Start with the Practicalities: Parking and Access

Before you fall for a chocolate-box cottage with roses around the door, picture the arrival. Will you be threading a large estate car down a single-track lane with high hedges? Is there off-street parking, or will you be circling a busy harbour car park every evening? For a family holiday, parking is not a minor detail. It can shape your whole week.

Ask the owner or agency directly: how many cars can park on the property, and is the space marked? A “parking space” might mean a tight squeeze between a stone wall and a neighbour’s fence. If you have a roof box or a bike rack, mention it. Check whether the parking is on a slope, and whether you need to reverse onto a main road.

• Is there a designated space per car, or is it first-come, first-served?
• Are there height or width restrictions for driveways or garages?
• Is there a nearby long-stay car park, and what does a week’s permit cost?
• Can you unload outside the door before parking, or is the lane too narrow?

Also think about access inside. A cottage with a steep, narrow staircase may be charming, but not with a toddler and a week’s luggage. Ask for photos of the entrance, steps and any handrails.

Dog-Friendly or Not? Know the Rules Before You Book

If your dog is part of the family, you will already be filtering for “pets welcome”. But that phrase hides a spectrum. Some cottages accept one small, well-behaved dog; others welcome three large ones. Some charge a per-dog fee; others ask for a higher cleaning deposit. The real questions are about the garden and the beach.

An enclosed garden is gold. But “enclosed” can mean a low wall that a determined spaniel will clear. Ask for the height and type of boundary. If the garden opens onto a lane or a cliff path, you will need to supervise every toilet trip.

• Are dogs allowed on the furniture or beds? If not, is there a stair gate?
• Is there a hose or boot room for muddy paws after a beach walk?
• Are there seasonal dog bans on the nearest beach? Many UK beaches restrict dogs from May to September.
• Are there dog-friendly pubs and cafés within walking distance?

Even if you do not have a dog, check the rules. A cottage that allows dogs may have a lingering smell or a garden that is not fully secure for a crawling baby. And if you are allergic, a “no pets” policy matters.

The Beach Matters: Safe Swimming and Rock Pools

Proximity to a beach is the whole point of a seaside holiday. But “near the beach” can mean a five-minute stroll over dunes or a twenty-minute trek down a steep cliff path. With young children, a pram and a cool box, that difference is huge.

Check what the beach is actually like. A stunning, exposed surfing beach may have strong rip currents. A sheltered cove may be perfect for paddling but have no lifeguard. Look for recognised beach awards, but also read recent reviews from families. Ask: is the beach sandy, pebbly, or muddy at low tide? Sand is easier for building castles; pebbles are harder on bare feet.

• Is there lifeguard cover in the season? Check dates and times.
• Are there rock pools for crabbing and exploring? Check tide times.
• Is the slope down to the sand gentle, or are there steps and uneven paths?
• Are there public toilets, a café, and a fresh water tap nearby?

For families, a beach with a stream running down to the sea is a secret weapon. It offers shallow, warmer water for tiny paddlers while the sea is still too cold. Also check whether the beach is dog-free in summer, which can make sandcastle zones more pleasant.

Character vs Comfort: What a Cottage Really Offers

You want character: low beams, a wood burner, a range cooker, a wonky floor. But character comes with quirks. A thatched roof may mean no upstairs shower pressure. A listed building may have single-glazed windows that rattle in a gale. For a family, comfort is not about luxury; it is about sleep, warmth and laundry.

Ask about the heating. A cottage that is lovely in July can be chilly in a May half-term. Is there central heating, or just a wood burner and storage heaters? Is there a tumble dryer or a drying rack? After a wet beach walk, you will need somewhere for soggy towels and swimsuits.

• How many bathrooms, and are they upstairs or downstairs?
• Is there a bath as well as a shower? A bath is easier for small children.
• Are there stair gates, a high chair and a travel cot? Check the safety standards.
• Is the WiFi reliable? Mobile signal can be patchy in coastal valleys.

Also consider the kitchen. A tiny galley may be fine for couples, but a family of five will struggle to cook a full English. Check for a dishwasher, a decent-sized fridge and freezer space for ice lollies.

Location, Location: Village Amenities and Day Trips

The best seaside cottage sits in a village that works for your family’s rhythm. Can you walk to a shop for milk and a newspaper? Is there a pub that welcomes children until 7pm? Are there footpaths straight from the door, or will you need to drive everywhere?

Think about the wider area. A remote cottage on a headland is magical, but if the nearest supermarket is a 30-minute drive, you will spend more time in the car than you planned. Check the road widths and passing places. Also look at what happens when the weather turns: is there a cinema, a soft play centre or a museum within a reasonable drive?

• How far is the nearest beach that allows dogs all year?
• Are there family-friendly walks that do not involve cliff edges?
• Is there a local market, farm shop or bakery for fresh supplies?
• What is the mobile signal like, and is there a landline for emergencies?

Finally, read the small print on the booking. Check the cancellation policy, the damage deposit, and whether bed linen and towels are included. Arrival and departure times matter when you have a long drive. A little homework before you book means you can relax once you are there, listening to the waves and planning tomorrow’s sandcastle.