Self-catering cottages have come a long way from cold linoleum floors, saggy sofas, nylon sheets and the great smell of bleach.  Here's just a sample of what's available across the UK

Self-catering cottages have come a long way from cold linoleum floors, saggy sofas, nylon sheets and the great smell of bleach.  Here's just a sample of what's available across the UK.

For Birders: Lavender Cottage's uninterrupted views over the Wirral Peninsula's Burton Mere Wetlands are a birdwatcher's delight.  The nearby RSPB reserve attracts species from buzzards, kingfishers and black-tailed godwits to linnets and little egrets.  Guests at the two-bedroom cottage can head down to the reserve using two mountain bikes included at no extra cost.  7-nights from £295.  Contact sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/North-Wales-Snowdonia-Burton/Lavender-Cottage-5384.html

For Couples: Situated in the Borders' village of Newstead, Mill Lade Cottage is not your average, quaint one-bedroom hideaway.  Nominated for a design award, the stylish, modern and airy interior is only surpassed in wow factor by an extensive balcony extending towards the tree canopy and bounded by clear glass balustrade.  From £54 per night. Contact coolstays.com/mill-lade-cottage

For Families: Near the Shropshire hamlet of Plaish, Turnip House sits amidst a working 700-acre farm.  As well as four bedrooms the Grade II barn conversion has two games' rooms - featuring pool, table football and table tennis, whilst outside are tennis courts, pedal go-karts and a play area.  Kids can lend a hand feeding the chickens and even take rides on the farm's ponies.  7-nights from £542.  Contact sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Peak-District-North-Wales-Snowdonia-Plaish/Turnip-House-1020.html

For Foodies:  Maximum opportunity combines with maximum temptation at Bryn Cottage in the seaside town of Padstow.  Within easy reach of Rick Stein's six restaurants, including St Petroc's Hotel where guests breakfast, and having an interior designed by Jill Stein, this luxury one bedroom retreat may qualify as a guilty pleasure.  From £300 per night B&B.  Contact rickstein.com/Bryn-Cottage-Accommodation.html

For Golfers:  Near the Devon village of Tedburn St Mary, Dartmoor Edge Lodge lies just off the fairway at Fingle Glen Golf Course.  The two-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin cottage come with engaging views over the 18-hole par 70 course.  Guests have unlimited use of the course, the associated golf academy and driving range.  7-nights from £316.  Contact sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Devony-Pathfinder-Village/Dartmoor-Edge-Lodge-13133.html

For Off-gridders: Not far from Fishguard, on the coast at Strumble Head, a garden gate leads straight onto the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.  A wood burning stove and Rayburn tick the essential boxes for Penrhyn's three-bedroom off-grid bolt hole. Forget TV - there's no electricity.  Lamps are gas, oil or candlelight, and there's a gas fridge too.  7-nights from £519.  Contact coastalcottages.co.uk/cottages/?ref=22107

For Trainspotters:  Trackside is the best way to describe the location of Railway Cottage.  Built under the auspices of great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, the three-bedroom cottage sits next to the West Somerset Railway steam heritage line.  Steam is also a feature of cottage's hot tub, positioned to allow clear views of passing locos whilst enjoying a relaxing soak.  From £61 per night.  Contact coolstays.com/property/railway-cottage/16664

For Sailors:  It's hardly surprising that a former coastguard station overlooking Kent's Dungeness beach offers epic sea views.  Protected within the vast expanse of Romney Mash, Coastguard Lookout now sleeps five in style and comfort far exceeding that enjoyed by the previous coastguard inhabitants.  Weekends from £539.  Contact mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-kent/84210-coastguard-lookout/

For Stargazers:  TheUK's first Dark Sky Park was designated in Galloway Forest's 300 square miles of light pollution-free hills - it's estimated that the park's inky black skies allow more than 7,000 stars to be seen solely with the naked eye. Newton Stuart's Burnside Cottage sleeps two and lies close to the dark heart of the forest.  7-nights from £340.  Contact scottish-cottages.co.uk/southern-scotland/dumfries-galloway/burnside-cottage-newton-stewart#overview

For Walkers:  At the end of a perfect glacial valley overlooking Ullswater, the restored Lakeland farmhouse of Hause Hall sleeps ten and lies amongst the loose scattering of cottages making up the hamlet of Martindale.  Climb Hallin Fell for views down the lake towards the Pennines or hike around Ullswater itself, taking a steamer back to Howtown jetty.  From £234 per night.  Contact coolstays.com/hause-hall

This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com