Braunton Holiday Cottages

Big Cottages Braunton: Your Complete Planning Guide

Booking Big Cottages in Braunton gives you direct access to some of North Devon's finest beaches and the UNESCO Braunton Burrows biosphere reserve. This historic village sits between Barnstaple and the Atlantic coast with a strong surfing heritage and traditional Devon character that makes it perfect for groups wanting both adventure and relaxation.

The village offers exceptional group accommodation options from spacious country cottages to modern beach houses. You'll find properties that sleep 12 or more with features like hot tubs and enclosed gardens. The location works brilliantly for family reunions and hen parties because you're minutes from Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay whilst having proper village amenities on your doorstep.

Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break

Which cottage?

Start with your absolute must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties. We recommend listing your non-negotiables first because it saves hours of scrolling through unsuitable options. Set your budget per person rather than total cost because it makes comparing rentals much easier when you're looking at everything from 5 bedroom cottages to massive houses that sleep 20.

Location matters more than you think. Being by the sea sounds ideal but you might want walkable distance to Braunton's shops and pubs. Check how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need because a 10 bedroom property with two bathrooms creates morning chaos. Distance from the nearest town affects your food shopping runs and emergency supply trips.

Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference to group dynamics. Dog friendly properties with gardens suit some groups perfectly whilst others prefer spotless villas without any animal considerations. Modern or rustic changes the entire feel of your stay. Contemporary lodges with indoor pools suit different groups than traditional country cottages with character beams.

Plan these in advance

How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group

Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum for large groups. An 8 bed cottage needs at least two full bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet. Properties that sleep 14 should have three bathrooms to avoid queues. Check bedroom configurations too because four couples need four doubles not a mix of twins and bunks.

Bedroom allocation drama

Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest rotating if you're regular group travellers or giving it to whoever organized everything. Families with young children often need ground floor rooms. Stag dos and hen parties should put the loudest members furthest from light sleepers.

Splitting costs between your group

Use a shared spreadsheet for complete transparency. Divide the rental cost equally unless some guests are taking smaller rooms. Factor in cleaning fees and any extras like hot tub heating. Apps like Splitwise track who owes what throughout your stay for shared groceries and activities.

Deposits and getting reimbursed

One person typically pays the deposit then collects from everyone else. Set a deadline two weeks before arrival for all payments. Security deposits for large holiday houses can reach £500 so agree upfront who's responsible if there's damage. Get everything in writing even among friends.

Hidden fees

Check for charges beyond the headline price. Some holiday cottages add linen costs or charge extra for multiple dogs. Electricity might be metered in winter. Last minute bookings sometimes include mandatory insurance. Properties with pools often charge heating supplements that add £200 to your week.

Group cottage entertainment & activities

Stuff in the cottage itself - Big Cottages in Braunton often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Properties with hot tubs give you evening entertainment without leaving home. Some spacious holiday homes have cinema rooms perfect for rainy afternoons. Enclosed gardens work brilliantly for children and dogs. Self-catering kitchens with large dining tables become social hubs.

Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared calendar before arrival with proposed activities. Don't schedule every hour because people need downtime. Assign activity leaders so one person isn't organizing everything. Book surf lessons and restaurant tables in advance for big groups because Braunton gets busy in summer.

Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants to surf or visit museums. Build in free mornings and planned afternoons. Weekend breaks need less structure than week-long stays. Christmas and New Year gatherings work better with some organized meals and free time.

Think about how far it is to activities - Braunton village centre sits within walking distance of many cottages to rent. Saunton Sands is a five-minute drive. Croyde Beach takes ten minutes. Barnstaple offers shopping and indoor activities fifteen minutes away. Check parking at attractions because coastal spots fill up fast.

Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - North Devon gets proper rain so book accommodation with indoor features. Properties with pools or games rooms save the day. Keep a list of nearby indoor attractions. Braunton has cafes and pubs for shelter. Barnstaple's Pannier Market works in any weather.

Some things to plan in advance

• Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby limits your flexibility for meals and supplies
• Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration when you're moving vehicles constantly
• Who organizes everything needs deciding early because food shopping and activity booking takes real time
• Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement before arrival
• Managing different sleep schedules matters in holiday lets when early risers clash with night owls

Top 5 group attractions in Braunton

Braunton and the surrounding North Devon coast transformed from a quiet farming village into a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area combines natural beauty with proper facilities for large groups wanting varied activities.

#1 Braunton Burrows

This UNESCO biosphere reserve covers 1300 acres of sand dunes and rare wildlife habitats. Groups can explore marked trails through the dunes with stunning views across the Taw Torridge estuary. The area offers different difficulty levels so everyone from young children to keen hikers finds suitable routes.

#2 Saunton Sands

Three miles of golden beach provide space for groups to spread out even in peak season. The beach works for surfing lessons and simple paddling with consistent waves and lifeguard coverage. Parking accommodates multiple cars and facilities include cafes and equipment hire.

#3 Croyde Bay

This sheltered cove attracts surfers worldwide but suits all abilities with surf schools offering group lessons. The village behind the beach has pubs and shops within walking distance. Rock pools at low tide keep children entertained whilst others surf.

#4 Museum of British Surfing

Located in Braunton village this museum charts British surf culture from the 1920s onwards. Groups can book private tours and the compact size means you'll see everything in an hour. The collection includes vintage boards and fascinating local history.

#5 Barnstaple Pannier Market

This covered Victorian market operates year-round with different themes daily. Groups can split up to browse crafts and local produce then regroup at nearby cafes. The market sits in Barnstaple's centre with ample parking and other shops close by.

Indoor activities

Visitor FAQs

How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Braunton?
Book six months ahead for summer and Christmas breaks. Properties that sleep 10 or more get reserved quickly. Last minute availability exists but limits your choice significantly. New Year and school holidays need even earlier booking.

What's the minimum stay for group accommodation?
Most holiday homes require three nights minimum. Weekend breaks typically mean Friday to Monday. One night stays are rare in large cottages. Peak season often demands week-long bookings Saturday to Saturday.

Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly properties?
Check individual property rules because some allow one dog whilst others accept three or more. Additional pet fees often apply per dog. Enclosed gardens aren't guaranteed even in pet-friendly cottages so always verify.

Do properties with hot tubs charge extra?
Some include hot tub use in the rental price whilst others charge daily heating fees. Budget an extra £50-100 per week for hot tub running costs. Check if it's private or shared with other guests.

What about parking for large groups?
Confirm exact parking spaces before booking because cottages for 10 might only have three spaces. Street parking in Braunton village gets difficult in summer. Properties outside the village usually offer better parking for multiple cars.

Making the most of your group break

Braunton gives you the perfect base for exploring North Devon's coastline whilst having proper village amenities. The range of group cottage options means you'll find suitable accommodation whether you need cheap and cheerful or luxury villas with pools.

We recommend booking properties through established platforms like Snaptrip that verify quality standards. Check reviews from previous large groups because they highlight practical issues like bathroom numbers and kitchen equipment. The best holiday rentals for big groups balance location with facilities.

Your group break works best when you plan the essentials but leave room for spontaneity. Braunton's combination of beaches, countryside and village life means everyone finds something they enjoy. Book your accommodation early and you'll have an excellent base for creating memories with family and friends.