Category Archives: Holiday Tips and Advice

Stay Safe on a Cottage Holiday

Stay happy on holiday with our hints and tips

The coronavirus pandemic and the government drive to control the virus means that although lots of people still want to enjoy a holiday this summer, staying safe is at the forefront of many people’s minds. With virus worries and concerns over quarantine periods if people choose to holiday abroad, demand for cottage breaks in the UK and Ireland is very high this summer.

If you want to take a break this summer it’s advisable to book asap to avoid disappointment as many holiday homes are now booked up until September.

Once you do have a break booked up, we’ve put together some hints and tips to help you stay safe on your break away.

Hints and Tips on Staying Safe on a Cottage Break

Quiet and Rural Locations

With social distancing still very important, some holidaymakers may prefer more rural and remote holiday destinations this summer where it’s easier to social distance, rather than traditional holiday destinations which tend to attract lots of people.

Browse Rural Retreat Breaks

• Whether they sign up for Visit Britain’s the Good to Go standard or not, the large majority of holiday home owners and agencies will be striving to ensure that they are following the very best cleaning practices to ensure that guests are healthy and happy on holiday.

There are also things you can do yourself to ensure you are confident about staying healthy and happy whilst staying at a holiday rental.

• As always if you are making a booking for the coming months, it is important that you take out appropriate insurance and fully check the booking terms and conditions with the independent owner or agency.

• If you would like extra reassurance, do ask for details of the cleaning regime in place during the coronavirus outbreak from the cottage owner or agency.

Additional Steps you can personally take to reduce your risk

• You may want to do some cleaning of a holiday home yourself on arrival if you so choose; to give you even greater confidence and assurances that you can relax in a safe and healthy environment, but you must speak to the owner or agency and notify them in advance that you plan to do this so that you have their agreement and can ensure that you’re using appropriate cleaning materials that won’t cause any damage. If you take some sanitisation steps yourself, this may make you feel even more safe and assured.

• It is perfectly reasonable to bring your own bedding and towels with you to use during this coronavirus outbreak, and as shaking of any infected linen could disperse the virus, it may be safest just to use your own bedding over existing bedding.

• In particular, you might want to sanitise light switches, remotes, handles, doorknobs, taps and tables. 

•  Surfaces can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth with soapy water. It may also be advisable for killing the virus to use a cleaning product with atleast 70% alcohol (but you must check suitability of products with the owner or agency prior to use).  These are all additional steps you can take to help make yourself feel happier and safer on holiday; the large majority of holiday homes will be going the extra mile in any event with their cleaning protocols and sanitisation procedures.

Above all, it’s advisable to follow all reasonable steps to ensure your own good health and hygiene on holiday, but it’s important to relax too and enjoy good times (we all need a chance to switch off).

Disclaimer: We are not health experts at Country Cottages Online but the above has been put together and quotes official advice from reputable sources with your health and safety in mind.

Some of the Best Cottages for Hot Tub Holidays in 2019

We love spa-style holidays at Country Cottages Online and to help inspire you on some of the great places to stay across the UK we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cottages for hot tub holidays in 2019. Properties selected to make this list include those with stunning views where you can not only lie back and relax whilst jets massage you and warm waters caress you, but also treat your eyes to the delight of looking out to spectacular vistas.

Hot Tub Holidays in England

Chilterns View Hot Tub Lodges

Chiltern View Hot Tub Lodges

Chiltern View Hot Tub Lodges

Chiltern View Hot Tub Lodges have a welcoming rural feel inviting you to relax and unwind on arrival. Set within the stunning Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is a beautiful part of England, just 16 miles from Oxford.

The hot tubs are pretty special too with a location by fields and farmlands where you can lie back, relax and soak up views as good as the warm bubbly waters.

For a relaxing rural retreat break Chilterns View Hot Tub Lodges in Oxfordshire are hard to beat.

Dancing Hill, Somerset

Dancing Hill Hot Tub

Dancing Hill Hot Tub

With one of the most spectacularly located hot tubs, who wouldn’t love to holiday at Dancing Hill in Somerset? This is a wow-factor holiday home with a wow-factor hot tub to boot!

The roof terrace at this high quality 6 bedroom holiday home is something truly special with not only an inviting warm bubbly 8-person hot tub, but also a 4-person swim spa and superb views out to the Quantock Hills that stretch for miles and miles.

 

Rower Fort

Rower Fort near Honiton

Rower Fort near Honiton

Ever dreamt of staying in a tower house on holiday? Rower Fort near Honiton in Devon is just that! An impressive historical tower house and manor house that you can rent for a holiday to remember. With an indoor swimming pool, this 8 bedroom historical property is an ideal place to relax and unwind with friends and family.

The location of the hot tub is truly inspiring as it’s sited right at the top of the tower! Truly mesmerising!

 

Tubbs Delight

Tubbs Delight Hot Tub with Country Views

Tubbs Delight Hot Tub with Country Views

The hot tub at Tubbs Delight in Devon truly is a treat. With views out over the nearby fields and farmlands of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this welcoming good value 3 bedroom holiday rental is a real winner.

This property is very pet-friendly too with up to 4 pet dogs welcome by arrangement; although of course dogs can’t enjoy the hot tub, that’s for humans only.

For more ideas and inspiration on Hot Tub Holidays in England, browse our full section of hot tub cottages in England.

Hot Tub Holidays in Scotland

Eden Hideaway

Eden Hideaway Hot Tub with Country Views

Eden Hideaway Hot Tub with Country Views

For a relaxing hot tub holiday in Scotland, Eden Hideaway in the Scottish Borders could be the ideal choice. Set on an organic farm, a stay at this stylish 2 bedroom lodge will appeal to holidaymakers keen to escape for a relaxing tranquil holiday where you can enjoy soaking up country views, as well as long relaxing soaks in your own private hot tub.

For a truly relaxing time there’s also a tennis court on site and there are also riverside walks to enjoy nearby.

For more choice of hot tub rentals in Scotland, see our full range of hot tub cottages in Scotland.

 

Hot Tub Holidays in Wales

With ample green scenery and lovely unspoilt landscapes, Wales is a great choice for a cottage holiday. There are some superb hot tub cottages in Wales and we can’t include all of them here but here is a taster of just some of the special country cottages, lodges and rural retreats available on Country Cottages Online for relaxing spa holidays.

 

Caban Y Berwyn

Caban y Berwyn Hot Tub

Caban y Berwyn Hot Tub

The setting of the hot tub at Caban y Berwyn is absolutely stunning with views out over the surrounding valley. This hot tub, although outdoors is covered in an outbuilding with glass windows so you can look out, lie back in your bubbly spa bath and enjoy soaking up those views come rain or shine!

Caban y Berwyn is a 3 bedroom log cabin which enjoys a unique setting near the Berwyn Mountain Range in Wales.

 

Grouse Lodge

Grouse Lodge with Hot Tub

Grouse Lodge with Hot Tub

 

Set on a working farm, Grouse Lodge enjoys a glorious rural location, yet is only around 8 miles from some beautiful golden sandy beaches along the North Wales coast.

With superb views out to the River Elwy Valley 2 bedroom Grouse Lodge is a real treat and with a warm bubbly hot tub could be the ideal place to enjoy a pampered holiday.

Lie back and relax in warm bubbly waters on holiday whilst soaking up the most stunning country views.

 

Suran Y Coed

Suran y Coed Hot Tub

Suran y Coed Hot Tub

 

Set on a farm in Powys, Suran Y Coed enjoys a glorious rural location next to woodlands and a bubbling stream. This lodge enjoys lovely views of the surrounding hills and woodlands in this unspoilt private valley. With 2 bedrooms, this is a popular lodge, not just because it’s a great place for a relaxing holiday but also because it’s good value too.

The views from the hot tub are pretty special too!

 

The Benches, Monmouthshire

The hot tub at the Benches

The hot tub at the Benches

For a stay in a holiday house with some superb leisure facilities, the Benches in Monmouthshire could be the ideal choice.

With a heated outdoor swimming pool, a summerhouse with an infrared sauna and a warm bubbly outdoor hot tub, the Benches is certainly bound to impress and has to be one of the top choices when it comes to a truly relaxing place to stay on holiday in Wales.

With 6 bedrooms, this property is ideal for big groups or family looking to escape and unwind together in a wow factor holiday home.

For more ideas and inspiration browse our full range of hot tub rentals in Wales.

Top 5 Ideas for Inspirational Cottage Holidays in 2019

Hot tub cottage with country views

Hot tub cottage with country views

Looking for holiday ideas and inspiration for your 2019 cottage holiday? Whether you want to take it easy in the countryside and soak up rural views or splash around in a cottage with a pool, Country Cottages Online features a great choice of holiday rentals. If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, let us inspire you on some of the best ideas for your 2019 cottage getaway.

 

Rent a Holiday Home with a Pool

Few things compare to the enjoyment that a holiday rental with a swimming pool offers. Whether you’ve a big budget and are looking to rent a holiday house with a private pool where you and your family or friends can splash around to your heart’s content or are looking to rent a property with a shared pool, being able to swim on holiday can help you relax and unwind and can help your self-catering holiday feel that bit more special.

Cottage with refreshing outdoor pool

Cottage with refreshing outdoor pool

Choose an outdoor swimming pool for a refreshing dip in the summer or rent a holiday let with an indoor pool for fun all year round. In the summer months, relaxing by the poolside in the UK and Ireland can feel every bit as refreshing as a holiday abroad.

Search Cottages with Pools

 

Bubble Away your cares in a Hot Tub Cottage

One of the most popular choices for holidaymakers is renting a holiday home with a hot tub. Particularly for active breaks where you plan to do a lot of walking and exploring on holiday, returning to a self-catering house after a day out, where there is an inviting warm bubbly hot tub waiting for you, can be a perfect choice. Hot tubs are ideal for helping you to relax and unwind on holiday; it can be one of the very best feelings to lie back in warm bubbly waters and let the jets massage you.

Chilterns View Lodges with Hot tubs

Remember at some cottages the facilities are shared whereas at others the facilities are private. Some properties feature outdoor hot tubs where you can lie back, relax and enjoy soaking up views whereas others have indoor hot tubs (for enjoyment whatever the weather). Choose the type of hot tub cottage that best suits you.

 

Soak up that Special Holiday Feel in a Log Cabin

Log Cabins have become increasingly popular over recent years. Whether it’s the smell of pine or the comfort of staying in a wooden cabin, renting a wooden lodge is ideal for enjoying that true holiday feel on a break away. Whether you’re planning a break with family, a getaway with friends or a loved up break away, nothing says holiday quite so much as a log cabin. Many cabins enjoy excellent locations too; typically cabins are found on holiday parks or small developments in scenic settings, next to lakes or nestled by a forest.

Beaver Den Wooden Holiday Lodge

Beaver Den Wooden Holiday Lodge

 

Unwind in the Countryside

When it comes to feeling relaxed and unwinding on a self-catering holiday, renting a country cottage could be the perfect choice. Escaping to the country can be good for the soul. Relaxing in a home from home atmosphere with tranquillity and nature all around can be truly soothing. Look out for properties with private gardens where you can sit out and enjoy soaking up a glorious rural atmosphere on holiday.

Enjoy country views on holiday

Enjoy country views on holiday

At some rural holiday homes you might be able to spot fascinating local wildlife like deer or even owls. Enjoying the simple pleasures in life of immersing yourself in nature can be truly good for the soul. For that true feel good factor, rent a rural retreat with country views and wake up to vistas of fields or meadows on holiday.

 

Fun and Games with a Games Room Cottage

Particularly popular with families and groups of friends, renting a holiday house with a games room can make for a fun-packed self-catering holiday. Properties with games rooms tend to be larger (it is common for large country houses to feature games rooms) and cottage complexes very often offer shared games room facilities.

Games room for fun holidays

Games room for fun holidays

Whether you want to rent a property with a pool table, table football or a pinball machine, having a games room can really help give your group or family something to enjoy on rainy days and can foster healthy competitive spirit on fun-filled evenings. Who doesn’t want to have fun on a break away?

The above are our top 5 choices for inspirational cottage holidays for 2019. We’re all looking for different things with holidays so if you have a different type of holiday experience in mind why not give our search assistant a try and find a holiday rental to best suit you.

Why Staycations can be the Best Holiday Choice

Cotswolds ideal for a staycationBritain is beautiful all year round with the scenery changing with the seasons and increasing numbers of Brits are deciding there really is no better place to holiday than right here at home in the UK; recent research shows increasing numbers of people choosing staycations nowadays, particularly for short breaks.  Ok, specialising in self-catering holidays in the UK and Ireland at Country Cottages Online we may be a teeny bit biased when it comes to what the UK has to offer but we’re not alone in having a penchant for the Great British getaway.

 

Reasons for Enjoying a Staycation in the UK

Avoid the Dreaded Airport Queues and Faff of Going Overseas

Reasons for choosing to take a stay-cation holiday are varied and plentiful; from saving the faff of dealing with currency exchanges and the stress of getting less for the pound (with our falling currency post-Brexit) to avoiding the inevitable airport queues and the experience of feeling like a squashed sardine on the increasingly shrinking seat spaces on numerous airlines nowadays.  Consider the hassle of going overseas and it’s easy to see why some people just choose to give all that stress and aggravation a miss.  What could be simpler than just getting in your car and driving to your UK holiday destination?   It’s all so carefree, flexible and appealing.

Ok, yes brilliant weather is never guaranteed in Britain but with so much to see and do and so many reasons to stay, holidaying at home in the UK still has plenty to offer and if your budget allows it there are options like holiday homes with games rooms and indoor pools so there’s plenty to enjoy come rain or shine!

Take the Pet Pooch Away Too!

Happy pets on holidayAnd if you have pets you love and see as part of your family the reasons for holidaying at home in the UK can be even stronger.   Lots of holiday homes are dog-friendly nowadays and some even welcome cats too!  So not only can you avoid the costs of kennels whilst on holiday, but you can also enjoy having your beloved pooch by your side to enjoy a break with you without them missing you and vice versa.

Britain is Indeed a Green and Beautiful Place with a Stunning Coastline

Britain's stunning coastOur little island is a real gem, not only do we have stunning countryside, tranquil unspoilt National Parks, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, forests, fields and farmlands, ideal for rural retreat breaks, Britain is also home to a superb coastline where you can discover sandy beaches, hidden coves and impressive cliffs.

What’s more, each part of Britain has her own unique character and individual appeal and there is so very much to explore.  Learn to surf or bodyboard in Cornwall, enjoy walking and hiking in Wales, wildlife watch in Scotland or explore the Emerald Isle (you may have to brave a flight though), the choice is yours!

Feel Understood on Holiday in Britain

We love to experience new cultures and discover something new but sometimes there is no place like home.  We Brits have our own quirks and culture and by and large we understand each other.  This feeling of being easily understood is part of what makes a holiday on old Blighty quite so appealing.

Indulge in Culinary Delights like Fish and Chips, a Cream Tea or Afternoon Tea on Holiday

British Afternoon TeaOk, so fish and chips may not be the most impressive culinary delight but hey most of us enjoy an excuse to have fish ‘n’ chips on holiday, it’s all part of the fun of a holiday in Britain.  And let’s not forget English Breakfasts (or Scottish, Irish or Welsh Breakfasts) depending on where you’re headed.  Whether we’re eating out or in, most of us just love a good fry up; we know it’s unhealthy, but we’re on holiday, and we want to enjoy it!  Then there’s the Great British Afternoon Tea and if you’re holidaying in the West Country the fun of the debate on whether you put the cream or the jam on the scones first.  Who cares as long as we like it and spoil ourselves a bit?

Enjoy your Favourite Foods on Holiday

Another big bonus of holidaying in the UK is that usually you can take your own favourite foods with you, whether you must have a Twinings Tea or PG Tips every morning or absolutely can’t live without Heinz Baked Beans, take a break in Britain and you can usually either pack your favourites or pick them up at the local supermarket.  It’s so wonderful to have those home comforts!

Don’t Miss your Favourite TV Shows Whilst Away

Popcorn by the fireOk, we expect you’ll want to do more than sit in front of the box on holiday but although it’s fun to get out and explore and enjoy meals and nights out, sometimes all we want is a night in where we can put our feet up, heat up a readymeal and watch our favourite shows.  There are plenty of UK holiday homes where you can watch Sky TV and of course pick up the usual domestic TV channels; heaven for soap-opera addicts and those who really don’t want to go without their weekly TV fix.

 

Find the Best Accommodation for your Staycation

Whether you want to holiday in England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland and are looking for a family holiday house or a romantic retreat, Country Cottages Online features a great selection of UK accommodation, from country cottages to coastal retreats.  Whether you’re planning a short break away or your main holiday this year is going to be a staycation, Country Cottages Online can help you find a cottage that best suits you.

Search for Staycations and get planning your next UK getaway.

Save

Best Cottages for 2017 Holidays

With Christmas approaching, it will soon be the New Year and time to look forward to 2017 and perhaps a cottage holiday.  With a new year many people start thinking about a self-catering cottage getaway and it’s important to a lot of travellers to get a holiday booked to look forward to.  When it comes to booking the best cottages for 2017, remember that the most sought after cottages often book up early.

Finding the Best Cottage for your 2017 Holiday

What is the best cottage for you, will depend on your likes, needs and personal preferences.  When it comes to finding the perfect cottage for your 2017 self-catering holiday here are some ideas to inspire you!

 

Splash around in a Cottage with a Pool in 2017

Coat Barn with pool Somerset

Coat Barn with pool Somerset

Perhaps because they’re great for holidays at any time of year, cottages with pools are always sought after.   Having a morning dip, a relaxing evening swim or a splash around with the kids can be great fun and truly relaxing.  Cottages with a swimming pool also appeal to both groups of friends and families, meaning that they are popular options.  These sort of properties can book up fast so if you want to stay in a holiday home with a pool then booking early is recommended.  Another popular option to consider is a cottage with a hot tub, another wonderfully relaxing possibility.

 

Unique Holiday Homes Available for 2017 Holidays

The Tree House Somerset

The Tree House Somerset

Do you dream of staying in a holiday tree-house where you can hide away by the trees and enjoy a magical break?  Or do you love the charm and unique features of converted chapels or mill-houses?  Whatever type of quirky property you love, you can be assured you’re in good company as lots of people simply adore the idea of staying in a unique and memorable holiday home where you can make memories to treasure.  If you’re thinking of staying in a quirky unusual holiday home, booking as early as possible in 2017 should be considered to make sure you can book your chosen unique cottage for your preferred dates.

 

A Cottage with a View for your 2017 Holiday

Stunning countryside views at Mill Barn in Cumbria

Stunning countryside views at Mill Barn in Cumbria

Whether it’s waking up to a holiday cottage with stunning countryside views where you can look out on fields or farmlands or gazing upon a shimmering sea view, cottages with a view are highly sought after.  After all, with many properties it’s all about location, location, location and it’s no different with holiday homes.

 

What is the Best Cottage for your 2017 holiday?

The above are some ideas of some of the most typically desirable holiday homes, but what type of holiday home best suits you can be quite a personal thing.  Perhaps you are searching for a remote hideaway, hidden far away in the Scottish Highlands?  Or a cottage with a games room where you can keep the kids entertained.  Finding the best cottage for you in 2017 is a personal decision and there’s no one-size fits all solution.  For more ideas and inspiration on places to stay for your 2017 self-catering holiday, see our Holiday Inspiration section can help guide you.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Best UK Cottages for Customer Satisfaction

When it comes to your self-catering holiday the ideal is to stay in a holiday home that exceeds your expectations.  Holiday time is precious and there’s nothing worse than checking in somewhere that doesn’t float your boat.

Rated accommodation for customer satisfaction

Rated accommodation for customer satisfaction

Gold Award Winning Cottages Excel at Customer Service

If customer service is important to you then you may want to stay somewhere where you can be assured of the highest levels of customer service; a Gold Award winning holiday house could be the best option for you.  Gold award winning holiday cottages have been specially assessed by one of the various arms of Visit Britain and have excelled in offering customers a good quality experience, including in relation to customer service .  So if you want to stay at a holiday home that ticks all of the boxes then a stay at a gold award winning holiday cottage could be perfect for you.

Another good bet if you like luxurious accommodation is to book a 5 star or 4 star rated holiday home, again such a property will have been through a vigorous assessment process so you can be assured of such a property offering high quality levels.

 

Finding a Holiday Cottage that ticks all the Boxes

It is worth noting though that not all holiday home owners  opt to be assessed by Visit Britain due to the costs involved or for their own reasons.  Some holidaymakers like to rely on readily available customer feedback from websites such as Trip Advisor to help them assess whether a property is likely to meet their expectations .  Others still are dubious about this kind of feedback which isn’t subject to the same sort of quality controls or verification as say with Visit Britain assessments.

Other guests like to speak to holiday home owners direct and will ask for detailed information before booking a holiday home to ensure that the property is likely to meet their expectations before booking.  Here at Country Cottages Online although we do not inspect and assess holiday cottages we do have a system where we will remove holiday cottages from the website if it is clear that they are consistently not meeting holidaymakers expectations.  Thankfully this happens very seldom as it is unusual for us to receive negative feedback about any of the holiday cottages that we feature.  Most holiday home owners take pride in their cottages and their businesses and understand that putting customers and customer experience at the heart of their business is best for all involved.  We also have a system where owners can gather testimonials and customer feedback to help holidaymakers with choosing the best cottage for them.

Whichever quality or feedback system you trust, finding a holiday cottage to suit you as a customer can involve some research and leg work but here at Country Cottages Online we do seek to make it as easy as possible for you to find the best holiday home for you.

Save

Save

Best Places in Britain for Summer Holidays

As the weather starts to warm up, thoughts turn to summer holidays and booking a break away.  Planning a ‘staycation’ in Britain can be an appealing idea, particularly for those with pets.  No one likes to leave their dog in a kennel and with a break in the UK you can take your precious pet pooch with you, without missing them whilst you’re away.

With summers getting warmer, the UK can be good weather-wise too, particularly for those that don’t like it too hot.  For a special treat, booking a holiday cottage with a swimming pool can help your summer break feel extra special.

If you’re short on ideas of where to go for your summer vacation, we’ve got some pointers for you on some of the best of Britain when it comes to summertime getaways.

 

Experience Coast and Countryside this Summer in England’s West Country

Dartmouth in Coastal Devon

Dartmouth in Coastal Devon

With award winning beaches and lush national parks, England’s West Country has to be one of the most popular parts of the UK when it comes to summer holidays.  Perhaps it’s by virtue of the South West being a good bet when it comes to sunshine in the summer months or on account of the renowned beaches in the area, but nowhere quite says summer holiday like England’s South West.

So popular is this area in fact that some families return year after year to this beloved part of England.   Whether Devon, Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset is your favourite, each part of the West Country has its own unique appeal and attractions.  Take note though, holiday cottages in the South West get booked up early, particularly the luxurious ones or holiday houses with leisure facilities such as a hot tub or a swimming pool, so if you want to stay somewhere special  in June, July or August then booking early is recommended.

Go Wild this Summertime in Wales

Pretty Pembrokeshire Coast

Pretty Pembrokeshire Coast

If there’s one thing  people long for when it comes to summer holidays,  it’s the chance to be by the seaside, feel the wind in your hair and breathe in fresh sea air.  Wales with its expansive coastline can be a wonderful place for a coastal holiday.  Whether you choose to explore the Snowdonia coastline (some of which falls within the National Park),  the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park or the Gower Peninsula, each part of coastal Wales has its own unique appeal to offer and charm visitors.

Explore Scotland’s Coast in June, July or August

It’s a little known fact that Scotland has a stunning coastline.  Summer can be the best season to visit Scotland as it’s the time of year when you’re least likely to get rain and most likely to get sunshine.  Everything looks better in the sunshine and Scotland’s coastline is no exception where the sea glistens in the sun and the sand glitters in the sun’s rays.  Whether you love walking, jumping from the sand dunes, boating or watersports, Scotland’s coast is wonderful for experiencing the great outdoors and all these activities are made all the better with the heat of the sun on your back.

One of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal areas is Argyll and Bute with its inlets, coves, beaches and quaint fishing villages.  This is a fantastic part of Scotland to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits and see stunning sunsets.

Golden Sands of an unspoilt Aberdeenshire beach.

Golden Sands of an unspoilt Aberdeenshire beach.

If you want to truly get away from it all, head for the Aberdeenshire coastline in Scotland.  It’s a well kept secret that this area has miles and miles of golden sandy beaches (some of which can be deserted so you can enjoy them all by yourself!), pretty fishing villages and is one of the best places in Scotland to experience soulful scenery without crowds.    For those keen to explore the road less travelled, a tranquil holiday along the Aberdeenshire coast could be just what you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated this summer.

We hope we’ve inspired you with our ideas on some of the best places in Britain to holiday in summertime.

Top 5 Hot Tub Cottages with Wow Factor Views

Hot tub cottages are a popular choice for holidaymakers nowadays who want to escape from it all and de-stress somewhere special with a warm bubbly hot tub where you can lie back and truly relax.

Something Truly Special; Cottages with Hot Tubs and Amazing Views

We feature a great range of holiday cottages with hot tubs, from properties with shared leisure facilities including a bubbly spa bath and individual holiday homes with an inviting private hot tub.  For something truly out of the ordinary though you may be after a hot tub cottage with an amazing view to boot? If so, then our selection of Top 5 Cottages with Amazing Views could be for you:

1.

Rower Fort Rooftop Hot Tub

Feel on Top of the World with a Soak in this Hot Tub

Top of the list has to be Rower Fort because this hot tub truly is in a top location, on top of a 8 bedroom folly tower on a tower house in fact!  We truly wonder if it’s possible to get a holiday house with a hot tub with a more impressive view. A relaxing soak here is for those with a head for heights!

 

Valley views from Caban Haf Hot Tub

Soak up Stunning Valley Views.

2.    With views out over an unspoilt Welsh Valley near the Berwyn Mountain Range, 2 bedroomed Caban Haf has a truly well sited hot tub where you can listen to bird song whilst you enjoy a long warm bubbly soak, sheer bliss!

 

 

 

3.

Wonderful Countryside Views from Darling How's Hot Tub

Wonderful Countryside Views from Darling How’s Hot Tub

A real darling, Darling How with its hot tub with countryside views lives up to its name. Set within the wonderful Lake District National Park, this 5 bedroom cottage is a great place to return to and relax those tired muscles after days out exploring. The views here can also soothe the soul.

 

Stunning countryside views at Mill Barn's Hot Tub

Stunning countryside views at Mill Barn’s Hot Tub

4.    With a location that will have you saying Wow, the private hot tub at Mill Barn is truly well located for making the most of the wonderful Cumbrian countryside views. The warm bubbly hot tub and high quality accommodation here are truly inviting.

Hot Tub with Views over Fields and Pastures

Wonderful indoor hot tub with views out over fields and pastures

5.    With an indoor hot tub, Sycamore Farm Cottage still offers fantastic views where you can look out over the unspoilt Leicestershire countryside, in all weathers. Just remember to open the windows to preserve those views when you’re having a relaxing soak!

Best English Christmas Markets to Discover on a Cottage Holiday

Planning to take a cottage break from which to discover one of England’s best Christmas Markets? Taking a short mini-break and doing some Xmas shopping can be wonderful and can brighten up wintertime. Read our Choice of Top 3 Christmas Markets to Shop at during a self-catering break in England.

Our Top Choices of English Christmas Markets

Bath

One of England’s and the UK’s finest cities, Bath’s Christmas Market makes this city even more magical.  The streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are transformed during the time of the Christmas Market as wooden huts and chalets appear selling all kinds of festive gifts, toys, food and drink. Mulled wine can help keep you warm as you enjoy meandering around this fantastic outdoor market for festive gifts for friends or family.

York

The Christmas markets at York are amongst some of the very best to be found in England. Beautiful at any time of year, the fascinating historical city of York seems particularly special at Christmas time. At York’s St Nicholas Market, wooden huts help make this market all the more Christmassy and many stall holders dress up in Dickensian costumes, adding to the atmosphere. Goods on sale include crafts, food and drink, as well as Christmas decorations, who could wish for more?

 

London Covent Garden

The Market at Covent Garden at Christmas

Covent Garden’s Christmas Market

Home to a market all year round, Covent Garden is particularly worth a visit at Christmas. If you’re on the lookout for high quality gifts for friends or family you may just find the perfect present at Covent Garden. With high end shops as well as stalls selling artisan crafts, there is plenty of choice on offer here. What’s more, with cafes, bars and restaurants galore to choose from, this is a lovely place for a day out in any event. The Christmas decorations on this year are particularly spectacular and worth seeing.

Whichever Christmas market you choose to visit, taking a short break in a cottage can help you feel refreshed and more relaxed at this time of year which can become a little too frantic for some. Book a cottage with a hot tub or access to a pool and you can truly look forward to a relaxing break from which you can head out and do some shopping at a Xmas market during your stay.

Our Guide to the Best Locations for Wildlife Watching Holidays in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

Do you love wildlife watching at home and when away on holiday in the UK? Why not book a cottage holiday with opportunities to discover some of the best flora and fauna nearby on days out? Let us inspire you with our ideas on some of the best places to enjoy getting back to nature and spot fascinating animals and bird life when enjoying a self-catering break in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Wildlife to Watch on Holiday in England: Deer, Wild Ponies, Butterflies and Dragonflies

Beautiful English butterfly

England’s stunning butterfly

England is a wonderful country for a cottage holiday and with a wealth of rural areas and stunning coastline is also wonderful for spotting Britain’s beautiful animals and creatures. Many areas in England have resident deer; Ashridge Forest with its wonderful leafy canopies is home to a large population of beautiful deer which can be spotted on early morning woodland walks and the New Forest is also a fantastic area to spot deer. The New Forest National Park is also a great area for seeing wild ponies. These charming ponies happily trot through the wonderful landscapes of the forest and through the many picturesque villages dotted around; in and around Beaulieu seems to be one of the best places for seeing ponies.

In summer time and in Autumn England is a great place for spotting butterflies and stunning iridescent dragonflies. The Norfolk Broads with their watery wonderland are a wonderful place for seeing dragonflies and birds. Gardens rich with flowers and ponds are also brilliant for catching sight of dragonflies, bees and butterflies, National Trust and Historic Houses’ gardens with a mix of flowers and water features can be some of the very best places to visit to discover delightful insect life.

 

Binoculars at the Ready for Brilliant Bird-Watching and Ample Whale Watching on Holiday in Scotland

As you may expect, some of the best wildlife watching opportunities when holidaying in Scotland are to be found in the country’s most remote places. Spot sea eagles on the Isle of Skye and take a whale watching trip (although sightings are not guaranteed) whilst enjoying a self-catering break. For even better whale watching opportunities the Orkney and Shetland Isles are said to be the best and with a wealth of unspoilt landscapes are wonderful places to get away from it all and enjoy getting back to nature.

The Cairngorms National Park is said to be a good area to spot wildcat and capercaillie, but these are very shy creatures so if you want more of a sure thing then Orkney, Shetland or the Isle of Skye with their fantastic whale watching and bird watching opportunities may be better bets.

 

Wales for Glimpsing Puffins, Seals, Dolphins and Birdlife Galore on a Self-Catering Holiday

Can you spot the basking shark?

Can you spot the basking shark?

With over 200 nature reserves, 11 RSPB reserves and extensive National Parkland, Wales is a wonderful cottage holiday destination for escaping and getting back to nature.
Cardigan Bay near Cardigan is said to be one of Wales’ very best places for spotting dolphins and you may even be lucky enough to see whales or basking sharks whilst holidaying there. With a resident population of dolphins, said to be Britain’s largest, for those who love these fascinating creatures, this is a wonderful place to visit.

Who doesn’t love a Puffin? These colourful birds have to be one of the most beautiful in Britain and Skomer in Pembrokeshire is one of the best places to catch sight of them. Well worth the boat trip, head to Skomer equipped with binoculars and you shouldn’t be disappointed. There is also an array of other fascinating birdlife to be spotted on Skomer. What’s more Skomer is said to be one of Wales and Britain’s very best places for seal watching making this an absolutely brilliant place to visit for nature lovers.

 

Ireland for Bountiful Marine-Life and Bird-Life Watching on a Cottage Break

Although not as well known for its wildlife watching opportunities, the Emerald Isle offers tranquillity and a remoteness which only enhances a cottage holiday as well as the opportunities for bird-watching and catching glimpses of fascinating animals. The South West of Ireland is said to be a good area for dolphin watching and it’s even possible to spot minke whales in the summer months if you’re lucky. The coasts off Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary are said to be one of Europe’s top spots for whale watching. Also well worth a visit for keen ‘twitchers’ is Puffin Island bird reserve off the south west coast of Kerry.

 
Overall when it comes to wildlife watching holidays, staying in farm-stay accommodation can be a good starting point. Surrounded by countryside and in tranquil locations, farms tend to be good locations when it comes to spotting wildlife. Ask cottage owners which kinds of animals or birds visit their farm. From resident owls to foxes and deer, staying on a farm can delight animal lovers and keen twitchers. Oh and our top tip is don’t forget your camera! Capture those stunning images to treasure, look back on and enjoy fond holiday memories.