A stay in a self catering holiday cottage does not exclude eating out on holiday, it merely offers the freedom to choose. For that reason, it can be convenient to rent a cottage with a pub or local eatery within walking distance so that you can have a pint or two with your meal and then walk back to your temporary holiday home.
If your cottage is located in a rural area, it pays to take a torch with you so that you can find your way back after dark.