Why not escape to your very own woodland? With a choice of wonderful beaches nearby, on the edge of a great village with a superb pub, in the heart of the South Hams, Devon, Collaford wood has so much to offer.  A great adventure for kids and a relaxing, chilled environment for grown-ups.

Experience off-grid living – yet there are hot showers and the most amazing bath to soak in.  Exclusively yours is the use of two yurts and a very special Shepherd’s Hut. There is even provision for an extra tent if you need more space.  Handcrafted kitchen and bathroom spaces blend beautifully into the woodland setting giving a wonderful sense of calm.

A real escape to the wild!  Close the nature, away from the crowds…

no WiFi
no hassle
nobody else
just you

Who would have thought that nearly a year after the first lockdown, foreign holiday cancellations, an upsurge in motorhome sales, and fierce demand for UK holiday accommodation, we would be in the same position? And with the news that even British residents arriving in England from Covid hotspots will have to quarantine in hotels, it might be wise to opt for a UK holiday destination this summer. No added expense of paying for Covid tests or having to isolate for ten days on return. No sitting on a plane for hours in a mask or having to fathom out the Covid rules of a foreign country!

Many Cottage holiday providers are having to re-scheduled last years bookings

So, unless you’re planning a true ‘staycation’ — just venturing out for day trips, finding self-catering holiday accommodation in the UK might be the only problem. Bookings are up! Demand is high! Additionally, some holiday providers have to honour last years re-scheduled bookings, decreasing availability.

July and August are traditionally the busy months, with holiday rentals in Devon and Cornwall often booked up well in advance. Bookings for larger properties, sleeping 6+, are also on the rise — as families seek to get together in the summer after missing out on Christmas.

Whether it’s a luxury cottage with a hot tub; a lodge with a swimming pool, sea view and beach in walking distance or just a simple yurt in the woods, our advice is to get ahead and book early.

We all need something to look forward to, and who knows it could be a glorious British summer!

Here’s a roundup of Cottage Agents offer pages…

• Sykes Holiday Cottages – offers page
• Holiday Cottages – offers
• National Trust Holidays – discounts and offers 10% discount for August break bookings (August stay dates) Please use this discount code: AF21 Follow this link

It’s hard to keep positive, yet as the Covid vaccination programme rolls out, we can start dreaming about Spring and Summer holidays, sun, sea, sand, fresh air and rolling countryside. Is it time to pencil in that UK break? Current government guidance for holiday accommodation means that:

• In England and Wales, all holiday accommodation is closed until 21 February 2021  
• In Northern Ireland, all holiday is closed until 6 February 2021 inclusive.
• All holiday accommodation in mainland Scotland is closed until at least the end of January 2021.

You can book for holidays after these dates, and as travel abroad seems less likely this year and demand for UK cottage holidays high, we advise early booking to avoid disappointment.

Here’s a roundup of Cottage Agents offer pages…

• Sykes Holiday Cottages – offers page
• Holiday Cottages – offers
• National Trust Holidays – discounts and offers

The new lockdown for England announced by the Prime Minister on 31st October comes into effect on 00.01 Thursday 5th November and is currently planned to last for 4 weeks until 2 December 2020. Although traditionally a quiet time for taking a break in the UK, the restrictions earlier in the year on travel had meant that bookings were being made for November and December.

Can I go on holiday during a lockdown?

The guidance given by Visit Britain/Visit England states that

• There is no exemption for staying away from home on holiday. This means people cannot travel internationally or within the UK unless for work, education or other legally permitted exemptions. Overnight stays away from primary residences will not be allowed, except for specific exceptions including for work.
• So, if you have a cottage holiday booked for next week unfortunately you won’t be able to go. And an escape to sunnier shores is also of the cards as you also won’t be able to travel overseas unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons.

Can I go to Scotland on holiday then?

Unfortunately holidaying elsewhere in the UK won’t be allowed. Whilst Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different restrictions, the rules operating in England mean that you won’t be able to travel to these locations for a holiday during the lockdown period.

Can I book a cottage holiday for 2021?

It is good to have something to look forward to and bookings for 2021 self-catering accommodation in the UK can still be made, always with the knowledge that Covid-19 could change things.

As the situation is changing rapidly it’s a good idea to check UK Gov website for the most up to date information.

If I book will I get my money back if I can’t go due to Covid-19

After the last lockdown, many travel companies were criticised for failing to refund holiday bookings. This time they need to better, and it’s good to see that many booking agents and cottage holiday companies are offering to refund if Covid-19 restrictions prevent travel. It’s important to check the booking terms and conditions.

This summer saw high demand for holiday accommodation in the UK and 2021 could be the same, especially in the popular coastal regions such as Devon and Cornwall. So it might be wise to book early – as they say – to avoid disappointment!

Good news… Holidays in England now permitted! Many holiday apartments or homes, cottages or bungalows, campsites, caravan parks, cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants can now open providing they follow Covid-19 Secure guidelines.

Look for the We’re Good to go logo…

Can I book a cottage in Wales?

In Wales self-catering accommodation can accept bookings from 11^th July and holidays can start from this date.  Self-catering accommodation in Scotland is now open and further restrictions should be lifted if conditions allow.  You can now travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland for a holiday, however, a 14-day quarantine is in place for those visiting Ireland from GB.  Phew – it’s pretty confusing!

With holidaying abroad looking complicated demand for cottage holidays is high. Savvy individuals are making bookings now in the hope that they will get away at some stage.  Admin fees may be applied to discourage lots of speculative bookings.

Worth noting is that organisations are insisting that employees take their annual leave allowance – even if for those who are furloughed. As the long as the “R rate” stays below 1, holiday accommodation will be at a premium.  Come rain or shine a change of scenery might be just what you need.