{"id":3925,"date":"2024-08-30T08:57:15","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T08:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/?p=3925"},"modified":"2024-08-30T13:00:31","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T13:00:31","slug":"family-friendly-rental","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/3925\/family-friendly-rental\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips for Attracting Families to Your Holiday Cottage"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Paper<\/p>\n

UK holidays are particularly popular with families as they allow loved ones to get together and spend quality time with each other. This means taking parents\u2019, grandparents\u2019 and children\u2019s needs into account at every step of the holiday journey.<\/p>\n

Families will most likely choose a place where everyone can feel at home, relax and have fun – but with a few added extras and a little touch of luxury.<\/p>\n

If you are looking to tap into this lucrative market of year-round bookings, here are a few top tips to discover how you can offer an unforgettable experience for families and make your property stand out.<\/p>\n

What families are looking for in a holiday home<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

A place that appeals to all the family<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Holiday lets that have enough space for everyone to spend time together, and individually, will be appealing to families. This is likely to be especially the case if the grandparents have come on holiday too, as they may well need a little bit of \u2018quiet time\u2019 in a snug away from over-excited grandchildren.<\/p>\n

The kitchen is an area where families tend to not only eat but socialise together too. Provide all the necessary cooking equipment to prepare meals for all the family and a big fridge\/freezer to store the family\u2019s favourite food and snacks. Appliances such as a dishwasher and washing machine will also definitely be appreciated.<\/p>\n

Kids love bunk beds (plus they are great for saving space) and a separate playroom or snug that they can make their own for the holiday.<\/p>\n

If possible, add a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom for elderly family members who would prefer not to climb stairs.<\/p>\n

A great location<\/span>
\n<\/strong>
\nYour holiday let should be near shops, supermarkets and chemists \u2013 it\u2019s easy to run out of things when you\u2019ve got small children so it\u2019s good (and reassuring) to know that supplies are nearby.<\/p>\n

A holiday home that is near things to do will also be a hit. A beach within walking distance, easy walks, a children\u2019s play area, theme parks, zoos, restaurants, pubs etc.<\/p>\n

Value for money<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Families often choose holiday cottages over hotels not just for the space, but because they offer value for money. If you\u2019re aiming for the upper end of the price bracket, highlight the extras you provide to enhance the guest experience. Offer\u00a0special deals<\/a>\u00a0for periods outside the school holidays when parents with toddlers like to travel.<\/p>\n

Provide equipment and entertainment<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Providing essential equipment so families can leave items at home and plenty of entertainment for the kids is a huge draw. When it comes to family self-catering holidays, the general rule is that if the children are happy and relaxed, the parents will be happy and relaxed too.<\/p>\n

Here are a few essential items that you should invest in if you want to attract families with young children<\/p>\n

Babies<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u2013 cot and highchair, booster seat, bottle warmer, sterilising equipment, pushchair, car seats, potty, toilet seats, baby monitors, changing mat, baby bath, outdoor umbrella for the beach or sun shade.<\/p>\n

Small children<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u2013 booster cushions, plastic plates, cups and cutlery, toddler steps, apron, toys, games, dressing up clothes, books, DVDs, bucket and spade, fishing nets, sandpit, water inflatables and a kite.<\/p>\n

Older children<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u2013 board games, books, video games, outdoor equipment such as a climbing frame and trampoline (check your public liability insurance covers these, that they are safe to use and well maintained).<\/p>\n

Teens<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u2013 board games, books, video games, PlayStation, Xbox or Wii and Wi-Fi (essential!). If you have the space game rooms (with a pool table or table football) are huge in helping properties stand out. \u00a0Access to satellite and streaming TV channels is likely to keep everyone happy.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s likely families will be eating in so provide all the necessary equipment for cooking, including a BBQ, picnic hampers to use in the garden or on day trips and consider the option of providing home-prepared meals or supermarket deliveries ready for their arrival.<\/p>\n

Think about what you can provide to ensure the grown-ups have a great holiday as well. Chocolates in the welcome hamper, a coffee machine in the kitchen or nice toiletries in the bathroom. Relaxing in a hot tub whilst watching the sun go down after the kids have gone to bed is a lovely way to end a perfect day<\/p>\n

For more ideas check out our inventory list for holiday cottages<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sell the holiday experience<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Focus on families at every stage of your marketing. This includes your listing site ads<\/a> on Airbnb and Vrbo, your website and your social media pages.<\/p>\n

Make it obvious that your holiday let caters for families by including the words \u2018family-friendly\u2019 or \u2018children welcome\u2019 in prominent places. In your property description, include a section about family-focused activities in your area. Try to include attractions for all ages so you appeal to as wide a range as possible of families.<\/p>\n

Including a specific section on your website<\/a> that\u2019s dedicated to families. Create useful content that attracts travellers in the research phase who are looking for a family holiday.<\/p>\n

Some content ideas:<\/p>\n