Holiday Cottages, we’re also backed by national expertise and cutting-edge technology.

• Over 30 years of experience in holiday letting
• Part of a group with 12 consecutive British Travel Awards wins
• A growing portfolio of high-performing properties across the region

This combination of heritage, innovation, and scale is what makes Manor Cottages a true industry leader.

List your property with Manor Cottages

What really sets us apart is how we combine that local knowledge with large-scale marketing power. Through significant investment, partnerships, and technology, we ensure properties listed with Manor Cottages are consistently seen by the right audience.

• Over 700 partner sites, including Airbnb and Booking.com
• A £35 million annual marketing spend to drive demand
• 65% of bookings from repeat customers
• Over 700,000 social media followers supporting brand reach

Download the Full Cotswolds Market Insights Report 2026

This blog highlights some of the key findings, but there’s so much more to explore.

Our full report gives you:

• Deeper analysis of booking trends
• Real examples of top-performing properties
• Data-backed strategies to increase revenue
• Practical advice for both new and existing owners

Thinking About Letting Your Property?

Whether you’re new to holiday letting or looking to switch to a more proactive, results-driven agency, Manor Cottages is here to help.

We offer:

• Dedicated local account management
• Flexible, bespoke property management options
• Industry-leading marketing exposure
• Honest, data-backed rental appraisals

If you’d like to find out how your property could perform in today’s market, our team would be happy to help. Contact us today for your free owner pack.

Download the full Cotswolds Market Insights Report 2026 to unlock the complete picture and start planning your next steps with confidence.