Self Catering: Devon Cottages, Flats and Apartments

Devon Self Catering: Holiday Parks in Devon

Holiday park staff may still be wearing red coats, or red 'sportswear', but everything has gotten a bit more sophisticated in holiday parks these days. What hasn't changed is the fact that for a family holiday you can't beat holiday parks for cost effective fun! Head for Devon seaside holiday hotspots for a choice of holiday parks, in places like Torquay, Paignton, Ilfracombe, and Woolacombe. Woolacombe self catering is especially popular with surfers, with tuition and lessons readily available for beginners at the seafront.

Devon holiday parks are really great for kids and big kids alike, with facilities 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. Expect a family holiday theme for a fun packed holiday or weekend break in holiday homes such as chalets, bungalows and lodges or static caravans. Holiday Parks are usually set in idyllic surroundings, either the country or on the coast and close to local attractions and amenities.

Free entertainment facilities such as indoor or outdoor swimming pools or fun pool, crazy golf or pitch and putt, adventure playground, big screen TV, pool and darts, football pitches, as well as children's rides and amusements are often available on site. Torquay self catering holiday accommodation often has such facilities.

Self Catering in Devon: Campsites

You can expect low cost land pitches for your tent and basic facilities such as wash blocks and shower and toilet blocks. Many B&B guesthouses offer camping facilities within their own surrounding grounds or land. Often facilities are basic, so if you're looking for the ultimate cheap holiday accommodation this is it, but be ready to 'rough it'! There's a choice in and around Dartmoor National Park, and north in Exmoor and around Lynton, Lynmouth and Combe Martin.

There's plenty of choice in Devon to get off the beaten track, although expect less facilities and amenities at these campsites. Exclusively camping campsites tend to be in rural locations with the emphasis on tranquil countryside, peace and quiet and use of offsite local services. For self catering Plymouth is another option for those visiting the Devon region, although it also offers relatively easy access to France and Spain via its ferry links.

Self Catering Cottages: Devon Cottages

Devon cottages are to be found aplenty, from North Devon cottages and South Devon holiday cottages, to luxury holiday cottages. Devon cottages are all over, there are plenty on the Devon Coast, as well as country cottages in Dartmoor or East Devon. The main advantage of self catering holiday cottage rental is that you are situated in one place with all the amenities of home. Why not view the choice of beautiful luxury thatched holiday cottages in Devon's heartland, or charming fisherman's self-catering cottages on the North Devon coast or Jurassic coast. Many are historic listed buildings, retaining their original features and character.

Amenities do vary from cottage to cottage so it's worth making a list of your specific requirements; remember that an attractive photograph can't tell you much about a cottage. Think about issues like accessibility, whether you're bringing pets or very young children, what exactly is included in the price, if you will be located near shops, restaurants and pubs, and if smoking is permitted.

In short, start by working out what your particular needs are before booking. Remember that some holiday cottages may be perfect in the summer, but isolated in the winter. Conducting some research into the cottage and surrounding area is definitely the trick to getting your perfect Devon holiday cottage.

Self Catering Torquay – Devon Accommodation Grading

When graded Lake District self catering properties and Devon self catering properties, as well as those 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 Yorkshire self catering accommodations that range from 1 to 5 stars, whilst there are also many self catering North West properties available to rent as an alternative to staying in Devon.