Self-Catering Your Holiday? What to Bring & What’s Typically Included

Planning a self-catering holiday in the UK? Whether you’re staying in one of Lovat Parks’ cosy lodges or settling into another caravan, cottage or cabin where you’ll be doing the cooking, having the right essentials with you can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What’s included in the lodges at our holiday parks
• What’s typically provided in other self-catering accommodation
• A complete self-catering packing list & food shopping list – covering everything from everyday basics to the items people most often forget to pack

Whether it’s your first time self-catering or you’re a seasoned pro, this guide will help you arrive prepared, relaxed and ready to enjoy your break.

What’s in our lodges?

We give you a ‘home away from home’ – with everything you need to self-cater comfortably.

• Every kitchen is fully equipped – fridge and freezer, hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery
• Welcome packs on arrival (tea, coffee, biscuits)
• Some lodges also offer extra touches like wine storage and kitchen islands
• Bedrooms are ready on arrival: beds made up, bed linen and towels provided, as well as robes & slippers
• Bathrooms come with shower, WC, hand soap and toilet paper and even a hairdryer included
• Superfast Wi-Fi, central heating and double-glazing (so you’re cosy whatever the weather)
• Comfy furniture and open-plan living spaces with feature lighting and Roberts radio
• There’s outdoor space too: private decking with outdoor furniture – perfect for evening drinks or morning coffee

Our spacious lodges are ideal for families or groups, with 2–4 bedrooms in many. Every lodge is slightly different (some have hot tubs, some may not include a dishwasher, etc.). 

A quick look at the accommodation details can help you know what to expect in advance.

What Graham Reed said about Lovat Parks: “The site is very nice, spotlessly clean as are the homes / lodges you stay in. There is a wide variety of places to stay in.” 

What to pack for a self-catered lodge holiday

Here’s a packing checklist based on what you’re likely to cook, eat and use.

Self-catering essentials & food basics

• Tea, coffee, sugar, milk – to kick off your mornings comfortably
• Basic cooking staples: oil or cooking spray, salt & pepper, butter, condiments (ketchup, mayo, sauces), spices if you cook regularly. (While self-catered kitchens have utensils and crockery, they may not include these cupboard basics)
• Food for easy meals: think pasta, rice, cereals, tins, bread. Especially if you are feeding small children! These help you avoid inconvenient supermarket runs
• Snacks, drinks, and treats – biscuits, crisps, nuts, juice or squash –  perfect for cosy evenings in the lodge or for day trips

Storage and carriers: reusable shopping bags, food storage bags or containers, maybe a cool box if you’re bringing perishables

Cleaning, kitchen & household extras

• Dish soap or washing-up liquid,  sponges or cloths – even if cleaning supplies are provided, having extras is always handy
• Kitchen roll, paper towels, napkins – saves time and mess when cooking or clearing up

Bin bags – for rubbish, food scraps

Personal & practical items

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, deodorant). Even though the lodge may provide soap and basics
• Chargers, phone, tablet – plus a small first aid kit (plasters, pain relief, any personal meds)
• Weather-appropriate clothing: consider waterproofs, rain jacket, wellies (especially if you plan to walk or explore nature) and warmer layers 
• Outdoor gear if relevant: walking boots for woodland/coast paths, swimwear if the lodge or nearby facilities offer pools or hot tubs
• For families: don’t forget items like baby bottles, nappies or wipes if travelling with little ones
• Board games, books or cards – great for relaxing evenings in
• Torches – useful if you plan a late stroll
• Picnic blanket – for easy lunches when out and about

What people often forget – don’t forget to pack

It’s usually the small things that get left behind. Some surprisingly commonly forgotten items:

• Extra loo roll / kitchen roll / bin bags (many assume these will be provided)
• Reusable bags or containers
• Tea, coffee, sugar, or milk – especially for the first morning after arrival
• Basic condiments, oils, cooking spray or seasoning – if you plan to cook
• Chargers, plug adapters, phone cords – easy to forget in the packing rush
• Torch or small first aid kit – simple items but super handy
• Rain jackets and wellies for damp UK weather
• Swimwear for local swimming spots or hot tubs on-site

Food Planning: What to take for a self-catering holiday

One of the big advantages of self-catering is you’re in charge – so you can eat exactly what you want. But planning helps. 

Here’s a complete self-catering food shopping list:

1. Staples for simple meals: pasta, rice, eggs, tinned goods or soups for dinner, cereal or porridge for breakfast
2. Cooking oil, salt/pepper, condiments, then perhaps do a small grocery shop on arrival for fresh items (milk, bread, veg, meat)
3. Your favourite ingredients or condiments – especially if you have dietary preferences (e.g. vegan spreads, sauces, herbs/spices)
4. Snacks and drinks – for downtime, day-outings or lazy mornings in (crisps, biscuits, chocolate, alcohol – whatever treats you’ll enjoy most!)

If you plan meals for several people or a few days – try to plan ahead. Make a rough meal plan before you go, so you don’t overpack or forget something important.

Why choose a Lovat Parks lodge for a self-catered break

Our lodges offer a cosy, flexible self-catering base nestled in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes – perfect if you want a holiday that feels like home, but with a little adventure on the side.

Stock up on foodie essentials and get going!

Explore Self-Catered Holiday with Lovat Parks

You might also like…

• What to Bring to Lovat Parks
• The Benefits of Taking Regular Short Holidays
• Why UK Caravan Parks Are Perfect For Half Term Family Fun
• What Is Different About Caravan Ownership Compared to Other Types Of Holiday Home?

FAQs: Self-catering UK holidays

What should I pack for a self-catered lodge holiday?

The key is to think like you’re going home – bring essentials, cooking basics, some comfort food, sensible clothes for the UK weather, toiletries and a few fun extras (books, games, picnic items) to make every moment fun-packed.

Can you drink tap water in a static caravan or lodge?

UK regulation for caravan and holiday parks requires a ‘wholesome drinking water supply’ (or access to a clearly labelled drinking water tap) when providing water to caravans or static holiday homes. So, yes, at well-managed sites like Lovat Parks, the water is safe to cook with and drink. Holiday home owners can, of course, purchase water filter jugs to have in their own personal kitchens.