New research has revealed that many Brits are paying well over the odds for their UK self-catering holidays, with some paying up to a quarter more than necessary, and some as much as 46% more. 

Independent Cottages, which conducted the research, has discovered that, in the Lake District, the average saving is 23%, the equivalent of £211, when compared with booking through an Online Travel Agent (OTA) such as AirBnB, HolidayLettings, Tripadvisor or HomeAway.

In times of uncertainty and making every penny count, the average saving of £211 per booking is the equivalent of:

  • A full day boat hire on Lake Windermere for eight people and two family passes to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home, with money left over
  • 3.5 x the average UK household’s weekly food shop 
  • Almost 4.5 months of morning coffee on the way to work
  • Nearly double the cost of a standard annual Netflix subscription
  • Annual family National Trust membership with money left over

By booking holiday accommodation directly, visitors from near and far can count on more pennies in their purses, meaning more disposable income to spend in the region’s shops, restaurants and attractions. 

Sarah Jarvis, Owner and co-founder, Independent Cottages, said: “We always knew that, compared to an Online Travel Agent, holidaymakers saved money when booking direct, but until we carried out the research we had no idea just how much. 

“At a time of watching the pennies and not knowing what’s ahead in the coming months, we were shocked when we realised just how big the savings could be. Whether booking ahead and travelling further afield or searching for a last-minute break to enjoy the beauty on your doorstep, visitors to various parts of the Lake District can snap up a great deal.” 

Not only are there massive savings to be had across the Lake District, booking directly gives holidaymakers access to the owner’s knowledge of their property, the local area and the opportunity to speak to the owner before paying anything. 

Independent Cottages has more than 1,800 registered holiday homes, with lots of last minute availability and great deals for the rest of 2019 and 2020.


To book or to register your holiday home head over to https://www.independentcottages.co.uk/.