Booking a self-catering break should feel exciting, right up until you start wondering whether half the car boot needs filling with towels, toilet rolls and the entire contents of the kitchen cupboard.
Most UK holiday cottages provide bed linen, kitchen equipment and a few basic essentials to help guests settle in. Towels are commonly included, while toilet roll, washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets and bin bags may only be supplied in small starter quantities.
There is no standard list covering every holiday cottage, so always check the individual property listing or ask the owner before travelling. Self-catering usually means bringing your own food and everyday supplies, but it should not mean packing the entire house.
What Is Usually Provided in a Holiday Cottage?
Every property is different, but this quick guide shows what you can commonly expect:
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Bed linen | Usually included, although some properties charge extra |
| Bath towels | Often included, but check the listing |
| Beach or hot-tub towels | Usually only included when specifically stated |
| Toilet roll | Often supplied in a small starter quantity |
| Washing-up liquid | Commonly provided in a small bottle |
| Dishwasher tablets | A few may be supplied |
| Tea towels | Often included |
| Hand soap | Frequently supplied, but not guaranteed |
| Shampoo and shower gel | Bring your own unless stated |
| Bin bags | A small number may be left, but take one or two to be on the safe side |
| Tea, coffee and milk | Sometimes provided as a welcome extra, but pack your own anyway |
| Cot bedding | Often not included, even when a travel cot is available |
Do Holiday Cottages Provide Towels?
Many holiday cottages provide a bath towel and hand towel for each guest, but this is not universal. The property listing should state whether towels are included in the booking price, available to hire or need to be brought from home.
It is also worth checking exactly which towels are supplied. Bathroom towels may not be intended for use at the beach, swimming pool or hot tub, so pack separate towels unless the property clearly says these are included.
Bed linen is normally provided in modern UK holiday cottages, although it is still worth confirming before you book rather than discovering you need fitted sheets while unloading the car.
Do Holiday Cottages Provide Toilet Roll?
Most holiday cottages leave enough toilet roll to get guests started, but that does not always mean enough for the entire holiday.
One or two starter rolls per bathroom is common. For a family staying for a full week, adding a pack to your first food shop is sensible. It saves everyone from rationing the final few sheets while somebody is sent on an emergency supermarket mission.
Do Holiday Cottages Provide Washing-Up Liquid?
A small bottle of washing-up liquid, a cloth or sponge and a few dishwasher tablets are commonly provided in self-catering accommodation.
However, these may only be starter quantities rather than enough to last for your entire stay. Families planning to cook regularly or use the dishwasher every day may need to buy extra supplies.
Some holiday cottage providers publish a full inventory showing exactly what is included. Where no inventory is available, check the property description or contact the owner before setting off.
Will Toiletries Be Provided?
Holiday cottages are not hotels, so do not rely on finding shampoo, conditioner, shower gel or toothpaste waiting in the bathroom.
Hand soap is increasingly common, but personal toiletries should remain firmly on your packing list. Bring baby products, sanitary products and anything else your family specifically needs rather than assuming something suitable will be available.
What Will Be in the Kitchen?
A self-catering kitchen should have crockery, cutlery, glasses, pans and the basic equipment needed to prepare meals.
Appliances and utensils vary, so check the listing if you specifically need something such as:
- A microwave
- A washing machine
- A coffee machine
- A highchair
- A dishwasher
- A large fridge or freezer
- Baking trays
- Specialist cooking equipment
Food is not normally included. Some owners leave tea, coffee, sugar, milk or biscuits as a welcome gesture, but these are lovely extras rather than something to depend on.
When we stayed at Rossendale Holiday Cottages, towels were available and the kitchen contained cutlery, crockery, pots and pans. We simply needed to bring our own food and drink.
What Should You Check Before Leaving Home?
Before travelling, check whether your holiday cottage supplies:
- Bed linen and bath towels
- Toilet roll
- Washing-up liquid and dishwasher tablets
- Bin bags and kitchen roll
- Tea towels and oven gloves
- Hand soap and toiletries
- Travel cot bedding and a highchair
- Beach or hot-tub towels
- A hairdryer
- Cooking basics such as oil, salt and pepper
It is also worth finding the nearest supermarket and checking its opening hours, particularly when staying somewhere rural or arriving late in the evening.
Nobody wants the first memorable experience of their relaxing cottage break to be a frantic drive around unfamiliar country lanes in search of toilet roll.
Check Before You Pack the Kitchen Sink
Most holiday cottages provide far more than four walls and a kettle, but there is no universal rule covering towels, toilet roll or cleaning supplies.
Read the facilities list, check your booking confirmation and send the owner a quick message about anything unclear.
Five minutes of checking can save a boot full of unnecessary luggage or the memorable experience of arriving in the middle of nowhere with one toilet roll and four people.