Holiday Homes To Rent – How Do You Know Which To Choose?

Finding holiday homes to rent in UK makes a lot of sense just now.  There are fewer and fewer reasons to go abroad.  Tour operators and airlines are struggling or even collapsing – everyone’s worst nightmare is to be stranded in a foreign country because their holiday company has folded.  And, of course, most people have less money to spare and want to make the most of their holiday budget.

So staying in the UK makes perfect sense – and finding holiday homes to rent makes even more.  Unfortunately, the UK hotel industry in general doesn’t match up to its overseas competitors for either accommodation or service.  If you are a family, the restrictions on your movements in an hotel can be quite irksome.  A holiday home gives you perfect freedom to do, and eat, whatever you like whenever you like.

In fact, the only problem with finding holiday homes to rent is knowing how to choose!   The choice is absolutely stunning, whichever part of the country you look in.  Your only hope is to try to narrow it down a bit, by thinking carefully what sort of holiday you are looking for.

Holidays with children.   Holiday homes to rent are either suitable for children, or they are not.  If you are taking a family you must check very carefully whether a property is child-friendly.  Location is all-important.  Most children want to be near a beach.  But even if the property is near a beach, you must check that the beach is a safe bathing area and has lifeguard cover during the time you want to be there.  Check also that there are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes nearby that specifically state that children are welcome – unless you want to spend half your holiday preparing meals.

Holidays with teenagers.  Your offspring may have reached the stage where you have to cajole or bribe them to come on a family holiday.  So you need to make sure you choose a location that isn’t in the back of beyond, and where there is access to the kind of entertainment they like – whether it’s bowling, water-sports, amusement arcades, cinemas or whatever.  Many coastal towns have charming holiday homes to rent in areas that are attractive and reasonably quiet, yet with easy access to the town’s amenities.  Of course, you need to make sure it’s a pleasant holiday for the adults too – after all, if you play your cards right you may not see much of the young ones!

Energetic holidays.  Your idea of a perfect holiday may be to set off with a rucksack and sandwiches every morning, and arrive back exhausted just in time for a shower and an evening meal.  If so, you would be better not to look for a beach property, unless it’s close to several miles of cliff paths.  There are lots of truly gorgeous holiday homes to rent in places like the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales or the Derbyshire Peak District, where your walk or climb starts right outside your door.  But do check that there are some good eating places within reasonably easy reach, as you may not feel like cooking dinner when you get back.

Non-energetic holidays.  You may be a bit older or have someone in the party with limited mobility.  Or you may just feel like relaxing and taking it easy after a hard time at work.   You may find the ideal kind of holiday home in a forest park with beautiful woodland trails starting outside your door.  Many of these holiday park homes are purpose-built and superbly appointed, so there is very little work involved.  Or you may fancy a riverside or canalside holiday cottage, where you can just gaze at the water or potter along the towpath to the riverside pub.  There are plenty of holiday homes to rent amid peaceful and tranquil surroundings in areas like Norfolk, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Once you’ve identified what sort of holiday you want, it’s much easier to narrow down your search.  You will still find you’re spoilt for choice – but at least you know where to start!

Holiday Lettings – How To Avoid Disappointment

If you are experienced in booking holiday lettings, you probably won’t need telling what to look out for.  However, as the trend increases for taking holidays in the UK, more and more people are coming into the holiday lettings market for the first time.  If you’re new to the process, it’s probably helpful to have some tips on how to avoid disappointment.

The main thing you need to keep in mind is that you don’t see your holiday let until you actually arrive to start your holiday – probably late at night.  So that’s when you get to find out what it’s actually like.  If there is anything that’s not to your liking, it’s really too late to do anything about it.  The pictures in the brochure or on the Web site are designed to make you fall in love with the property, not to alert you to problems.

So what kind of thing do you need to check in order to avoid disappointment?  Here are a few – old hands can probably supply more!

Parking.  Quite a lot of very pretty cottages in the middle of small country villages don’t actually have any space for car parking.  In many cases you have to park in the village car park some distance away – though you can usually unload your baggage at the door/gate.  If this is important to you, do make sure that the particulars explicitly state that there is parking available – either off-street or right outside.  If this isn’t actually stated, check it out.

Walking distance.  Often a brochure description will state that the beach, pub, shops etc. are “within walking distance.”   However, when you get there, you could find that “walking distance” is a very long way. If you have a toddler with you, or someone with walking difficulties, this could prove a problem and could actually spoil your holiday.   If this vague and meaningless term is used, you are quite within your rights to check with the advertiser what the actual distances are.  Sometimes, unfortunately, the description is designed to be deliberately misleading.

Dogs/children.  If you are going on holiday with dog(s) and/or children, you should check in advance what facilities are actually provided.  You have presumably ascertained that dogs are in fact allowed – the particulars will usually state YES or NO.  And the description will usually – though not always – make it clear whether there are children’s beds, bunk beds, high chairs etc.  But you would still be well advised to check how dog/child-friendly the property actually is.  Is there a garden?  This can make an enormous difference.  Does the door open straight out on to a road?  Is there a washing machine?  Are there eating-places nearby that explicitly welcome children?  Are there games provided for wet weather? And what is the layout of the property?  If you find that the rooms with the child beds are on the second floor, up two steep flights of stairs, while the only bathroom is on the ground floor, this can make things complicated – though the children may consider it fun!

Seclusion.  A property described as “secluded” may be very tempting, especially if you lead a hectic life and want some peace and quiet.  However you may not realise until you get there that it’s literally miles from anywhere, including places to eat.

Descriptions of holiday lettings can be very seductive and once you’ve booked, you spend months looking forward to your break.  It would be such a pity if your enjoyment  was spoilt because you hadn’t checked out the details.  Holiday lettings can provide the most delightful holidays imaginable – just make sure you get the holiday you are looking for.

Dartmouth House Holiday Home, Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth House is a four bedroom self-catering holiday home set over three floors with a huge 50 square meter deck overlooking the Dart Estuary.

The property has been recently renovated and is brand new throughout – furniture, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, linen, etc. Located in the centre of Dartmouth, South Devon, the property makes an ideal base for exploring the local coast and countryside while remaining a few minutes walk from all local amenities.

Apart from the stunning house itself the beauty of Dartmouth House is it’s position, 3 minutes walk from the heart of Dartmouth, the house is set in an elevated position with panoramic views of the Dart Estuary, Kingswear and surrounding countryside and out to sea. There is a garden over three levels giving uninterrupted vistas for miles both upstream toward the ocean and downstream toward Dittisham.

Website: www.dartmouthhouse.co.uk

   

Holiday Cottages to Rent – Don’t Let Little Things Spoil Your Holiday

You may be tired of the annual battle with getting to the airport, or the limitations of staying in hotels, and be thinking of renting a holiday home in UK this year.  If this is the sort of holiday you fancy, there is certainly a fantastic selection of holiday cottages to rent in all sorts of stunning locations.  But if you are new to this type of holiday, there are a number of things you need to watch out for.

Holiday cottages to rent are usually owned by private individuals.  Some are let directly by the owners, but the majority are let through letting agencies.  If you rent your cottage directly from the owner, it will probably be cheaper.  However you don’t have the same sort of quality guarantees that you have when you use an agency.  Agencies are very fussy what properties they take on to their books and insist on minimum standards of fixtures and fittings etc.  Many homes rented from the owners are delightful, but it will be more a case of hoping for the best.

If you are looking for holiday cottages to rent in very popular areas such as Cornwall, you need to book very early.  It’s so easy to fall in love with a particular property and start day-dreaming about being there on holiday.  It can be very disappointing when you find it’s not available for your holiday dates.

Remember most holiday cottages were once someone’s home.  Unless they are in a holiday park or holiday complex, they probably won’t have been purpose-built for holiday makers.  So they may have little quirks such as steep twisty staircases, narrow passages or the bathroom on the ground floor.  This should be part of the fun!

Bear in mind that the British weather is not always predictable.  Make sure before you book that the cottage offers plenty to do when it’s wet.  Most cottages let through agencies will have satellite TV, DVD players etc. and many have games rooms or pool/snooker tables.  Alternatively find out if there are nearby sources of entertainment such as cinemas, bowling alleys or amusement arcades.

When booking, check carefully what is included in the price.  If the cottage is let through an agency, the brochure should state clearly what is included and what is not – i.e. hot water, electricity, gas, bed linen etc.  If you are renting direct from the owner it’s a good idea to get it in writing.  Some seem to charge all sorts of things as “extra” which others include as standard. 

If you plan to take your dog or other pet, DO check carefully whether pets are allowed.  Many holiday cottages for rent do allow dogs, but others do not as they feel allowing dogs puts non-dog owners off.  Also if you are a smoker or have a smoker in your party, do check smoking policy.  Some holiday cottages are for non-smokers only.

To those who have been renting holiday cottages for years, these points may seem obvious.  But in fact they  are all things that many people don’t realise.  And they can make the difference between holiday enjoyment and holiday misery!

Golf Cottage – Earlsferry, Elie Scotland

 

Golf Cottage is a charming detached Victorian cottage providing spacious, bright accommodation for eight people on two levels. The property is tucked away and sits within its own private fully-bound walled gardens which, in the summer time, get the sun all day. The East Neuk of Fife in Scotland enjoys a micro climate and therefore is one of Scotland’s driest locations. Elie which has been described as one of Scotland’s “best kept secrets” is only 10 miles from St Andrews and an hour from Edinburgh.

Golf Cottage is conveniently located for golf courses, two of which are just next to the property. Several famous links golf courses are close by, and the championship course at St Andrews is only 10 miles away. Many other activities – including horse-riding, cycling, climbing, abseiling, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and diving – are also available in the local area.

The cottage is also perfectly situated for a seaside holiday, being only a two minute walk to the lovely stretch of the golden sandy Elie Beach, and a 4 minute walk to the award-winning blue flag beach by the harbour. There are numerous pubs and restaurants to suit all budgets in the local area, and the 19th Hole, a family friendly pub with delicious home-made food, is just next door. Local shops, including a baker, delicatessan, pharmacy and gift shops, are within walking distance, the area is ideal for walking and cycling or just relaxing in this secluded location.

Website: Golf Cottage www.golfcottage.co.uk  /  www.eastcoastlets.com

   

Build your own holiday home website

Would you like to build your own holiday home website?  Worried that is is both expensive and complicated?

Well if you were to attempt creating a website from scratch you may well be right. Especially if you don’t have the required technical knowledge.

Fortunately, we can offer a simple solution to help you build a holiday home website without the techie bit! HolidaySiteBuilder.com allows you to build your own holiday home website online without any technical knowledge and it only takes minutes.

To find out more please visit: http://www.holidayletproperty.co.uk/holiday-home-owners/holiday-home-websites/

 

New holiday home marketing guide

We have today published our Holiday Home Marketing Guide.

Simply this is some tips and tricks to help you to attract more paying guests to your holiday let property. Whilst the guide is not long, we hope it provides a few tips and generates a thought process that helps with some marketing ideas for your holiday home.

Visit the guide here: http://www.holidayletproperty.co.uk/holiday-home-owners/holiday-home-marketing-guide/

Self Catering UK Family Holidays

Self catering UK holidays refer to accommodations in villas, flats, apartments, cottages and anywhere else besides a hotel. This type of accommodation does not have anyone looking after your needs or desires, nor are there any meals provided. You are given a place to stay for a certain period of time to utilise and spend a holiday in. Self catering UK family holidays are becoming increasingly popular with their cost effective and flexible schedule advantages. They are considerably cheaper than staying in a hotel, you get to look around and experience the local goods to take back and cook a delicious home cooked meal within your accommodation. This arrangement is ideal for families with children who are comfortable with a home-like environment. You have the flexible control over your schedule of when you would like to eat, what you would like to eat, when you would like to rest or sleep and how long you would like to spend time outside experiencing the local life and attractions. There are a variety of unique dwellings and interesting accommodations to plan self catering UK family holidays.

Cornwall is a wonderful county in the South West region of England with abundant, romantic wild moor countryside. Cornwall is marked as a world heritage site for its ancient mining district. The sandy beaches and heavenly breezes coming off the Atlantic Ocean make it obvious why the likes of D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf were once attracted to this region. Cornwall is also full of entertaining historical attractions such as the Pendennis Castle dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII. This place is ideal for older couples, young families with children and anyone else looking to get away to a quiet charming secluded setting. Cornwall also holds the largest natural lake in England known as Windermere. There are 18 islands you can visit within this lake on a houseboat. Holiday houseboats are one of the many interesting options to utilise for self catering UK family holidays. Houseboats contain the ideal comforts of a modern house and generally have a capacity for up to 4 people. Houseboats features spacious areas including 1 master bedroom with a fully running toilet and shower, one spare bedroom, a kitchen fully equipped with microwave, oven and fridge. Don’t be surprised to see other modern technological gadgets such as televisions, computers, and video players on your houseboat.

Head to Cartmel if you have a liking for sticky toffee pudding which is their local specialty and a desire to experience traditional living in a log cabin. Cartmel is a relatively small terrain on the banks of the River Eea. Cartmel is full of the small ancestral buildings, a market square for shopping and the desire to involve yourself with the local culture. Local activities include fishing, horse riding, tasting the local wines, village bonfires and so much more. Log cabins are excellent accommodations for self catering UK family holidays if you enjoy being surrounded by nature, wildlife and breathe taking views. Log cabins are available with traditional as well as modern features as per your convenience and liking.

Camping barns have also become increasingly trendy for self catering UK family holidays. Old Traditional barns have been renovated to become places for people to stay and are especially catered to large groups from 10 to 32 people. Camping barns are also known as bunk barns and can range from simple rustic living spaces to a luxurious enhanced modern abode. Camping barns are prevalent in Cumbria which is set in the North West region of England. Cumbria is a territory rich with mountains and numerous majestic castles which can still be visited today. Cumbria is characterised by Hadrian’s Wall which is situated on the northern side bordering Scotland. This wall was built by the Roman Empire in 122 AD to keep out the raids from the earlier inhabitants of Scotland. Hadrian’s Wall is an important monument representing a major part of England’s heritage. Other things to do in Cumbria include visiting the museums, pony trekking, mountain biking and fishing.

Herefordshire is located in the West Midland region of England. Herefordshire is a rural and lowly populated area which heavily depends on its agricultural economy to sustain a way of life. Herefordshire’s local farmers offer an exuberant supply of fruits such as apples and pears and their cider speciality. Herefordshire is famous for its yurt and tipi living spaces essentially designed for self catering UK family holidays. Yurt is a round tent which is highlighted for its eco friendly aspects and lavish camping features. Most comprise of gas camping stoves functional within enclosed yurts for barbecues and bonfires. The tipis available in Herefordshire also are made of organic and environmentally safe materials and consist of an elastic matter stretched around a wooden cone like frame. This is a setting for individuals willing to familiarise with self catering UK family holidays and outdoor living.

Pontin’s has all the offers and resources required to plan the perfect holiday for your next vacation. Pontin’s is an established business since 1946 and is providing packages for self catering UK family holidays.

Self-Catering Holidays in Cornwall, UK

If you’re looking for a UK holiday destination, then why not discover Cornwall? It is brimming with a beautiful countryside and stunning beaches, as well as a wealth of tourist attractions that appeal to the whole family.

This English county, which is located on the far south west tip of England, is ideal for a self-catering holiday, as it has a fantastic selection of properties to rent for the duration of your holiday.

Not surprisingly, Cornwall is rich in history and there are numerous towns and villages to explore during your vacation.

Truro is the only city in Cornwall and is a good place to start your holiday. Not only is there is so much to see and do here, but also Truro is a good base from which to reach other tourist attractions in the county. Truro itself has an amazing cathedral, fantastic shopping opportunities, interesting architecture, the Royal Cornwall Museum, as well as good entertainment, sports facilities and much more! Why not take a wander around this busy city and enjoy what it has to offer.

The Royal Cornwall Museum is worth a visit, as it houses many interesting exhibits, and while you’re in the city, head along to Truro Cathedral, too. If you have the time, you can also take advantage of the city’s other attractions and facilities, including the Hall for Cornwall (theatre) and its cinema, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. And if you want to find a spot to unwind, you can take a break in either one of the two parks in the city.

If you’ve got children in tow, then Cornwall has no shortage of attractions and activities to keep the kids happy. For example, you can take the youngsters to Cornwall’s Crealy Great Adventure Park or DairyLand Farm World – or why not spend a day at Newquay Zoo? If the sun’s shining, you will no doubt want to head straight to the beach with the children.

You will be spoilt for choice by the number of beaches in this county. In fact, Cornwall boasts 697km of coastline and has numerous beaches to choose from – whether you want to do spot of surfing or simply to sunbathe.

Newquay has some lovely beaches, such as Fistral Beach, Towan Beach, Great Western Beach and Tolcarne Beach, among others. Bude’s beaches (Summerleaze, Crooklets etc) are also worth checking out. There are so many other beaches along Cornwall’s lengthy coastline, some of which you will no doubt want to explore during your holiday.

Other attractions which you might like to visit during your Cornish vacation include The Eden Project, Land’s End, National Maritime Museum Cornwall, World Of Model Railways, Blue Reef Aquarium, National Seal Sanctuary, Trevarno Gardens, St. Michael’s Mount, Tate St Ives, Poldark Mine, Bodmin & Wenford Railway and Geevor Tin Mine – plus more!

To get the most out of your holiday in Cornwall, you will probably want to tour the county. There are many different ways in which you can travel around. You can walk, hire a bicycle or car or take a cruise and enjoy the sights. You can even see Cornwall from the air by taking a helicopter trip from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly!

Cornwall is also an ideal destination if you’re planning a sporting holiday, too. Whether you’re into golf, fishing, sailing or surfing (Cornwall is a surfer’s paradise), you will also have a fantastic holiday here.

Cornwall has so much to offer its visitors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break, a sporting holiday or a fun-filled family vacation, Cornwall has it all.

About the Author
Karen Waller is a destination rep for Self Property Rental, offering a wide selection of holiday rentals Cornwall, UK!

Dorset UK Holiday Property Rentals

The county of Dorset in south west England is an ideal destination for great family holiday in the UK.

It boasts a beautiful coastline, some lovely countryside and a wealth of picturesque villages, as well as numerous tourist attractions to suit all ages and tastes. It’s perfect for a relaxing short break or a two-week holiday.

Dorset borders four other counties, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Devon and Somerset, and is easily accessible from many other areas of the UK, as well as many UK airports and ports.

It’s a perfect location for a self-catering holiday, as there are many properties available to rent for the duration of your vacation. There is a variety of cottages, apartments and chalets throughout the county available to suit all tastes.

Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and is a good place to start your holiday in Dorset. It’s also a good base from which to tour the county. It is rich in history and offers plenty to see and do. Among the visitor attractions in Dorchester are the Dorset County Museum, Keep Military Museum, Roman Town House, Tutankhamun Museum, Dinosaur Museum, Teddy Bear Museum and Maumbury Rings.

If you have an interest in the literary world, then you will probably already know that novelist and poet Thomas Hardy was born near Dorchester, in the village of Higher Bockhampton. Hardy’s Cottage is worth a visit, and you can also see his last home Max Gate, which Hardy designed.

After you’ve discovered Dorchester, you will no doubt want to tour some other areas of Dorset. You can head to the coast and check out the holiday resorts on offer in the county, such as Weymouth, Bournemouth, Lyme Regis, Poole and Swanage.

Weymouth is a great family holiday destination. A big attraction is its lovely sandy beach! And if it’s raining, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep all the family amused.

While you’re in Dorset, you should try to make a trip to Bournemouth, which boasts seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a lot more besides! There’s something for everyone in Bournemouth – whether you want culture and art (go to Russell-Coates Art Gallery & Museum), family attractions (check out the amazing marine life in the Oceanarium), shops (you really will be able to shop until you drop here!), sports facilities, nightlife or simply some delicious food and drink.

Further along the coast is Poole, which has a Quay, a fantastic natural harbour and some stunning beaches. While you are in the area, be sure to visit Sandbanks Beach. It’s an ideal family beach.

The lovely town of Christchurch is also a great place to spend a day (or more!) of your holiday in Dorset. It is rich in history and has a beautiful 11th century Priory Church, which is well worth a visit.

Away from the Dorset coast you will find a great deal of places to visit, such as Wimborne Minster, Blandford Forum, Sherborne, Ferndown, Bridport, Shaftesbury, among others. All have a wide range of attractions and activities for tourists.

So if you’re looking for a destination to take the family for a fun-filled holiday, check out Dorset and all it has to offer.

About the Author
Karen Waller is a destination rep for Self Property Rental, offering a wide selection of holiday rentals Dorset, UK!

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