Family cottage holidays

Why Self-catering Holidays in the UK are Best for Families with Young Children

Holidays are something to look forward to, of course, but travelling with young children can be stressful. How to make that stress go away and enjoy a relaxing break? Self-catering in the UK is the answer! The UK has so much to offer, and it doesn’t even matter anymore if the weather is less than perfect. Most destinations have lots of things to do inside, and there are children-friendly attractions galore.

Instead of enduring a plane journey or hours on a ferry, take advantage of family-friendly locations in the countryside, in towns or at the seaside in the good old UK. Little ones shouldn’t have to tiptoe around; it’s their holiday too, and self-catering means you don’t have to worry about them disturbing anyone else. Parents can also insure against any homesickness by taking their favourite toy, book or blanket with them. If you have a pet you don’t want to leave behind, never fear, as lots of holiday cottages are dog-friendly. Some little children can find hotels a bit intimidating, but with self-catering accommodation, you can create a home from home.

If your offspring are fussy eaters, it can be difficult to navigate menus at hotels or restaurants. Staying in a cottage means you can eat what you eat at home, and browsing local markets all adds to the fun. Everything can be organized to your own timetable, including when the kids can have a nap.

Staying in your holiday cottage near a forest or a beach is just the kind of experience to keep youngsters happy. It’s more of an adventure for them, because it will be ‘their place’. Practical considerations are easily met too. Most accommodation owners will provide cots or high chairs on request. There may even be a stack of board games when you get there. Many holiday cottages have gardens or patios, so your children can enjoy the outside whilst you get a meal ready.

If your holiday accommodation is near other holidaymakers, the kids may get the opportunity to make friends with others their age, so they can play together.
The big decision, of course, is where to go. Trouble is, you’re spoilt for choice! We are fortunate in having such a wonderful coastline. For lots of traditional seaside fun, places such as Newquay in Cornwall or Scarborough in Yorkshire are very popular. You may prefer a quieter seaside place, where kids can spend their day exploring rock pools. If your kids love nature, numerous safari parks, urban pet farms and nature reserves make terrific outings. Of course, you’re never too far away from a theme park. Staying in or near a town/city means access to children-friendly museums and sports facilities.

Whether it’s on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, a sleepy Cotswold village, the delightful Welsh Brecon Beacons, a location by a Scottish loch or one of the UK’s capital cities, families with young children will find entertainment and comfort by going the self-catering route.