Big Cottages Cotswold Water Park: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Cotswold Water Park gives your group access to 150 lakes spread across 40 square miles of stunning Gloucestershire and Wiltshire countryside. This unique landscape was created from former gravel pits and now offers Britain's largest water park with activities ranging from sailing to wildlife watching.
The area works brilliantly for large groups because you get spacious accommodation with gardens and modern facilities alongside outdoor adventures. Properties here range from dog friendly lodges with hot tubs to massive country cottages that sleep 20 guests. You'll find everything from 5 bedroom rentals perfect for families to 10 bedroom houses ideal for hen parties and stag dos.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties. We always set the budget first because holiday homes here vary wildly from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with indoor pools. Location matters too since the water park straddles two counties.
Think hard about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. An 8 bed property might sound perfect but check if it has enough bathrooms for your group size. Distance from the nearest town affects your food shopping options and restaurant choices.
Decide early if you need pet-friendly accommodation or prefer pet-free spaces. Some properties offer enclosed gardens which work brilliantly for dogs. The modern versus rustic question matters because some guests want contemporary self-catering facilities while others prefer traditional country cottages with character.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests as a minimum. Large holiday houses often have fewer bathrooms than bedrooms so check carefully. Properties that sleep 12 might only have three bathrooms which creates morning queues.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest drawing names from a hat or rotating rooms if you're booking for a weekend and staying multiple nights. Some big houses have several equally nice rooms which helps avoid arguments.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide upfront whether couples pay more than singles. Factor in that cottages for 10 or larger groups often need substantial grocery budgets beyond the rental cost.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline two weeks before travel for full payment. Most holiday rentals through Snaptrip and similar platforms require deposits months ahead for Christmas and New Year breaks.
Hidden fees
Check if electricity and heating cost extra during winter. Some properties to let charge for firewood or hot tub usage. Pet fees add up quickly if you're bringing multiple dogs to dog friendly cottages.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms and large dining tables that seat everyone. Houses with hot tubs work brilliantly for evening relaxation after busy days. Some spacious holiday lets include cinema rooms or indoor pools for all-weather entertainment.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find it works better to plan one or two group activities per day and leave free time rather than cramming the schedule.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active water sports with gentler options like wildlife walks. The water park offers 150 lakes so there's genuinely something for all fitness levels and interests within your group.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Most lakes and activity centres sit within a 10-minute drive of each other. Cirencester lies just 5 miles away for shopping and restaurants. Check distances before booking if your group includes non-drivers.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Indoor climbing walls and swimming pools operate year-round nearby. Many large cottages with enclosed gardens let you barbecue under cover. Pubs in surrounding villages provide cosy alternatives to cooking for big groups.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping trips to Cirencester or Swindon
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes chaos so confirm spaces match your vehicle count
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport needs deciding before you arrive
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement terms
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in group accommodation so discuss quiet hours upfront
Top 5 group attractions in Cotswold Water Park
The transformation from working gravel pits to nature reserve happened over 50 years and created unique habitats. Today the area supports over 20,000 waterfowl in winter alongside year-round activities. These attractions suit large groups because they offer flexible timing and cater to mixed abilities.
#1 Cotswold Country Park & Beach
This 150-acre park combines a genuine sandy beach with adventure activities and nature trails. Your group can split between the beach, treetop challenges and lakeside walks. The site handles large groups well with ample parking and multiple activity zones that prevent overcrowding.
#2 Keynes Country Park
Six lakes connected by paths offer swimming, sailing and paddleboarding in summer. Winter brings birdwatching opportunities with hides positioned around the main lake. Groups appreciate the free entry and ability to spend as much or little time as they want exploring different lakes.
#3 Cotswold Water Park Sailing Club
Group sailing sessions and paddleboard hire work for mixed ability groups. Instructors tailor activities to your group size and experience level. The sheltered lakes provide safer conditions than coastal sailing which suits nervous beginners in your party.
#4 Neigh Bridge Country Park
Walking and cycling trails loop around multiple lakes with wildlife viewing platforms. The flat terrain suits all fitness levels from young children to older guests. Groups can split up and meet back at the car park since paths are well-marked and safe.
#5 Cotswold Water Park Gateway Centre
Interactive exhibits explain the area's geology and wildlife with activities for children. The centre provides useful maps and activity information for planning your stay. Staff offer advice on which lakes suit your group's interests whether that's fishing, swimming or birdwatching.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Corinium Museum Cirencester | Roman mosaics and Anglo-Saxon treasures in interactive galleries | Self-guided tours let groups explore at their own pace |
| Cotswold Clubhouse | Indoor golf simulators and sports bar with food service | Competitive games work brilliantly for stag dos and family reunions |
| Brewery tours in Cirencester | Behind-scenes looks at craft beer production with tastings | Group bookings available with private tasting sessions |
| Escape rooms in Swindon | Team puzzle-solving challenges in themed rooms | Perfect for parties of 6-8 or split larger groups into teams |
| Cotswold Artisan Trail workshops | Pottery, glass-blowing and craft sessions with local makers | Hands-on activities create memorable group experiences |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Cotswold Water Park?
Most large holiday houses offer parking for 4-6 vehicles but always confirm exact numbers when booking. Some properties have additional roadside parking while others restrict vehicles due to narrow country lanes.
Can we book cottages to rent for just one night?
One night stays are rare for big groups. Most properties require minimum two-night weekend bookings or three nights during peak seasons. Last minute availability sometimes offers more flexibility.
Do properties that sleep 14 or more allow hen parties?
Policies vary by owner. Many welcome hen parties but ban stag dos or restrict parties to certain properties. Always disclose your group type when booking to avoid losing deposits.
Are there cheap options for large groups?
Off-season rates from November to March offer significant savings. Midweek bookings cost less than weekends. Properties slightly further from the main lakes often provide better value while still offering easy access.
Which properties work best for family reunions with mixed ages?
Look for single-level lodges or houses with ground-floor bedrooms for elderly guests. Properties with both indoor pools and gardens keep children entertained. Cabins clustered together let extended families stay close while maintaining some privacy.
Making the most of your group break
Big Cottages in Cotswold Water Park combine the space and facilities your group needs with access to outdoor adventures and Cotswold villages. The area works year-round with water sports in summer and cosy pub visits in winter.
Book early for Christmas and New Year when the best properties that sleep 20 guests fill up months ahead. Spring and autumn offer quieter lakes and lower rates while still providing good weather for outdoor activities.
Your group gets the freedom of self-catering accommodation without sacrificing comfort. Whether you need an 8 bed cottage for a weekend away or a massive house to hire for a week-long celebration, the water park area delivers both natural beauty and practical facilities for large groups.