What to Pack for a Self-Catering Holiday

Packing for a self-catering holiday is a little different from packing for a hotel. You have a kitchen and your own space, so a few extra items make a big difference, while other things are already provided. Here’s our practical list.

What’s usually provided

Most of our homes include bed linen, towels, a fully equipped kitchen with cookware and crockery, and fast Wi-Fi. Check the property page before you go, so you don’t pack what you don’t need.

Clothing for Yorkshire weather

  • Layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially on the moors and in the Dales.
  • A waterproof jacket and comfortable walking boots.
  • Something warm for evenings, even in summer.
  • Swimwear if your cottage has a hot tub.

Kitchen and food basics

  • Tea, coffee, milk and something for breakfast on your first morning.
  • Favourite spices, oils and condiments.
  • Food bags or containers for picnics and leftovers.
  • A cool bag for shopping trips and days out.

Comfort and safety

  • Any medicines and a small first-aid kit.
  • Phone chargers and an extension lead.
  • A torch for rural cottages and dark evenings.

For children and dogs

  • Games, books and a favourite toy for rainy afternoons.
  • For dogs: their bed, bowls, food, lead, towels and poo bags.

Packing light

  • Plan outfits that mix and match.
  • Use the washing machine or washer-dryer if the property has one, rather than packing for every day.
  • Buy food locally once you arrive, rather than bringing it from home.

Where to stay

Browse our homes in Ripon, Harrogate and Pickering. For more tips, read our guide to stress-free self-catering for first-timers.

Why Choose Self-Catering Accommodation for Your Yorkshire Holiday

Self-catering is one of the most popular ways to holiday in Yorkshire, and it’s easy to see why. You get a whole home rather than a single room, you set your own timetable and you can enjoy the local produce at your own table. Here’s what makes it worthwhile.

Space and privacy

A holiday home gives you separate bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen, so there’s somewhere to relax that isn’t the end of a bed. For families and groups it means everyone can be together without being on top of each other.

Freedom to do things your way

There are no breakfast times or room-service menus. Have a lie-in, head out early for a walk or come back for a long lunch. You can make the holiday fit around young children, dogs or work.

Better value for families and groups

One holiday home is often better value than several hotel rooms, and having a kitchen means you don’t have to eat out for every meal. Our homes are fully equipped and include fast Wi-Fi.

Enjoy Yorkshire’s local food

Pick up fresh produce at Knaresborough’s Wednesday market or Thirsk’s weekly market, and cook it in your own kitchen. Then treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bettys in Harrogate.

Room for everyone, including the dog

Many of our homes welcome dogs, and some have hot tubs, fire pits or log burners. See our pet-friendly properties and hot tub properties.

Live like a local

Staying in a real street or village, rather than a hotel, means you discover the local pubs, cafés and walks that visitors often miss.

Where to stay

New to self-catering? Read our tips for first-timers.