Making the most of ‘out of season’: How to attract more downtime bookings for your property

Here are some practical ways to make your holiday home stand out:

1. Keep your availability up to date

This might sound obvious, but it's one of the most important things you can do.

If your availability calendar isn't accurate, potential guests may overlook your property or assume that you aren't accepting bookings outside of peak season. Nobody wants to spend time enquiring about a holiday, only to discover that the dates they want aren't available, and many guests will see a blocked-out calendar and assume that means no availability.
Make sure your listing clearly shows when your caravan or lodge is available, particularly during the quieter months when you’re trying to increase bookings. If you have space for autumn weekends, October half term, winter breaks or festive getaways, let people know.

An up-to-date calendar makes it easier for guests to find a date that works for them and gives them one less reason to move on to another property.

2. Show guests what there is to do nearby

A great way to encourage out-of-season bookings is to help your potential guests picture themselves enjoying a break in your area.

Not everyone is looking for a beach holiday in the sunshine - and in fact, anyone looking for an out-of-season UK break won’t be expecting that. They’ll be far more likely to expect chilly dog walks on the beach and hot chocolate by the fire. 
Autumn and winter can be ideal for exploring somewhere new, enjoying the great outdoors or simply having a change of scenery. Many destinations are quieter and offer more in the way of local charm than they might do in the busy summer months. 

Think about what makes your location appealing throughout the year. You could include information about:

• Local beaches and coastal walks.
• Woodland trails, countryside walks and scenic viewpoints.
• National Trust properties, gardens and historic attractions - those with an excellent cafe or tea room will be particularly appreciated!
• Family-friendly activities and indoor soft play centres (if you can welcome families to your property).
• Local markets, seasonal events and attractions that remain open out of season.
• Places where guests can enjoy a dog walk, if your property welcomes dogs.

You don't need to create a full tourist guide, but a few useful suggestions can make a big difference. Provide links to relevant attractions or their websites so guests can find out more.

A family considering an October break, for example, might be much more likely to book if they can see that there's a soft play centre nearby for a rainy afternoon, as well as lovely walks for when the sun comes out. 

3. Highlight the little extras inside your accommodation

When the weather isn't guaranteed, guests want to know that they'll be comfortable and entertained inside your holiday home.

Your caravan or lodge may already have everything needed for a relaxing break, and you know what a cosy little hideaway it can be - but are you making that clear in your listing? 

Take a look at what you provide and consider adding details such as:

• Wi-Fi, so guests can stay connected or work remotely if needed.
• A Netflix subscription or access to other streaming services, where provided.
• Board games for family evenings.
• Jigsaws for some screen-free entertainment.
• A well-equipped kitchen for cooking a cosy meal.
• A comfortable place to sit and relax after a day out.
• Fireguards if you have a woodburner or open fire, to keep pets and children safe.

You might have forgotten these details are a selling point, but to a guest they mean a rainy afternoon doesn't have to ruin a holiday when there's a jigsaw on the table, a good film ready to watch and a comfortable place to put your feet up.
Just remember to keep your listing accurate and only mention facilities or subscriptions that are genuinely available to guests. No one will thank you if they turn up to discover the thing that made booking your property a no-brainer was never actually available. 

4. Highlight amazing local eateries

Food, for many, is part of the holiday experience, whatever the season. In the summer it might be fabulous fish & chips and a perfect cream tea, but in the winter hot chocolates, cake, and a cosy pub lunch can be a game changer. 

A list of popular and highly rated local cafés, pubs and restaurants can be a useful addition to your listing, particularly for guests who don't know the area.

Perhaps there's a cosy café serving excellent hot chocolate, a country pub with a roaring fire, or a restaurant offering delicious food with a view. These are the kinds of details that can make a break feel special, even when the weather is a little less predictable.

You could include recommendations for:

• A favourite café for coffee, hot chocolate and cake.
• A dog-friendly pub serving a hearty lunch after a long walk.
• A family-friendly restaurant.
• A cosy spot for an evening meal.
• A bakery or farm shop worth visiting.
• A restaurant that’s a local favourite

At Redpoll, we're particularly fond of a good hot chocolate and cake with a view. If you have a local favourite that tempts you back time and time again, tell your guests about it!

Where possible, include links to the businesses' websites or social media pages, and check opening times before recommending them. Seasonal opening hours can change, especially during the quieter months, so make sure you check several times during the off-peak season to ensure opening times haven’t changed without you realising. 

5. Give it a final once-over before guests arrive

Before welcoming guests for the autumn and winter season, it's worth making the trip to your caravan or lodge to check that everything is in good working order. If you have the time you could consider staying in it for a night or two, to give it a proper test run and make sure everything is as it should be. 

After a busy summer, a little time spent checking the details can help you spot problems before they become an issue for guests.

Take a look at:

• Lights and lamps.
• Heating and hot water.
• Kitchen appliances and utensils.
• Crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment.
• Wi-Fi and entertainment systems.
• Board games, books and other guest amenities.
• Outdoor furniture and any other facilities included in your listing.

Make sure everything is clean, safe and ready for winter guests; replace anything that's broken or missing, and check that the information in your listing still reflects what is actually available.

It's also a good opportunity to step back and look at your holiday home through a guest's eyes. Is there anything that would make their stay more comfortable, particularly on a chilly or wet day?

6. Update your photos

If your listing is full of sunny summer photographs, it may be time to add a few seasonal images.

Autumn and winter can be fantastic times to take photographs of your holiday lodge or caravan and the surrounding area. The changing colours, golden light and atmospheric skies can create some beautiful images, so get out for a stomp round the local area with your camera.

Think about capturing:

• Your holiday home surrounded by autumn colours.
• A crisp, frosty, morning view from the decking.
• Nearby beaches or countryside on a bright autumn day.
• Scenic walks with golden leaves and seasonal scenery.
• Cosy indoor spaces that show off your accommodation.
• Winter sunsets, festive details or beautiful local views.

You don't need a professional photographer or expensive equipment. A smartphone and a little attention to natural light can produce some lovely results. 

Try taking photographs at different times of day, and make sure your accommodation is tidy and welcoming before you start. A few fresh images could help your listing feel more current and give potential guests a better idea of what your property is like outside the summer season.

For more advice, check out our photography tips blog on how to capture your holiday accommdation's best angles for listings.

Make your holiday home appealing all year round

Attracting out-of-season bookings shouldn’t mean making big changes to your property - in fact, it’s more about helping guests see just what awaits them outside of the traditional holiday season.

Keep your availability accurate, showcase what’s going on in the local area, highlight your facilities, share your favourite local recommendations and make sure your photographs reflect the beauty of the seasons.

Most importantly, remember that guests are booking an experience, not just a place to sleep. Whether that's a family adventure, a romantic weekend, a countryside escape or a few peaceful days by the coast, your listing should help them imagine the memories they could make.

Ready to give your listing a seasonal refresh?

At Redpoll Holiday Lettings, we make it easier for holiday lodge and caravan owners to showcase their properties and reach potential guests.

If your holiday home has availability beyond the summer months, why not make sure it's being seen by people looking for their next getaway?

List your holiday property with Redpoll and give it the chance to attract bookings throughout the year.