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When choosing a cottage for your holiday or short break there are several things worth checking out before booking to help inform your choice and make your holiday go smoothly.
Disabilities and Special Needs
Remember if you have a disability affecting your mobility to check if the access to a cottage is suitable for your needs.
Some cottages state this as easy walking access which means if you have a walking aid access is possible to the main rooms and garden of the property.
Wheelchair access means that a wheelchair user should be able to use the main rooms and garden of the property but may require some assistance for some manoeuvres.
Cottages that are totally unsuitable for the infirm usually have this in their descriptions, usually these are properties with lots of steps and uneven grounds.
It is always best to make doubly sure that a cottage meets any special needs to avoid any complications and disappointments when you arrive.
Pets
Holiday Cottages allowing pets. Remember to check whether the cottage you are booking accepts pets and if they make an extra charge for this facility. A few cottages do have the availability for you to take your own horse as they have livery available as an extra.
If you have an assistance dog you will need to check whether this is allowed at the cottage you are interested in.
Linen
Check to see if the cottage comes with linen provided. If provided it is usually bed linen and you provide your own towels and tea towels. Some cottages make an extra charge for linen and you should make sure you know what this is. If you are required to take your own linen then check what is needed i.e. duvet covers or blankets.
Although some cottages provide towels they must not be used as beach or swimming towels and are not to be removed from the cottage.
Cot linen is not provided in any cottage so always take your own.
Power and Fuel
Remember to check whether the price of the cottage includes electricity, gas or solid fuel. There may be a flat rate fee, a meter read at the end of your holiday or more usually a pay meter. Pay meters can be coin or card operated so you may need to take a bag of 50p or £1 coins with you or find out where to purchase a card from.
Some cottages with open fires charge per bag of logs, sometimes the first bag is free.
Heating
A cottage’s description should state the heating available but it always best to make sure you check and also find out whether this included or charged at an extra cost.
Arrival and Departure Times
Check what time you can arrive at your cottage. This is typically about 3 or 4 pm but can vary so it is best to make sure you know so you avoid having to hang around waiting to get in.
Also it is a good idea to be sure of the time you should leave the cottage. Most cottages insist you leave by 10am but check as this may vary from cottage to cottage.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel a cottage booking always contact the company as soon as possible. Most insist you do this in writing.
When buying a cottage holiday it is always advisable to purchase travel/cancellation insurance to cover you for any unforeseen circumstances which may cause problems with your holiday or force you to cancel your booking.
Changes to a Booking
Changes to a booked holiday usually involved extra charges and sometimes are not possible after you have booked so always make sure you have checked the details thoroughly before booking.
Baby Equipment
Some cottages offer cot and highchairs, these need usually to be pre booked and sometimes will involve an extra charge.
Remember that cots do not include bedding so you need to provide your own.
Also it is a good idea to check whether the cottage has stair gates or bed guards available to save taking your own.
Cleaning
Cottages are cleaned between each holiday. It should be remembered though to treat the property with respect and to leave the cottage in a clean and tidy condition. There is no cleaning during a holiday only before.
Children
Not all cottages accept children so make sure that the cottage you want does not exclude children before booking.
Smoking
It is very important to check whether or not a cottage allows smoking. Obviously smokers would like to smoke in a cottage but equally so if you are non smokers a cottage allowing smoking could not be very nice as all the furnishings will smell of tobacco smoke.
Fishing
If a cottage description states fishing is available nearby remember that you will need a rod license (can be bought from post offices or online at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk )
Some places also insist that you buy a fishing permit or day ticket if the water or waters is owned privately.
A license is not needed for sea fishing.
Remember there is a closed season for course fishing from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. This applies to all rivers and streams in England and Wales, including the Norfolk Broads but does not include still waters and canals (the exception to this is the Kennet and Avon Canal)
Location
When booking a cottage find out about the area that it is in. What attractions are there? Are there any nice walks or cycle rides nearby? Where are the nearest shops?
Some people like remote areas but equally there are other people who don’t like to be cut off from civilisation, so check what is around and about.
Parking
If you are bringing your car on your holiday it is worth checking to see whether there is parking available at the cottage you are booking and if there is an extra charge for this.
Travel
When booking your cottage remember to check how you will get there. Do you need access to public transport?
Plan your journey and check how long your trip will take.
If you need a hire car for your holiday there are many places available to get one from using hire-a-car.net
Mobile Telephones
A lot of cottages are in remote areas and as such the mobile telephone signals may not be available. If this is necessary for you check on your mobile providers website for coverage of the area you want to go to before booking a cottage. Some mobile providers are listed below.
Damages and Losses
Some cottages ask for a deposit for damages to be held until after your holiday. Any breakages or damages that occur during your holiday you are liable for and you should inform the cottage owner immediately.
If when you arrive at the property you should take note of any inventory available and if there is anything missing or broken report it to the cottage owner immediately.
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