Types of Self-Catering: Find the Right Stay for Your UK Getaway

When you think of self-catering, a vacation where you cook your own meals and control your schedule. Also known as independent accommodation, it gives you the freedom to eat when you want, sleep in, and explore at your own pace. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about control. You’re not stuck with hotel breakfast times or overpriced room service. You pick the groceries, make the coffee, and eat on the porch while the sun rises.

There are a few main kinds of self-catering stays in the UK, and each fits a different kind of trip. holiday cottages, traditional stone or timber homes, often in rural or coastal areas, with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. These are the classics—think Lake District cabins with wood stoves, or Cornish beach houses with sea views. Then there’s self-catering hotels, modern apartments or suites inside hotel buildings, offering housekeeping and sometimes breakfast options, but with full kitchens. They’re great if you want hotel perks like a gym or pool but still want to cook your own dinner. For smaller groups or solo travelers, cabin rentals, compact, often wooded retreats with basic but functional kitchens. are popular—think glamping with real cooking gear, not just a microwave.

What you choose depends on what you’re after. If you’re with family and need space, a cottage with a garden and washing machine is the move. If you’re a couple who likes city vibes but hates tourist traps, a self-catering apartment in Bath or Edinburgh gives you the best of both. And if you’re chasing quiet—like a weekend with no alarms, just birds and bread toast—a cabin near Snowdonia or the Scottish Highlands is hard to beat.

Most of the stays you’ll find here are in places where people actually live—not just tourist zones. That means you’ll find local markets, quiet lanes, and real charm. You won’t see the same chain restaurants or overpriced ice cream shops you get in resort areas. That’s the point. Self-catering isn’t about luxury—it’s about authenticity.

And it’s not just about the place. It’s about how you use it. Some people cook every meal. Others just use the kitchen for coffee and snacks. Some bring their own pots. Others buy everything local. There’s no right way. The only rule? Bring your own sense of curiosity.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve tried these stays—what worked, what didn’t, and why they keep coming back. Whether it’s a cottage that leaked rain during a storm, a self-catering hotel with the best coffee machine in Yorkshire, or a cabin that felt like a secret, these aren’t ads. They’re honest takeaways from people who’ve been there. You’ll see the patterns. You’ll spot the gaps. And you’ll know exactly what to look for next time you book.