Perfect holiday cottages for families

Perfect holiday cottages for families

Holiday cottages can be found all over the world. However there is a difference between a holiday cottage and a holiday home, for example. A cottage evokes feelings of the countryside, calmness, green fields and so on. Country cottages are what spring to mind, basically. If at all possible, the building should be old, white and have a wooden door and wooden beams inside. These holiday cottages exist, as do other shapes and forms. Generally, cottages are very cute and should not be new built buildings. These are available too, but should not be advertised as “cottages”.


Cornwall

Cornwall has cliff-lined coastline which is fantastic for long walks. Cycle between idyllic beaches, try the famous Cornish surf, enjoy haute cuisine at restaurants in Padstow, see the Tate Gallery at St. Ives and eat delicious fresh seafood straight from the fisherman’s net. Cornwall has charming UK holiday cottages available, often with slate roofs and large gardens, and in locations near to the sea.

Bijou Cottage in Saint Columb Major, Cornwall
Bijou Cottage in Saint Columb Major, Cornwall

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Cumbria

Home to the Lake District, Cumbria holidays will not disappoint any visitors who appreciate relaxation and natural beauty. Try water sports from kayaking to water skiing. Climb peaks like Skiddaw or cycle in the valleys below. See the birthplace of poets and spend cosy evenings enjoying local brews or hearty country food. Manchester is a short drive away as well, so Premier League matches are on the doorstep of holiday cottages in Cumbria.

The Haybarn (featured in Country Living Magazine) in Penrith, Cumbria
The Haybarn (featured in Country Living Magazine) in Penrith, Cumbria

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Devon

Another south-western county, Devon is green, lush and warm, being heated by the Gulf Stream to an impressive degree. Enjoy long hot summer days on stunning beaches, go sailing at Saltash or try pony trekking on Dartmoor. Visit the Cathedral at Exeter, the zoo at Paignton or the markets of charming Totnes. Devon holiday cottages offer everything from theme parks to golf, or from mountain biking to rides on restored steam railways.

Pet-friendly cottage with a garden in Dartmouth, Devon
Pet-friendly cottage with a garden in Dartmouth, Devon

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Dorset

Holidays in Dorset will be perfect for families who need to spend some time stretched out by the coast. Enjoying plenty of sunshine, Dorset also has plenty of attractions like the Swanage Railway, Weymouth’s Sea Life Centre, historic Corfe Castle and a fascinating Tank Museum. And the night life of Bournemouth is close to holiday cottages in Dorset as well, making it a great site for self-catering escapes.

A glorious 17th century cottage in Netherbury, Dorset
A glorious 17th century cottage in  Netherbury, Dorset

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Hampshire

Hampshire boasts the New Forest – one of England’s finest cycling and walking regions. Base yourself in Hampshire holiday cottages around the car museum at Beaulieu, head to ancient Winchester or vibrant Southampton. Fine beaches around Lymington can be reached from the New Forest by bicycle, and Hampshire also offers easy access to London, providing a mixture of natural beauty and urban appeal.

Luxury large Forest cottage in Bramshaw, Hampshire
Luxury large Forest cottage in Bramshaw, Hampshire

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What to look for in holiday cottages

If you are considering renting a holiday cottage, you should always look carefully at the photographs provided by the owner and read the specifications of the cottage: does it included bed linen and towels, as well as gas and electricity for example. Also do check how to get there and where the local supermarket is, particularly if you don’t drive, this can be very important. In addition you should take some time to read the reviews, note when they were written and in which time of year the reviewer rented the holiday cottage, this can give you a really great idea of what your experience will be like.

Do also take some time to compare the prices of cheap cottages; it is likely that a cottage that is much cheaper than the average has some downsides, and a cottage that is much more expensive than others should have good reason for these inflated prices. One other way to make sure you are getting a great cottage and hence a great holiday experience is by communicating with the owners. They should always respond quickly and in a very friendly manner, answering any question you may want to ask them. Many owners also have their own website, where you can generally view further photographs and reviews of the property.

There are a range of cottages available in a variety of countries that you can find through the Owners Direct website at some very good prices. All you need to do is pick your destination and pack your bags, ready for that fantastic relaxing holiday in one of the many country cottages throughout the world. Relax, unwind and enjoy without a care in the world whilst spending time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.