Big Cottages Burnham-on-Sea: Your Group Planning Guide
Big Cottages in Burnham-on-Sea offer the perfect coastal escape for large groups wanting space and freedom without the constraints of hotels. This traditional Somerset seaside town sits on the Bristol Channel with seven miles of sandy beach and some of the highest tides in the world reaching up to 14 metres.
The town combines Victorian charm with modern amenities making it ideal for family reunions and hen parties alike. You get easy access to the Somerset Levels and Quantock Hills whilst staying by the sea with plenty of dog friendly beaches and coastal walks that work brilliantly for big groups.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
We know the sheer volume of holiday cottages and holiday homes can feel overwhelming when you start searching. Properties range from 5 bedroom country cottages to massive houses that sleep 20 guests so having a clear strategy saves hours of scrolling.
Set your budget first before falling in love with that 10 bedroom mansion with an indoor pool. Group accommodation costs vary wildly and knowing your limit helps filter options fast. Platforms like Snaptrip aggregate thousands of holiday rentals making comparison easier.
Location matters more than you think. Being five miles inland might save money but adds transport hassle for beach days. Coastal cottages and beach house properties command premium rates but deliver convenience that groups appreciate.
Count bathrooms not just bedrooms. A cottage that sleeps 14 with only two bathrooms creates morning chaos. We recommend at least one bathroom per four guests for comfortable group living.
Decide on pet policies early. Dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens suit families bringing pets whilst pet-free cottages work better for guests with allergies. This single factor eliminates half your options immediately.
Modern or rustic affects your stay significantly. Contemporary lodges and villas offer sleek kitchens and entertainment systems whilst traditional country cottages provide character and charm. Neither is better but knowing your preference streamlines searching.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate based on actual sleeping arrangements not maximum capacity. An 8 bed cottage might technically sleep 12 using sofa beds but comfort suffers. We always recommend booking properties rated for two more than your actual number.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival to avoid awkwardness. Couples with young children often need ground floor rooms whilst the stag dos crew might prefer the top floor games room conversion. Sort this via group chat weeks ahead.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who pays what. Holiday lets and rental properties often cost £2000-5000 for a weekend so transparent accounting prevents friendship strain. Factor in groceries and activity costs too.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and pays the deposit for cottages to rent then collects from others. Set clear payment deadlines at least a month before travel. Late payers cause unnecessary stress for the organiser.
Hidden fees
Check for extras like linen charges and cleaning fees and heating costs for winter breaks. Some cheap cottages add £200 in extras whilst pricier properties include everything. Read the small print on those last minute deals.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Large holiday houses often include games rooms with pool tables and cinema rooms with huge screens. Properties with hot tubs prove popular year-round whilst those with pool facilities work brilliantly for families. Spacious gardens with outdoor dining areas extend your living space in good weather.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document listing potential activities with costs and booking requirements. Let people vote on preferences rather than one person deciding everything. This democratic approach keeps everyone invested.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time alongside planned activities. Not everyone wants to do everything together constantly. Morning beach walks and evening meals work as anchor points with flexible afternoon options.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times not just mileage. Somerset's rural roads mean 15 miles can take 30 minutes. Properties near Burnham-on-Sea town centre reduce transport logistics significantly for big groups.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - British weather demands contingency planning. Research indoor attractions and stock the cottage with board games and films. Large cottages with good communal spaces make rainy days manageable.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking capacity matches your group's vehicles - many cottages for 10 only have three spaces
- Verify mobile signal strength if you need connectivity for work or coordinating activities
- Assign one person as main organiser but delegate specific tasks like food shopping and activity booking
- Establish house rules about noise levels and quiet hours especially for properties in residential areas
- Clarify damage liability and security deposit terms so everyone understands their responsibility
- Consider proximity to shops and restaurants for groups who don't want full self-catering
Top 5 group attractions in Burnham-on-Sea
Burnham-on-Sea and the surrounding Somerset area offer diverse attractions that work brilliantly for large groups. The town's position between the Mendip Hills and the coast means you get variety from beach activities to countryside exploration all within short distances.
#1 Burnham-on-Sea Beach
This seven-mile stretch of sand provides space for groups to spread out without feeling crowded even in summer. The beach is famous for its wooden lighthouse built on stilts and the dramatic tidal range creates fascinating landscapes. Dogs are welcome year-round on most sections making it perfect for groups with pets.
#2 Brean Down
This dramatic limestone promontory juts 1.5 miles into the Bristol Channel offering spectacular coastal walks. The National Trust site includes a Victorian fort at the summit and the climb takes about 45 minutes. Groups can split based on fitness levels with easier walks available at the base.
#3 Cheddar Gorge
Britain's largest gorge sits just 20 minutes inland with 450-foot cliffs and fascinating caves. The site works well for groups as you can explore independently or together. Rock climbing and caving experiences can be arranged for adventurous parties whilst others enjoy the scenic walks.
#4 Weston-super-Mare Grand Pier
Located 10 miles north this traditional seaside pier offers arcade games and rides under cover. The venue handles large groups easily and provides nostalgic entertainment that appeals across generations. It's an excellent wet weather option that doesn't require booking.
#5 Somerset Levels
These unique wetlands stretch inland from Burnham offering wildlife watching and peaceful walks. The flat terrain suits all fitness levels and the area's network of paths means groups can choose routes from two to ten miles. Birdwatching here ranks among Britain's best with rare species visible year-round.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar Gorge Caves | Underground caverns with stalactites and archaeological significance including Britain's oldest complete skeleton | Self-guided tours let groups move at their own pace with audio guides available |
| Tropiquaria Wildlife Park | Indoor tropical house with reptiles and exotic animals plus adventure golf and BBC studio tour | Compact site keeps groups together easily with varied attractions for different interests |
| King John's Hunting Lodge Wells | Medieval merchant's house with three floors of local history exhibits and period rooms | Small admission groups can explore independently then regroup at the café |
| Haynes Motor Museum | Over 400 vehicles spanning automotive history in large exhibition halls | Spacious layout accommodates large groups without crowding and appeals to car enthusiasts |
| Clarks Village Street | Designer outlet shopping with 90 stores under covered walkways | Groups can split for shopping then meet at restaurants with flexible timing |
Visitor FAQs
What size cottage do we need for our group?
Book based on comfortable capacity not maximum. A cottage that sleeps 12 works better for 10 guests giving everyone space. Count bathrooms too - we recommend one per four people minimum for group harmony.
When should we book for Christmas or New Year breaks?
Large holiday houses for festive periods get reserved 9-12 months ahead. If you want specific properties with hot tubs or indoor pools for Christmas start searching in January. Last minute availability exists but choice becomes limited.
Are one night stays available in large cottages?
Most properties require minimum three-night weekend bookings and week-long stays in peak season. One night rentals are rare for big houses as turnover costs make them uneconomical for owners. Midweek short breaks offer better flexibility.
How do deposits work for group bookings?
Expect to pay 25-50% upfront when booking with the balance due 6-8 weeks before arrival. Security deposits of £200-500 are held separately and returned within 7-14 days after checkout if there's no damage.
Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly cottages?
Most dog friendly properties specify a maximum number of pets - typically two dogs. Some large cottages accept more for an additional fee. Always declare all pets when booking as insurance requires accurate numbers.
Making the most of your group break
Big Cottages in Burnham-on-Sea give you the base to create memorable group holidays whether you're planning a family reunion or celebrating a special birthday. The combination of coastal location and countryside access means your group gets variety without constant travel.
Self-catering accommodation puts you in control of timing and activities. You can have breakfast at noon or dinner at midnight without hotel restrictions. The spacious properties available here from cabins to villas mean everyone gets personal space alongside communal areas.
Book early for the best selection especially if you need specific features like enclosed gardens or properties that sleep 20. The most popular houses to rent and holiday rentals with pools or hot tubs disappear fast for weekend breaks and peak season.