Skip to main content

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. 

  • So, you are renting a holiday cottage with a swimming pool for your family and friends. But beyond using it to splash about or plough up and down doing laps for 30 minutes, have you considered how much fun pool games will add to your holiday?

    Many entertaining games for all ages can be played in a small indoor or outdoor swimming pool. Here are a few suggestions:

    Marco Polo

    This classic pool game is perfect for small pools. One person is “it” and must keep their eyes closed while calling out “Marco!” The other players respond with “Polo!” and the “it” person tries to tag them based on their voices.

    Sharks and Minnows

    Another classic pool game, Sharks and Minnows, is excellent for small pools. One person is the “shark” and stands in the middle of the pool, while the other players are the “minnows” and line up on one side of the pool. The “shark” tries to tag the “minnows” as they try to swim to the other side of the pool.

    Treasure Hunt

  • A list of twelve outdoor activities to enjoy on land, water and sky when booking holiday cottages in the Wye Valley
  • An Essential Feature of Exmoor Holidays

    No self-catering holiday on Exmoor is complete without at least one visit to a tearoom for a delicious cream tea. Consequently, visitors are spoilt for choice as many tearooms in its moorland towns and villages offer a selection of indoor and outdoor tea gardens. Many are located alongside Exmoor's rivers, such as the Exe and Barle. An Exmoor cream tea is a perfect way to end a day walking on the Moor., but don't leave it too late to find one, as most tearooms close by 4:30 pm.

    This article lists our sixteen favourite tea rooms, including their locations, contact details, and opening times (although the latter may occasionally change). If you discover another tearoom while on your Exmoor holiday, do let us know so that we can send out the cream tea detectives to investigate.

     

    The Origins of Tearooms

    Victorian tearooms were popular gathering places for Victorian England's middle and upper classes

  • Unless you are choosing to enjoy a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Wolds for a very long time, it is unlikely visitors will run out of things to do and places to visit in the Wolds as there is just so much choice. So here is a summary of some things you can do when staying in Yorkshire Wolds Holiday Cottages.

    1. Visit the historic town of Beverley

    This charming market town boasts an impressive Minster, historic buildings, and a lively market. You can also explore the quaint streets and browse the independent shops and boutiques.

    2. Discover the coastal town of Bridlington

    This popular seaside resort offers sandy beaches, traditional seaside amusements, and a busy harbour. You can also visit the Sewerby Hall and Gardens or take a boat trip to explore the nearby cliffs and caves.

    3. Visit the historic city of York

    This beautiful city is famous for its stunning architecture, including the iconic York Minster, as well

  • Recommendations for things to go, see and do when staying in a holiday cottage in York in any season.
  • Booking a self-catering holiday in Cornwall is one thing: Booking a luxury seaside holiday cottage in Cornwall is quite another. For the record, are talking about high-end holiday homes located near the coast that offer a range of amenities and features for guests to enjoy over and above those found in regular holiday lets. These propertiesare  designed to provide guests with a luxurious and comfortable experience, while also showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

    Common features of luxury seaside cottages may include private beaches, panoramic ocean views, spacious outdoor living areas, swimming pools or jacuzzis, high-end furnishings and decor, fully equipped kitchens, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Many cottages also offer access to recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and water sports, as well as local attractions like restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks.

    When searching for a luxury seaside cottage

  • Some of the best places to enjoy self-catering holidays in the holiday in the UK are in its National Parks. My Favourite Holiday Cottages is exploring just some of the activities you can do on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We are starting our series with walking and hiking holidays in the Dales.

    The Yorkshire Dales is a popular destination for getting out and about in the great outdoors, with miles of footpaths, bridlepaths and trails to explore. From gentle strolls such as riverside walks in Swaledale to more challenging hikes ascending Ingleborough or Buckden Pike, there are options for all fitness levels and experience.

    When searching for holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales, consider the property's location, size, and facilities, as well as any specific requirements you may have, such as pet-friendly accommodation or disabled access. It's also worth checking availability and prices well in advance, especially if you plan to

  • Exmoor is a beautiful national park located in southwestern England, a land of steep-sided wooded valleys, rivers, moorland tails and cosy thatched village pubs. It's a land where you will eat well, dining on local produce and still return home healthier, fitter and relaxed   and there are plenty of activities to do during your holiday there. Here are enough suggestions to fill a fortnight:

  • The Peak District National Park hardly needs an explanatory introduction as it is well-known for its scenic walks and as a playground for climbers and cavers. In addition to its cycle tails, and gorgeous country pubs combining delicious gourmet menus with fine craft beers, it’s also an area blessed with unique local events and traditions from well-dressings to pancake races.

    You can pick just about any time of the year to enjoy self-catering holidays in the Peak District and find something to witness or join in that will complete a memorable weekend break exploring this beautiful National Park Read on for an example of events where your presence would be very welcome. No white-knuckle rides, grand stately homes or major festivals here – just simple home-grown events and traditions that will be treasured amongst your holiday memories.