Big Cottages Bicknoller: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Bicknoller gives you immediate access to the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty whilst providing the space and freedom that large groups need. This Somerset village sits at the foot of the Quantocks with ancient woodland and heathland right on your doorstep.
You're perfectly positioned for exploring West Somerset's dramatic coastline and historic market towns. Properties here range from converted farmhouses that sleep 12 to massive country estates with indoor pools and hot tubs. We find groups love the combination of rural peace and easy access to Minehead and Watchet.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties on Snaptrip or similar platforms. Set your budget first because holiday rentals in Somerset vary wildly from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with every amenity.
Location matters more than you think. Some cottages to rent sit in isolated spots miles from shops whilst others are walking distance from village pubs. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need rather than just total guest capacity.
Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency supplies. Pet-friendly properties with enclosed gardens cost more but save the hassle of kennels. Modern self-catering accommodation offers better heating and WiFi whilst rustic country cottages provide more character.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
A 10 bedroom property sounds perfect until you realise it only has three bathrooms. We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. Large holiday houses often convert smaller rooms to hit higher sleep numbers which leaves everyone cramped.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. Families with young children often need ground floor rooms. Couples paying more expect better accommodation than singles sharing. Sort this out weeks ahead to avoid weekend tension.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing exactly what everyone owes. Factor in the rental cost plus cleaning fees and any extras like hot tub heating. Some groups split evenly whilst others charge more for couples than singles.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and pays the deposit then chases everyone for money. Set clear payment deadlines at least six weeks before travel. Use banking apps that track who's paid to avoid awkward conversations.
Hidden fees
Read the small print on holiday lets because extras add up fast. Linen hire, electricity charges, pet fees and hot tub supplements can add hundreds to your bill. Some properties charge premium rates for Christmas and New Year breaks.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Some spacious properties feature cinema rooms and indoor pools. Lodges with hot tubs provide evening entertainment without leaving the property. Properties that sleep 20 need substantial communal spaces or groups end up scattered.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared calendar showing planned activities but leave gaps for spontaneity. Hen party groups and stag dos need different planning than family reunions. We suggest one person coordinates but everyone contributes ideas.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active outdoor pursuits with gentler options for different fitness levels. Large groups rarely want to do everything together so plan some split activities. Build in proper downtime because constant activity exhausts everyone.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times to beaches and attractions because rural Somerset roads are slow. Coastal cottages near Watchet or Minehead reduce travel time. Properties deep in the Quantocks mean longer journeys for supplies and days out.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Somerset gets proper rain so indoor alternatives are essential. Research nearby museums, indoor markets and covered attractions before you travel. Big Cottages in Bicknoller with their own facilities like pools become invaluable during downpours.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping trips
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily vehicle shuffling
- Who organizes everything from food shopping to activities and transport
- Who's responsible if something breaks and how to report issues
- Managing different sleep schedules when early risers wake night owls
Top 5 group attractions in Bicknoller
The Quantock Hills dominate this area with walking routes suitable for various abilities. West Somerset's coastline lies just twenty minutes north whilst historic towns like Taunton provide rainy day alternatives. Groups staying in accommodation here can mix outdoor adventures with cultural visits.
#1 Quantock Hills
These ancient hills offer walking and cycling routes from gentle valley paths to challenging ridge walks. The heathland supports red deer and Exmoor ponies you'll spot whilst exploring. Groups can split by ability with some tackling the high routes whilst others enjoy woodland trails.
#2 West Somerset Railway
Britain's longest heritage railway runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead through stunning countryside. Steam trains operate most of the year with special events for families. Large groups can book private carriages or simply enjoy the nostalgic journey together.
#3 Dunster Castle
This National Trust property sits dramatically above Dunster village with nearly 1000 years of history. The castle, gardens and parkland provide hours of exploration. Groups appreciate the tearoom and varied spaces that let people explore at their own pace.
#4 Blue Anchor Beach
This long pebble and sand beach offers traditional seaside fun without commercial overdevelopment. The beach stretches for miles with rock pools and safe swimming. Groups can spread out with space for games and picnics whilst staying together.
#5 Coleridge Way
This 36-mile trail passes directly through Bicknoller following routes the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge walked. Groups can tackle short sections as circular walks returning to your holiday home. The trail connects historic sites and stunning viewpoints across the Quantocks.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Somerset Rural Life Museum | Victorian farm life exhibits and traditional crafts in historic abbey buildings | Sheltered courtyards and varied exhibits let groups explore independently |
| Tropiquaria | Indoor wildlife park with tropical animals, reptiles and adventure playground | Compact site keeps groups together whilst offering diverse attractions |
| Bakelite Museum | Quirky collection of vintage plastics and 20th century design in Williton | Small intimate space perfect for smaller groups interested in social history |
| Hestercombe Gardens | Georgian landscape and Edwardian gardens with gallery and restaurant | Multiple garden areas and covered spaces suit different interests and weather |
| Watchet Market House Museum | Local maritime history and Ancient Mariner connections in historic building | Quick visit option that works as part of coastal town exploration |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Bicknoller?
Most large holiday houses provide parking for 4-6 vehicles but always check before booking. Rural properties usually have more space than village cottages. Contact owners directly if you need parking for more cars or have accessibility requirements.
Are properties suitable for hen parties and celebrations?
Many group accommodation options welcome celebrations but some have strict no-party policies. Be honest about your group type when booking. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms work brilliantly for hen party weekends whilst maintaining neighbour-friendly noise levels.
Can we book cottages for 10 or more for just one night?
Most holiday cottages require minimum three-night stays with longer minimums for peak periods. Weekend and Christmas bookings typically need Friday to Monday. Last minute availability sometimes offers shorter stays but don't rely on this for group bookings.
What about dog friendly properties with gardens?
Somerset has excellent dog friendly accommodation with many large cottages welcoming multiple pets. Enclosed gardens are essential for letting dogs out safely. Expect to pay £20-40 per dog per stay and always declare exact numbers when booking.
How do we find properties that sleep 14 or sleeps 20?
Use filters on rental sites to search by guest capacity. Properties that sleep larger numbers are limited so book months ahead for peak dates. Consider booking two nearby cottages if you need space for massive groups over 20 guests.
Making the most of your group break
Bicknoller provides the perfect base for groups wanting Somerset countryside with coastal access. The village sits close enough to attractions without tourist crowds. Properties here range from 5 bedroom cottages to sprawling 8 bed estates with every facility.
We recommend booking early for properties with pools or hot tubs because these fill fast. The combination of Quantock walks and beach access means groups can please everyone. Self-catering gives you flexibility that hotels can't match for large groups.
Whether you're planning a family reunion or weekend with friends, the area delivers proper Somerset character. Start your search now because the best properties for big groups get snapped up quickly.