Whether your idea of romance is activity-filled days, gentle walks in beautiful countryside, quiet time in the local pub or simple evenings snuggled up with a glass of wine in front of a roaring log fire, there really is something to suit everyone’s taste, requirements and budget.
Flexibility
With self-catering, you are not tied to schedules; you can come and go as you please. Also, hotels, guest houses and B&B’s can often lack privacy as most areas are public or shared. You can’t really sit in a hotel lounge or the TV room of a guest house wearing your pyjamas!
Choosing where to stay
When researching your romantic break, you are spoilt for choice with a vast selection of different properties up and down the UK. You could opt for a truly secluded spot in the countryside, or you may prefer a busy market town with lots of shops, bars and romantic restaurants to choose from.
Or, how about a picturesque country location near to a quintessentially English pub? Coastal breaks near a beach can be great fun too, especially out of season. A stroll along the beach on a cold, windy winter’s day can be truly exhilarating!
Romantic touches
Many holiday cottages now offer unique facilities to make your getaway truly memorable. To make your break really romantic, look into booking somewhere with those extra special touches, such as a Jacuzzi or large bathtub, a roaring fireplace or a huge four-poster bed. Some cottages even have hot tubs or swimming pools. The cottage-owner might even be nice enough to arrange for some flowers to welcome you both for your stay if you ask them nicely!
A romantic cottage break can make the perfect gift too, so take some time and plan exactly where you want to go and what sort of facilities that you both want to enjoy. To make your time the most relaxing and enjoyable it can be, prepare by equipping yourself with a few things that you might need.
The following are some ideas that will help to make the most of your stay:
Bring supplies – When you arrive you want to ‘hit the ground running’. If your journey isn’t too far from home, a chilled bottle of champagne (in a cooler bag) to open on arrival is a nice touch. If there is an open fire, check with the owner beforehand that logs are supplied. Pulling out a box of chocolates just as you are sitting down to watch a film is a nice surprise too. And don’t forget to pack bubble bath, cosy pyjamas and a dressing gown!
Gifts – Surprise gifts such as perfume, flowers or even some jewellery will certainly put some magic into your break. Gifts needn't be expensive or extravagant either, a simple gift such as a DVD for you both to snuggle in and watch whilst away, will be a big hit.
Check out the area before you get there – Look for restaurants and cafes in romantic settings in the area, find some pretty sightseeing spots, or book some lazy activities such as horse-riding, treatments at a local spa or a boat trip. The best restaurants can get booked up, so make sure to book a table well in advance to avoid dissapointment.
The flexibility and the privacy that self-catering accommodation allows makes it a superb choice for a romantic getaway, so make the most of some time away with that special person and book yourself a cottage break!
Author Bio
This article was provided by Sarah Jarvis, owner of Independent Cottages, where you will find a great selection of independently owned, self catering accommodation in the UK.
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