Self-catering holidays in the UK are often seen as a relaxing option, but booking a cottage can be challenging due to the vast number of companies and properties available. Cottages4You, the UK's largest self-catering operator, alone lists 10,000 properties. This guide aims to help consumers navigate the market, covering when to book, regional popularity, and price trends.
Booking early is advised, especially for coastal cottages in popular regions. The best-selling areas for 2012, according to Cottages4You, are Cornwall, Scotland, Devon, Wales, Norfolk, the Lake District, and Dorset. Within these, hotspots like Padstow in Cornwall attract many families. However, less-trodden areas offer alternatives, and the series will highlight hidden gems.
Among UK-wide operators, Cottages4You offers a vast selection, including a new boutique collection with luxury interiors and extras like swimming pools and welcome packs. It also features a Baby and Toddler-friendly portfolio with nearly 200 properties equipped with cots, high chairs, and enclosed gardens.
Holiday Lettings, a TripAdvisor-owned portal, lists over 6,000 UK properties, with bestsellers in Cornwall, the Cotswolds, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, and north Wales. Rural Retreats has more than 350 cottages across the UK, with over 60% of coastal properties already booked for the school summer holidays.
