Inside the UK and Ireland's best holiday lets for 2026: From an enormous Yorkshire country house to a quirky lighthouse stay - we look at this year's winners

The UK and Ireland's best holiday lets for 2026 have been revealed, as properties across the country have been recognised in an annual ranking.

Among those taking home awards are a lighthouse in Lincolnshire, top farm stays and incredible glamping options.

Run by Sykes Holiday Cottages, the Gem Awards celebrate some of the most memorable and highly rated holiday lets across the UK and Ireland, with this year's winners selected from Sykes' portfolio of more than 25,000 properties.

Properties were assessed using guest feedback and scores, property quality, occupancy performance and amenities, before the judges selected the standout stays across 30 categories.

James Shaw, chief commercial officer of Forge Holiday Group, added: 'The Sykes Gem Awards celebrate the huge variety of holiday lets across the UK and Ireland, but also the owners who put so much thought into creating memorable places for people to stay.

'From a lighthouse on the Lincolnshire coast to a cottage in the grounds of a historic Scottish castle, this year's winners show just how distinctive a UK or Ireland break can be. Behind every property is an owner focused on giving guests a great experience, and the awards are a chance to recognise that.'

Here's a rundown of the top spots... 

Best farm stay – The Sty 

The Sty was voted as the best stay on a farm in the awards

With pink decor and an intimate feel, it's great for couples looking to get away

This contemporary single-storey pod sits on a smallholding in the peaceful village of Church Broughton, Derbyshire, home to sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys and two cows. 

Designed for two guests, the property combines its rural setting with modern comforts, including a private courtyard, hot tub and outdoor seating. 

Prices start from £506 for seven nights, making it an extremely well-priced option for a staycation. 

Best for beaches – Bucket and Spades

Bucket and Spades has direct beach access, a real winner on any staycation

Upstairs, you can set out onto the private balcony to enjoy morning coffee

Bucket and Spades is right on the beach in Pevensey Bay, East Sussex.

'As you head inside, you'll immediately be welcomed by a generous open-plan living area, designed to draw the eye towards the stunning, uninterrupted views of the beach just beyond the garden,' the listing says.

Expect quirky artwork, a private deck perfect for outdoor dining and a well-equipped kitchen. 

It sleeps six, with seven nights from £1,914.

Best for couples – Hona

Few holiday lets can compete with the incredible scenery around Hona

Perfect for a romantic weekend away, the property sleeps two

Got romance on your mind? Opt for Hona, a super popular holiday let in Uig on the Isle of Lewis.

A former mission hall, it has a cosy bedroom that accommodates two guests, and incredible views of the scenery.

Prices start from £827 for seven nights.

'We couldn’t have come to a better place, cosy and snug, with beautiful views over the loch and moors. The wildlife and nature surrounding Hona is outstanding,' one visitor said. 

Best for young families – The Olde Cow House

The Olde Cow House, a converted barn, has all the hallmarks of a cosy family stay

There's also a stunning swimming pool to keep you entertained

The Olde Cow House in Cardington, Shropshire is a restored 16th‑century listed barn conversion with original oak beams and exposed brick – practical yet also beautiful.

It's designed to accommodate larger groups, especially those with children.

'Children can explore the farm, meet the animals and delight in collecting fresh eggs each morning, while adults can relax with a drink, take in the rural views or wander the grounds at a slower pace,' the listing says, adding that there are plenty of woodland walks, picnic spots, games areas and open outdoor spaces nearby.

It sleeps 11 and prices start from £1,627 for seven nights.

Best for glamping – Evendine Hut @ Evendine Cottage 

Fancy a taste of the outdoors but don't like the sound of full-on camping? Head to Evendine Hut @ Evendine Cottage

Inside, it's been kitted out with modern amenities and comforts

This charming single-storey shepherds hut sits near the village of Colwall, Worcestershire, offering a countryside escape with plenty of home comforts. 

Features include a cosy woodburning stove, smart TV and a distinctive freestanding outdoor bath, giving guests the chance to enjoy an alfresco soak surrounded by nature. 

It sleeps two, and seven nights start from £452.

Best for large groups – Oakdene Country House 

Want to book a big group getaway? Your best bet is Oakdene Country House

With plenty of space to relax, you can also soak up incredible views

Set against the lush green backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, Oakdene Country House is a magical destination for a big birthday, special occasion or family get-together.

It sleeps up to 23 people for £4,898 for seven nights, which works out as £212 each, not bad for a whole week away.

The scenery is not the only selling point. Interiors are glamorous and with a hint of historic charm, while the large kitchen is great for hosting, and there are 11 comfortable bedrooms.  

Best pet-friendly property – Estuary View

Blue is the order of the day at Estuary View in Cornwall

It's perfect for hosting, and is also pet-friendly

In Newquay, Cornwall, Estuary View is a charming property with a comfy living room, stylish blue décor and fabulous outdoor space, perfect for making the most of the last of the sunshine.

It's pet-friendly, too, so feel free to bring your pooch. 

'From the moment we arrived, it felt like a genuine home from home, with absolutely everything you could possibly need for a comfortable and relaxing stay,' one guest wrote of their visit. 

Seven nights start from £742, and the property sleeps five people. 

Best for views – 2 Channel View

For stunning views everywhere you look, opt for 2 Channel View

Located in Salcombe, Devon, this is a stellar choice for a family or friends staycation

Also recognised is 2 Channel View in Salcombe, Devon, a three-storey townhouse with a terrace overlooking the estuary, within walking distance of the town centre. 

This comfortable home sleeps six across three bedrooms, and also offers on-site parking and a terrace positioned to make the most of the waterfront views, with Salcombe’s shops, restaurants and beaches within easy reach. 

Seven nights start from £1,244.

Best quirky property – The Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse 

The Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse is one of the most unique properties you can book

Despite its quirky exterior, the inside is full of modern comforts

This unique Grade II-listed lighthouse sits on the outskirts of Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. 

Sleeping eight across four bedrooms, the property combines its distinctive maritime heritage with modern comforts, as well as private parking and a pet-friendly policy. 

From £1,242 for seven nights.

Best historic property – Clocktower, Culzean Castle 

For a top historic stay, book the Clocktower at Culzean Castle

The inside is cosy, with a fireplace and a living room to curl up with a book

Sykes Gem Awards winners list 

• Best Farm Stay - The Sty
• Best for Beaches - Bucket and Spades
• Best for Couples - Hona
• Best for Young Families - The Olde Cow House
• Best for Glamping - Evendine Hut @ Evendine Cottage
• Best for Large Groups - Oakdene Country House
• Best Pet-Friendly Property - Estuary View
• Best for Sustainability - Oh Deer
• Best for Views - 2 Channel View
• Best for Walking - Larch Cottage
• Best Historic Property - Clocktower - Culzean Castle
• Best Longstanding Property - Lottie's Loft
• Best Luxury Property - The Ridge
• Best Newcomer - Celyn
• Best Quirky Property - The Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse

• Best Holiday Park or Resort - Stonerush Lakes
• Best in Central England - 12 Manor Farm Close
• Best in East Anglia - Polly's Annexe
• Best in Ireland and Northern Ireland - Atlantic Sea Breeze
• Best in Mid and South Wales - Rusty Boathouse
• Best in North East England - Puffin Cottage
• Best in North Wales - Glanllyn Bach
• Best in North West England - Laithe House
• Best in Peak District - Parlour Barn
• Best in Scotland - Bramble Cottage
• Best on the South Coast of England and the Isle of Wight - The Happy Hut
• Best in Cornwall - See Two Seas, Cape Cornwall
• Best in Yorkshire - The Barn
• Best in Devon - Little Orchard
• Best in Dorset and Somerset - 3 Beach Way House

Other winners include the Clocktower at historic Culzean Castle in South Ayrshire, a three-bedroom cottage with castle views and access to the National Trust for Scotland estate's grounds and coastal walks. 

Set within the Culzean Castle and Country Park Estate, this cottage gives guests the chance to stay in one of Scotland’s most distinctive historic settings, with access to the surrounding grounds and coastal walks.