Escaping to a cottage for a self-catering holiday was big in summer 2020 when we emerged from lockdown and were allowed to travel around the UK.
Social distancing and a desire to escape the crowds is likely to continue into 2021, which will only see an increase in the demand for cottage getaways next year.
With this in mind, we thought we'd speak to one of Britain's top self-catering specialists Holidaycottages.co.uk to discover the trends that are set to take over.
From workations to breaks with your four-legged friends, here are the cottage trends to know for 2021.
Winter – the new summer?
After the year we've all had and with most people's summer holiday plans either cancelled or curtailed, there's never been more of a need for us to take a breather, appreciate both the great outdoors and each other, and set ourselves up for what we can cautiously hope will be a better year ahead.
Holidaycottages.co.uk says it's seen a big increase in enquiries for stays between January and March 2021. Traditionally the time of year when many prefer to hibernate at home, the UK self-catering specialist is seeing winter bookings surge, with online searches ranging from people wanting to get active to those who simply want to squirrel themselves away somewhere other than their own home.
Whether with loved ones, a canine companion… or just a big stack of books, there are many places that are just as stunning in winter as during the summer months.
You could bag yourself a coastal breather at Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat in Sussex, an idyllic rural retreat at Tenbury Cottage in Shropshire or treat dog-dominated families to a stay at Penny Bun Cottage in Cornwall, which caters for up to three lovable pets (plus five humans).
Spring stays set to soar
Despite the uptake in interest for winter stays, it's spring where Holidaycottages.co.uk has seen its biggest increase in bookings so far for 2021. With so many of us having rediscovered a love of the UK and its many delights during 2020, it's hardly surprising that there's an appetite for exploring more of this beautiful nation in 2021… and spring's a superb time of year to do it.
The days are getting longer, the weather milder and who doesn't love a flurry of spring blossom with their staycation? Many of Holidaycottages.co.uk's properties are set in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across the UK, including Gingerlily in Yorkshire's Howardian Hills and Wren Cottage – Ottinge in the heart of the Kent Downs.
Meanwhile, Jurassic Seascape – West Bay is just moments from Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast (and filming location for ITV's Broadchurch), and The Roost – Norfolk is a must for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Cornwall, Devon, the Isle of Wight and Scotland topping the charts
These popular UK spots continue to be in demand for 2021, with booking patterns showing that visitors still crave classic coastal and rural locations for their 'home from home' holidays.
With beaches and countryside destinations offering plenty of space to social distance and soak up the beauty of nature, we can see why Brits wish to return to traditional settings for a cottage escape.
Holidaycottages.co.uk currently has availability across Cornwall, Devon, the Isle of Wight and Scotland, including at Tremoor in West Cornwall and Potbelly in Devon's Westward Ho! The Clock House in Ventnor (Isle of Wight) and Scotland's Forth Bridges View are also worth checking out.
Two's company
More of Holidaycottages.co.uk's 2021 bookings have come from couples than any other type of guest, although family bookings are booming for the peak, school holiday season.
Whether your idea of a romantic break is getting active in the great outdoors or cosying up à deux indoors, there are plenty of properties to choose from, including Peony Cottage in the Cotswolds, Wood Shack in the Brecon Beacons, Falmouth – Coachman's Loft in Cornwall, and Marrats Houl on Shetland.
The year of the dog
2020 saw a nation of dog lovers become a nation of dog owners, with our canine companions proving once again why they're man's best friend. This devotion looks set to be rewarded with a holiday next year and Holidaycottages.co.uk has seen bookings for holidays with a dog more than double for 2021.
Andreas von EinsiedelGetty Images
When it comes to destinations, Devon, with its glorious countryside, moors and beaches, remains the number one choice as doggy heaven. You an treat your four-legged friend to a stay at Mulberry in North Devon or expand their horizons with walkies from your base at The Old Tin School in North Yorkshire, Driftwood Cottage – Brighstone on the Isle of Wight, or The Cwtch – Saundersfoot in West Wales.
Why work when you can workation?
As much as we appreciate the comforts of our own homes, living and working within the same four walls, week in, week out can leave us with a sense of living at work, rather than working from home. This makes a change of scenery more welcome than ever.
Almost 47% of people in employment are working from home, at least in part, according to the Office for National Statistics. As long as people are able to do their jobs remotely, many employers, in-line with guidance, are happy for this to continue.
Blending work with a proper break - a coastal walk at lunchtime, a morning run in the countryside, or splitting a week away between work and holiday - is now a viable option that can keep spirits high and leave people feeling refreshed.
Holidaycottages.co.uk has lots of options that blend the best of both worlds, including Mountain View Cottagein the Lake District, Upper Crossing in Pembrokeshire, Tregoose – Portreath in Cornwall and, for those with a bit more budget to blow, Knockderry Lodge in Scotland's Argyll & Bute.
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