Blackpool Self Catering, Isle of Man, Chester, Liverpool, Manchester

Isle of Man Self Catering: Holiday Parks & Caravan Sites in the North West

Whoever says holiday parks and caravan sites have had their day obviously hasn't visited the North West. The modern equivalent to Butlins is truly alive and kicking, particularly these days with families working to tight budgets, and looking for that all-inclusive bit of magic to keep the kids occupied. Why not check out the superb Marton Mere all inclusive holiday park near Blackpool. Holiday parks offer the freedom to create your own timetable. You'll find a selection of caravan and camping sites in the Cheshire countryside, in Greater Manchester, the Lancashire countryside, the Ribble Valley and the Isle of Man. Isle of Man self catering is a particularly popular choice for those planning a short stay at the home of the famous Isle of Man TT race.

In most caravan and camping sites expect a basic or serviced land pitch of reasonable size for you to pitch your caravan or motor home. Electric hook-ups, toilet and shower block, washing facilities, chemical waste disposal, TV point and water, telephone, freezer and ice pack facilities are normally at your disposal. Further to this, expect a countryside location, camp shop with basic caravan accessories such as camping gas, cleaning chemicals, buckets, etc., as well as local shops such as a grocers or off-licenses.

You will find other holiday parks along the Lancashire coast. These have the added bonus of usually being located near superb family fun holiday hotspots like Blackpool and Southport. Holiday Parks are great for kids and adults alike, with faciliites such as swimming pools, clubs and bars, discos, and lots of family entertainment, shops and restaurants on-site, and even things like fishing lakes and other outdoor activities such as nature trails.

Holiday Parks are usually set in idyllic surroundings, either in the country or by the coast, such as at Southport self catering accommodations. Parks are always close to local attractions and amenities. Family accommodations often include electric power and gas, bedding, equipped kitchen including oven and fridge, bathroom with shower, parking. Common entertainment facilities provided are the likes of: swimming pools, crazy golf or pitch and putt, adventure playground, big screen TV, pool and darts, and football pitches.  Furthermore you may find children's rides and amusements, launderette washing and drying facilities, shops, and a licensed bar or club.

Blackpool Holiday Flats, North West

Fully equipped self-catering and self-contained Blackpool holiday flats or apartments have many benefits as a self catering holiday choice. Such benefits include independence, your own key to come and go as you please, and a home from home environment and atmosphere. Holiday flats and apartments are usually equipped with modern kitchen facilities, utensils, TV, video or DVD players, and stereos, and of course all en-suite facilities. Further to this, expect to be provided with household items such as washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave and so forth. Extra privacy and flexibility comes with this choice of holiday accommodation. There is no need to haul yourself up for breakfast at 7.30am - you make your own timetable. Central heating and hot water may be metered, and there may be additional charges for phone, internet or other facilities. Self catering accommodation in Blackpool is big business and as such there are many providers offering a really great budget holiday accommodation choice for families and couples.

Serviced Apartments: Manchester, Liverpool, North West

For serviced apartments Liverpool and Manchester are the best places to look. Luxury Manchester apartments are usually to be found with exquisite contemporary decor, plus balcony views of Manchester city centre and the Manchester Canal. Many Manchester apartment hotels and other luxury apartments can be found near Deansgate - Manchester's central shopping hotspot. Choose a luxury contemporary apartment in Liverpool city centre and you have the flexibility and freedom to roam around Liverpool's superb shops and museums at the Albert Docks or elsewhere in the city centre. Check out holiday apartments in Chester or the Isle of Man.

The North West provides a superb choice of self catering holiday apartments and holiday flats available across the whole price range, from cheap holiday flats to luxury apartments.

Holiday Cottages: Chester, Blackpool, North West

For holiday cottages Chester is amongst the more popular destinations in the North West. The advantages of self catering holiday cottages rental is that you have all the amenities of home in a brand new location of your choosing. Amenities do vary from cottage to cottage though and so it's worth making a list of your specific requirements, rather than making your decision based upon an attractive photograph. Think about issues like accessibility, whether you're bringing pets or very young children, what exactly is included in the price, will you be located near shops, restaurants or pubs and is smoking permitted? In short, start by working out what your particular needs are before booking. Remember, remote idyllic holiday cottages may be perfect in the summer, but isolated in the winter. Plan ahead, know exactly what you want and conduct some research prior to booking, in order to find your perfect holiday cottage. Holiday cottages are an ideal self contained, self catering accommodation for couples, groups and families.

North West Self Catering Holiday Accommodation Grading

When graded Lake District self catering properties and those in the North West and across the UK 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.

Self catering accommodation without grading may well be of exceptional standard. Many cottages and self catering venues are independently accredited by self catering associations locally. There is a broad number of Devon self catering accommodations that range from 1 to 5 stars, whilst there are also many self catering Yorkshire properties available to rent as an alternative to staying in Yorkshire.