Big Cottages Cotswolds: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Cotswolds gives you the perfect base to explore honey-coloured villages and rolling hills with the kind of space and luxury that hotels simply can't match. We're talking about properties that sleep 12 or more guests with proper living areas where everyone can actually gather together.
The Cotswolds offers everything from massive country cottages with enclosed gardens to spacious holiday homes with hot tubs. You'll find properties ranging from 5 bedroom retreats to grand houses that sleep 20. Many come dog friendly too so the whole family can join your break.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before you even look at properties. Set your budget first because holiday cottages for groups vary wildly in price. We recommend checking SnapTrip for last minute deals on large holiday houses.
Location matters more than you think. Do you want to be in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water or prefer something more isolated? Consider 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 everything from food shopping to emergency supplies. Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference to your search. Modern or rustic changes the entire vibe of your stay.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. Big groups need at least three bathrooms to avoid morning chaos. Properties that sleep 14 should ideally have four bathrooms. Don't assume a 10 bedroom cottage has enough facilities.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest drawing names from a hat or rotating if you're booking for a weekend and planning to return. Couples usually get priority over singles but establish this early.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide if couples pay more than singles. Some groups split evenly regardless while others calculate per person. Get this sorted before anyone pays deposits.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment. Bank transfers work better than cash. Chase people early because someone always forgets.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning fees and security deposits. Some holiday rentals charge extra for heating during winter. Dog friendly properties often add pet fees. Read the small print on linen and towel provision.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms and indoor pools for rainy days. Large cottages often feature cinema rooms and hot tubs. Some massive holiday homes include tennis courts and enclosed gardens perfect for children and dogs.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Vote on top choices then book tickets in advance for popular attractions. Assign different people to organize each day.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because not everyone wants constant activity. Split into smaller groups for different interests. Plan one big group meal daily but let people do their own thing otherwise.
Think about how far it is to activities - Check actual driving times to attractions you want to visit. The Cotswolds is bigger than it looks. Factor in parking availability at popular spots during peak season.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Book at least two indoor activities before you arrive. Many cottages to rent include board games and books. Nearby market towns offer shopping and cafes when outdoor plans fail.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping before arrival
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily hassle so confirm spaces match vehicle numbers
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and activities needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules requires ground rules about noise after midnight
Top 5 group attractions in Cotswolds
The Cotswolds transforms from bustling market towns to peaceful countryside within minutes. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers group accommodation options near world-class attractions. Large groups can explore everything from historic estates to wildlife parks.
#1 Blenheim Palace
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers 2000 acres of parkland and one of Britain's greatest houses. Groups can explore state rooms and formal gardens together. The palace provides excellent facilities for big groups including group tours and spacious grounds for picnics.
#2 Cotswold Wildlife Park
Home to over 260 species across 160 acres of landscaped parkland. The park suits all ages with everything from rhinos to reptiles. Large groups appreciate the extensive grounds and multiple picnic areas that prevent overcrowding.
#3 Bourton-on-the-Water
Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds with its low bridges and River Windrush. This village offers museums and attractions within walking distance. Groups can split up to explore different attractions then regroup at riverside cafes.
#4 Sudeley Castle
A thousand years of history with royal connections and award-winning gardens. The castle hosts events throughout the year including Christmas markets. Group tickets available and plenty of space for large parties to explore independently.
#5 Broadway Tower
This iconic folly sits atop the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. The views stretch across 16 counties on clear days. Perfect for groups wanting outdoor activities with the tower providing shelter and exhibitions.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Blenheim Palace | State rooms, Churchill exhibition and extensive art collections | Multiple rooms prevent bottlenecks and group tours available |
| Cotswold Motoring Museum | Vintage cars, toys and recreated shops from bygone eras | Compact size keeps groups together while offering varied interests |
| Corinium Museum | Roman mosaics and Anglo-Saxon treasures from local excavations | Educational for mixed-age groups with interactive displays |
| Sudeley Castle | Tudor history and Katherine Parr's final resting place | Self-guided tours let groups explore at own pace |
| Gloucester Cathedral | Medieval architecture and Harry Potter filming location | Free entry and spacious interior accommodates large groups |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Cotswolds?
Book 6-12 months ahead for Christmas and New Year breaks. Summer holidays and bank holidays need similar advance booking. Last minute deals appear occasionally but don't risk it for hen parties or family reunions.
What size property do we need for our group?
Count actual guests then add one bedroom as buffer space. A group of 10 needs cottages for 10 minimum but an 8 bed property might work if some couples don't mind sharing. Always check bathroom numbers match your needs.
Are properties suitable for stag dos and hen parties?
Many large holiday houses don't accept stag dos due to noise concerns. Be honest when booking because you'll lose your deposit otherwise. Some properties specifically cater to parties so search for those instead.
Can we bring dogs to group cottages?
Loads of holiday lets welcome dogs but check maximum numbers allowed. Some charge per pet while others include them free. Properties with enclosed gardens work best for multiple dogs.
What about one night stays or weekend rentals?
Most self-catering properties require minimum three-night stays. Weekend bookings typically run Friday to Monday. One night stays are rare except last minute cancellations. Lodges and cabins sometimes offer more flexibility than traditional cottages.
Big Cottages in Cotswolds provide the perfect setting for group breaks whether you're planning a family reunion or celebrating special occasions. The combination of spacious accommodation and proximity to attractions makes this region ideal for large groups. We recommend booking early and planning key activities in advance while leaving flexibility for spontaneous exploration.