Big Cottages Barnstaple: Your Group Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Barnstaple gives you the perfect base to explore North Devon's dramatic coastline and rolling countryside. This historic market town sits where the River Taw meets the sea and has been a trading hub since medieval times. The town centre features the distinctive Pannier Market and Queen Anne's Walk whilst the surrounding area offers beaches and moorland within easy reach.
Group accommodation here works brilliantly because you get space for everyone under one roof plus easy access to both coastal and countryside attractions. We find that large holiday houses in this area suit family reunions and hen parties equally well. The choice of properties ranges from country cottages with enclosed gardens to spacious villas with hot tubs and everything between.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even begin searching. Set your budget first because holiday rentals vary wildly in price. Location matters more than you think because being five miles from town feels different when you're coordinating big groups.
Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A 10 bedroom property sounds massive but if you have 20 guests that's still couples sharing. Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency supplies.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early because this cuts your search time dramatically. Modern or rustic isn't just aesthetics - it affects heating costs and comfort levels. Properties that sleep 12 or sleeps 14 often hit the sweet spot for extended families.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. We recommend more if possible because morning routines with large groups create bottlenecks. An 8 bed property typically has three or four bathrooms but check the listing carefully.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. Draw names from a hat or rotate nights if you're staying longer. Some groups charge slightly more for premium rooms which works surprisingly well.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a shared spreadsheet or splitting app from day one. Factor in the rental cost plus food and shared activities. Self-catering accommodation makes budgeting easier because you control meal costs.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books but collect deposits immediately. Set clear payment deadlines at least six weeks before travel. Last minute dropouts cause the most financial stress so have a cancellation policy within your group.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning fees and security deposits that aren't in the headline price. Some properties charge extra for heating during winter or Christmas and New Year breaks. Dog friendly cottages often add pet fees per animal.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms or cinema rooms because weather in North Devon changes fast. Houses to rent with indoor pools or hot tubs keep everyone happy during downtime. Lodges and cabins with spacious living areas prevent that cramped feeling.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared calendar before you arrive. Build in free time because not everyone wants to do everything together. Stag dos and hen parties need different planning than family groups.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Survey your group about must-do activities beforehand. Mix active and relaxed options throughout each day. Weekend breaks need tighter scheduling than week-long stays.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times not just distances. Coastal cottages by the sea give beach access but might be further from inland attractions. Country cottages offer peace but require more driving.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - North Devon gets proper rain so have indoor alternatives ready. Book weather-dependent activities for mid-stay when you can reschedule if needed. Properties with pool tables and log fires become essential.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby limits spontaneity
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and activities
- Who's responsible if something breaks or gets damaged
- Managing different sleep schedules when some want early nights and others party late
- Agreeing house rules about noise and shared spaces
- Planning meals for cottages for 10 or more takes serious coordination
Top 5 group attractions in Barnstaple
Barnstaple and the surrounding area transformed from industrial port to tourism destination whilst keeping its authentic character. The town provides the practical base whilst beaches and moorland offer adventure. Groups benefit from attractions that accommodate everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
#1 Exmoor National Park
This vast moorland sits right on Barnstaple's doorstep and offers hiking for all abilities. The park features wild ponies and red deer plus some of the darkest skies in England for stargazing. Groups can split between gentle valley walks and challenging coastal paths.
#2 Croyde and Woolacombe Beaches
These award-winning beaches lie within 20 minutes drive and provide surfing and swimming for massive groups. The sandy stretches go on for miles with facilities including surf schools and beach cafes. Both beaches work for families and parties wanting coastal fun.
#3 The Tarka Trail
This 180-mile trail follows the River Taw and offers flat cycling and walking routes. The traffic-free sections suit groups with mixed fitness levels. Bike hire shops in Barnstaple make it easy to get everyone on wheels.
#4 Tapeley Park and Gardens
These historic gardens near Instow feature Italian terraces and woodland walks. The estate includes a permaculture garden and hosts events throughout the year. Large groups can explore at their own pace across the extensive grounds.
#5 Barnstaple Pannier Market
This Victorian covered market operates most days and sells everything from local produce to crafts. The building itself dates from 1855 and creates a proper market atmosphere. Groups can browse independently then regroup at nearby cafes.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon | Local history displays and wildlife exhibits in a Victorian building | Free entry and self-paced viewing suits different interests |
| The Plough Arts Centre | Theatre performances and cinema screenings in Great Torrington | Group bookings available for shows and films |
| Broomhill Art Hotel and Sculpture Gardens | Contemporary art in woodland setting near Barnstaple | Large outdoor space allows groups to explore together or separately |
| Marwood Hill Gardens | Botanical gardens with rare plants and lakes | Cafe facilities and sheltered areas for group gatherings |
| Barnstaple Heritage Centre | Interactive displays about the town's trading history | Compact venue works well for quick group visits |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Barnstaple?
Book at least six months ahead for peak season and Christmas or New Year breaks. Properties that sleep 20 or offer features like hot tubs get snapped up fast. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice for large holiday houses.
What's the minimum stay for group cottage rentals?
Most properties require three nights minimum with seven nights standard during summer. Weekend breaks and one night stays rarely work for large cottages. Holiday lets often have flexible midweek availability outside peak times.
Are there cheap options for big groups?
Cheap is relative but booking direct sometimes beats sites like Snaptrip. Consider shoulder season when rental prices drop significantly. Splitting costs between guests makes even premium properties affordable per person.
Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly properties?
Most dog friendly cottages accept two dogs maximum. Some larger properties allow more but always check first. Gardens and enclosed outdoor space matter more than you'd think for multiple pets.
What happens if we need to cancel our booking?
Cancellation policies vary by property but expect to lose your deposit within eight weeks of arrival. Travel insurance covering group bookings protects against unexpected cancellations. Read the terms carefully before paying your deposit.
Big Cottages in Barnstaple give you the freedom to explore North Devon properly without the constraints of hotels. The combination of coastal access and countryside makes this area work for groups wanting variety. We think the key is choosing accommodation that genuinely fits your group size rather than squeezing into something too small.
The properties available range from basic to luxury with everything from 5 bedroom cottages to houses that sleep 10 or more. Beach house options exist near Croyde whilst country settings offer peace. Whatever you choose the area delivers proper group holiday experiences.