Family Self Catering Cottages

Take the children away from the TV and computer, fill their lungs with fresh air and let them enjoy activities which they don’t normally participate in at home.

The south coast of England has so much to offer with a wide range of family self-catering accommodation from the luxurious to the budget property.

Self-catering holidays provide freedom for children, flexibility for Mum, and fun for the whole family. No stuffy hotel restrictions, like set meal times, menu dislikes and lack of play space. Usually room for favourite toys, buckets and spades, beach games, wellie boots and rain gear.

In a well-equipped kitchen, Mum can cook as much or as little as she likes and there will be plenty of space for making family picnics. Self-catering provides the freedom of choice to eat at home or to sample the fare at local restaurants or bistros. Mums with small children will find a washing machine a boon for those little accidents and muddy clothes. Bed linen and towels are often supplied or can be hired, which saves on packing space and also the laundry on returning home.

Some properties will accommodate a well-behaved family dog, saving kennelling costs, so your pet can join in some of the holiday fun. There are many properties today which offer specially-adapted disabled accommodation, including good wheelchair access with ground-floor bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms/wet rooms.

Most properties have gardens where the children can enjoy playing in safety while Mum (or Dad) is busy preparing a picnic, evening meal, or packing the beach bag. At the end of the day, unwind and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sun go down.

If you fancy a quick “refresher”, it is possible to find properties which offer 3-4 day breaks - an inexpensive way for the family to enjoy some extra quality time together.

A favourite venue with families of all ages is the pretty coastal town of Salcombe in South Devon, with outstanding scenery, beautiful sandy beaches, fabulous coastal paths, safe sailing waters and an excellent climate. The Town Regatta is held in August with fun events every day for the children. A holiday here can be as relaxing or active as you wish. On the doorstep: Kingsbridge, Torcross, Dartmouth.

Nestled between Sidmouth and Seaton on the East Devon coast, is the delightful fishing village of Beer. With its pebble beach and white, chalky cliffs, it boasts a history of smuggling, lace-making, famous quarry caves housing hundreds of bats, and even a donkey sanctuary nearby. On the doorstep: Sidmouth, Lyme Regis, Exeter.

Charmouth, West Dorset, with its dramatic cliffs and gently-shelving beach, is the start of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, an area renown for fossil-hunting. Rockpool rambles, fossil-hunting walks and various other activities are organised by the Heritage Coast Centre, which houses exhibits of many fossil collections. On the doorstep: Lyme Regis, Golden Cap.

Lulworth, also on the Jurassic Coast, boasts some fine scenery and beaches. The most accessible beaches are Middle Beach and Durdle Door, the latter being famous for its massive rock arch and providing safe bathing, snorkelling and caves. On the doorstep: Corfe Castle, Bovington Tank Museum and Poole Harbour.