uk holiday cottages and self catering accommodation

UK Holiday Cottages

Holiday cottages and self catering accommodation around Britain and Ireland


  1. UK Information
  2. UK Holiday Cottages
  3. FAQs
  4. Safety at the holiday cottages or self catering accommodation

Safety at the holiday cottages or self catering accommodation

Holiday cottage owners and self catering accommodation booking agencies make every effort to ensure your holiday cottages or self catering accommodation is safe, secure and comfortable. You should take special care of yourself and your family when you are in unfamiliar surroundings. These safety tips point out some of the things you should do and be careful about.

  • Check the layout and property so that in an emergency you can get out quickly and easily.
  • Check for a fire extinguisher and fire blanket, and read the instructions on their use.
  • If the property has open fires, make sure that you use the fireguard and check that the fire is safely out before you go to bed.
  • If you are unsure of how to use the any electrical appliances please ask the cottage owner or caretaker.
  • If your property has night storage heaters, these must never be covered
  • Cots and high chairs must conform to British Standards. If they are damaged or deficient in any way, then tell the owner.
  • Look out for glass patio doors or glazed interior doors - they should have stickers at adult and child eye height.
  • Keep young children off balconies.
  • If there is a garden pond, ensure that children cannot access it. Look out for any steep drops in the garden and if there are garden sheds or outbuildings, ensure that children cannot get in them.
  • Equipment in the children's playgrounds should be safe and in good condition. The surface of the play area should be soft i.e. sand, soft earth or wood chippings.

Take special note of the following:

Swimming Pools

  • Do not dive into the pool.
  • Check which end is shallow and which end is deep.
  • Check the location of life belts and other buoyancy equipment and read the instructions on how to use them.
  • Do not swim or go into the pool under the influence of alcohol or immediately after eating a meal.
  • Do not take breakable glasses or other utensils into the pool area.
  • Do not swim at night or when the pool is closed.
  • Always supervise children.

Gas Appliances

Gas water heaters, by law, have to be installed and maintained by CORGI engineers. If you have any doubts about the efficient operation of any gas appliance, particularly hot water heaters, in your property, alert the owner immediately.

Gas Cookers - as you would at home, ensure that gas cookers are turned off after use, and in particular, check this before you go to bed.

We want you to have a safe and happy holiday - a few minutes taking some simple precautions could make the difference between a holiday enjoyed and a holiday spoilt.