If you simply adore thatched country cottages, or historic period self-catering houses then check these out.

Or, if comfortable cottages and good quality cottages are your essential starting point then do look at this small selection. If modern smart cottages are your preference, we have those too.

Perhaps your tastes are sophisticated and you tend towards cottages with beautiful designer interiors and luxury cottages with adults rather than children in mind, or like to indulge in hot tubs, or experience massages and pampering treatments during your self-catering stay.

We also have holiday cottages for naturists where you are welcome to sunbathe naked in the privacy of your own garden.

Or is you have children other issues are more important, for example, an enclosed garden for children's safety, family friendly cottages with cots, stairgates, and highchairs provided to make life easier.

With toddlers and young children you may look for cottages near visitor attractions for entertainment for them or for babysitting services.

If you have years of self-catering experience and are ready to try something slightly different from the norm, take a look at our unusual self-catering 'cottages'. These may range from houseboats to a lighthouse.

Perhaps a new or newly refurbished cottage is what you prefer - that perfection in a brand new cottage.

For anyone who needs to stay in touch with the office by email, we have cottages with internet access.

Or for the other extreme, people who don't want to hear from work on their holiday, there are secluded cottages and remote rural retreats where you can blissfully forget that work even exists. Some of these are in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If the beauty of the countryside is important to you then do take a look at country cottages in AONB or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For those of us who remember previous holidays according to good meals and interesting foods eaten, you may like to take a look at some of our cottages where gourmet meals can either be delivered to you or arranged at local restaurants.

Or check out some of our cottages near Michelin starred restaurants for special treats.

Another joy of self-catering holidays in different parts of the UK or Ireland is to eat regional food. Many cottage owners provide welcome packs of local produce to greet you on arrival.

This can be a lovely introduction to the local tastes of the area. I'm sure that you'll agree that the best raspberries are grown in Tayside, Scotland (cottages on Tayside) , and the best cider comes from the West Country. (West Country cottages).

If you need to stay in touch with your favourite soaps or just cannot miss a big football or cricket match, then you may wish to select self-catering cottages with plasma screen TV, cottages with Sky, or satellite TV.

Self-catering holidays involving water add to the fun. Check out our :

• cottages near a beach
• cottages near a river
• cottages with swimming pools
• cottages with private swimming pools for own exclusive use

We have cottages for people interested in history. If you like to delve into the past to see how our kings and queens lived, or where battles have been fought, then you may like to take a look at the following cottages:

• holiday cottages on Royal Deeside where the royals go on holiday
• historic cottages that have a story to tell