Whitby Cottages, Cottages in Yorkshire

Whitby Holiday Cottages - Checklist and Booking

When booking cottages in Yorkshire consider the following checklist and requirements:

What parking facilities do you need? What kind of location have you in mind - in autumn, winter and spring, holiday cottages in Scarborough by the beach or cliff top cottages may, for example, be less appealing. Will you be eating in or out - check on nearby pubs and restaurants, and 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 ground floor access and disabled facilities if needed.

If you are taking your pet - is this agreeable with the owner and is the layout of the cottage suitable for dogs? Cottages situated on working farms are often unsuitable for pets. Cottages which state no children or pets simply mean they are not suitably equipped for either. Some cottages emphasise that they do not cater for children under a certain age. How many people will be staying in the cottage, and is ample space available for those numbers? Do you require a TV & video? Need a four poster bed for romantic breaks? If eating in will you need a microwave? Not all cottages in Whitby will have all of these facilities.

Cottages in Yorkshire - Pricing

Prices for holiday cottages vary according to high and low season, they are reliant upon demand. When booking ask the owners which weeks they define as high and low season. Some owners may be open to negotiation.

Low season varies but normally includes autumn, winter and spring, although be aware that 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, quiet getaways and roads, and more affordable prices, meaning that you may choose a cottage in low season that would be much more expensive in high season. High season normally 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 York, Yorkshire Accommodation Grading

When graded, self-catering holiday cottages in York, 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.

Scarborough Cottages, Yorkshire - A Guide

For cottages Yorkshire is a fantastic area, although there are similarly attractive alternatives. Lake District cottages, for example, are world-renowned. Many cottages, regardless of location, are 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 Devon or indeed anywhere else, don't allow them on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property. Ask the owner for advice on 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 North West England 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 occurring during or just before your holiday.