Big Cottages Newnham: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Newnham gives you access to one of Gloucestershire's most charming riverside villages. This historic settlement sits on a dramatic horseshoe bend of the River Severn and offers genuine character with its Victorian architecture and ancient woodland backdrop.
The village works brilliantly for large groups because you get proper countryside peace without being miles from anywhere. Newnham sits between the Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale with excellent links to Gloucester and the Wye Valley. You'll find spacious properties with gardens and plenty of group accommodation options including holiday cottages that sleep 12 or more.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even look at properties. We always recommend setting your budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly in price. Factor in whether you need dog friendly accommodation or an enclosed garden if pets are coming along.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit deep in rural areas whilst others are walking distance from Newnham's shops and pubs. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you genuinely need rather than just counting heads. Two couples sharing a bathroom works fine but eight people sharing one doesn't.
Modern or rustic makes a real difference to your stay. Some guests want sleek holiday homes with hot tubs and indoor pools whilst others prefer traditional cottages to rent with original features. Neither is better but knowing what your group wants saves arguments later.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Work out your bedroom needs properly. A property that sleeps 20 might have mostly twin rooms which won't suit couples. Count bathrooms too because one bathroom per five guests is the absolute minimum for comfortable group holidays.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before you arrive. The master suite question causes more friction than you'd believe. We suggest rotating premium rooms if you're booking multiple breaks or drawing names from a hat for family reunions.
Splitting costs between your group
Be transparent about money from day one. Some groups split the rental equally whilst others charge more for couples taking larger rooms. Apps like Splitwise track who owes what and prevent awkward conversations later.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and pays the deposit for holiday rentals. Set clear expectations about when you need reimbursement. Chasing money ruins friendships so get payments sorted at least two weeks before travel.
Hidden fees
Read the small print on properties carefully. Some cheap cottages add cleaning fees or charge extra for heating. Factor in costs for firewood, electricity and tourist taxes where applicable. Last minute bookings sometimes waive certain fees so it's worth asking.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups often include games rooms, log burners and spacious kitchens perfect for cooking together. Properties with hot tubs or an indoor pool keep everyone entertained regardless of weather. Look for cottages with large dining tables because squeezing 14 people around a table built for eight gets old fast.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find that mixing structured plans with free time works best. Don't pack every hour because large groups need downtime and people want flexibility during their weekend breaks.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Accept that you won't please everyone all the time. Offer two or three options for each day so groups can split up. Some want adventure whilst others prefer relaxing in the holiday let with a book.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times to places you want to visit. Newnham sits roughly 20 minutes from Gloucester and 30 minutes from the Forest of Dean. Multiple car journeys with big groups take longer than you expect so build in buffer time.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - British weather demands Plan B options. Research indoor activities within 30 minutes drive. Having board games, films and decent WiFi at your self-catering accommodation saves the day when rain cancels outdoor plans.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking capacity matches your group size - many massive properties only have space for three or four cars
- Confirm the nearest shops and restaurants because some lodges sit miles from amenities
- Assign one person to coordinate food shopping and meal planning to avoid chaos
- Understand the damage policy and who's liable if something breaks during your stay
- Discuss quiet hours because managing different sleep schedules prevents friction in group cottages
- Book popular restaurants in advance especially for Christmas and New Year breaks
- Arrange activities like hen party packages or stag dos before arrival
Top 5 group attractions in Newnham
Newnham and the surrounding area offer brilliant options for large groups wanting variety. The Forest of Dean provides outdoor adventures whilst historic Gloucester delivers culture and shopping. This mix of countryside and heritage sites means you can easily fill a long weekend without anyone getting bored.
#1 Forest of Dean
This ancient woodland covers 110 square kilometres and offers activities for all fitness levels. Groups can tackle mountain bike trails, explore sculpture walks or try the treetop adventure courses. The forest includes numerous walking routes and picnic spots perfect for families and big groups wanting fresh air without complicated logistics.
#2 Gloucester Cathedral
This stunning Norman cathedral featured in Harry Potter films and offers fascinating history spanning 1,300 years. The cloisters and architecture impress even reluctant sightseers. Groups can explore freely or book guided tours that bring the building's stories to life through expert commentary.
#3 Clearwell Caves
These natural caverns showcase 4,500 years of mining history through atmospheric underground passages. The caves maintain a constant temperature making them perfect all-weather attractions. Groups get to see dramatic rock formations and learn about iron ore extraction that shaped the region's industrial heritage.
#4 Puzzlewood
This ancient woodland site inspired Tolkien and features twisted pathways through moss-covered rocks. The maze-like layout entertains adults and children equally. Groups can spend hours exploring the unusual landscape that's appeared in Doctor Who and Star Wars productions.
#5 WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
This wildlife reserve hosts thousands of birds including rare species and seasonal migrants. The centre offers hides, walking trails and feeding experiences that work brilliantly for mixed-age groups. You'll see flamingos, otters and countless waterfowl across the expansive grounds.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Cathedral | Medieval architecture, Harry Potter filming locations, historic cloisters and tower climbs | Self-guided exploration works for different paces, group tours available |
| Clearwell Caves | Underground caverns, mining history displays, dramatic rock formations | Guided tours accommodate large parties, consistent temperature regardless of weather |
| Dean Heritage Centre | Forest history exhibits, traditional crafts, indoor and outdoor displays | Mix of activities suits varied interests, cafe facilities for group refreshments |
| Gloucester Quays | Designer outlet shopping, restaurants, cinema and waterfront location | Everyone can split up and browse independently then regroup for meals |
| Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum | Military history, interactive displays, medal collections spanning centuries | Compact size prevents group fatigue, fascinating local regiment stories |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Newnham?
Parking varies significantly between properties. Most large cottages accommodate three to five vehicles but some rural locations offer more space. Always confirm parking capacity when booking because street parking in Newnham village is limited. Some properties charge for additional vehicles beyond a set number.
What size property do we need for our group?
Count bedrooms based on couples and individuals rather than maximum occupancy. An 8 bed property sleeping 16 in twin rooms won't suit eight couples. We recommend one bathroom per four to five guests minimum. Properties that sleep 14 or sleeps 20 often work better with slightly fewer people for comfort.
Can we book cottages for 10 for just one night?
Most holiday homes require minimum stays of two or three nights especially for weekend bookings. One night stays are rare for large properties because of cleaning and changeover logistics. You'll find more flexibility for midweek bookings or last minute availability outside peak seasons like Christmas.
Are there cheap options for large groups?
Budget-friendly group accommodation exists but expect basic amenities. Splitting costs between 10 or more guests makes even premium properties affordable per person. Booking through sites like Snaptrip can reveal deals on quality holiday lets. Avoid school holidays and bank weekends for better rates on houses to rent.
What about properties with pools or hot tubs?
Holiday cottages with hot tubs are increasingly common around Newnham whilst properties with pool facilities are rarer. Indoor pools add significantly to rental costs. Hot tub maintenance requires following property rules carefully because misuse often incurs cleaning charges. These features suit parties and celebrations brilliantly.