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Exterior of a stone-built Dorset cottage overlooking a garden overflowing with shrubs and flowers.

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 that is published for free. 

Other articles help anyone interested in planning a self-catering holiday, from 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. 

  • Tucked between Taunton Dene and the Devon border in West Somerset, the Quantock Hills was England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Now redesignated as a National Landscape, it offers a captivating tapestry of biodiversity. 

    For families yearning for an outdoor adventure, this picturesque landscape unfolds a world teeming with plants, wildflowers, and wildlife. Let's embark on a journey through the natural wonders that make the Quantocks truly exceptional.

    Remember, the Quantock Hills offer a unique experience with each passing season.

    Spring heralds a burst of woodland flowers.

    Summer sees the heathland ablaze with colour.

    Autumn paints the landscape in spectacular hues and offers foraging opportunities.

    Winter reveals the land's underlying structure and welcomes migratory birds. As dusk descends on a clear and frosty evening, stand and stare while a rich red and gold sunset fades into a canopy of a million

  • During a recent renovation at Torquay's postal sorting office, an envelope containing this letter was unearthed from below the floorboards extolling the virtues and delights of one of Torquay's most interesting Museums. Remarkably, the letter was eligible and intact - much more than the Museum was at that time, as it wouldn't exist until a few generations later. 

    The letter never arrived at its intended destination, the offices of The Torquay Times and South Devon Advertiser. We take the utmost pleasure in publishing it for the first time and hope that its purpose is to extol visitors to spend a few happy hours at the Bygones Museum, which is still welcoming members of the public today.

    For visitors planning an itinerary for holidays in Torquay It makes for delightful reading is a HEARTFELT APPRECIATION of the Museum and its artefacts, which are the Victorian equivalent of an iPhone, fashionable clothing, fast food, and microwaves. It is produced

  • Exmoor's Enchanting Trails: A Journey Through Time, Nature, and Self-Catering Delights

    Exmoor National Park, a tapestry of windswept moors, ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastlines, offers a plethora of self-catering holiday experiences. From quaint thatched villages to steep, wooded valleys and wild, cloud-swept open moorland, Exmoor's landscape invites visitors to step into a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonder.

     

  • My Favourite Holiday Cottages team recently visited Quince Honey Farm in North Devon to see what makes the place such an intriguing family attraction. While there, we had an opportunity to interview one of the bees, Buzzworth, to find out why families will adore what goes on at the Honey Farm. As you’ll see, Buzzworth thinks all human ‘beeings’ are just children at heart. You’ll ‘bee‘ impressed!

  • 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’s culinary scene is a hidden gem for those with a discerning palate. 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

  • Families and Friends of all ages can be assured a warm welcome in Pickering, a charming market town in North Yorkshire nestling 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 easy access to an eclectic choice 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.