During the long gap between the end of summer and the arrival of Christmas, why not plan a get-together with family or friends in a large holiday cottage? They are perfect for celebrations, reunions or gatherings. 

Cazenovia Hall, Rural Holiday Cottage Near Penrith in Cumbria. Sleeps 8

They are also so much more affordable than hotels as well as offering you exclusive use of facilities. 

These can include a swimming pool, hot tubs, and games rooms - and there is usually a choice of living areas for people with different TV/NetFlix tastes.

View the collection of Large Holiday Homes available to book on My Favourite Holiday Cottages and find one that is right for you. Do you fancy a restored castle, a grand old country house or a large townhouse in a city? 

Crepe Farmhouse near Bridport in Dorset. Sleeps 17 in 8 bedrooms

Maybe you'd prefer a remote farmhouse in the heart of a National Park surrounded by an autumn gold landscape. And, with the summer having departed, there are some lovely deserted beaches to explore with sea-shore rambles.

Enjoy contemporary chic living at Wheal Dream House near Helston in Cornwall. Sleeps 10 

So, rather than finding yourself writing Christmas cards in December saying, "We really must get together again," - start planning an autumn break now for that get-together you keep promising each other.

Visit the Large Holiday Cottages pages on My Favourite Holiday Cottages to select and share a shortlist of available properties to share with friends or family, making it easier to make a group decision.

Find more Large Holiday Cottage Advice and Recommendations:

1. 10 Top Tips for Finding and Booking Large Holiday Cottages
2. Large Holiday Cottages With Private Pools
3. Large Holiday Cottages to Book in Yorkshire
4. Large and Small Holiday Cottages for a Family Christmas Holiday
5. Large Devon Holiday Cottages
6. Large UK Holiday Cottages

Enjoying a holiday with your dog is much easier these days – go self-catering! The growth in dog-friendly holiday cottages for short breaks or longer holidays throughout the UK means that pet owners have an inexpensive alternative to placing their pets in kennels while they go on holiday. Now it’s straightforward to take the canine member of your family with you on holiday instead. Here are some valuable tips to follow when planning to take a break with your pet this year.

Click to view: Dogs welcome at Home Farmhouse in Hawkshead, Cumbria.

Upon arrival, don’t forget to check the following to ensure complete peace of mind during your holiday: It’s worth a quick tour of the house to move any items that you don’t want to be broken by a wagging tail or might be toxic, such as cleaning bottles that best belong in a cupboard. Search the garden, too, for things like slug pellets. If your dog likes to chew cables, don’t forget to check for these as well.

Does your dog like to sleep on chairs or beds? Like all family members, your pet will have its own luggage too. Dog hair can be challenging to remove, so pack a couple of blankets and some old towels to put on furniture where your dog is likely to lie down, especially if they don’t have their own baskets or blankets. Most pet-friendly holiday cottages will have a decent vacuum cleaner capable of picking up dog hairs allowing you to leave your holiday home at the end of your holiday with an equally clean conscience.

Click to view: Dog-Friendly Hillcrest Cottage in Suffolk.

Many canine-friendly cottages will have facilities such as dog bowls, baskets, and even a few pooh bags; this makes cramming everything into the car less of a concern, but check in advance. If your dog has a special diet, it might be worth packing a few tins or packs to see them through the first few days until you’ve found it in a local pet shop or supermarket after you’ve arrived.

These shouldn’t be too much of a problem as most pet-friendly holiday cottage owners will have seen to this already – so do it for peace of mind.

Click to view: Ready to walk at Ivy Cottage in North Devon.

One advantage of booking your holiday cottage directly with the owner is that you can check things with them before you book. They will be able to tell you things like how secure the garden is and whether lovely walks start from the front door. If you’re planning a beach holiday, ask whether the beach will admit dogs during the time if you want to book a cottage. Then you can plan a day on the sand together in complete confidence.

Other items on your packing list should include leads, balls, toys, insurance documentation and, if appropriate, any medical information, should you need a vet. A dog-friendly cottage owner should be able to provide a list of local vets. Include enough poo bags to see you through your holiday. Be sensible, and ensure you clear up the garden after you, just as you do at home! Finally, ensure your dogs are appropriately ‘dressed’ for going on holiday: make sure they wear secure collars with name tags bearing a mobile phone number.

For the drive to your holiday cottage and on the way home, allow time for some exercise stops, and put some water in the car together with a few snacks to keep them happy and relaxed in the back of the vehicle.

Most of the cottages on My Favourite Holiday Cottages have a direct link to the property’s own website. Click on the link to visit the site to see if a cottage welcomes dogs. Many holiday cottage directory sites now have a ‘dog or pet-friendly search category’ – view the pets welcome property pages on My Favourite Holiday Cottages for an example.

So, with a bit of forethought, you can find and plan a wonderful holiday with your dog, whether in the countryside or on the beach, from the comfort of your lounge.

If you are searching for a holiday cottage to enjoy a weekend break in Cornwall, there; here are some suggestions on things to do that will suit all ages - and some 'cracking' cottages in which to stay. Crackington Haven may be a small North Cornwall village in a secluded coastal location, but it's a little gem. To stay.

Here are our 'six of the best holiday ideas for you to try on your break away from it all.

Nestled between the dramatic headlands of the rugged North Cornish Coast, you'll find the picturesque hamlet of Crackington Haven. This sheltered cove offers peace and seclusion, while its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery make Crackington Haven the perfect location for a rejuvenating getaway. 

 

A Meal at the Inn 

The recently redecorated Coombe Barton Inn has possibly the most stunning views enjoyed by any pub or restaurant in the country! 

You might be on a self-catering holiday in Cornwall, but give the cooks a night off.  

Watching the sunset from the bay window with a glass of something chilled is absolute heaven. 

As is the menu! 

Using locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables, publican and Chef Glyn offers a delectable range of traditional Cornish Classics with a modern twist. 

Combined with the relaxing atmosphere, an excellent range of local ales, and a friendly and helpful team, a meal at the Coombe is an absolute must.

Surfing on Crackington Beach

Hire or bring your surf and bodyboards to Crackington Haven Beach.

The Haven is a fantastic spot for surfing and boarding of all abilities (and ages). The beach offers a choice of waves and conditions, and its sheltered location from the winds means that the waves can often be much cleaner than the neighbouring beaches. Being lifeguarded in peak season makes this the ideal spot to give it a go. Wetsuits and boards are available to hire from the Cabin Café, just next to the beach. Visit www.cabincafecrackington.co.uk for availability and price.

Tennis with a view

Situated just above the beach at Crackington Haven, on the coast path, are the Crackington Tennis courts.

It has the most breathtaking views of any tennis club in the UK towards Penkenna Cliff on the North side of the Haven, making your match even more of a challenge!! 

Its location makes it an ideal activity to incorporate into a day out at the beach if you fancy a quick game after an ice cream! 

Hire of the tennis courts can be arranged at the Haven Café, which arranges bookings and hires on behalf of the tennis club. 

The café is located next to the pub.

A Walkers Paradise

Dramatic Coastal Walks Galore Along the South West Coast Path at Crackington Haven

Crackington Haven is an excellent base for walking holidays in North Cornwall. Being situated on the North Cornish Coast Path, you can take in the breathtaking sea views and dramatic cliffs surrounding the Haven, but you also have plenty of options for secluded inland walks.

One beautiful walk that has the best of both worlds is a circular trail over Cambeak headland. The walk starts by taking the Coast Path south from Crackington, past Tremoutha Haven, towards Cambeak headland. From there, continue past Little Strand towards The Strangles. Then across the coastal lane and onto the Public Footpath, which follows the stream along the wooded valley through Eastwood and Ludon Valley. The hike is roughly four miles and is a fantastic way to appreciate the fascinating cliff formations and the beautiful seclusion surrounding this idyllic little Haven.

 

Rockpooling: Adventures with a Net

Crackington is such a versatile beach. Being mainly rock and shingle at high tide, then a long sandy stretch with rocky pools and nooks to discover on either side. 

This makes it perfect for everyone's beachy needs, but it offers excellent rock pooling, which makes it irresistible and fun to enjoy with families of all ages. 

With the rich diversity of marine plants and animals here, rock pooling will not disappoint. 

Just grab your bucket and go!!

 

Cream Teas by the Sea

No trip to Cornwall would be complete without treating yourself to a Traditional Cornish Cream Tea. Fresh warm scones, loaded with generous dollops of rich sweet jam topped by a great dollop of Cornish clotted cream, make this indulgence necessary! That's the Cornish way of tucking into this tasty treat. Travel up the coast to Devon, and they'll be expecting you to put the cream on first. It simply wouldn't be a Cornish Cream Tea if you ate it that way around!

Luckily at the Haven, there are two excellent cafes to choose from for your holiday treat. Situated on either side of the beach, the Cabin Café and the Haven Café offer generous homemade cream teas to enjoy while enjoying the scenery and fresh Cornish air. But which one is best? You might have to try both to decide! 

 

Where to Stay in Crackington Haven

Mineshop Cottages at Crackington Haven

We recommend Mineshop Cottages in Crackington Haven. Parada and The Old Shippon nestle in the stunning Mineshop Valley. They are a short, pretty field and woodland walk from the beach and all the suggested activities listed above.

Please park your car and forget about it for a few days as you balance burning off calories walking and surfing, then piling them back on again with those cream teas. However, if you do not wander further afield, both cottages are within a short drive of Boscastle, Tintagel and Bude, plus many other sandy beaches along the wild and rugged North Cornwall coast.

Parada is a two-bedroom cottage for a small family or two couples.

This article is primarily intended to provide advice and ideas for owners of holiday cottages looking to make their properties truly child or baby-friendly, ensuring they really do welcome and cater for families planning a self-catering holiday in the UK.

Plan to search for and book baby-friendly cottages. This article will still be of interest if you have a family with young children, giving you an idea about what facilities you can expect to find in holiday cottages where children and babes are welcome.

If you advertise your cottage as suitable for babies, toddlers and infants, a cot and a high chair are only the start if you want to appeal to families with young children. If your property is in a location likely to appeal to such families - and isn’t full of natural hazards, then going the extra mile to appeal to what is quite a substantial market is worth a little investment. 

First, consider what any sensible parent would want for their young loved ones to make their holiday less stressful. We’ve already mentioned a cot and high chair (buy ones that are not only very safe but can be easily but scrupulously cleaned), so let’s add the following to the list:

• Child-friendly crockery and cutlery (one less thing to have to pack)
• Stair gate (as many as appropriate)
• Baby listening intercom
• Changing mat
• Baby bath
• Emergency kit for those occasions when guests may forget to pack the nappies or sudo-cream! *
• Bean bags or big squashy floor cushions
• Buckets, spades, a windbreak and beach toys for beach cottages
• Bedtime reading books (note how much more appealing that sounds than just ‘children’s books.’
• Toys (why not put them in a toy box to add to their appeal?)
• Outdoor play equipment and toys*
• Sand pit*
• Playroom
• Window locks – especially in children’s bedrooms and bathrooms
• A little edible something special in your welcome pack – just for a toddler.

* - These facilities can require maintenance - so make sure you’re equipped to look after them properly.

Beach toys at Devon Beach Court, Woolacombe, include buckets, spades and bodyboards.

These are just some of the facilities found in child-friendly cottages listed on portal sites such as My Favourite Holiday Cottages keep ready to please young parents and their little ones. Why not also think about pampering the parents? Don’t forget that having young children does shape your lifestyle, such as having to spend the evenings at home. I remember that when our kids were young, we used to look for cottages that helped to remind us that we could be parents and still be romantic!

Here’s a list of the facilities and items that will make baby-friendly cottages just as appealing to parents:

• Spa bath/hot tub
• Wi-Fi
• iPod docking station
• HDTV (with Freeview at least - and/or Sky)
• Meal delivery service
• Great places in the garden for outdoor dining (don’t forget the fragrant appeal of roses and sweet peas on a summer’s evening)
• Snugly sofas and a wood burner or log fire (with suitable fireguards) for cosy autumn evenings
• Toiletries  - the type that makes you feel special.
• A complimentary pack of playing cards in your welcome pack for everything from Snap to Bridge

Take photographs of facilities and include them within your cottage website’s gallery – much more effective and easier to see than words.

 

To View, Lots of Child-Friendly Cottages Click Here

 

What if you still want to attract guests without children as well as those that do?

Not every visitor will arrive with a gathering of babes and infants strapped into the back seat, so the trick is to try and ensure that overtly baby-friendly items can be stored out of sight – or, like the big squashy floor cushions, hold a cross-generation appeal.

If your cottage also appeals to friends and grown-up families - make it clear on your website that all baby items will be stored in cupboards - well out of eyesight - although you might want to leave those floor cushions lying around! 

 

Tell us about the little things you can do for little people. The simpler they are to provide and manage, the better. We’d love to add other good ideas to help create baby-friendly cottages and welcome any suggestions for making a cottage baby and parent friendly.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.