Holiday Cottages Isle of Man, Blackpool, Cheshire, Lancashire

Holiday Cottages Cheshire - Checklist and Booking

When booking cottages in the North West consider the following checklist and requirements:

What parking facilities are needed? What kind of location do you have in mind and at what time of year? Holiday cottages in Blackpool - those by the seaside, or perhaps cliff top cottages may be less appealing in winter than in the summer months. Will you be dining out a lot - if so then check on nearby pubs and restaurants, and otherwise upon the cooking facilities in your cottage. Do you have young children - are facilities like cots, high chairs, and a safe enclosed garden available? Access issues may also be important - note the provision of ground floor access and disabled facilities if needed.

If you are intent upon taking your pet - is this allowed by the owner and is the layout of the cottage suitable for animals? Cottages situated on working farms are often unsuitable for pets whereas those that state no children or pets simply mean they are not suitably equipped for either. Some cottages do not cater for children under a particular age. Check that there is enough space in the cottage for the number of guests you intend upon bringing.  Do you require a TV & video? On a romantic break you may want a four poster bed, or perhaps a microwave if you can't be bothered cooking, but won't always want to eat out.  Not all Isle of Man holiday cottages will have all of these facilities, and so it is definitely worth checking.

Holiday Cottages Blackpool - Pricing

The prices for holiday cottages vary according to the season. There is both a high and a low season, which are determined according to demand. When booking ask the owners which weeks they define as high and low season, as there are no universal dates. Some owners may be open to negotiation on this matter.

Low season varies but usually includes autumn, winter and spring; although prices will increase over busy holiday weeks such as Christmas, New Year, school half terms, Easter and the May bank holidays. Low season means lower prices and quieter roads and resorts, meaning that you can often choose a cottage in low season that would be much more expensive in high season. High season usually refers to the summer months, and prices are approximately £100 more than in low season.

The following dates are an approximate guide to seasonal demand: High Season: 24-31 May (Spring Bank Holiday), 5 July - 30 August, 22 December - 5 January (Christmas/New Year)Mid Season: 12-26 April (Easter), 31 May - 5 July, 30 August - 27 September, 11 - 25 October. Low Season: 4 January - 12 April, 26 April - 24 May, 27 September - 11 October, 25 October - 22 December.

Cottages in Lancashire, North West Accommodation Grading

When graded, self-catering cottages in Cheshire, and elsewhere, are now rated by a Tourist Board star system of 1 star to 5 stars. Grading standards do vary between English, Welsh and Scottish Tourist Boards, but a broad definition of grading standards can be taken as follows:

1 Star - Fair and Acceptable - Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.

2 Stars - Good -Good overall level of quality. All units self-contained.

3 Stars - Very Good - Very good overall level of quality. Very good standard of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwave.

4 Stars - Excellent - Excellent overall level of quality and attention to detail. Either access to washing machine and dryer, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service.

5 Stars -Exceptional, World-Class - Exceptional overall level of quality. High levels of decor, fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of accessories and personal touches.

Cottages in Cheshire – A Guide

Cottages in North West England are very popular, but there are a number of alternative locations throughout the UK. Holiday cottages in Devon offer glorious views of the south coast of the country, for example. Many cottages, regardless of their location, are independently accredited by self-catering associations which are separate from the public and private sector tourist institutions. They have their own logos and associations and insist that their members offer high standards of comfort, cleanliness, courtesy and efficiency.

If taking your pet to Lake District cottages or indeed anywhere else, don't allow them to climb on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property. Ask the owner for advice upon local amenities and facilities. If you have any extra needs, queries or problems make sure you speak to the owner - these are often easily rectified. Whether staying at cottages in Yorkshire or anywhere else, be sure to 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 that occurred during or shortly before your holiday.