Choose an Exmoor holiday home to rent that has wider than usual beds

The quality of a bed is important to most people on holiday. A wider than average bed, such as kingsize, or superking, adds to the degree of comfort and relaxation when away from home.

A comfortable bedroom in a holiday cottage is dependent on several factors: the weather, the type and width of mattress, the quality of the bedlinen, a suitable duvet and soft but supportive pillows.

Exmoor encounters all types of weather according to season. British homes tend to buttoned up to keep out the elements for most of the year, then we open our windows to make rooms cool and airy in the summer. It is still relatively rare to encounter air conditioning in Exmoor holiday lettings.

For this reason, the bedding needs to be versatile and relate to the climate. In the winter, we can turn the heating up and not worry about the tog value of the duvet but in the summer, without air conditioning, we need to adjust the bed coverings to cope. A top sheet is useful in place of a duvet in very hot weather.

Bedlinen with a high thread count feels silken against the skin and natural fibres such as cotton or linen are best. Good quality pillows that support and readily spring back are what most people want. Hypo-allergenic fillings may also be a good choice. The most important question for most guests is regarding the softness or hardness of the bed. A well-sprung bed distributes body weight evenly and feels comfortable. A wider king-size bed offers even greater comfort.