Holiday Cottages in Somerset

Holiday Cottages in Somerset

All Somerset areas, including the Mendip Hills, Somerset Levels, south Somerset, the Somerset coast, the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park offer a host of holiday cottages. Amenities do vary from cottage to cottage and so it is worth thinking about your specific requirements before booking anything. Remember that there are more important considerations than simply the appearance of the cottage. Think about issues like accessibility, if the cottage is suitable to house a pet, will you be bringing very young children, what exactly is included in the price, is it located near shops, restaurants or pubs and if you smoke - is smoking permitted inside the cottage? Somerset has a huge selection of holiday cottages, many of which are quite remote and beautifully set, making them superb for complete romantic getaways.

When booking your Somerset holiday cottages, remember that the whole context of your trip can be altered dependant upon the time of year. Remote idyllic holiday cottages may be perfect in the summer, but isolated in the winter. Planning ahead is strongly advised, and there is no shame in conducting some prior research into both the cottage and surrounding area. Out of peak season some smaller Somerset villages can become quite quiet, which may add to the romanticism of a short break with your partner, but could be unsuitable for families with impatient and excitable kids! Check what local amenities are available, for example shops, local pubs, petrol stations and local restaurants and leisure facilities. If you're a family booking holiday cottages out of season, be aware of the changing weather, and look for a location with indoor entertainment as well as outdoor activities, just in case the weather turns!

Exmoor Cottages: Somerset Cottage

In terms of holiday cottages Somerset has a number of different types available. These range from small traditional cottages sleeping 2-4 people, right up to grand hunting lodges in the middle of Exmoor. You'll find self catering cottages available all over Somerset including in and around the seaside resorts of Brean, Weston-super-Mare and Minehead and out in the beautiful Somerset countryside. You can find fantastic thatched and traditional cottages particularly around the Exmoor and South Somerset areas - some of these are centuries old! These can be a good choice if you're planning to be out and about exploring the countryside all day and don't want to be tied to meal times or experience what it's like to stay in traditional historic Somerset homes. Self catering choices are in abundance around the main centres like Bath and north east Somerset, Wells and Glastonbury in the Mendips, the medieval market towns of South Somerset and Dulverton, and Dunster on Exmoor. What's better for a romantic break away than to cosy up in front of a real fire, in a beautiful, historic Somerset building?

Many self catering options come in the form of former farm buildings or traditional cottages. These are beautiful in their own right and often give you access to some fabulous views of the Somerset countryside.

Cottages in Bath: Somerset Cottages Prices

Prices for Somerset holiday cottages vary according to the season. When booking ask the owners which weeks they define as high and low season. Some owners may be open to negotiation on this matter. There are some real bargains to be had with Somerset cottage holidays, with prices often below £200 per week for a cottage which accommodates four people. You might find more bargains where there is a lot of self-catering accommodation because of the increased competition.

Low season can vary but normally includes all but the summer months, although prices will increase over prime holiday weeks such as Christmas, New Year, school half terms, Easter and the May bank holidays. Low season means lower prices, meaning that you can choose a cottage in low season that might have been too expensive in high season. High season normally falls over the summer months, with prices approximately £100 more than in low season.

Holiday cottage owners may offer discounts for longer stays or during the quieter periods. Check to see if they offer short rentals for long weekends, remembering that not all do. Check what is included - usually bed linen and towels are, but some of the lower priced holiday cottages may not provide such things. Extras like firewood or groceries can often be organised for a small fee and will help you to settle in when you arrive. Some of the luxury holiday cottages might even welcome you with a welcome bowl of fruit or box of chocolates!

Somerset Holiday Cottages - Accommodation Grading

Somerset holiday cottages, like hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, are graded with the Star system by the English Tourist Board. The same standards apply for the star grade on a holiday cottage, with one star representing fair to good quality accommodation and five stars representing exceptional accommodation.

All Somerset self catering holiday cottages inspected by the ETB will offer a good standard of cleanliness, with ample furnishing and furniture and suitable fittings - all in good condition. Watch out for the high scoring holiday cottages in Somerset as these can be extremely luxurious, and perfect for romantic short or long breaks. You can expect superb attention to detail and numerous personal touches in these luxury 4 and 5 star holiday cottages, as well as the very best equipment.

Holiday Cottages Somerset – A Guide

Whether staying in Somerset cottages or at holiday cottages in Devon, cottages are often independently accredited by self-catering associations which are independent of public and private sector tourist institutions. They have their own logos and associations insist that their members offer high standards of comfort, cleanliness, courtesy and efficiency.

If taking your pet to holiday cottages in Cornwall or indeed anywhere else, do not allow them onto the furniture and don't leave them alone in the property. Ask the owner for advice about the local amenities and facilities. If you do have any extra needs, queries or problems make sure that you speak to the owner, as these are often easily rectified. Take out holiday insurance - premiums are low compared to holiday insurance abroad and cover risks such as lost luggage, cancellation due to illness or family bereavement occurring during or just before your holiday.