eight alternatives to airbnb

It's no surprise that many of us are turning to the British Isles for our summer holiday this year. And while I'm looking forward to a summer of short UK breaks I'm not looking forward to endless evenings trawling through Airbnb. Can you remember the days when Airbnb just had a few select groups of holiday lets? Ahh, the good old days.

But, worry not, there are plenty of alternatives out there. I've pulled together eight holiday rental websites I turn to when we're on the hunt for the perfect destination.

the lisboans holiday rental in portugal

  1. Plum Guide

    The Plum Guide is like how Airbnb used to be. They focus on certain locations across the globe and each place has been visited and photographed by Plum Guide themselves, no dodgy images here. A brilliant place to look for apartments and small studio lets in cities in particular.

  2. Kip Hideaways

    One of the newer kids on the block, Kip Hideaways is a membership-based site (just £10 a year) and has a small group of holiday homes on their books. Each has been photographed beautifully and if you book through Kip you'll receive a little perk too. This is my go-to site for UK breaks, they have a good selection of smaller, affordable places too.

  3. Kid & co

    Child-friendly holiday destinations but without the compromise. These homes are on this site specifically because they make travelling with kids that much easier, but they're all beautifully stylish too. Cots, bunk beds, toys, bikes, high chairs...they're kitted out with families in mind.

  4. Forever Cornwall

    We love to visit Cornwall in the summer, the endless sandy beaches rival that of a Caribbean island! Cornwall also has a brilliant food scene, with plenty of places to get a post-surf seafood supper. Forever Cornwall only hosts holiday homes that are in this neck of the woods and the people who work there clearly love this part of the world. You'll find apartments overlooking the sea, beach chalets and plenty of family-friendly & dog-friendly stays too.

  5. Under The Thatch

    UTT may have strayed a little beyond their original remit of holiday lets in Wales, but they still predominantly favour Pembrokeshire and other parts of Wales. You'll find plenty of rustic and off the beaten track types of stays here. A great place to search if you want something a bit more rural and a bolthole to get away from the modern world.

  6. Mr & Mrs Smith

    If you're ready to splurge and want all the luxuries of staying in a hotel, Mr & Mrs Smith is the place to look. And from experience they offer fantastic customer service, if you're unsure about what you're looking for, get in touch and they'll gladly assist. Their prices are always the cheapest you'll find too - so no need to waste time shopping around.

  7. Canopy & Stars

    Canopy & Stars specialises in wild and rugged stays and quirky lets. A sister brand of Alistair Sawdays but with a focus on outdoor adventures. Think tree houses, huts & glamping. A fun alternative, particularly if you're travelling with children and want a bit of excitement.

  8. Landmark Trust

    The Landmark Trust is a conservation charity that rescues historical or architecturally exceptional buildings, converting them respectfully into holiday homes. A fantastic way to immerse yourself in history or to experience something truly different to the usual. You might find yourself staying in a castle, a windmill, a railway cottage or a water tower. 

July 29, 2021 — Alice Paling
Tags: Summer Travel