Big Cottages Brendon Hill: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Brendon Hill gives your group access to some of Somerset's most dramatic moorland scenery without the tourist crowds you'll find in nearby coastal hotspots. This former mining village sits high on the Brendon Hills between Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills.
The area works brilliantly for large groups because you get proper countryside isolation whilst staying within striking distance of both the Somerset coast and Exmoor's wild landscapes. Properties here often feature enclosed gardens and many come with hot tubs perfect for unwinding after long walks.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even open Snaptrip or browse holiday rentals. We find groups waste hours looking at properties that don't actually meet their basic requirements.
Set your budget first and be realistic about what each person can contribute. Large holiday house accommodation varies wildly in price depending on facilities and season. Christmas and New Year bookings cost significantly more than midweek breaks in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some properties sit miles from the nearest shop which sounds romantic until you realise someone needs to drive 20 minutes for milk. Check how isolated you want to be versus convenience.
Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A group of 12 adults needs different accommodation than families with children. Properties that sleep 12 might only have four bathrooms which creates morning bottlenecks.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early. Dog friendly cottages with enclosed garden space book up fast in Brendon Hill because the walking opportunities are exceptional. If anyone in your group has allergies this becomes non-negotiable.
Modern or rustic changes everything about your stay. Some guests want country cottages with beams and character whilst others prefer contemporary lodges with underfloor heating and sleek kitchens.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. Properties that sleep 20 should have at least five bathrooms. Check if ensuite bathrooms exist because they reduce morning chaos significantly.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before arrival. The couple who booked everything doesn't automatically deserve the master suite. Consider drawing names from a hat for fairness or rotating rooms if you're staying multiple nights.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track shared expenses. Decide upfront whether you're splitting equally or proportionally based on room size. Couples often pay more than solo travellers in our experience.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically pays the deposit then chases everyone for money. Set clear deadlines for reimbursement and use bank transfers rather than promises. Holiday lets require deposits months in advance.
Hidden fees
Check for extra costs like heating charges, cleaning fees and damage deposits. Some properties charge per dog or add supplements for hot tub use. Last minute bookings sometimes avoid these fees but limit choice.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups in Brendon Hill often lack games rooms or indoor pools because properties here tend towards converted farmhouses rather than purpose-built complexes. Look for spacious living areas where everyone can gather and properties with log burners for cosy evenings.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where people can suggest activities but don't mandate attendance. Some guests want to join every walk whilst others prefer reading by the fire. Both approaches are valid.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Plan one or two group activities per day maximum. Build in free time because large groups need space from each other. Stag dos and hen party groups need different pacing than family reunion gatherings.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Brendon Hill sits roughly 30 minutes from Dunster and 40 minutes from the coast. Factor in that country lanes take longer than you expect and parking at popular spots fills quickly in summer.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Exmoor gets proper rain so have indoor alternatives ready. The area lacks major all-weather attractions nearby so consider properties with features like hot tubs or enough space for board games and cooking projects.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means planning meals and doing a big supermarket run before arrival
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes real problems - verify exact parking spaces available not just "ample parking"
- Who organizes everything including food shopping, activities and transport needs deciding before you arrive
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear - usually the person who booked deals with the property owner
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in cottages for 10 or more - establish quiet hours and designate a late-night socialising space
Top 5 group attractions in Brendon Hill
The Brendon Hills area transformed from industrial mining country to peaceful rural landscape over the past century. Today it offers groups access to dramatic moorland, ancient woodlands and traditional Somerset villages within Exmoor National Park's eastern reaches.
#1 Exmoor National Park
The park covers 267 square miles of moorland, woodland and coastline with hundreds of walking routes suitable for various fitness levels. Groups can split based on ability with some tackling challenging ridge walks whilst others explore gentler valley paths. The area supports red deer herds and Exmoor ponies you'll often spot whilst walking.
#2 Dunster Castle and Village
This medieval castle and its surrounding village sit just 20 minutes from Brendon Hill. The castle grounds accommodate large groups easily and the village offers proper facilities including pubs, cafes and shops. Groups often split with some touring the castle whilst others explore the village or walk to Dunster Beach.
#3 Tarr Steps
This ancient clapper bridge crosses the River Barle and provides access to excellent riverside walks. The site has limited parking which fills fast so arrive early or consider dropping people off. Groups can walk in different directions along the river then meet back at the nearby pub.
#4 Wimbleball Lake
This reservoir offers watersports, cycling and walking routes around its perimeter. Groups can book activities like kayaking or paddleboarding together or individuals can hire equipment separately. The 8.5-mile circular walk suits mixed-ability groups because you can turn back at any point.
#5 West Somerset Railway
Britain's longest heritage railway runs 23 miles from Bishops Lydebridge to Minehead. Groups can book together and use it as transport to reach coastal towns or simply enjoy the journey through Somerset countryside. The railway operates vintage steam and diesel trains with various dining options available.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Dunster Castle | Medieval fortress with 1,000 years of history, subtropical gardens and panoramic views across Exmoor to the Bristol Channel | Large spaces accommodate groups easily and varied interests from history to gardens mean something for everyone |
| Cleeve Abbey | Remarkably preserved medieval monastery with intact refectory, dormitory and cloister buildings showcasing monastic life | Compact site keeps groups together and the covered cloisters provide shelter during typical Somerset weather |
| Tropiquaria Wildlife Park | Indoor tropical house with reptiles, small mammals and BBC studio sets from wildlife programmes in a quirky setting | Entirely undercover attraction perfect for wet days with enough variety to keep groups entertained for 2-3 hours |
| Watchet Market House Museum | Local history museum covering the town's maritime heritage, mineral railway and connections to Coleridge's Ancient Mariner | Small intimate space suits groups up to 15 and provides context for the surrounding area's industrial past |
| Hestercombe Gardens | 50 acres of historic gardens including Georgian landscape, Victorian terrace and Edwardian designs by Gertrude Jekyll | Multiple garden areas let groups explore at different paces and the cafe accommodates large bookings with notice |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Brendon Hill?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Properties that sleep 14 or sleep 20 are limited in this area. Weekend and one night stays are rarely available - most properties require minimum 3-7 night bookings.
What's the best size property for our group?
Choose properties with more bedrooms than couples if possible. An 8 bed property feels cramped with 16 people but comfortable with 10-12 guests. Consider that 5 bedroom cottages typically suit 8-10 people maximum when you factor in realistic bathroom and living space needs.
Are there properties with pools or villas in Brendon Hill?
Indoor pool properties are extremely rare in this rural area. You'll find more success looking for holiday homes with hot tubs which are increasingly common. Villas aren't really a thing in Somerset - expect traditional country cottages, converted barns or modern lodges instead.
Can we bring multiple dogs to group accommodation?
Many properties accept 2-3 dogs but verify exact numbers and any size restrictions. Some charge per dog whilst others include pets free. Properties with enclosed gardens are essential for multiple dogs and book up fastest among dog friendly options.
What about cheap last minute deals for large groups?
Last minute availability for big groups is uncommon because these properties book solid. You might find midweek gaps in shoulder season but expect to pay standard rates. Cheap doesn't really apply to accommodation that sleeps 10 or more - focus on value instead.
Making the most of your group break
Brendon Hill gives groups genuine escape from daily life without feeling completely cut off from civilisation. The combination of dramatic Exmoor landscapes and traditional Somerset villages creates the perfect backdrop for family gatherings, milestone celebrations or simply getting friends together.
We find the best group breaks happen when you balance planned activities with genuine downtime. Book that cottage to rent with the hot tub and spacious kitchen. Plan a couple of group walks or visits to nearby attractions. Then leave plenty of unstructured time for the conversations and connections that make these breaks memorable.
The self-catering aspect of holiday cottages means you control your schedule completely. No fixed meal times or checkout deadlines beyond the basics. Just your group, proper countryside and the freedom to make the break work exactly how you want it.