Big Cottages Gloucester: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Gloucester gives you a brilliant base to explore this historic cathedral city along with the kind of luxury and space you can't get from even the best hotel. We're talking about properties that sleep 12 or more guests with all the facilities your group needs for an unforgettable break.
You're spoiled for choice too with everything from dog friendly country cottages with enclosed gardens to spacious properties with hot tubs and indoor pools. Gloucester sits perfectly between the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean which means your group gets easy access to stunning countryside alongside the city's Roman heritage and Victorian docks.
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 rental costs for large holiday houses vary massively depending on season and facilities. We always recommend being realistic about what you actually need versus what looks nice in photos.
Location matters more than you think. Some massive properties sit miles from anywhere which sounds romantic until you need shops or restaurants. Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you really need because a 10 bedroom cottage with two bathrooms creates queues nobody wants on holiday.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference to your search. Many large cottages for groups welcome dogs but some guests have allergies so sort this out early. Modern or rustic affects everything from heating costs to whether your gran can manage the stairs.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count heads properly and add one bedroom if possible. Holiday rentals that sleep 14 might have bunk rooms which work for kids but not adults. We reckon you need one bathroom per four guests minimum to avoid morning chaos.
Bedroom allocation drama
Who gets the master suite causes more arguments than you'd think. Sort this before you arrive by being upfront about room sizes. Some groups draw straws while others let whoever books pay less for smaller rooms.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a shared spreadsheet or app to track everything. Self-catering accommodation for big groups means shopping bills and activity costs add up fast. Decide whether you're splitting equally or tracking individual spending before money gets awkward.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books but chasing payments from ten mates gets old quickly. Set a deadline for transfers and be clear about cancellation policies. Most holiday cottages need full payment eight weeks before arrival.
Hidden fees
Read the small print on everything. Some properties charge extra for heating or electricity. Others add cleaning fees or require you to bring your own linen. Cheap cottages often have these extras that make them less cheap.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms or cinema rooms because weather in Britain is unpredictable. Houses to rent with hot tubs give you something to do in the evening and an indoor pool means kids stay entertained whatever happens outside.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities then vote on favourites. Don't pack every hour because people need downtime. We find a mix of group outings and free time works best for large groups.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants the same things and that's fine. Book tickets in advance for popular attractions because turning up with 20 people rarely works.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times not just distances. Gloucester Cathedral sits in the city centre but Forest of Dean attractions spread over a wide area. Factor in parking for multiple cars at each destination.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Have indoor alternatives ready for every outdoor plan. Gloucester Quays offers shopping and restaurants under cover. The city has excellent museums that work for groups when rain stops play.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone drives constantly for supplies
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes stress before you even unpack
- Who organizes everything including food and activities and transport needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls
Top 5 group attractions in Gloucester
Gloucester transformed from industrial port to cultural destination while keeping its Roman roots visible throughout the city. The Victorian docks now house museums and restaurants while the cathedral dominates the skyline just as it has for centuries. Groups find plenty here from history to shopping.
#1 Gloucester Cathedral
This stunning Norman cathedral featured in Harry Potter films and offers guided tours perfect for groups. The cloisters are instantly recognizable and the tower climb gives incredible views across three counties. Book group tours in advance because they fill up fast during peak season.
#2 Gloucester Quays
Designer outlet shopping in converted Victorian warehouses means your group can split between shops and waterside cafes. Over 90 stores offer something for everyone and the covered areas work whatever the weather. Free parking for multiple cars makes this easy for large groups.
#3 National Waterways Museum
Interactive exhibits about Britain's canal heritage keep groups entertained for hours. You can board historic boats and try lock gates yourselves. The museum offers group rates and sits right on the docks so you can combine it with lunch nearby.
#4 Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Military history spanning 300 years presented through personal stories and interactive displays. Groups get dedicated guides who tailor tours to your interests. The museum sits in the historic docks area making it easy to combine with other attractions.
#5 Gloucester Folk Museum
Tudor buildings house exhibits about daily life from Roman times to present day. Groups can explore at their own pace through rooms showing everything from Victorian kitchens to medieval trades. Free entry makes this brilliant for budget-conscious groups.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Cathedral | Norman architecture and Harry Potter filming locations with tower climbs | Group tours available and enough space for large parties to explore together |
| Gloucester Quays | Designer outlet shopping with waterside dining in converted warehouses | Multiple venues mean groups can split up then regroup easily |
| National Waterways Museum | Interactive canal heritage exhibits with historic boats to board | Group rates and hands-on activities that work for mixed ages |
| Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum | Military history through personal stories and interactive displays | Dedicated group guides who adapt tours to your interests |
| Gloucester Folk Museum | Tudor buildings showing daily life from Roman times onwards | Free entry and self-guided exploration suits different paces |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Gloucester?
Book at least six months ahead for peak times like Christmas and New Year. Last minute availability exists but you'll have limited choice for properties that sleep 20 or more guests.
What's the minimum stay for large holiday houses?
Most properties require three nights minimum but some accept one night bookings outside peak season. Weekend breaks typically run Friday to Monday while week-long stays offer better value.
Are there cottages to rent near Gloucester suitable for hen parties or stag dos?
Yes but check the property rules first. Some owners restrict parties while others welcome celebrations. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms work brilliantly for these occasions.
Can we find dog friendly accommodation for large groups?
Absolutely. Many country cottages around Gloucester welcome multiple dogs and have enclosed gardens. Always confirm how many pets are allowed because limits vary between properties.
What about group accommodation with an indoor pool?
Several large holiday houses near Gloucester feature indoor pools though they're less common than hot tubs. These properties get booked early so search on sites like Snaptrip well in advance.
Finding the right group cottage in Gloucester sets up your entire break for success. We recommend starting your search early and being clear about your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. The city offers enough attractions to fill several days while the surrounding countryside provides peaceful retreats.
Whether you're planning a family reunion or celebrating a special occasion the combination of spacious self-catering properties and accessible attractions makes Gloucester ideal for large groups. Book your accommodation first then build your itinerary around what everyone wants to experience.