Self-catering by the sea doesn't get much cuter than this delightful red brick end terrace set on the shoreline of Belfast Lough. There's a double and single bed in one bedroom, 4ft double bed in the second and, downstairs, the lounge also has a double bed settee. Guests are greeted by owner Bronach Gwynne with welcome packs of home-baked bread and freshly laid eggs from her very own hens. Holywood town centre's great selection of shops, restaurants and bars is a mere stroll away and gastro pub The Dirty Duck is right across the road. Five minutes' drive from Belfast, and the right side of town for the City Airport and IKEA, Slipway provides seaside tranquility just a stone's skim from the big city.

(Per week £380-£420, £70-£75 1 night, 2 nights £135-£145, 3 nights £195-£210, 4 nights £250-£275, 5 nights £300-£335, 6 nights £340-£390).