Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Holiday Cottage for your Getaway
For me, choosing a holiday cottage is part of the joy of planning a break — that moment you can almost feel the kettle boiling in a cosy kitchen, or picture yourself slipping into a hot tub after a long coastal walk. Over the years (and after staying in more cottages than I can count), I’ve learned what makes the difference between an okay stay and a truly unforgettable one.
Whether you’re dreaming of a long weekend in North Yorkshire, a windswept coastal escape in Cornwall, or a slow, scenic break in Devon, here are my tried-and-tested holiday cottage tips to help you pick the perfect place to stay.
1. Start with the destination — and the feeling you want
Ask yourself:
- Do you want peace and quiet?
- Or somewhere with cafés, beaches, and activities on your doorstep?
Beach days with cafes and shops near-by
Some of my favourites:
| Destination | Perfect for… |
| North Yorkshire | Countryside walks, chocolate-box villages, traditional pubs |
| Cornwall | Beach days, surfing, seafood restaurants, coastal paths |
| Devon | A mix of countryside and coast, great for families |
💡 Personal tip: If you’re travelling over school or bank holidays, book early. The most unique properties (especially those with views or hot tubs) are snapped up fast.
2. Make a wishlist — not all cottages are created equal
Before browsing, jot down your essentials:
- Is your pick pet-friendly?
- Hot tub or log burner?
- Off-road parking?
- Ground floor bedroom or accessible bathroom?
Then add your nice-to-haves. I always look for:
✔ Private outdoor space
✔ Somewhere with walks from the door
✔ A well-equipped kitchen (nothing worse than no corkscrew!)
3. Read recent reviews carefully
Reviews are gold — but only if they’re recent. Look for keywords like:
- “clean”
- “well maintained”
- “helpful host”
- “better than the photos!”
If reviewers mention maintenance issues or cleanliness more than once, move on — no matter how pretty the cottage looks.
4. Book directly with a reputable company
A good company should offer:
- Secure payment
- Clear terms and conditions
- Responsive customer service
- Transparent pricing (no surprise fees!)💡 Insider tip: Some companies offer loyalty rewards, early-bird discounts and exclusive rates when booking direct instead of via comparison sites.
5. Be strategic with dates (especially around bank holidays)
UK bank holidays = peak demand.
If you can be flexible:
- Arrive Sunday–Thursday instead of Friday–Monday
- Consider the shoulder season (April–June / September–October)
- Keep an eye out for last-minute deals
You’ll often get the same cottage for hundreds less, with fewer crowds.
And if the weather turns? There’s something wonderfully indulgent about listening to rain hit the windows while you’re inside a warm cottage with board games, blankets and a bottle of wine.
6. Think beyond the cottage — plan your stay
Once you’ve booked, make it special:
- Research restaurants and book ahead
- Plan one “big day out” and keep the rest relaxed
- Leave space for spontaneity — the best days often aren’t planned
If there’s a hot tub, check if towels are provided (they often aren’t).
If you’re bringing a dog, pack familiar blankets — cottages smell different, and pets settle faster with home comforts.
Bailey enjoying a well earned break
7. Final check before booking
Make sure you have:
✅ Price breakdown (including cleaning fees or extras)
✅ Cancellation policy
✅ Check-in and check-out times
✅ Contact details in case of emergencies
If anything feels unclear — ask. A good company will be happy to answer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right holiday cottage shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel exciting.
If you take one thing from me, let it be this:
Pick the cottage that makes you feel something.
When you see it, you’ll know.
Plan ahead, read reviews, be realistic about what you want out of your break, and don’t forget — the magic comes from who you’re with and the memories you make, not just the postcode.
Happy planning — and wherever you choose, I hope it’s the perfect escape.
Sarah x