Our guide to booking UK holiday cottages

• Set a budget - Taking a break in the UK is often thought of as a cheaper option, but with more and more luxury cottages entering the rental market, it's easy to overspend.  Also, think about petrol costs for the journey to your destination. Although you can book short breaks, most cottages are usually charged by the week - for the whole property, not on a per person basis so booking four people into a holiday cottage that sleeps eight people is only going to work out more expensive.  Think about the numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms you need and try to book a cottage that sleeps a similar number of people to your party size.
  
  
• Transport - Think about how long the journey is going to take and be prepared for traffic jams if you're travelling during peak season.  If you're driving, you may want to take a break during the journey so plan where this might be and if you need to stay somewhere overnight.  Don't forget your breakdown cover!
  
  
• Decide where you want to go - Holiday cottages are available for hire in most parts of the UK, the most popular being Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District and The Cotswolds. Once you have decided on your location start looking at other details such as do you want to be by the sea, in the countryside or near a city?  An isolated retreat may seem ideal when you're booking it, but think about the practicalities too - especially if you're with children or a large group - is there a supermarket nearby or a good pub/restaurant?

• What do you want out of your holiday? - Do you want to relax with your family in the idyllic countryside and fit in sightseeing at a leisurely pace, or do you want to base yourself in a centrally located position to minimize the travelling distance to major sights? List the amenities you would like, check off the ones you must have, and have an open mind when you are shortlisting the cottages you like.
  
  
• Cooking - Cottage holidays are generally self-catering. Some cottages are supplied with large, well equipped kitchens while others will have a kitchen corner or kitchenette. You should always have enough pots, pans etc for the maximum amount of people that can occupy the property, but if you are planning on a lot of cooking it is best to enquire about the facilities. The larger the property, the greater your chances of a well-equipped kitchen.  Remember to take some basic supplies with you so you don't have to go in search of a supermarket as soon as you arrive.
  
  
• Duration - Some holiday cottages have specific days of the week for check in and check out (usually a Saturday) so ensure this fits in with your plans - if you're looking for a 10 day break at a property that only allows 7 or 14 day bookings, you won't be able to do this.  The same goes for weekend breaks - during peak holiday periods these may not be permitted unless it's a last minute booking or a cancellation.
  
  
• Date - Finally, think about the date of your holiday.  The school holidays obviously book up the quickest so be prepared to book in advance to get the accommodation and holiday you want - the best cottages often book up a year in advance by repeat holiday makers.  Alternatively, be prepared to be flexible and change your dates.
  

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of options as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on cottages, gîtes and holiday homes