Self Catering in the UK

The UK has so much to offer whether you are looking for peaceful isolation in the Scottish borders and highlands, exploring the castles and countryside of Northumberland or just eating those famous cream teas in Devon and Cornwall.

From the Lake District and Peak District to the Cotswolds and Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Derbyshire to Dorset and Hampshire, Herefordshire to Kent and Lincolnshire to Somerset, Surrey and Sussex there is just so much to see and do. And that is without even mentioning Wales, East Anglia, the Norfolk Broads and the North and South Downs!

How to start your Self Catering search

The Self Catering Guide is delighted to provide you with thousands of self catering cottages, farmhouses and apartments to choose from across the UK. Whether you are looking for a romantic hideaway, somewhere you can pamper yourself or just a great holiday base we will have the answer.

Everyone is looking for something slightly different in their perfect self catering holiday, so we have provided you with a number of different ways to search our great accommodation.

Search by location

If you have a general idea of where you want to go or want a specific place you will find it here with:

Search by Area

Search by County

Search by Town

Looking for a particular type of self catering accommodation?

You can search our directory by the type of accommodation including:

Cottage

Farm house, Barn or Farm setting

Apartment

Somewhere big enough for a larger party - 8+ people

Want specific facilities?

We have made it easy to search for some of the most common facilities that our visitors are looking for including:

Access for the disabled

Pet free accommodation

Close to the beach – within 5 miles

Fishing on site

Hot tub

Swimming pool

An open fire or fire burner

Smoke free accommodation

As you can see we have tried to make our Guide more useful to you by putting the self catering accommodation in to various categories. However please note that this is based upon the information available at the time, therefore it is always worth checking when booking that the facilities you require are available.

Also, if a property is not included in a particular category but you would like to stay there it is still worth checking with them directly as they may be able to meet your requirements.

Larger parties

All of the accommodation varies in size and we have provided a category for 8+ people. However please check the details to ensure the property is right for you.

Travel cots

In most cases travel cots are also available.

Swimming pools

The accommodation may have either indoor or outdoor swimming pools (sometimes both!) however please be aware that these may or may not be heated at certain times of the year and for safety reasons, may have restricted access or conditions of use - so please check with the cottage owner directly before booking.

Fires

Many of self catering properties have real fires or wood burning stoves. We would like to remind you to check the safety implications for children and pets with the owner before booking.

Disabled access

Currently we are only able to provide an indication of whether the self catering properties have some facilities for the disabled. Please ensure that you contact the self catering accommodations owner direct to check that the facilities offered are suitable to meet any special needs.

Booking information

Always book ahead

Self Catering in the UK is very popular so do not leave it too late to book particularly in July and August which are notoriously busy months.

Christmas opening

Most self catering accommodation will be open over the Christmas period.

Cancellation

Should you need to cancel your Self Catering booking please try and give as much notice as possible. The owner may be able to re let the property and therefore may be more prepared to return your deposit. However, please remember that a booking is a contract under English law, and if you cancel you may lose your deposit or whole payment.

Each Self Catering property has its own cancellation policy - if this is a concern please ask for further details when booking.

Smoking policies

It is now common for smoking to be restricted or not permitted at all in Self Catering accommodation so please check on booking if you require smoking premises.

Pet allergies

Self Catering accommodation often allows pets. If you suffer from any pet allergies please make sure at the time of booking that the accommodation will be suitable for you. Remember when looking for property to use our ‘no pets’ search facility to find places suited to you.

Taking your own pet

Cottages that welcome pets do so only by prior arrangement and often subject to special conditions. Please check directly with the cottage owner before booking.

Own a self-catering holiday cottage?

If you own and operate self-catering holiday cottages and you are interested in joining The Self Catering Guide visit our Owners section.