Holiday Cottages in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Holiday Cottages Isle of Wight - Amenities

The facilities and amenities are obviously not the same in every cottage, and so be prepared to base the decision upon what Isle of man cottage, or Hampshire cottages to rent, upon factors other than aesthetics. Is the cottage accessible, and are facilities for children provided - cots or high chairs for example? Is the cottage equipped to deal with animals, and in any case are they allowed? Smoking is not normally permitted at Isle of Wight cottages or holiday cottages in Hampshire, but you may want to check. You should also think about what is nearby - do you want a tranquil, more remote location or would you prefer a cottage near to shops, restaurants and pubs? Secluded Hampshire cottages may be great in peak season, but you may feel isolated should you travel out of season. You should research the area where you will be staying, so that you can plan holiday activities such as walking, fishing, shopping and visiting beaches, museums and restaurants in Hampshire. The Isle of Wight and Hampshire are incredibly rural regions boasting the Isle of Wight Downs, the South Downs in East Hampshire and the North Wessex Downs around Andover. However these rural areas are never too far away from a large Hampshire or Isle of Wight town or village. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are crammed with attractions, villages and towns, and the areas themselves are relatively small, so you will rarely find yourself far away from amenities.

Holiday Cottages in Hampshire - Prices

Prices for renting Isle of Wight holiday cottages vary dependant upon the season. Low season is usually between the months of September and May; however, prices will be higher during school holiday weeks like Christmas, New Year, Easter, school half term and bank holiday weekends. High season likely includes the summer months of June, July and August, when the better weather means that more people want to holiday! Some cottages will change their prices on a week by week basis and so it is often worth hunting for a bargain.

Holiday Cottage owners will normally prefer you to stay for a week rather than a weekend, as this reduces cleaning and change over times for them. As a result, you can usually get discounts for longer stays, and during busy periods it may not be possible to rent a cottage for just 2 nights, with some cottages requiring you to book for at least 3 nights. Short breaks, including weekend break deals however, are often available in Hampshire cottages, especially outside of the peak summer season.

The Isle of Wight and Hampshire play host to numerous big shows and festivals throughout the year including the New Forest County Show, The Isle of Wight Music Festival, Bestival and Stokes Bay Festival. Demand for Hampshire and Isle of Wight holiday cottages and self catering bungalow accommodation will be high during these events so advanced booking is recommended.

Cottages in Isle of Wight & Cottages in Hampshire – Accommodation Grading

Cottages in Sussex, as well as those in the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, are assessed for quality by Visit Britain and awarded a grading of between one star and five stars. All self catering accommodation awarded a star rating has to meet minimum standards and must give clear information before booking about all aspects of the accommodation including location, facilities, prices, deposits and policies on smoking, children and cancellations. The star rating can be used as a guide to the quality of cottages and their facilities. A selection of Hampshire cottages, coastal cottages and bungalows and country cottages may also be accredited with a Green Tourism Award signifying excellent standards in waste minimisation and energy conservation.

A ONE star holiday cottage in Hampshire will be simple and practical, and a microwave must be provided.

TWO star cottages are well presented and well run and all beds must be full size.

THREE star Isle of Wight holiday cottages have a good level of quality and comfort, and bed linen will be provided (although there may be an extra charge for this).

FOUR star holiday cottages have an excellent level of quality and comfort. With four star cottages, only bed spaces in bedrooms can be advertised, so sofa beds are excluded. Bed linen must be included in the hire charge and beds will be made up on arrival. Four star cottages will also have a freezer and washing machine.

FIVE star holiday cottages have the highest standards of quality and attention to detail and you will get an exceptional degree of luxury. In five star cottages in Isle of Wight you will probably find items such as tumble driers, telephones, stereos and DVD players, and often luxury Hampshire self catering coastal and country holiday cottages will have period historic features. On the South West coast of England there are many cottages in Cornwall that are also of five star quality.