EMILY MERCER, marketing manager at leading South West letting agency Helpful Holidays, gives us an insight into the changing world of staycations and offers 9 top tips on booking your dream Devon holiday
With its spectacular coastline, rugged moorland and numerous sites of interest, it is unsurprising Devon remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. Like all of the holiday lettings agencies in the region, at Helpful Holidays, the last few seasons have been some of the busiest in our 40-year history. Demand has been at a record level and properties have been booking back-to-back.
Whilst some might say this is the Covid effect, I believe it is much more than that. Clearly there has been an uplift in the staycation market in recent times, the so-called ‘staycation boom’, but these booking trends had begun in the years prior to Covid-19, and have been merely accelerated by the pandemic.
Notably, at Helpful Holidays we had already seen a clear shift in booking habits, with people no longer waiting until after Christmas to book their summer break in a Boxing Day sale, or reserving the same holiday home year after year.
We are now seeing two distinct groups of holidaymakers…those in search of the traditional experience of a one- or two-week-long summer holiday booked in advance, and those who book within eight weeks of their holiday, often for just a short break - sometimes purely to make the most of the good weather forecast for the weekend ahead. In that respect, the staycation market has really changed!
And it seems this preference for holidaying closer to home is here to stay. At Helpful Holidays, bookings so far this year are 35% up versus the same point in 2019! So, if like many others you are looking to book a holiday in Devon, here are my 9 top tips:
1. Book online if possible, and keep checking for new properties – most websites offer live availability and showcase a letting agency’s full portfolio, including their recently added properties. Around 25 per cent of the UK’s holiday home owners started letting during the pandemic, and with more entering the holiday letting industry daily, if you are struggling to find the right cottage, don’t give up!
2. Plan ahead for that special break. With many holiday letting agencies providing 24-month availability, if you are searching for a cottage for a special family gathering, celebratory birthday or landmark occasion, choose and book your property early. This is particularly important if you require a large house as they tend to get booked up further in advance.
3. Don’t settle for less than the best. With many second home owners now choosing to let their properties as holiday lets in place of long term lets, it really is a holidaymakers’ market, with options to suit all budgets and requirements. Whilst customer demand is high, the holiday properties need to remain competitive in their offering – don’t compromise on quality or style.
4. Consider booking with an agency who has a local office. Whilst many agencies are owned by national companies, not all provide local teams ‘on the ground’ here in Devon. Those with local offices, like us at Chagford-based Helpful Holidays, have teams on hand 24/7 to problem solve and ensure you enjoy a smooth holiday experience. We can also give first-hand advice on the best places to visit and restaurants to book!
5. Look at options other than cottages. Glamping is certainly the new camping with a 45 per cent uplift in bookings in 2021. And with a wealth of glamping options available, this is a fun alternative.
6. Self-catering holidays aren’t just for summer fun. Increasingly Devon is becoming known as a year-round destination, attractive to foodies, nature enthusiasts, beachgoers and festival fans in all seasons. In off-peak months such as May, June and September, the weather can be just as good as the summer but with lower prices. With many cottages offering wood burning stoves, out of season getaways are also understandably popular.
7. Consider how much you want to explore. Some travellers, particularly those staying in popular towns such as Salcombe, Dartmouth or Torbay, may wish to ditch their car and spend their holiday exploring on foot. However, for those that wish to go further afield to experience Devon’s diverse coastline and countryside, consider booking earlier to ensure you can secure a property with parking.
8. For those travelling with pets, several of Devon’s eateries and attractions welcome four-legged friends, but be aware, some of Devon’s most beautiful beaches have dog restrictions from April to October.
9. Whatever accommodation you choose to stay in, be sure to plan your break, and book any restaurants, activities or experiences you particularly wish to enjoy – especially during the busy summer months. And remember, some of the best experiences in Devon are free, from walking barefoot on the beach, to crabbing on the quayside.
Top holiday cottage features
If you are thinking of booking a staycation holiday, but are unsure what makes the best self-catering cottages, here are some of the most popular features Helpful Holiday guests look for:
Garden
Wi-fi
Off-road parking
Dishwasher
High chair
Cot
Open fire
Near a pub
Near a shop
Ground floor bedroom
Spotlight on properties
If you are thinking of holidaying in Devon, quirky properties have seen an increase in popularity. Here are some examples of more unusual getaways:
The Old Smithy in Luppitt, is a one-of-a-kind luxury conversion for two, bursting with character including a thatched roof, exposed beams and window seats.
Sandwell Manor, near Totnes, is an extraordinary Georgian manor house for a family of 14. Nestled in a pretty valley with spectacular rural views, the property even features a croquet lawn, baby grand piano and bar area!
Primrose Barn in Doddiscombsleigh is a charming barn conversion in a tranquil location, complete with floor to ceiling windows, showcasing the stunning country views.
