The Great Debate: All-Inclusive vs Self-Catering UK Holidays

In 2023, Visit Britain reported 85 million domestic trips, with a slight decrease in trip numbers but a rise in spending per trip, from £259 to £266​. This trend reflects the rise of longer, more expensive holidays, with 32% of trips taken for leisure. As more British holidaymakers seek flexibility, self-catering options are becoming increasingly appealing, offering more freedom compared to the fixed structure of all-inclusive packages. There’s nothing like waking up in the countryside on the first day of your holiday. At Lovat Parks, we’re nestled in some of the UK’s most beautiful corners, offering a true escape into nature. Whether you’re staying in a cosy lodge or camping under the stars, we have the perfect self-catering getaway for you. With more people choosing staycations, the debate between all-inclusive and self-catering holidays is growing. 

Does the UK have all-inclusive holidays?

While all-inclusive holidays are often associated with sunny, foreign destinations, they are increasingly available in the UK. Many resorts and holiday parks offer all-inclusive packages, which typically include accommodation, meals, drinks, and entertainment. These packages are often found in places like holiday resorts, caravan parks, or large hotel chains, where guests can enjoy a stress-free stay with everything taken care of in one price.

However, all-inclusive UK holidays are less common than their self-catering counterparts, and many holidaymakers prefer the flexibility that self-catering offers.  Despite this, all-inclusive holidays are still an attractive choice for those who want to know that their food, activities, and entertainment are all sorted from the get-go. 

What are Lovat Parks holidays all about? 

A Lovat Parks holiday is all about peace, nature, and relaxation. You won’t find pumping nightlife or rowdy crowds on our parks. But we can promise back to nature activities at every Lovat Park and plenty to do nearby. Plus, there’s an on park shop full of locally-sourced essentials (and non-essentials!) to keep the whole family fed, watered and entertained. All of our park features an on-site shop with locally-sourced essentials to keep everyone well-fed and entertained. While we don’t provide catered accommodation, some parks offer seasonal restaurants and pop-up food vans during peak times. 

Types of self-catered holidays

Looking for self-catered holidays? You’re in the right place! Enjoy the freedom of cooking your own meals in fully equipped kitchens while experiencing life as a local in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. We offer a range of self-catered accommodations for your perfect getaway, including holiday lodges, caravans (or holiday homes), electric and non-electric touring and camping pitches, and glamping in a charming shepherd’s hut with modern amenities or an inspiring safari tent with wooden beams under canvas. While we cover some of the most popular self-catering options, there are many more available. OTAs like Airbnb offer cottages and apartment-style hotels, and some hotels cater to self-caterers with rooms or suites featuring kitchen facilities. For those who want hotel services but also the option to cook, this is a great compromise. At Lovat Parks, our lodges, holiday homes, and glamping units provide more kitchen space and appliances than most hotels, including a fridge, oven, microwave, 4-ring hob (in safari tents), cooking utensils, crockery, and cutlery. Many of our kitchens also feature a dishwasher for no-fuss clean-ups—just one of the perks of choosing a self-catered stay with us.

Pros of self-catering

We might be biased but self-catering holidays offer various advantages, especially for those who value flexibility, privacy, and the chance to immerse themselves in local life.

Eat when and where you like

With self-catering, you have the freedom to eat when and where you want. Cooking up your own holiday feast in your accommodation’s kitchen means no need to stick to set meal times or wait for bookings. Whether you prefer breakfast al fresco or breakfast in front of the TV, you’ve got the space to indulge your way.

Explore local restaurants

A self-catering holiday lets you fully embrace local food culture in a way an all-inclusive trip can’t. From pub grub in the New Forest to Cornish scones or Rick Stein’s Padstow spots, you have the freedom to explore local eateries, from hidden cafes to top restaurants. At Lovat, we love local, and this freedom to try new flavours and support local businesses reflects our B Corp certified values—values we’d love all our guests to take part in. For those who don’t fancy going far, Padstow offers Craftworks, a dining tent experience, and Green Hill Farm has a pizzeria on select days during our peak season.

Cater for picky eaters

If you or someone in your group has dietary preferences or restrictions, self-catering is the perfect solution. Load up the car with groceries before you go or stop by a supermarket en route, giving you full control over what you cook and ensuring everyone’s needs are met. Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, or another specific requirement, you can easily cater to it without the limits of an all-inclusive menu. Plus, we have park shops for holiday top-ups and treats. For added convenience, groceries can be delivered directly to the park—just meet the delivery driver at reception, as they can’t drive up to the accommodations.

Pros of all-inclusive

While we believe self-catering UK holidays offer great flexibility, we understand that all-inclusive holidays have their own appeal. Though typically associated with European getaways, all-inclusive holidays are common in the UK too. With meals, activities, and entertainment all taken care of, they offer a truly stress-free experience. You won’t have to worry about planning your day around meals or shopping for ingredients. An all-inclusive holiday is especially convenient for families or those seeking a hassle-free trip. Plus, many resorts offer evening entertainment like shows and live music, adding extra fun and ease—but often at an additional cost.

Is self-catering cheaper?

When it comes to cost, self-catering holidays can be significantly cheaper than all-inclusive options, but this depends on various factors. Here’s how you can make your self-catered holiday more affordable:

Cooking facilities make holidaying more affordable

Cooking your own meals in a fully fitted kitchen with a cooker can lead to significant savings, particularly if you shop wisely. Self-catering helps you avoid the high costs associated with dining out, especially in tourist hotspots where restaurant prices tend to be inflated. By preparing your own food, you can manage your budget more effectively while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of eating what you like when you like. 

Research local eateries

If you’d like to eat out, you can explore local restaurants and cafes to find affordable dining options that won’t break the bank. Look for family-run spots or enjoy one of our two park restaurants if you’re visiting Padstow or Green Hill Farm in the New Forest during peak season to save on petrol. 

Prepare packed lunches

One of the easiest ways to save money is by preparing packed lunches for day trips. This way, you can avoid expensive food at tourist attractions or theme parks. Prepare sandwiches, snacks, and drinks in advance, so you have everything you need while exploring.

Enjoy picnicking while exploring

Another fun and cost-effective way to enjoy meals on a self-catering holiday is by packing a picnic. Whether you’re exploring the coast, walking in the countryside, or visiting a picnic area on a National Trust site, a picnic is a wonderful way to save money and enjoy your surroundings.

How to pick a self-catered holiday?

When choosing a self-catering holiday, particularly on one of our parks, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Location: Are you looking to stay by the sea or delight in a countryside retreat? We’ve got holiday parks that cater to both types of UK self-catered holiday by nature.
2. Amenities: Check that the accommodation provides all the amenities you need, such as comfortable sleeping arrangements for your family, and bathroom facilities, and look out for the little Lovat luxuries such as decking.
3. Activities: From coastal treks and paddleboarding to forest ranger activities at Green Hill, consider the experiences you’d like during your self catered stay.
4. Budget: Be mindful of your budget and consider additional costs such as petrol, transport, food, and activities. Self-catering can be cheaper, but it’s important to plan for any extra expenses.

Book a self-catered UK holiday with Lovat Parks

With fully equipped kitchens, ample space for relaxation, and access to a range of outdoor activities, a holiday by nature with us makes it easy to enjoy a comfortable and memorable UK staycation. Ready to book your self-catered getaway? Start planning your next UK holiday today!

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