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News, Information and Ideas for Managing or Booking UK Holiday Cottages

View articles for holiday cottage owners and bookers. Many of these articles are mentioned in The Holiday Homefront, a monthly newsletter for holiday cottage owners published free of charge. 

Other articles help anyone interested in planning a self-catering holiday with advice on planning and booking different types of property to information on cottages offering discounts. These are published in a Newsletter for people interested in booking holiday cottages and wanting to know more about booking procedures, discounts and holiday ideas. To receive a copy, click the Newsletter button at the bottom of the page.

Contents vary but will include the following:

  • Tips on getting it right when finding and booking a particular type of holiday cottage - such as one with 'the right kind of pool' pool, or what to expect to be included in the rental price. 
  • Inspiring articles on our 'favourite holiday cottages' for holidays on a theme or particular location, such as holiday cottages for walkers' best luxury beach holiday cottages in Cornwall.
  • When to discuss (and when not to discuss discounts) and some great deals available at the time of writing. 

  • You are visiting My Favourite Holiday Cottages, probably on a search to book a cottage in the UK for you or your family as part of the whole journey to finding a great holiday. The site includes many attractive holiday lodges - many of them eco-friendly, with access to superb facilities. What should you consider in this journey to make sure that you find the best holiday cottage, lodge, caravan or campsite before you book?

     

    How Do I Find the Best Value for Money Locations?

    There are many ways to find the best value-for-money locations; research is endless but entirely worthwhile. There are now lots of websites that offer comparisons and a great variety of locations to stay in. For example, this site allows you to browse through cottages and the price ranges. For caravan holidays, you might want to look at the leading big park operators and see their latest deals or visit new websites that can be cheaper and offer holidays in caravans or

  • Savour the Flavours: A Culinary Journey Through Pickering

    Nestled in the picturesque heart of North Yorkshire, the charming town of Pickering has much to offer beyond its historic landscapes and steam railway. For those with a discerning palate, Pickering is a hidden gem when it comes to its culinary scene. From quaint tearooms to lively pubs, sophisticated restaurants and trendy delicatessens, this article explores some of the best establishments in town, each offering a unique culinary experience. While the kitchens in Pickering holiday cottages may be well-equipped with all you need to prepare and cook all your meals, what’s the point of a holiday if you don’t get out to dine, enjoy a cream tea or lay your hands on local produce from a good deli? After all, just because you are planning a self-catering holiday, you deserve a holiday from the kitchen too!

  • Dartmoor and the western side of Devon between Yelverton, Morwelham, and Holsworthy offer an enchanting blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure that appeals to adults, adolescents, and families alike. Whether hiking the moors, immersing yourself in history or enjoying a day of thrilling activities, this corner of Devon invites you to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your next family getaway to this captivating region and discover the magic of Dartmoor and Devon's western wonders. Click on the title to view the website for each attraction.

    Banner image photo: Great Bidlake Manor in Bridestowe

  • Welcome to Pickering, North Yorkshire, a charming market town nestled in the heart of the beautiful North York Moors National Park. If you're planning a self-catering holiday in this picturesque region, you're in for a treat. Pickering holiday cottages provide east access to a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to all tastes and interests. Here's a guide to help you make the most of self-catering holidays in Pickering:

  • The West Devon Way is a long-distance walking trail in Devon. It stretches for approximately 37 miles (60 kilometres) through the picturesque Dartmoor and West Devon countryside. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity for walkers to explore the region's natural beauty, charming villages, and historic sites. Nestled in the heart of Devon's stunning countryside, the West Devon Way beckons walkers with promises of serene riverbanks, cosy pubs, charming cafes, ruined castles and breathtaking vistas. This picturesque trail winds its way through a tapestry of idyllic Devon villages, making it a must for those seeking an unforgettable walking experience.

  • Nestled along the north-eastern edge of Scotland, the Moray Firth coast in Aberdeenshire beckons holiday visitors with its captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and delightful activities. This coastal gem is a tapestry of picturesque beaches, historic castles, world-renowned whisky distilleries, charming fishing villages, and an array of family-friendly attractions. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, the Moray Firth Coast has something for everyone.

    Banner Photo Credit: The Old Customs House, a large holiday cottage in Banff

  • Are you inspired by the appeal of a week or weekend break in a Woolacombe holiday cottage or beach apartment? If you share an equal enthusiasm for dining out in atmospheric restaurants with great menus, you're in for a treat: Woolacombe offers a delightful array of eateries, pubs, and cafes that are certain to tantalize your taste buds. Although you will be enjoying a self-catering holiday in Woolacombe in a cottage with a perfectly well-equipped kitchen allowing you to dine quite nicely in your cottage, do you really want to have to cook dinner every night? Woolacombe offers its visitors a tempting choice of restaurant, so give the cook a break and dine out for lunch or dinner a few times during your holiday. Whether you're savouring the ocean's bounty, relishing the ambience of traditional pubs, or finding solace in a well-crafted cup of coffee, your culinary journey in Woolacombe's cosy restaurants, cafes and bars promises to be unforgettable. Here's a

  • Banner image: Montcoffer Luxury Waterside Cottages near Banff

    Aberdeenshire, located in the north-eastern part of Scotland, is a treasure trove of charming towns and villages that attract visitors from all around. Here are a few popular ones and what makes them stand out: If you are planning to book a self-catering holiday in Aberdeenshire, use this thumbnail guide to help you decide where you would like to stay.

    Aboyne

    Nestled along the banks of the River Dee, Aboyne is a popular destination for those seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. The Aboyne Highland Games is a highlight, featuring not only traditional games but also Highland dancing and pipe band performances. The surrounding area offers opportunities for fishing, golfing, and exploring the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve.

    Banff

    Situated on the Moray Firth coastline, Banff is a historic town with a maritime charm. Its picturesque harbour, complete

  • Here’s something interesting to do on holiday: ride a Cliff railway. A throwback to the days of superb Victorian engineering, they are also known as cliff lifts, funicular or incline railways. They are a type of transportation system designed to move passengers up or down steep inclines using cable-driven cars. They are probably as popular today as they were in Victorian times. They offer smooth rides and stunning views, always run on time and are environmentally friendly, being mainly powered by a blend of water and gravity. So why not book a holiday cottage in a location within easy reach of a cliff railway to include in your holiday itinerary?

    There’s an obvious clue to their usual location in the name as all bar one of UK Cliff Railways are located on cliffs above a beach. Book a holiday cottage at the top of the cliff and commute to the beach by train every day!  Here are some of the best-known funiculars in the UK for you to consider. There is a link