Best holiday cottages

We all have a different opinion on what constitutes the best holiday cottages; some will consider that only 5 star or luxury cottages should make the grade, for others the best holiday cottage is one that offers value for money or is in a peaceful and secluded location in the country and seek that perfect country cottage.

Understand what it is that you want from a cottage holiday

So many factors contribute to a good self-catering holiday, and the quality of the accommodation is not always paramount. Most people would be somewhat peeved to find that they have rain for a week - even if their accommodation is sublime. And then we are all so very different; some seek seclusion and would hate a cottage complex, others might feel lonely in a rural retreat or peaceful self catering cottage holiday and miss company.

It really comes down to understanding yourself and appreciating the needs of anyone travelling with you. That way you might just select the best holiday cottage for you. The last thing that anyone wants is a disgruntled and complaining partner on holiday.

Use the Cottage Search Assistant to find the best matching cottage for your personal needs.

Self-catering holidays with courses and activities

We also have self-catering options where you can follow a course of some kind to learn new skills. The course takes up part of the day leaving you with ample time to relax and explore.

The following cottages and self-catering accommodation might help you analyse your requirements. Just click on the links and explore the cottages on offer in each category.

A selection of outstanding holiday homes

Classic Cottages

 
thatched cottages

If you simply adore thatched country cottages, or historic period self-catering houses then check these out.

Or, if comfortable cottages and good quality cottages are your essential starting point then do look at this small selection. If modern smart cottages are your preference, we have those too.

Luxurious self-catering cottages

 
designer cottages

Perhaps your tastes are sophisticated and you tend towards cottages with beautiful designer interiors and luxury cottages with adults rather than children in mind, or like to indulge in hot tubs, or experience massages and pampering treatments during your self-catering stay. A rare few, mostly up-market holiday homes have a conservatory which extends the living accommodation.

We also have holiday cottages for naturists where you are welcome to sunbathe naked in the privacy of your own garden.

Self-catering holidays for families

 
cottage children

Or is you have children other issues are more important, for example, an enclosed garden for children's safety, family friendly cottages with cots, stairgates, and highchairs provided to make life easier.

With toddlers and young children you may look for cottages near visitor attractions for entertainment for them or for babysitting services.

Dogs welcome cottages

 
dog friendly cottages Frequently, a dog is another consideration rather than children - people do not like to parted from their dog. You will need a pet-friendly cottage where your dog will be welcome, with good walks nearby, and perhaps a beach and friendly pubs within walking distance from the cottage. A pet-friendly cottage with an enclosed garden guarantees relaxation in the knowledge that your dog is kept safe in the back garden.

Quirky and unusal cottages

 
unusual cottages

If you have years of self-catering experience and are ready to try something slightly different from the norm, take a look at our unusual self-catering 'cottages'. These may range from houseboats to a lighthouse.

Perhaps a new or newly refurbished cottage is what you prefer - that perfection in a brand new cottage.

Country cottage retreats

 
rural retreats

For anyone who needs to stay in touch with the office by email, we have cottages with internet access.

Or for the other extreme, people who don't want to hear from work on their holiday, there are secluded cottages and remote rural retreats where you can blissfully forget that work even exists. Some of these are in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If the beauty of the countryside is important to you then do take a look at country cottages in AONB or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Gourmet self-catering breaks

 
self-catering gourmet cottage holidays

For those of us who remember previous holidays according to good meals and interesting foods eaten, you may like to take a look at some of our cottages where gourmet meals can either be delivered to you or arranged at local restaurants.

Or check out some of our cottages near Michelin starred restaurants for special treats. Serious coffee drinkers may wish to consider cottages with a coffee maker so that they do not need to go out for a good cup of coffee, unless they want to.

Holiday cottages with welcome packs

 
cottages welcome packs

Another joy of self-catering holidays in different parts of the UK or Ireland is to eat regional food. Many cottage owners provide welcome packs of local produce to greet you on arrival.

This can be a lovely introduction to the local tastes of the area. I'm sure that you'll agree that the best raspberries are grown in Tayside, Scotland (cottages on Tayside) , and the best cider comes from the West Country. (West Country cottages).

 

Cottages with SKY TV

 
cottages with plasma screen TV and Sky

If you need to stay in touch with your favourite soaps or just cannot miss a big football or cricket match, then you may wish to select self-catering cottages with plasma screen TV, cottages with Sky, or satellite TV.

 

Coastal holiday cottages

 
seaside cottages

Self-catering holidays involving water add to the fun. Check out our :

Royal Deeside self-catering cottages

 
best holiday cottages royal deeside

We have cottages for people interested in history. If you like to delve into the past to see how our kings and queens lived, or where battles have been fought, then you may like to take a look at the following cottages:

 


You may also find the Feature Pages menu at the top useful in identifying the best holiday cottage for you or your group's needs because it classifies cottages in many different ways.

 

Useful links for more of our best holiday cottages


 

 By Krystyna Booth

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