Lets Guide

If you own a holiday let, catering to families is one of the smartest ways to ensure steady bookings throughout the year. Families often travel during prime school holidays and tend to book longer stays, making them ideal guests to target. But to appeal to this audience, your property must feel like a home away from home.

Baby Equipment

Starting with the basics, like providing a high chair. Clearly listing essentials such as high chairs, stair gates, travel cots, and plastic crockery in your property description not only reassures parents, it also increases your visibility on booking platforms where these features are now searchable filters. These small details can make a big impact, saving parents from packing the car to the roof or paying hire fees adds real value and can be the deciding factor in choosing your property over another.

Bedrooms

When it comes to setting up bedrooms, it’s worth remembering that for children, holidays are all about the adventure. They won’t mind the smallest room or a quirky space with a sloped ceiling, in fact, they’ll likely love it. What matters is that the home feels thoughtful. If you’re renovating or choosing furniture, think of your guests. Offering flexibility in sleeping arrangements by using zip-and-link beds can be a game-changer. Equal-sized rooms that suit both kids and adults open the door to wider groups like friends or couples, increasing your appeal well beyond the family market and extending your season.

Guest Satisfaction

Travelling to the South West (or any rural destination) can feel daunting to parents navigating long journeys with tired kids. Ease their stress with clear, reassuring arrival instructions. Let them know exactly how to find the property, locate the key safe, and what to expect upon arrival. A welcome hamper, even something as simple as tea, milk, and biscuits goes a long way. That first cuppa after a long drive can really set the tone. Better yet, if you can accommodate an early check-in, families can settle little ones for their first night. This gives parents a head start on making dinner or getting the littles to bed. Guests will remember that gesture.

Guest Experience

Think about what you can offer in the home to help families make memories. It’s not always about going out, sometimes the magic happens indoors. Providing a stash of board games, puzzles, or even a dedicated games room can keep everyone entertained during rainy days or cozy evenings in. For larger homes, these touches create the perfect space for multi-generational get-togethers or celebrations — another growing market.

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are equally important. A well-maintained, enclosed garden gives parents peace of mind and lets kids (and dogs!) roam safely. Include seating areas for alfresco meals, sunny morning coffees, or a BBQ with local produce. Want to create a wow moment? A swimming pool or hot tub will do it — but even in smaller spaces, a fire pit, outdoor bath, or shower can add something special without breaking the bank.

Positive Reviews and Repeat Guests

Finally, once your guests are in and settled, keep the momentum going with helpful social content and guest guides. Share tips on local attractions, walks, family-friendly pubs, and nearby supermarkets. Make their stay feel like an experience, not just a transaction. When you go beyond the booking, you create loyal guests, the kind who return year after year and spread the word at the school gates.

In a competitive market, the details make all the difference. Build your let around the needs of families, and you’ll turn first-time visitors into lifelong guests.