The 5 types of B&B location
Thinking of getting away from it all and setting up a B&B? It’s a dream many people have, and there’s a certain romanticized image of B&B ownership. It’s not for everyone, but many do find a new passion in life. But where should you set up or buy your B&B to attract enough guests to make it viable? Here are the top 5 typical locations of B&Bs in the UK – see which strikes your fancy…
Seaside – fun in the British sunHolidays at the seaside are as British as fish’n’chips and 99 – and often include both! Business is still thriving near the coast; particularly in the south with surf havens such as Newquay, Cornwall and Woolacombe, Devon, but seaside retreats are dotted along Britain’s coastlines which continue to attract families and friends. Towns like St. Ives, Robin Hood’s Bay and the Isle of Wight are great holiday or day out destinations – although visits will spike in the summer, you can still guarantee some brave souls year round!
City – bright lightsWhile we tend to think of B&Bs as a getaway from the rat race, there’s also plenty of business to be had in cities – weekend break seekers, theatre and sports fans, shopping spree trips… City based B&Bs offer a different type of break, and so tend to offer a different type of welcome. Guests might not expect a full English and daffodils at the doorstep, rather tips on local restaurants, sleek amenities and local insights on where to get good bargains.
A homely village cottage is probably what springs to mind when you first think of a B&B, and there are a fair few of them out there. With reasonable local transport links and amenities like shops and pubs, while still being close enough to the countryside for a ramble or bike ride, village B&Bs are an all-round safe option for guest and host. Areas like the Cotswolds, the Brecon Beacons and the Lake District are all high on wishlists for city folk wishing to escape for a bit of proper British countryside – so a full English and wellies by the door will go down a storm!
Rural – get away from it allThere’s village countryside getaways, and then there’s rural getaways. This often means being the only house for miles around, set in Scottish mountains, Yorkshire downs or Welsh rolling hills. Nothing but you, the dog and a couple of sheep! For some people, this is the dream. Public transport is a no go, so a sturdy vehicle and a love of the outdoors are absolutely necessary. Loved by ramblers, adventurers and people who have had enough of the Tube, stock up on warm winter essentials and keep that roaring hearth going to welcome guests in from the cold.
For our other categories, it is mainly the landscape and surroundings which are likely to draw a wide range of visitors, but special interest sites are a whole different ball game. Whether it’s historic sites like Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon or the Brontës’ house in Haworth, sporting destinations like Wimbledon, or outdoorsy sites like Stonehenge or Snowdon, you’re sure to attract a particular crowd. If you’re setting up a B&B near one of these attractions, you might want to think about how you can accommodate this type of visitor – guide books, boot racks or bike storage perhaps?
Once you’ve decided where you want to set up your B&B and what type of clientele you’re catering for, why not post an ad for your B&B on Roomlala? If you’re not sure about going the whole hog, try renting out your spare room to tourists, students or commuters on a short term basis to see whether it’s for you.
Author: Roomlala
