Questions and answers

From the live booking system that the owners' calendars feed. What you see as available is what the system shows as available at the moment the page loads. Prices are the total for the dates shown, including any compulsory cleaning or service charge. Optional extras, a refundable security deposit (where a house has one) and optional cancellation products are shown separately.

Yes. We only show a crossed-out price when the house itself has a discount on those dates, such as a last-minute discount set by the owner. The higher figure is what the same dates cost without that discount. We never invent a "was" price.

Yes. Every house can be searched for any dates its owner has opened. The site just starts with the next four weeks because that is what most people here are looking for.

A short run of one to three unbooked nights between two other bookings. Owners rarely fill them, so they are often the easiest late stays to find.

Choose your dates, pick a house and press Book these dates. You fill in your details, any extras and cancellation cover online, and see the full price and when it is due. At the last step your booking opens in your email app; press send to book. We confirm your booking by email and send a secure link to pay. Nothing is charged online now. You can also email or ring us on 0118 230 0750.

We're sorry, we can't. Availability is live and dates can't be held without a booking.

No. Holiday accommodation booked for specific dates is not covered by the 14-day cancellation right (regulation 28(1)(h) of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013). Your cancellation rights are in our terms and the house's cancellation policy, plus any Cancellation Cover or Booking Flex you buy.

No. For safety and insurance reasons your party must not be bigger than the stated capacity, and that includes children.

Children are aged 2 to 12. Anyone 13 or over counts as an adult. Infants are under 2. Adults and children count towards the number the house sleeps. The lead guest who books must be 18 or over.

The rental, bed linen, towels (unless the listing says otherwise), cleaning and utilities. Some extras carry a charge. All compulsory charges are in the price we show; optional extras such as dog fees or a travel cot are listed before you pay.

For stays starting within six weeks, which covers almost everything on this site, yes: you pay in full when you book. For stays further ahead a deposit (typically 30%) secures the booking, and the balance is due six weeks before arrival.

By debit or credit card. Payments are taken by Booking Brain Ltd. There is no card fee and we don't take bank transfers.

Some houses ask for a refundable security deposit. Where one applies, it is shown before you book and returned after your stay unless the owner reports damage.

We will never contact you from an unknown mobile number asking you to click a link or pay to keep your booking, and we will never ask you to transfer money by phone or text. If anything looks odd, ring us on 0118 230 0750 before you do anything.

What you get back depends on the house's cancellation policy, shown before you confirm. You may be offered Cancellation Cover or Booking Flex when you book; see section 7 of our terms. Neither is insurance.

We'll tell you straight away, and either help you find something similar or refund you in full.

Your confirmation comes by email when you book. Arrival details (directions, keys and check-in) follow by email before your stay. With a late booking that can be the same day. If they haven't arrived, check your junk folder, then ring us.

At many houses, yes. Each listing says whether dogs are welcome, how many, and any charge.