Big Cottages Huntley: Your Group Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Huntley gives your group a peaceful rural base in Gloucestershire with easy access to the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. This small village sits between Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye and offers genuine countryside charm without being miles from anywhere useful.
We find Huntley perfect for family reunions and hen parties because you get proper countryside views and walking routes right on your doorstep. The village has strong links to the cider-making industry and sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You're also just 15 minutes from Gloucester's shops and restaurants when you need them.
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 large holiday houses vary wildly in price. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas or New Year costs significantly more than the same place in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit down long farm tracks which are fine in summer but tricky in winter. Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency pharmacy runs.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you really need? A group of 12 adults needs more bathrooms than 12 people including children. We always recommend at least one bathroom per four guests to avoid morning chaos.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference. Dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens cost more but save arguments. Modern or rustic affects heating bills and comfort levels for older guests.
Plan these in advance
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets which room before you arrive. The master suite question causes more arguments than anything else. We suggest drawing names from a hat or giving it to whoever organized everything.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a shared spreadsheet or app like Splitwise. Decide upfront whether couples pay double or if you're splitting equally per person. This matters for cottages to rent because the total can be substantial.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment. Most holiday rentals need full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival so chase people early.
Hidden fees
Check what's included. Some properties charge extra for heating and electricity. Hot tub running costs can add £50-100 to your bill. Linen and towels aren't always included in cheap last minute deals.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms or cinema rooms. An indoor pool is brilliant for groups with children. Houses to rent with hot tubs give you something to do in the evening without leaving the property.
Coordinating group activities - Create a shared document where everyone adds suggestions. Don't try to do everything together. Split into smaller groups for some activities so people can choose what interests them.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Plan one or two group meals and leave other times flexible. Book any must-do activities in advance but leave gaps for spontaneous plans or just relaxing.
Distance to activities - Check actual driving times not just mileage. Rural roads take longer than you expect. Properties for big groups work best when major attractions are within 30 minutes.
Backup plans for bad weather - The Forest of Dean gets wet. Have indoor alternatives ready. Gloucester Docks has museums and restaurants. Cheltenham is 20 minutes away with shops and cafes.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking spaces match your number of cars - most large cottages have 4-6 spaces maximum
- Assign one person as main organizer but delegate specific tasks to others
- Agree on house rules about noise levels and quiet times
- Clarify the damage deposit policy and who's responsible if something breaks
- Discuss sleep schedules especially if mixing families with young children and groups wanting late nights
- Book any restaurants for large groups well ahead - many local pubs can't accommodate parties of 10+ without notice
Top 5 group attractions in Huntley
The area around Huntley transformed from industrial heritage to outdoor adventure destination. The Forest of Dean offers activities for massive groups while Gloucester provides history and culture. These attractions suit everyone from stag dos to family gatherings.
#1 Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
This 4.5 mile trail through Cannop Valley features contemporary art installations in ancient woodland. Your group can split up and explore at different paces then meet at the cafe. The trail works for all fitness levels with shorter loop options available.
#2 Gloucester Cathedral
This Norman cathedral featured in Harry Potter films and offers guided tours for groups. The cloisters are instantly recognizable and the tower climb provides views across three counties. We recommend booking group tours in advance for better rates.
#3 Clearwell Caves
These ancient iron mines let groups explore underground caverns and learn about mining history. The temperature stays constant year-round making it perfect for bad weather days. Large groups can book private tours outside normal hours.
#4 Puzzlewood
This ancient woodland inspired Tolkien and features twisted trees and moss-covered rocks. The maze of pathways keeps groups entertained for hours. It's particularly good for mixed-age groups because everyone finds it interesting.
#5 Symonds Yat Rock
This viewpoint overlooks a dramatic horseshoe bend in the River Wye. Groups can watch peregrine falcons and enjoy walks along the river. The nearby village has pubs and a hand-pulled ferry that guests always enjoy.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Docks | Waterfront museums including the National Waterways Museum and Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum with interactive exhibits | Multiple venues let groups split up then regroup at dockside restaurants |
| Dean Heritage Centre | Forest history museum with indoor galleries covering mining and forestry plus traditional crafts demonstrations | Group rates available and large cafe for refreshments |
| Cheltenham Racecourse | Horse racing venue with restaurants and hospitality boxes for race days throughout the year | Can accommodate large groups with advance booking and package deals |
| Gloucester Brewery | Working brewery offering tours and tastings in their historic building near the docks | Group tours available with private tasting sessions for parties |
| Cinderford Cinema | Independent cinema showing mainstream and art house films in comfortable surroundings | Can arrange group bookings and has nearby restaurants for meals |
Visitor FAQs
How many bedrooms do we actually need for our group?
Count adults and children separately. Couples typically share but check with everyone first. An 8 bed property usually sleeps 14-16 people. Properties that sleep 20 need 10 bedrooms minimum. Always book one bedroom more than your absolute minimum for comfort.
What's the cancellation policy for Big Cottages in Huntley?
Most holiday lets require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival and offer no refunds after that unless you have insurance. Some properties offer flexible cancellation up to 2 weeks before. Always buy travel insurance when booking group accommodation because someone inevitably needs to cancel.
Can we book a cottage for one night or weekend only?
Most spacious properties require minimum 3-night stays and week-long bookings during peak season. One night stays are rare for large holiday houses. Weekend breaks are possible outside summer and school holidays but expect higher per-night rates.
Are properties that sleep 10 or more suitable for hen parties?
Check the property rules first. Some owners don't allow single-sex groups or have strict noise policies. Lodges and villas in rural locations work better than cottages in villages. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms suit celebrations best.
How do we find cheap last minute deals on group cottages?
Check sites like Snaptrip for discounted availability within 6 weeks of travel. Owners drop prices to fill gaps. Self-catering properties for big groups rarely stay empty so deals do appear. Avoid Christmas and New Year when everything books up months ahead.
Making the most of your group break
Big Cottages in Huntley give you the space and facilities that hotels simply can't match. You get proper kitchens for group meals and enough bathrooms to avoid queues. The location puts you right in the heart of the Forest of Dean.
We love how rental properties let groups create their own schedule. Cook breakfast when you want it. Gather in spacious living areas without disturbing other guests. Properties with gardens and hot tubs mean entertainment is built in.
The surrounding area offers everything from outdoor adventures to historic sites. Your group can explore together or split up based on interests. That flexibility makes group holidays work for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.