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Taking the safety and well being of holiday makers very seriously, properties need to be well maintained for your comfort and safety. Nevertheless, please remember that when you are in unfamiliar surroundings, you must take special care of yourself and your family. Although not every holiday cottage is equipped to the same standard, all holiday properties should have everything you need for an enjoyable holiday and many offer far more than most might expect. From modern minimalist furnishings and equipment with every convenience, to traditional farmhouses with slate flooring and a huge roaring AGA, there are thousands of variations to choose from. You may want a music room that is fully equipped with a cello, double bass, bassoon or organ. Don't forget to check! Alternatively you can take your own musical instrument along with you. You need to practice and a holiday is a great time to spend time learning the music that you don't normally have time for. So check if there is a piano, maybe even a grand piano or baby grand.
When you see the phrase 'Easy walking access' means that a visitor using a walking aid should have no difficulty in gaining access to the principal rooms and garden whereas 'wheelchair access' means that a visitor in a wheelchair should always be able to gain access to the principal rooms and garden. What parking and access is provided with rental holiday cottages? If private off road parking is provided then this should be stated as one of the amenities, in the cottage description. There should be an indication whether there is plenty of room or space for only one car. If the parking facilities are on the street or in a nearby public car park then this should be clearly stated. Many properties are in unique rural settings and access may not be on a metalled road. If access to the property is particularly difficult then this should be made clear in the details that are given to you. Some rustic country tracks may be challenging or unsuitable for vehicles with low ground clearance such as sports cars, but passable by four wheel drive 4wd cars like Land Rovers. If you have a vehicle with little clearance or have any other concerns about parking then it is worth getting in touch with the cottage owners or the booking company just to make sure. Please note that provision is made to accept guide dogs and service dogs at properties that do not normally allow pets. Searching for your cottage will give you lots of options and it is important to think of everything, because it is usually the small details that make all the difference about whether you look back on your holiday with good memories, or end up wishing you had found a more satisfactory cottage to take your well earned break.
If you are taking your car, motor home, cycles or MPV you need to make sure that parking arrangements are satisfactory. Maybe you need off street parking, and it is normal in the country side to find that off road parking is standard. If you want a short break in a holiday cottage then you need to think about logistics. When should you book your short break, and what do you need to bring with you, such as bedding, towels and kitchen implements like knives and forks. If there is a phone number to call you on the owners of your rented cottage will be able to keep in touch and give you travel directions to your holidaycottage. Make sure that you know when you should arrive and depart your holiday cottage. Most holiday lettings start at 3.00 pm on the first day of your holiday and end at 10.00 am on the day of departure unless otherwise specified in the cottage description. Saturdays are sometimes different, so it is wise to check. This ensures that the owner or housekeeper has plenty of time to prepare the cottage for the next set of guests. You should contact the owner or caretaker at least two days before setting off to discuss the time of arrival and key collection details. Because cottages are often in peaceful villages you will often be able to agree to leave the key under the door mat, something you would not consider doing in a busy town.
Equipment in the children's playgrounds should be safe and in good condition. The surface of the play area should be soft with sand, soft earth or wood chippings. If you have a baby or several babies in your party then you need. Short breaks could be one or 2 nights long and start on a Friday or Saturday, and end on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Pets are welcome too, and if you take any other kind of holiday it could cost you a small fortune paying others to look after your pets while you are away. After all why leave them at home when they are one of the family? Many cottages accept pets and you can specify this as a requirement. Please note that provision is made to accept guide dogs and service dogs at properties that do not normally allow pets.
Regardless of size, age and location in the UK, all holiday cottages should have hot water, bathrooms with shower and flushing toilets. Kitchens should have all of the utensils and appliances you would expect for every day use such as a microwave, tumble drier, washing machine and blender. Well furnished sitting rooms should have enough comfortable chairs for the maximum number of people renting the holiday cottage to be accommodated and so will the dining table. There may also be a colour TV. If you look at the photographs of your chosen holiday cottage online you should get a reasonable idea of the type of facilities that are provided. You may want a music room that is fully equipped with a cello, double bass, bassoon or organ. Don't forget to check! Alternatively you can take your own musical instrument along with you. If you want a house in the country sleeping 8 or more people you need to seriously think about all the accommodation details if you need to cater for a party that size. If you are unsure of how to use the any electrical appliances please ask the cottage owner or caretaker, and if your property has night storage heaters, these must never be covered.
Most cottages are provided with linen in the rental price. Some others make a small additional charge for linen hire for each person per week. You should check the description of your cottage to make sure, because you might want to bring your own instead. If you are providing your own linen you should check with the cottage owner or caretaker what is required. If you bring your own towels and tea towels then that might be a good idea. Where towels are provided, they must not be taken home from the property, and you should remember to bring your own beach towels. Cot linen is usually not provided because you are sure to want to bring your own. Do you want to go in the Autumn, Summer, Winter or Spring? Remember that a summer holiday in the UK will be hot and sunny especially in June, July, August, or September. Have you thought about whether your holiday cottage has Internet access because for some holiday makers a web connection will be a vital part of making sure your holiday meets all of your needs? You will want the extra space, and a property sleeping 4 people will have a lot less room than properties sleeping up to 6 people.
Cots and high chairs have to conform to British safety standards so if they are damaged or deficient in any way, then tell the owner. Look out for glass patio doors or glazed interior doors - they should have stickers at adult and child eye height. Cottages should cleaned between lets and this means you only need to unpack when you arrive, put the kettle on and have a refreshing cup of tea, and explore your cottage and the surrounding countryside. There may be no extra charge for cleaning services, but often you will be expected to pay a notional amount. Your property should be regularly inspected and you need to be able to rest assured that only the best quality properties are on offer. When you have paid for you holiday in full, you will be given details of how to find your holidaycottage, and where to collect your keys on arrival. You might need to pay the full amount up front or pay a deposit with the balance when you leave.
What parking and access is provided with rental holiday cottages? If private off road parking is provided then this should be stated as one of the amenities, in the cottage description. There should be an indication whether there is plenty of room or space for only one car. If the parking facilities are on the street or in a nearby public car park then this should be clearly stated. Many properties are in unique rural settings and access may not be on a metalled road. If access to the property is particularly difficult then this should be made clear in the details that are given to you. Some rustic country tracks may be challenging or unsuitable for vehicles with low ground clearance such as sports cars, but passable by four wheel drive 4wd cars like Land Rovers. If you have a vehicle with little clearance or have any other concerns about parking then it is worth getting in touch with the cottage owners or the booking company just to make sure. If you want a short break in a holiday cottage then you need to think about logistics. When should you book your short break, and what do you need to bring with you, such as bedding, towels and kitchen implements like knives and forks. Any property you rent for a holiday should have a full description of services and facilities available. A virtual tour of a holiday cottage is a great way of finding cottages that meet all your needs, maybe with panoramic country views, or special kitchen facilities, a hot tub or a Jacuzzi bath. Holiday Cottages in the UK are usually in the more scenic rural counties:
Glastonbury Tor | Holiday Cottage England | Cornish Hotel | Cornwall Holiday Cottage | Cornwall Cottage
Many country cottage properties welcome pets for a small additional charge per pet per week or short break, and you might do well to take your dog or cat rather than spend money on a kennel where your dogs might be unhappy, and your cats left feeling you don't love them. Carefully wrapped in its case, such as a guitar, trumpet (you don't get much chance to practice these instruments at home, eh?) or something more unusual like a basoon, flute or clarinet. Changes to a holiday that you have booked might involve additional paper work and require the booking company to contact the owner of the holiday property so to cover these additional costs you might be asked to pay a small administration fee. The thing is though, it is better to have exactly the right holiday, so don’t worry about making changes. Cots and high chairs have to conform to British safety standards so if they are damaged or deficient in any way, then tell the owner. Look out for glass patio doors or glazed interior doors - they should have stickers at adult and child eye height.
You may want a music room that is fully equipped with a cello, double bass, bassoon or organ. Don't forget to check! Alternatively you can take your own musical instrument along with you. Cots and high chairs have to conform to British safety standards so if they are damaged or deficient in any way, then tell the owner. Look out for glass patio doors or glazed interior doors - they should have stickers at adult and child eye height. When you are looking you should seriously consider booking a property that sleeps up to two more than you requested. Your booking confirmation should come to you after you have booked your property and you need to know that your cottage is available for your holiday in plenty of time so you can book time off work.
You need to practice and a holiday is a great time to spend time learning the music that you don't normally have time for. So check if there is a piano, maybe even a grand piano or baby grand. You need to check which insurance and cancellation scheme coverage is provided with your cottage, because you may or may not be covered for the cost of your rent and any additional booking fees if you have to come home early for some unexpected reason. Your property should be regularly inspected and you need to be able to rest assured that only the best quality properties are on offer. When you have paid for you holiday in full, you will be given details of how to find your holidaycottage, and where to collect your keys on arrival. Keep young children off balconies and if there is a garden pond, ensure that children cannot access it. Look out for any steep drops in the garden and if there are garden sheds or outbuildings, ensure that children cannot get in them.
You to have a safe and happy holiday so a few minutes taking some simple precautions could make the difference between a holiday enjoyed and a holiday spoilt. Do you want to go in the Autumn, Summer, Winter or Spring? Remember that a summer holiday in the UK will be hot and sunny especially in June, July, August, or September. Your booking confirmation should come to you after you have booked your property and you need to know that your cottage is available for your holiday in plenty of time so you can book time off work. How many bedrooms has the cottage got? Can it sleep a party of two, three, four or five, or groups of friends with children who have six, seven, eight, nine or ten people with babies and toddlers who need to have special sleeping arrangements.
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Holiday Cottages in the UK are usually in the more scenic rural counties but we have cottages for rental throughout the UK: