Family holidays in the UK can be much more than tiny hotel rooms and unexciting scenery: and you can find a huge number of ways to book bargain family holidays. One fantastically cost-effective strategy is to book a holiday cottage.

If you're looking for a peaceful, relaxing break then a holiday cottage provides an ideal solution. They're a real home away from home, offering you the chance to get away from it all and to experience, for a while, a slower pace of life.

If you have a large family or you wish to holiday with a group of friends then cottage holidays are also an ideal way to accommodate everyone under the one roof. They give a brilliant sense of independence and you can find one to suit any taste, from thatched hovels to palaces (literally). They are available in all sizes and in all locations; so whether you're after a retreat in the countryside or a cottage with coastal views, you're sure to find a holiday cottage that suits your needs.

Before booking a UK holiday cottage here are some things to consider.

1) What do you really want?

Decide what you want from your holiday – Do you plan to spend your time relaxing with the occasional leisurely stroll to take in the scenery, or do you prefer to be more centrally located so you can take in as much of the sights as possible? While deciding on your holiday cottage and its location keep in mind exactly what it is you want to get out of your holiday.

2) Plan your journey

Take into account your journey time and be prepared for heavy traffic if travelling during peak holiday times. Remember to include plenty of rest breaks or even possibly an overnight stay during travelling: this helps to alleviate the stresses and fatigue that can easily build up while travelling long distances. This is an especially good idea if you have a large family in one vehicle.

3) Set your budget

Holidays in the UK can be surprisingly expensive. Avoid overspending by remembering to include all the extra expenses such as petrol and food. The cost can soon mount up and it's very easy to overspend.

Useful family holiday cottage websites

English Heritage UK Holiday Cottages

Unbelievable buildings to accomodate groups of all sizes, located in the most historic sites of the UK. From castles to cosy cottages, these locations are a must-see for anyone planning to rent. Almost all the buildings on the site are listed, to take special care which you choose if you're planning to bring the kids!

Premier Cottages: UK Family Holiday Cottages

Premier Cottages is a collection of over 880 luxury self catering holiday cottages located throughout the UK in England, Scotland, Wales and The Isles of Scilly, Ireland and The Channel Islands. Whether it's for a family holiday, a reunion of friends, a short breaks or a honeymoon you'll find a cottage you like here.

Classic Cottages: UK Family Holiday Cottages

Beautiful little gems nestling in the South and West of England: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. A fisherman's cottage in a Cornish cove, a waterside apartment, a house overlooking the beach, or a thatched cottage with an open fire deep in the countryside - they're all here, and they're all beautiful. Absolutely ideal if you want a real 'cottage' feel, rather than a neutral 'space'.

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