If you’re thinking about travelling abroad for a holiday in the coming months, but are still undecided on where to go, you might want to have a re-think. A holiday in the United Kingdom can be just as exciting as one overseas – and you also won’t have to travel half the earth to get there! And while you won’t be able to guarantee burning-hot sunshine all-year round in the UK, you definitely won’t be void of things to see and do (you’ll be able to understand everybody, too!). One particular UK holiday type that has stood the test of time is the self-catering cottage break. A quintessential British holiday – usually in a beautiful countryside setting – these getaways are the ultimate mixture of relaxation and exploration.

Snowdonia national park holiday cottages

It's all about the setting

The key to a successful cottage break in the country is definitely location. It’s no good finding the perfect, dainty little cottage that has nothing to explore around it, or one that’s actually just a redesigned home in a city setting. No, it’s all about surroundings – and you’ll find the best of the UK’s landscape offering in one of the many National Parks that are scattered across England, Scotland and Wales.

Come for a country cottage holiday in the Snowdonia National Park

One of the most famous and widely loved National Parks in the UK is the Snowdonia National Park in Wales, which is also home to Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales, standing at 1,085 metres above sea level. Naturally, this rugged, mountainous terrain makes the Snowdonia National Park an ideal holiday destination for those who enjoy hiking, cycling and general rambling. Not only is Snowdonia full to the brim with excellent hiking trails and cycling routes though, it is also incredibly beautiful. The region, which spans a huge portion of northwest Wales, has an abundance of wildlife living in and amongst the mountains and glaciers, which makes exploring the government-protected park an absolute pleasure.

So now you know that National Parks like Snowdonia are ideal destinations for a short, relaxing country break. But what should you be looking for in terms of accommodation, and what separates a good cottage from a bad one? Well, the answer to that isn’t really concrete; a ‘good’ cottage is ultimately one that caters to your needs, while also satisfying your wants. Many people find going on holiday difficult if they have pets, for example, which would make a pet-friendly cottage their ideal solution. Luckily pet-friendly cottages are becoming more common all the time – particularly in and around National Parks, where there is plenty of allure for dog-walking holidaymakers.

It’s not just practicality that makes a good cottage though; it can also be about luxury, and an experience that goes above and beyond what you might expect. High-end cottage holidays are easy to come across, but will likely cost you a little more. However, this can be money well spent, as things like a power shower, or an exceptionally comfortable bed to share with your loved one, can really turn a good holiday into a great one.

If you are planning on travelling with a group of friends, or with a partner for a romantic country break, a cottage with a hot tub could be a fantastic idea to pursue. This doesn’t cost the Earth, and the warm, bubbly water can provide the ultimate relaxation experience, allowing you to talk late into the night under the star with a glass of bubbly. In a location like the Snowdonia National Park, this could be even more dramatic, as you take sanctuary from the cool night air after a long day’s hiking in the mountains.

You might think that sourcing the perfect cottage sounds like hard work, but if you have access to the internet, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are dozens of legitimate websites dedicated specifically to UK cottage holidays, and these usually include search tools that make your holiday-hunting easier than ever. With parameters that allow you to specify budget, number of rooms and location – along with numerous other specifications – you’ll find that you are able to source a suitable property within five or ten minutes.

A Snowdonia cottage with WiFi is good

There are some final things you might want to bear in mind when searching for a country holiday in Snowdonia, or indeed any National Park. Firstly, it’s always handy to have Wi-Fi in your property, as this will allow you to keep on top of any work e-mails, stream TV in the evenings, and post snaps from your adventures to social media. If you bring pets along, ensure you check on costs per pet so you don’t end up footing an unwanted bill. Finally, always check the itinerary of the cottage prior to leaving so that you don’t end up without something integral.