Category Archives: Holiday Tips and Advice

New: Our Resource Centre for Owners

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.

Award Winning Cottages

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.

Cottage Holiday Destination Guides

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.

Best Sources of Information about Self Catering Holidays

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.

Our rating in a recent Which Guide survey

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.

Spring, a great time for a cottage holiday

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.

Cottage Breaks for 2012

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.

Top rated places for countryside breaks

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.

Cottages for 2012

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.

Best of the British Countryside

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.