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Sykes Cottages: Discover How To Get The Best Late Special Offers From This UK Leader
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For the last 25 years or so, the name Sykes Cottages has been synonymous with superb quality holiday lettings in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.
If you have been paying any attention to the holiday letting market in the UK over the last couple of decades you will know of the name, but did you know how humble the Sykes Cottages start was? Before they were one of the leading holiday letting agencies in the country and before they had over 6,000 cottages throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, things were altogether a much smaller affair.
Special Offers
Sykes Cottages know that regardless of your budget, you wouldn't say no to saving a few pounds here and there on your holidays, which is why they have a variety of special offers.
Although there are no real voucher codes as such, there is a Special Offers section of the website that offers various cut-price rentals, last minute deals and sometimes anything up to 30% off rental price.
You will often find that a highlighted cottage in this section does not come with any price drop but features added-on value in the form of extras.
You can check out various offers below as well as from their homepage and on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook And Twitter Offers
One way to stay up to date with the latest Sykes Cottages offers is via their Facebook and Twitter pages, where they have only just recently for example, posted discounts of up to 50% off rental prices on both social media platforms for various properties up and down the country.
From The Kitchen Table...
The story begins in the Yorkshire Dales, where the mother of Clive Sykes, the owner of Sykes Cottages ran a fairly low-key letting agency along with a small hotel. As well as the 40 years of experience the family had in the cottage letting business, there is not a time in Clive's life where he can remember his family not being involved in the travel and tourism business in small shape or form.
Her holiday home business involved her letting her own holiday cottages and ones owned by her friends too. It was from the start that Clive saw the potential and demand for a high quality service that benefited owners and holidaymakers, so he and his mother went on over her kitchen table went on to set-up what is now known and loved as Sykes Cottages.
Customer Service Is The Key To Their Success
The thing that has always set Sykes Cottages apart from much of the competition is their enduring commitment to providing, even through economically hard times, cottages of very high standards for very affordable and reasonable prices. This commitment to customer service, pricing and even how they deal with owners, in a fair manner guided by respect and integrity is at the forefront of the reasons why every year they have over 100,000 holidays booked by customers, many of whom are returning customers. So even as the company has expanded and increased its profits over the years, it has never lost sight of what its winning strategy has always been.
Fruits Of Success
In its capacity as a booking agent, as previously noted Sykes Cottages has over 6,000 cottage properties and second homes across the country. 200 people work diligently hard every year to give customers the most pristine service they can and they must be doing something right when they are identified as one of the London Stock Exchange's 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The company has also won the British Travel Award For Best Large Holiday Cottage Agent a number of years. No small feat for a company with such a humble beginnings.
Something For Everyone
Sykes Cottages know that no two holidaymakers will be exactly the same. This is why (and you will see in greater detail further down the page) that not only do they inspect and approve every single one of the 6,000 and more properties they have on their books personally, but they always try to give a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you are looking for something very subtle and homely with a nice log fire in a picturesque slice of the British countryside, or something much more extravagant with jacuzzi and other premium standard features, you will most likely find what you are looking for through Sykes Cottages.
Continuing To Expand Its Reach
The company shows no signs of slowing down or reaching some kind of plateau. What with the lunch of the sister brand Hogan Irish Cottages becoming a leader in the Irish cottage holiday market and their continued search for ways to exploit all online and offline channels of gaining more customers by helping them to easily find the holidays they want.
Using Technology To Its Advantage
One of the ways Sykes Cottages has ensured its continued success and expansion is seeing the important place technology has in modern travel and tourism companies. They have always been one of the torch-bearers when it comes to online booking and incorporating mobile apps. However, although you can book a getaway in a beautiful part of the country with just a few clicks, if you prefer the old fashioned way or need to speak to someone directly about your holiday plans, they have kept their fully dedicated phone booking service running.
As any modern company should, Sykes Cottages know that they need to keep improving and enhancing their services and various platforms, which is why they have continued to tweak and change and redesign their website and apps to make them just right. They now have an iPad App on the way and have been working hard on rewriting the existing Android and iPhone apps with the improvements set to be released in spring next year.
As Sykes Cottages knows a large amount of its business and potential business comes from overseas they have also made improvements with international customers in mind. There is now a fully German-language site and they have deployed a new finance system. This system enables them to easily sell holidays in multiple languages and currencies through a number of different platforms.
The aim as always with anything Sykes Cottages does, is to become and remain the best UK holiday cottage company. They want to do this by building on the reputation of their customer service by increasing the amount of bookings they receive from overseas clients to give them the competitive edge to stay at the top.
They would not be keeping with their humble roots if they did not keep the customer and owners at the heart of everything they do and that goal of providing value for money holidays to British and overseas holidaymakers.
Services
They would not be keeping with their humble roots if they did not keep the customer and owners at the heart of everything they do and that goal of providing value for money holidays to British and overseas holidaymakers.
Featured Cottages
These cottages are hand-picked to help take the hard work out of your holiday property search by introducing you to some of the best value for money properties they have to let up and down the country.
Luxury Properties
Sykes Cottages' Luxury Properties are the properties that meet their full five tick rating and if you are looking for a truly memorable and extra special holiday, one of these may be right for you. Swimming pools, hot tubs and even private chefs are some of the special features of these particular lets.
Pet-Friendly Cottages
As self-explanatory as the name of the section of their properties sounds, Sykes Cottages have put together a list of the best holiday homes they have for pet owners. So if you are looking to take your dog with you on your break, take a look at this selection before any others.
Coastal Cottages
If you are looking to get away from the big cities and want somewhere near the freeing and relaxing ambience of the sea, this section of coastal situated cottages are what you are looking for.
Log Cabins/Lodges
It is not just cottage properties that Sykes Cottages have to offer it's customers as they now have various, en-trend log cabins and lodges. Some of these range in terms of features from the very rustic to the lavishly luxurious.
Yorkshire
It's fitting, giving where it all began for Sykes Cottages, that they have a wide variety of self-catering cottage properties throughout Yorkshire. Whether you are looking to have a holiday along the Yorkshire Coast or more inland towards the Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors or anywhere else in North or South Yorkshire, you will find something that meets your needs with Sykes Cottages.
Lake District
The Lake District is known for its natural beauty, for the high fells and the remote, almost desolate valleys and the sands of the Cumbrian coast. Sykes Cottages have a wide selection of properties to let throughout this expansive and dramatic part of the country. Whether you want to stay at a bustling and lively resort such ass Keswick or Bowness or want something a little quieter, they can help you find the right fit for you.
Cornwall
If you are looking for a location with stunningly dramatic scenery, then you should consider Cornwall for your next self-catering holiday. Sykes Cottages appreciate the appeal of the Cornish in-lands and coast and have various holiday cottages to let in that area. As well as the breathtaking vistas and surroundings, Cornwall also benefits from a comfortably mild climate and some award winning attractions, and when you factor in the world famous scrumpy cider and Cornish pasties, it crumbly Cornish pasty, it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.
Devon
Devon is fast becoming one of the main hubs for holidaymakers, particularly with the rich and the famous and surfers, as there are a growing number of shops, bars and upmarket restaurants being opened in all the best places. There is no doubt that it is a beautiful place to stay and live, and whether you are heading on holiday to a cottage with the family or as a couple, you will not be disappointed. There is such a wide variety of activities from arty things such as classic operas to very traditional events such as garden festivals and sailing regattas, the area is brimming with things to see and do. Sykes Cottages have letting properties in all of the most popular and significant towns and villages such as Torquay, Barnstaple and Lymouth.
Cotswolds
Could there be anything more relaxing than taking a break in a pristine Cotswolds cottage, even for just a few days? Sykes Cottages certainly don't think so, as they have made sure to hand-pick some ideal letting properties at excellent locations throughout this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to make sure if you choose this picture-postcard region of the country as your next holiday destination you will not be disappointed and full able to enjoy it. Pretty streets, quaint antique stores and other gift shops line sweet and truly English towns such as Bourton-on-The-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway. Along with various tea shops from a bygone era, traditional pubs and fine dining eateries.
Dorset
Dorset is a charming rural county in southern England, known for its exceptional combination of countryside and coast, with a variety of different things to see and do. It's no surprise really that Sykes Cottages have properties to let there. Whether you want to stay at one of the more populated and popular towns and villages such as Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Lulworth Cove, Dorchester and Christchurch or somewhere a bit different, you will be able to find something that tickles your fancy with Sykes. Moors, a huge chalk carved fertility symbol, Blue Flag beach, dinosaur exhibits, castles, abbeys and churches are among the attractions that await you in this pretty part of the south.
Isle Of Wight
If you are looking for something a little different from a English south coast holiday, you should consider the Sykes Cottages holiday homes available on the Isle Of Wight. From the moment you set foot on the island, you will notice there's an altogether different pace to life there. Only three miles off the English coast and it may as well be 300 miles. The company has cottages to let in towns such as Cowes, and places near to the gorgeous Shanklin Beach.
Ireland
Just across the water, Northern Island sits, with its chequered history and stunning vistas. Sykes Cottages have put the natural beauty of Ireland as one of the strong selling points for the locations of many of its rental properties.
East Anglia
East Anglia was once an Anglo-Saxon ruled kingdom, but now consists of the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Come here to marvel in the timber-framed villages, popular cities, green meadows and rolling hills and a virtually unspoilt coastline. Visit Suffolk for the medieval village of Laveham and the Heritage Coast resorts such as Durwich and Southwold and if you feel lucky stop by Newmarket Races before visiting an amazing African animal and adventure park. If beaches are more your thing, you should head to Norfolk, as there are miles and miles of beautifully maintained and pristine beaches in places such as Great Yarmouth and Holkham. Essex is where you want to go if you are looking for something the British seem to do better than most - the coastal seaside resort with a pier. Southend-on-Sea is a particularly popular destination. As well as being home to one of the country's most renowned and celebrated Universities, it is also a great place to go punting and there are local vineyards, breweries and the best aviation museum in the country.
Northumberland
If you are looking to visit the north-east of England, then where better than to book a cottage property in Northumbria. Sykes Cottages have hand-picked most popular towns and villages including Holy Island, Beadnell, Embleton, Craster, Durham, Bamburgh, Alnwick and Seahouses as well as many more. Whether you want a countryside getaway in a rural hideaway, to experience the history as well as the unique plant-life and wildlife, or want to have a blissful seaside retreat along the coast, Sykes Cottages have you covered.
Peak District
The Peak District National Park was the very first National Park in the country and it is always worth checking out. Sykes Cottages understand its appeal, which is why they have made sure they have various properties to let in the area. So, if you are looking to explore limestone caves, rocky outcrops on the remote moorlands and walking over the multitude of rolling hills, you should consider renting a property in the Peak District.
Shropshire
Sitting to the side of the Welsh border, the central location of Shropshire makes it ideal for short, spur of the moment breaks as well as longer holidays. Sykes Cottages have properties in many of the main towns and cities of the county, including the likes of Church Stretton, Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury and Ludlow. The overall feeling visiting this part of England is warm and welcoming. A particularly fascinating place to visit when in the area is Ironbridge, a World Heritage Site and the starting point for the Industrial Revolution. In among the scenic beauty of Seven Valley you will find intriguing museums, and in the aforementioned Ludlow and Stolesay, many castles.
Whitby
Although Yorkshire has previously been covered further up the page, it is worth noting that Sykes Cottages have some great cottages to let in and around Whitby, as well as Goathland, Robin Hood's Bay, Sleights and Ruswarp. Whitby is not only a very fashionable, atmospheric and charming place to visit but it also plays an important part in British history during the time of Captain Cook. If you are particularly interested in this part of history, you will want to check out the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, but if you are interested in something altogether darker than Cook's explorations, you may want to go to the Dracula Experience, the churchyard that inspired Bram Stoker to write his most famous novel.
Heart Of England
Although we have spoken about Shropshire further up this very page, Sykes Cottages have not just picked out properties in that county, but also in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire in the part of the country known as the Heart of England. It is so called because of its position at the most central section of England and has enticed many thousands of visitors each year for its vast open and very green spaces with many of the towns having good spots for fishing, riding, cycling and walking. Follow Elgar's footsteps, taste the cider that Herefordshire is renowned for and just relax in Gloucestershire.
Somerset
You can find historical heritage, coast and countryside anywhere in England, or the United Kingdom for that matter. However, one of the best places to find and experience a good mixture of all three is in the captivating and sublime county of Somerset. There is the Exmoor National Park, which is a sheer joy to visit and not just one or two, but three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Mendip Hills, Blackdown and Quantock. Even if you are looking for quintessential English seaside resorts, you will find them in Somerset in the form of Minehead and Weston-Super-Mare, alongside the more traditional quaint and picturesque villages and towns. From the moment you arrive you will understand why Sykes Cottages have invested in properties to let in this part of the country.
Scotland
Sykes Cottages know that England is not the only great place to holiday in the UK, which is why the company assessed and hand-picked a variety of properties in Scotland. From the very remote and rural areas in the Scottish Borders and Highlands to the more populous regions of the central belt. You will be hard pushed to find something that doesn't make your jaw drop and your eyes widen when you take a holiday in Scotland.
Wales
Want to feel like you are still very much on mainland Britain, but at the same time not? Wales is the best place to go if you want that kind of experience. There is no doubt it is a pretty place to stay, but, and Sykes Cottages realise this, Wales and England couldn't be more different in many ways. Beaches, stunning mountains (including of course Snowdonia) and the friendly and quirky locals are some of the country's main selling points.
New Forest
If you are particularly fond of riding, walking or cycling, then the properties Sykes Cottages has sprinkled across one of the most idyllic parts of southern England, New Forest, may be just what you are looking for. New Forest is somewhere you will want to leave the car at the cottage to explore. One of the big tourist draws is the 3000 and counting New Forest Ponies, but you will also find a variety of the things you'd expect from an English rural region such as local delicatessens, sweet makers, bakers, butchers and fishmongers, as well as various craft and antique shops. Not everything is inland here though, as there are beautiful and very traditional seaside resorts to explore along the coast with award winning beaches and a plethora of water-based activities.