Older and retired people have the great advantage of being able to book mid-week breaks in self-catering holiday cottages. These are nearly always available outside school holidays which is good because you most probably don't want to be surrounded by children on holiday anyway.

• Search mid week breaks by date and price

The other advantage is that mid-week breaks in low season are cheaper than at peak times so your money goes further. Self-catering suits those on special diets because you can cook for yourself instead of relying on meals out. All the self-catering cottages are equipped as a comfortable 'home from home' so that you can enjoy jaunts out during the day and relax as you would at home in the evenings.

Some cottage owners run various courses and special interest lessons in low season. These range from a variety of outdoor activities such as horse riding and wind surfing to quieter pursuits such as photography or discovering how to adopt an Eco-friendly way of life. There are also the usual pampering sessions, cookery classes and wine tasting to add special interest and acquire new skills. You're never too old to learn so do take a look at self-catering holidays with courses and activities.

Click on the page titles below to find out more about the low season and mid-week break activities on offer:

• Search mid week breaks by date and price

• self-catering holidays with courses and activities

• mid-week self-catering breaks

• Late Availability -find out which cottages are available during the next 8 weeks or so. Mid-week breaks are often a possibility in low season.