What’s for Tea on Holiday?
When you’re on holiday, mealtimes can either be the highlight of the day or a bit of a hassle — especially if you’re travelling as a family or with a big group. With all the planning, packing, and adventuring, it’s tempting to grab something quick. After all, a familiar McDonald’s or KFC is often just around the corner.
But there’s another side to holiday dining — slow breakfasts, shared evening meals, and homemade favourites, all enjoyed in the comfort of your own space. If you’re staying in one of our Smart Estates holiday lets on the Yorkshire Coast, home cooking becomes less of a chore and more of an experience.
So, which is better? Let’s weigh up fast food vs home cooking while you’re on holiday.
Fast Food and Home Cooking – The Basics
Fast Food on Holiday
Chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Greggs offer convenience, predictability, and instant gratification. You know what to expect, it’s quick, and there’s minimal clean-up. Ideal after a long day at the beach or when the kids are “starving”.
Home Cooking in Your Holiday Let
On the flip side, cooking at “home” means you can tailor meals to your group, save money, and enjoy a relaxed meal without queuing or rushing. It’s often more social too — especially in our spacious holiday lets with big kitchens and dining areas.
Home Cooking Has Holiday Benefits
While grabbing a takeaway now and then is part of the fun, home cooking offers a richer, more rewarding experience for longer stays or larger families.
Here’s why cooking in your Smart Estates holiday home is worth considering:
Quality time together – Prepping a meal, laying the table, and eating as a group creates shared moments and relaxed conversation.
Healthier choices – You control the ingredients, portions, and mealtime pace. Great for picky eaters or those with dietary needs.
Save money – Feeding a family of six at a drive-thru adds up quickly. A few supermarket essentials go a lot further.
Local produce – The Yorkshire Coast has brilliant local butchers, greengrocers, and fishmongers. Why not try something new?
How Our Holiday Lets Make Cooking Easy (and Enjoyable)
At Smart Estates Holiday Lets, we know that a great kitchen can make all the difference. That’s why our properties are fully equipped for group self-catering, with everything from full-size ovens and fridges to plenty of workspace and dining room seating.
Many of our guests love the open-plan kitchens, perfect for chatting while cooking, keeping an eye on the kids, or enjoying a glass of wine as dinner bubbles away. Some even come with dishwashers, outdoor BBQs, and breakfast bars — ideal for everything from big family dinners to relaxed weekend brunches.
Need a few meal ideas? How about:
A locally sourced fry-up before a day of walking in Whitby
A homemade pasta bake with garlic bread and a view of the sea
BBQ burgers in the garden while the kids play
Even just beans on toast with a side of peace and quiet
Of course, we’re not saying avoid fast food completely. You’ll find McDonald’s and KFC in nearby towns like Scarborough, Bridlington, and Whitby, and they’re a great fallback on busy days. But when your holiday let is as comfortable and spacious as ours, eating in might just become your favourite new tradition.
Make Mealtimes Part of the Holiday
Fast food has its place — especially when hunger hits mid-adventure — but home cooking in one of our well-equipped holiday lets offers far more than just a meal. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and make the most of your Yorkshire Coast stay.
Browse our collection of family-sized holiday homes in Whitby, Filey, Hunmanby, and Bridlington, and get ready to enjoy good food, good company, and a proper taste of holiday freedom.
