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Self-Catering Holidays in the Cotswolds

By Blogs
Outdoor dining table and chairs on a contemporary wooden decking area next to a pond

There are so many reasons why self-catering holidays in the Cotswolds are a brilliant choice – whether you’re holidaying as a couple, a family or a group of friends.

First and foremost, catering for yourselves means you’re not restricted to the same setting, the same faces and the same menu day in, day out – you are completely in control of when, what and where you eat. The Cotswolds has a staggering number of restaurants, cafes and pubs offering a huge variety of cuisines, with something to suit all tastes and budgets, and going self-catering gives you the freedom to sample as many as you like. You can explore eateries near to your accommodation or venture further afield, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Contemporary open plan kitchen/dining room

Then of course, there’s the fact that – even when we’re on holiday – sometimes we simply don’t feel like going out to eat. Self-catering accommodation gives you the option to hunker down in your home-from-home whenever you want to. You can order a takeaway, cook up the family’s favourite breakfast, rustle up a packed lunch to take with you on a daytrip, or plan a romantic dinner for two with the guarantee of no unwanted interruptions from waiting staff!

Grand living room interior with large white sofa and wooden floors

A self-catering holiday is often the preferred choice for families with young children, for the simple reason that it removes the hassle of trying to keep the kids entertained while you’re all sat in a restaurant or pub. The children can continue to play or watch a movie while you cook, without the worry that they’re disturbing other diners or moaning they’re bored while waiting for food to arrive.

Outdoor dining table and chairs on a contemporary wooden decking area next to a pond

Last but not least, if your self-catering accommodation has outdoor space, you can take full advantage of being able to dine al fresco when the weather is fine – this is a definite bonus, as pub gardens tend to get very busy throughout the summer in the Cotswolds!

Self-Catering Properties at Watermark Cotswolds

Here at Watermark, we’re proud to offer one of the biggest selections of self-catering accommodation in the Cotswolds.

Whether you opt for one of our stunning lakeside lodges or a country retreat, you can book with confidence that all our properties feature fully equipped kitchens that make self-catering a complete joy.

Those who like to prepare ahead can organise a supermarket food shop to be delivered directly to your Watermark holiday home, but if you’d rather go with the flow, you’ll find local village shops and the market town of Cirencester within easy reach of your property.

Sun loungers under an umbrella on decking

Every single one of our properties also has either a gas or a charcoal barbecue on hand, so you can really make the most of any opportunities to eat outside. The region is also blessed with a great many independent butchers, farm shops and delis offering fresh, local and top-quality produce to make your barbecue a truly memorable affair.

In the spotlight: Dancers Cottage

One our most popular self-catering properties is Dancers Cottage – a truly stunning Cotswold barn conversion situated in a picturesque hamlet just half a mile away from the villages of Eastleach and Southrop.

country house in English garden
'Dancer's Cottage' house sign on an old wall

Boasting six bedrooms and four bathrooms, this beautiful property can sleep up to 14 guests, so it’s absolutely ideal for a getaway or celebration with family and friends. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome too, so your furry friends don’t have to be excluded from the festivities.

Large outdoor table set for a meal on a sunny day

The large private garden has a lovely lawn that provides the setting for hours of fun and games for kids big and small! The patio area is complete with a large seating area and a charcoal AND Gas barbecue for al-fresco feasts, and you can even add a hot tub and a children’s paddling pool to your booking to make time in the garden even more special.

Large dining table set for a meal inside an old cottage with wooden beams

Inside, the charming kitchen features a vaulted ceiling and windows overlooking the river, which brings an outdoorsy feel to indoor mealtimes. The shaker-style units enhance the cottage’s traditional country styling, but all the modern amenities you could need are on hand to make your self-catering holiday completely hassle-free. The electric range cooker is big enough to cook up a large family roast to share around the 14-seat dining table, while the microwave is on standby when you have a need for speed. There’s even a Nespresso coffee machine for your morning caffeine fix.

Dancers Cottage is just one of the many properties we have on offer for self-catering holidays in the Cotswolds! To browse all of our properties and check availability, check out our holiday planner.