The so-called Rule of Six has meant that multiple households can no longer gather in self-catering rentals and has resulted in bigger properties becoming available again. Many companies are offering discounts to smaller parties in an effort to fill them in the coming weeks.
In England, a maximum of six people from six different households can rent one property together; if staying in an area with restrictions in place, you must stay only with immediate household members. In Wales, you must holiday in your household or extended household and must not stay overnight in a locked-down area.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you must not mix with different households indoors, so properties can only be rented by single households.
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Kinblethmonth House
Encircled by the rolling hills near Dundee, the 14-bedroom stately Kinblethmonth House would usually set you back £9,873 for a week, but is now available for £3,949 in October. There’s a lavish drawing room, library, snooker room, table tennis room, a grand piano, four-poster beds and plenty of walks round the estate.
Available for £658pp for seven nights, scottscastles.com.
Westbrook Court
Overlooking the Wye Valley, Westbrook Court’s 17th-century farmhouse and annex usually cost £2,700 per weekend and sleep 19 guests. The four-bedroom house is now available for £1,000 for two nights and £1,500 for three, including half-term weekends. Set in five acres and a short drive from Hay-onWye, it is stylishly furnished with a wood-fired hot tub and a games room.
Available for £167pp for two nights and £250pp for three, westbrookcourt.co.uk.
Brownber Hall
brownber.co.uk.
Plas Newydd farmhouse
The 18th-century Plas Newydd farmhouse on North Wales’s spectacular Llyn Peninsula can accommodate 13 people and has been reduced from £2,293 per week to £1,543. It’s close to the golden beaches of Aberdaron and Abersoch and hardy types can enjoy Plas Newydd’s outdoor heated pool. Dogs are welcome.
Available for £257pp for seven nights until 16 October and £299pp from 16 to 30 October, qualitycottages.co.uk.
Grey Manes
A luxurious home on the fringes of the Somerset Levels, Grey Manes usually sleeps 14 and has been reduced from £2,300 a week to £1,500 in October, and £1,390 in November. There’s plenty to keep guests entertained: a large heated indoor pool, a games room with table football, air hockey and pool table and a huge garden with a children’s play area and trampoline.
Available for £250pp for seven nights in October excluding half-term, premiercottages.co.uk.