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How do you find a nice UK holiday? Help me out!

7 replies

UnaiEmeryboard · 14/08/2026 18:07

How do you plan a nice UK holiday? We've been in a Sussex village for a week and the cottage we booked is old and tired and the village is full of traffic on tiny narrow roads and not great shops. Before we booked the photos of the cottage looked totally different, and everything we read about the village made it sound lovely and in the country. This isn't the first time we've had a disappointing UK holiday and I just don't know how to get decent self catering accommodation (we're not looking for super expensive, just clean and fresh and with basics like a little welcome pack) or find a location that fits what we need. (Somewhere with a few decent shops, nice countryside or quiet beach and maybe some places like NT properties or museums/larger town etc within driving distance). I try to search all over the internet and do research but what websites do you use to book accommodation? And can anyone recommend anywhere nice in the south east (Kent/Sussex) that sounds like that. I've had a really tough year health-wise and was so looking forward to a quiet break and it's just been a bit rubbish. Please help me so I don't mess it up again next year!

OP posts:
Babyputyourpantson · 14/08/2026 18:15

Where abouts in Sussex are you? Quite a few NTs around there.

For accommodation it's just the reviews and trust on the photos so that's not really your fault!

One thing I always do is put it into Google maps to see what's around in walking distance in terms of shops and restaurants x

HollyhockDays · 14/08/2026 18:27

I put it I google maps and “walk” around the area to see what it’s like. I’m ruthless with accommodation - it has to be as nice as our own home. Lots of zooming in on photos and reading multiple reviews. I also try and find newly listed rentals as they are generally in better condition.

UnaiEmeryboard · 14/08/2026 19:26

Thank you both! I never thought about the Google maps thing but that's such a good idea - I'll definitely do that next time. The place were staying only had a couple of reviews but generally positive - until the before we left, when a one star review appeared 😱 @Babyputyourpantson We're in the Saltdean/Peacehaven area.

OP posts:
TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 14/08/2026 19:29

A shame it has to be South - the best company I’ve used is Coquet Cottages who oversee properties in Northumberland. We’ve never had a bad stay with them.

Nitgel · 14/08/2026 19:31

We always go to the isle as there is such a variety of things to do and its very pretty

Happydays321 · 14/08/2026 20:29

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 14/08/2026 19:29

A shame it has to be South - the best company I’ve used is Coquet Cottages who oversee properties in Northumberland. We’ve never had a bad stay with them.

Coquet cottages have been taken over by a larger company. They're listed on holidaycottages.co.uk now. I'm hoping they maintain the high standards.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 14/08/2026 21:10

My aunt swears by National Trust Holidays cottages and The Landmark Trust. They are not cheap though!

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