While many of us love a being waiting on during our holidays, sometimes you just want the flexibility that comes with a self catering property. Whether you want the chance to sample some of Sidmouth’s amazing local eateries or you just don’t want to be tied down to time tables that can be found with other accommodation providers. Self-catering properties come in lots of different shapes and sizes, from private cottages to adventure filled holiday parks, so whatever your taste and budget, you’ll find the perfect property in Sidmouth.

If you like the sound of staying on a site full of facilities and activities, including its own golf course, the accommodation options at Oakdown Touring and Holiday Park are a good place to start. Family run for over 50 years, the park is a haven of peace and tranquillity, whilst having amazing facilities and plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. Choose from a leisure lodge, a glamping unit or if you prefer, you can even bring your own tent or touring caravan!  One of the many reasons why people choose self catering is the chance to eat and drink the local produce, which is available at the onsite café and in their small shop, which has deliveries every day from local producers. The site is close to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and only a stone’s throw from Sidmouth town centre, so you’re never too far from incredible eateries and attractions, including the Donkey Sanctuary which is less than a mile from the site.

Image: Oakdown Touring and Holiday Park 

If you prefer to stay somewhere that has a more home from home kind of atmosphere where you can enjoy more privacy and live like a local, why not book a stay at one of the region’s many cottages or holiday homes?

Just outside Sidmouth are Alpine Park Cottages, an award winning complex of eleven self catering holiday cottages in a lodge style. From your front door, you can easily explore Sidmouth, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton where you can spend days at the beach or enjoying the attractions and activities that are on offer. There are also two nature reserves nearby, perfect for summer evening walks and looking out for the region’s wildlife.

Each of the cottages have their own parking space and patio area, so you can be sure of a private stay with plenty of space. The site itself is set within 5 acres of lightly wooded parkland with play areas and even crazy golf, so you can enjoy the wide open space that East Devon is famous for.

Alternatively, for something more rural, take a look at the properties at Higher Wiscombe. Located in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these cottages are within easy reach of Beer, Sidmouth and Branscombe, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to day trips and finding somewhere to eat. Each one has amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the site often wins awards for their comfort, luxury and their commitment to the environment.  Not only that, but they are also dog friendly – which is another great reason to book self catering! – having won awards for the quality of their dog friendly accommodation.

Image: Higher Wiscombe

If you’re not sure whether to book somewhere rural or somewhere coastal, then make sure to look at the portfolio of properties from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays. With properties all over East Devon and in a variety of locations across Sidmouth and the neighbouring towns and villages, you can choose a rural retreat, coastal hideaway or something in between for the best of both worlds.

Whatever cottage you choose, you’ll only be a short distance from the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path as well as popular routes like the East Devon Way, as well as a host of top attractions throughout the region.

Looking for more inspiration for a self catering trip to Sidmouth? Make sure to click here to see a whole host of properties just waiting for you!