Holiday Tips and Advice

The UK and Ireland offer some stunningly naturally beautiful places where you can enjoy a cottage holiday along with some excellent wildlife watching. For best places to go, the National Parks along with Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty come highly recommended. In these open green spaces you can freely enjoy walks and time in the countryside. Whether you enjoy bird watching or looking out for deer or other animals, Britain is home to some fascinating sights and experiences. For inspiration on where to stay why not take a look at country cottages in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Spring is officially here and there are some great savings to be made with numerous last minute cottage breaks and late deals available. Last minute cottage deals can represent excellent value for money and can be found throughout the country. We feature an inspirational collection of country cottages, log cabins, pet-friendly cottages and unique self-catering accommodation. With such great choice available, has there ever been a better time to book a last minute deal? Find out more information by taking a look at special offer cottages and late cottage offers.

The National Parks in the UK and Ireland are often referred to as Britain’s breathing spaces.  With acres and acres of unspoilt countryside, these parks have to be some of the top places to go for rural retreat breaks.  What makes these places so inspirational you may wonder?  Well for one, these parks offer a variety of unique landscapes such as meadows, woodlands, wetlands and mountains which can be ideal places to explore on romantic breaks or family getaways.  For more information on what these special places have to offer for cottage holidays see our cottage holiday guide on England’s National Parks.  More information on the national parks of Wales, Ireland and Scotland coming soon!

If you have in mind a country holiday for 2013 and are in need of some inspiration then we can help with our top 10 recommended destinations for rural retreat holidays.  We have featured destinations in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.  Our guide takes you through some of the best places in the UK and Ireland for a tranquil, relaxed getaway.  Don’t forget that not only can we help with providing you with information on some amazing places to visit but we also feature a fantastic collection of rural cottages and retreats, ideal for a stress free holiday.  Find out more and read our Top 10 Destinations for Rural Retreats.

Dreaming of your ideal cottage holiday for 2013?  We can help.  It isn’t always easy deciding where to go and how to spend your time.  Read our area guides for information and inspiration on some of the best places in the UK for self-catering cottage holidays.  From the Cotswolds to the Highlands of Scotland, there is plenty of choice and many beautiful places to discover.  If you don’t mind where you visit, why not save with a last minute cottage deal?  Being flexible on location may mean that you are likely to get the best possible price.

We’ve also compiled a list of best picks of the most inspirational cottages and self-catering accommodation that we feature.  To find out more information, take a look at our top 10 cottages for inspirational self-catering breaks.

If you’re taking a cottage holiday this winter and are on a budget or just want to get the best available deals then you may want to optimise on free days out. 

For members, the National Trust offer a host of fascinating country houses and gardens which can be visited for free.  Although some houses are closed for the winter season, the gardens are open at many and special events are on at some such as special Christmas evenings and guided tours at some properties where the houses are decorated especially for the season.

Other great free attractions include country parks and gardens.  Wrap up warm and enjoy the changing scenery in parks and gardens.  Frosty and snowy days can really add that something special to your experience.  If you need to warm up why not pop in to a local café for a good value lunch or cup of tea.  A number of galleries and museums up and down the country are also free.

We also recommend that you do your research on 2 for 1 offers.  Many offers are available nowadays online and with a little bit of searching you can reap great rewards and save money on your cottage holiday.   Wherever you go for your self-catering break, we hope you find that the best things in life are indeed free and that you have the very best of times.  If you haven't yet booked your cottage getaway take a look at last minute cottages for some of the best late deals.

The results of the British Travel Awards nominations are now out.    Websites voted best as travel information providers and for the deals they offer include the Mail on Sunday, the Daily Mail, the Sunday Times Travel, Trip Advisor and the World Travel Guide.  Some people like to be guided by award winners whereas others have their own favourites that they know and trust when they want information, inspiration and advice on travel.   

If you are looking at where to take a cottage holiday in 2013 why not look up our free area guides for hints and tips on some of the best places on offer in the UK?

The prediction about the end of the world on the 21st of December did not come true after all. We can now look forward to yet another wonderful year of holidays in self catering cottages. Browse to your heart's delight and find that perfect spot in the UK countryside. We are so fortunate to have so many stunning  rural locations. One prediction that would come true is that you would be delighted with a country cottage stay in the Welsh Marches, the scenery is simply stunning. Rent a cottage or log cabin for a holiday in either mid Wales or Herefordshire and enjoy a relaxing self catering break next summer.

There are some great cottage offers available this Christmas and getting away from it all at this time of year can be simply the best.  Why not do something special to celebrate the festive period and have quality time to look forward to with friends or family?  Or you may prefer to plan a break for the New Year, 2013.  Click for more information about cottages for Christmas or New Year offering availability for this time of year.  We don't just specialise in Country Cottages, we also feature a fantastic range of cottages from romantic retreats to award winning country cottages, many of which have been quality graded.  We recommend booking early for 2013 too for the best possible choice. 

Autumn seems to be earlier this year and following unsettled weather, the longer term weather forecast is good. Now is an excellent time to book self catering cottages near woodland and have a few days away to make the most of the countryside whilst the leaves are taking on red and gold hues. People picking mushrooms can be spotted foraging in meadows and in the woods. Rental prices are lower and plenty of good value self-catering breaks abound in the UK and Ireland. Browse through our last minute cottages for a surprise autumn break.

It is anticipated that an increased number of people will holiday at home in 2013. It is often possible to pay a small deposit to secure your ideal self-catering cottage ahead of the crowds. The highest demand is for cottages with those little extras such as swimming pools, saunas and spas. These may be independent rural cottages or part of a cottage complex or holiday park. Activity holidays with self-catering accommodation ensure that children are safely occupied all day long.

When it comes to finding great deals on cottages we’re here to help.  Take a look at our last minute offers section and you may just pick up a self-catering getaway at a truly excellent price and make big savings.  Don’t miss our Special offers section too!  For more information or advice on individual cottages, get in touch with independent owners or agencies.   With the August Bank Holiday and September fast approaching why not take a look and see if you can grab a bargain.

We've just introduced some valuable resources and helpful hints for owners of self-catering accommodation.  If you're an owner with a cottage who is considering renting it out, do take a look at our owner resources section.  More information and helpful hints and tips will be coming soon.  We aim to guide you through the process and to make things as simple and easy as possible.

Booking an award winning cottage can be reassuring.  You can be confident with these cottages that the owners take quality seriously.  May be you are planning a special break away when only the best will do.  5 star and 4 rated accommodation is also often popular.  Do remember that when it comes to awards there are a variety of types.  Some independent owners subscribe to official schemes where they are assessed for their green eco-friendly qualities.  Whereas others sign up to be assessed in terms of customer service and comfort.  For more information and guidance, take a look at our resource section on grading schemes.  The standard awards are Gold, Silver and Green.   Whichever type of cottage you are looking to find, whether you are seeking somewhere truly excellent or are happy to opt for a value cottage it usually pays to do your research.  Personal recommendations can be helpful when it comes to choosing the right accommodation and some find review websites useful.  Whatever you choose we hope you find your ideal cottage quickly and easily on Country Cottages Online and that you have a safe and happy holiday.

Our experts have written some helpful guides on cottage holidays in the UK.  Scotland is a country within the UK with a wealth of outstanding landscapes and a rich culture  Why not take a look at our Scotland guide or see our regional specific information such as our info on the Scottish Highlands or the Isle of Skye?  Scotland has lots to offer for self-catering holidays.  The landscape is stunning and there is a great deal of choice when it comes to country activities.  Do get in touch with your feedback on these guides to help us make these as useful as possible.

Self-catering accommodation in Scotland can be in cottages, lodges, log cabins, chalets and even in mansions.  If you would like more advice and guidance on holidaying in Scotland take a look at our recommendations for having an enjoyable cottage holiday stay in Scotland.  It usually pays to plan ahead and do your research.  Shopping around can also save you money.  For last minute deals take a look at our late cottages or special offers. 

When planning a self catering cottage break you may want to find information on places to go before you book.  You may be in need of inspiration or have an idea about where you want to go but need more details about where there is to do in each area.  We aim to provide you with great resources when it comes to suggested things to do and places to see, find out more by taking a look at our area guides.  Also remember to get advice and guidance from cottage owners or agencies before you book, many are experts when it comes to what is on offer locally.

Increasingly nowadays many of the best deals are available when you plan ahead and book in advance. Although this can't be guaranteed, equally you can find late offers where you may be able to make signficant savings.  See these Special Offer Cottages.  Choice is usually restricted though when you leave things to the last minute but you may be able to save up to 20% on the usual price with certain offers. Nowadays it can be important to find the best value deal.  Some offer freebies like a free welcome pack or bottle of wine.  Take a look at the specials section to find the best deals on offer.  When booking last minute or in advance remember that when it comes to cottage holidays it is essential to find and take out appropriate insurance.

If you are in need of some ideas about good places within the UK and Ireland for self catering holidays then we can help.  We have written free online guides on England, Scotland, areas such as the Brecon Beacons in Wales and fascinating places like the Lakelands in Ireland, all of which are aimed at highlighting the main attractions along with things to see and do.

In a recent Which Travel survey, readers rated this site highly in terms of ease of use awarding us 4 out of 5 stars.  We are always looking at ways to make this cottages site as easy and fast as possible for our visitors to use and find what they are looking for.  Do keep giving us your feedback about what you would like to see here in future and what would help you with your search.  Your comments and ideas are very welcome and you can get in touch with us via our Contact page. 

With more and more blue skies and the green shoots of colourful flowers appearing, spring is almost here.  This can be a great time of year to get away from it all and explore an area you know and love or discover a new part of the UK or Ireland.  Whether you prefer a rural retreat or a log cabin holiday we hope you find the perfect holiday home for you here.

With Easter fast approaching now could be the time to book that Easter break that you've been promising yourself.  Whatever you enjoy doing over Easter, whether it is snuggling up in front of a real open fire, discovering a new area, walking, cycling or sightseeing, a self catering stay can be a convenient option for many.  A good number of cottages accept short break and mid week stays to suit your needs.  Click for cottages with availability for the Easter Holidays.  We hope you enjoy the choice and selection on offer.

We have a great choice of award winning cottages featured here.  These award winners include those that have achieved accolades such as Gold Awards, Silver Awards and Green Awards.  Depending on what is important to you, you may want to opt for somewhere to stay which excels at customer service or you may want to find somewhere with excellent green credentials.  Whatever is important to you and wherever you choose have a brilliant time.

When it comes to finding a cottage for your 2012 break there are plenty of options.  You may want to book a cottage for your summer holiday, for a Christmas getaway or for a special Valentines weekend away.  There are lots of choices for you.  You may want to take a self catering farm stay or rent a secluded retreat somewhere green and charming.  We aim to make things as easy for you as possible with our helpful menus and search facility.  If you need some inspiration on where to go then do take a look at our area guides for cottage holidays.

When it comes to rural self catering holidays which are the best areas in the UK to visit?  Some people like to spend time in Britain's National Parks where they can be assured of protected woods, moorlands, mountains and more.  These places are known as Britain's breathing spaces.  Others opt for areas of outstanding natural beauty which are nationally recognised areas which many enjoy due to their pristine qualities.  There are 46 of these and efforts are made to safeguard these for all to enjoy.  Others still head for countryside which is less discovered and less well known.  If you need some inspiration take a look at our free guide on Best Country Areas.  Wherever you go, have a wonderful cottage holiday.

Now that 2011 is almost at an end you may be searching for that perfect cottage for your 2012 cottage holiday.  Whether you are looking for a barn conversion, a large country house or a log cabin to rent, we have a great selection of self catering properties.  From award winning cottages to budget getaways, we hope you easily find the best cottage for you here.  There are so many reasons to book a cottage break for 2012 from romantic getaways to special celebrations, we hope you find your ideal cottage.

Ever wondered where the best places for rural cottage breaks are?  We've compiled our own guide to the best country areas in the UK.  Take a look and see where we recommend.  If you know of somewhere we should add to the list, do get in touch with your feedback.  We'd love to hear from you.  See our Best of the British countryside for cottage breaks guide.

Ashridge forest in the Chiltern Hills is a very special place.  The Chilterns are a fabulous area for cottage breaks at any time of year with miles of beautiful forest and hillsides.  See our video for details of the kind of residents you might spot at Ashridge forest.  For watching deer, squirrels and more we recommend going early when it is quiet.

Remember we have a range of award winning cottages featured including gold award winning properties, recognised for outstanding customer service and also green award winners, recognised for their eco-friendly contributions.  We'll soon be adding a new feature to our site that you can quickly and easily spot these award winners, in the meantime though do check out these award winners.

Did you know that it is possible to rent cottages located within and just outside areas of outstanding natural beauty.  England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland are all beautiful green countries with plenty of opportunities for restful or activity filled holidays.  With 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout the UK there is plenty of choice when it comes to where to go.  Or may be you prefer to holiday instead in one of Britain's amazing National Parks, also known as 'Britain's breathing spaces'.  Britain has 15 National Parks in total and the landscapes of these vary.  Could there be anything better than a cottage stay in the national parks?

If you're planning a self catering break for a group of hens or stags.  Remember that certain properties specialise in catering for such parties and may even be able to help with suggesting activities for your group.  See our page of hen and stag properties that include large country houses, barn conversions, big cottages and even cottages with pools, hot tubs and saunas.  We hope you find that somewhere special.  Wherever you decide to go, whether you plan to visit the West Country, the Shires or Shakespeare Country do have a great time.

We try to do what we can to make finding a self catering cottage quick and easy.  Do remember to use our search assistant which is there to help you find the right cottage for you.  We hope you enjoy browsing through the cottages.  The Sort By menus are also there to make things easier.  There are UK cottages throughout the country and if you would like to email us any feedback then you are very welcome.  Coming soon, we will be highlighting which cottages are award winners which should be great news for you if you are looking for a special gold award or silver award winning cottage.

If you care about taking steps to protect and keep the UK green and beautiful, you may be interested to find out more about green award winning cottages.   We also have eco-friendly cottages featured which all do their bit to help care for the environment.  We hope you find the best cottage for you.

With so much natural beauty abounding in the rural areas of the UK, why not take a trip out to somewhere rich in greenery this weekend?  There are lots of fascinating national trust properties to visit.  Or go to one of the many splendid parks or spend time by the river.  Or you may want to plan ahead and book a cottage holiday.  There is a great range of self catering cottages including cottages in the countryside in England that you can find here including farm stays, dog friendly cottages and even cottages with hot tubs.  Which is best for you?  Use our search assistant to help make your search and choice as easy as possible.  If you are looking for a property that has been officially graded then take a look at our pages of 4 star and 5 star cottages.  Or take a look at award winning cottages for that something really special.

Now that summer is over, we're counting down to Christmas.  Christmas can be such a special time of year for spending good times with family and friends.  Perhaps you're planning for your perfect Christmas.  If you're looking to take a special break away this year, do take a look at our Christmas cottages.  We hope you find the best cottage for you and that you have a fantastic time.

We will shortly be adding a new help section to our website aimed at making our site as easy to use for visitors as possible.  We already have an advanced search assistant to help you find what you are looking for quickly and easily and hope that you find this new feature useful especially with the high demand periods of Christmas and New Year coming up when people start looking for a large house or cottage for the festive season. Another popular request at this time of year is for secluded pet friendly cottages for 2 to escape the 5th of November

The summer holidays may now be a fading memory. Self catering breaks can be enjoyed all year round, even in the autumn months of October and November before the run up to Christmas.  Everyone has their own favourite time of year to go away for a much needed break.  The good thing about self catering breaks in late autumn or winter is the price. The very lowest prices are in January. just after New Year week.  On this site you can find many different types of self catering holidays in log cabins, houses, apartments, dogs welcome cottages and unusual properties, we hope you enjoy the selection and that you find the right cottage in the country to suit you.

Do take a look at our free area guides.  These are being updated and added to all the time.  Discover the best places to go and visit during your holiday Britain or Ireland and recommended things to see and do.  The UK has so much to offer for self catering holidays, start searching for those perfect cottage breaks and rural escapes today. 

You've still got time to vote!  The closing date for votes this year is 30 September 2011, see the British Travel Awards website for details.  Recommend the best UK seaside resort or region for holidays.  Just think when the results are out, your recommendations may just help others choose their holiday destination for next year wisely.

Although it's currently still officially August, we are almost in September now.  If you are dreaming of a cottage break for Christmas or New Year don't forget this is a popular time of year and trust us, cottages can get booked up quickly.  Do book ahead to secure your choice of cottage.  Leaving a booking to the last minute can mean you end up with less choice and hunting around at the last minute.  Do plan ahead and book early.  It often pays to get organised.  Although you can sometimes save by booking a late availability cottage, the choice is never as good as when you book early.

Thinking of where to take a cottage break?  Have you seen our area guide?  Our guide is packed full of information on things to see and do throughout the UK.  What's more, all of this information is completely free for you to read through.  If you need some inspiration do take a look, there are so many beautiful places in the UK and Ireland to visit and a wealth of history to find out about.

The UK is considered by many to be an excellent choice for family self catering holidays.  Avoid all the hassle of hanging around at the airport and instead just drive to your destination here in the UK.  With an amazing coast and loads of beautiful green countryside why even consider going abroad?  There is loads to see and do here in the UK.  From theme parks to wildlife parks, we have loads of award winning attractions right here at home.

When planning a self catering holiday it can sometimes be a dilemma trying to decide whether to stay inland or to stay by the seaside.  Staying by the sea can often bring back pleasant childhood memories and is a popular choice for families as many children love paddling, building sand castles and splashing around when weather permits.  Rural areas in Britain can be great too, there are various dramatic landscapes to visit inland in the UK including the Lake District, Peak District and many parts of the Scottish highlands.  The great British countryside can be just fantastic for walks and activities like horse riding, rambling and cycling.  Where you decide to go will depend on whether you love the lull of the sea or peaceful country living.  Both have lots to offer.  Wherever you decide to go we hope you have a perfect self catering break.

Travelling abroad and staying in Europe is certainly not cheap nowadays and in many cases the cost of eating out and enjoying days out is higher in Europe than at home in the UK.  Understandably more and more people are now choosing to holiday in the UK or are choosing cheaper destinations overseas such as Turkey or Poland which still offer comparatively good value for money for Brits.  Many of us in England have never been to some of the countries within the UK such as Scotland, Wales and Ireland and each has something special to offer visitors.  If you decide to holiday in the UK this year then a cottage or self catering break could be a good choice.  If you shop around and get competitively priced self catering accommodation, you can very often save by eating in and sharing accommodation as a group.  There are some excellent country cottage break offers around currently.  See our special offer section to find out more about available offers.

Are you looking for an eco friendly cottage this summer or later on this year?  If you care passionately about the environment and are looking for a self catering holiday home with green credentials see our page of eco friendly properties to rent.  Some cottages are also green award winners - this means they have signed up to the national green accreditation scheme and been given a special award to recognise the steps they have taken to minimise their environmental impact.  See ads to find out about each cottage and their credentials. 

Avoid those long airport queues and take a cottage break in the UK.  There is so much to see and do and the weather here lately has been great with blue skies all the way.  There are so many areas in the UK to visit and each country offers something unique.  England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all have fascinating coastlines and good beaches.  And it's so much easier to just jump in the car than going to the airport and getting a flight.  What's more see our late offers section and see if you can bag a bargain for your holiday in the UK.