Discover the three main types of self-catering accommodation - detached cottages, attached units, and converted buildings - and learn which one suits your travel style best. Save money, enjoy privacy, and cook your own meals.
Self-Catering Accommodation: What It Is and Why It Works for Real Travelers
When you book self-catering accommodation, a type of holiday rental where you have your own kitchen and living space, so you can cook meals, set your own schedule, and live like a local instead of staying in a hotel room. Also known as self-catering cottages, it’s not just a cheaper alternative to hotels—it’s a different way to travel entirely. You’re not just sleeping somewhere. You’re living somewhere.
This kind of stay works because it gives you control. Want to eat breakfast at 10 a.m. because you slept in? Go ahead. Need to wash clothes mid-trip? Do it. Cooking your own meals cuts costs and lets you eat what you actually like—not hotel buffet mystery meat. Families love it because kids can run around without disturbing others. Couples appreciate the privacy and quiet. Solo travelers get space to recharge without the noise of a shared lobby. And it’s not just about cottages either—you’ll find everything from cozy log cabins to modern eco-homes with solar panels and Starlink internet, all built for real life, not just photos.
What makes self-catering accommodation, a flexible, home-like lodging option that gives travelers independence and control over their stay. Also known as holiday rentals, it is often found in rural or scenic areas and is ideal for longer stays stand out is how it connects you to the place you’re visiting. You’re not just passing through—you’re settling in. You shop at the local market. You use the same kettle the last guest used. You wake up to birds instead of alarm clocks. It’s why people return year after year to the same cottage in Cornwall or the same cabin in the Peak District. And it’s why so many are now choosing to live in them full-time—remote workers, retirees, and eco-conscious folks who want less clutter and more calm.
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Some self-catering stays are rustic, with wood stoves and no Wi-Fi. Others are packed with smart tech, hot tubs, and en-suite bathrooms. Some are designed for families with bunk beds and high chairs. Others are adult-only, built for quiet nights and candlelit dinners. You can find glamping tents with composting toilets, luxury cottages that cost as much as a hotel suite, or tiny homes that cost less than a night in a city center hotel. The common thread? You’re not being served—you’re free to serve yourself.
And that’s the point. Self-catering accommodation isn’t about luxury labels or five-star ratings. It’s about comfort on your terms. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a month-long remote work trip, or a family reunion where everyone needs their own space, this is the kind of stay that actually fits real lives—not travel brochures. Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve stayed in these places: what worked, what didn’t, and why they keep coming back.
A self-catering property means you rent a place with a full kitchen to cook your own meals - ideal for families, budget travelers, and those who want flexibility on vacation. Learn what’s included, what to watch out for, and why it’s better than hotels.