Big Cottages Chew Stoke: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Chew Stoke gives you access to one of Somerset's most picturesque villages nestled in the Chew Valley. This historic settlement sits beside Chew Valley Lake and offers genuine countryside charm with traditional stone cottages and rolling hills stretching in every direction.
The village makes an excellent base for large groups wanting to explore Bath and Bristol whilst enjoying proper rural peace. You'll find country pubs serving local food and miles of walking trails around the reservoir. The area attracts families and friends seeking self-catering accommodation away from tourist crowds.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start by listing your absolute must-haves before browsing properties. We recommend setting your budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly in price depending on facilities and season. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas costs significantly more than the same rental in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles from shops whilst others are walking distance from village amenities. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need because a 5 bedroom sleeping 12 means shared rooms and potential bathroom queues.
Decide whether you need dog friendly properties or prefer pet-free spaces. Check if you want modern lodges with hot tubs and indoor pools or rustic holiday cottages with character features. Properties with enclosed gardens work brilliantly for families with children or pets.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. An 8 bed cottage sleeping 16 needs at least four bathrooms to avoid morning chaos. Large groups often underestimate this and regret it. Check bedroom configurations too because some properties achieve high guest numbers using bunk rooms.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. We suggest couples with young children or the person organizing everything gets first pick. For family reunions the oldest generation typically claims the best room. Sort this out weeks ahead to prevent awkward conversations on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet listing the rental cost and additional expenses. Divide equally or adjust based on room quality and group size per family. Some groups charge couples more than solo guests. Agree the method before booking to avoid resentment.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for reimbursement tied to the property's payment schedule. Use banking apps for easy transfers and keep records of who's paid what amount.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning charges and security deposits not included in the headline price. Some holiday lets charge extra for heating and electricity. Properties that sleep 20 might have minimum stay requirements. Read the small print on SnapTrip and other booking platforms carefully.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for spacious properties with games rooms and entertainment areas. Big houses often feature pool tables and table tennis. Some massive holiday homes include cinema rooms and indoor pools. Properties with hot tubs provide evening entertainment without leaving the grounds.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find it works better than one person deciding everything. Poll the group on must-do attractions versus optional extras. Book group tickets in advance for popular venues.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because not everyone wants constant activity. Split into smaller groups for different interests. Some might want walking whilst others prefer visiting Bath. Plan one or two whole-group activities and leave other days flexible.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Chew Valley Lake sits right beside the village for water sports and walking. Bath lies 10 miles north with Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. Bristol's harbourside and attractions are 12 miles away. Cheddar Gorge makes a spectacular day trip at 15 miles distance.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Book at least two indoor activities as backup options. Bristol has excellent museums and covered markets. Bath's Thermae Spa works in any weather. Keep board games and films ready at the cottage for truly awful days.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping before arrival
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily shuffling frustration
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and activity bookings needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in the rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules in group accommodation requires house rules about noise
Top 5 group attractions in Chew Stoke
The Chew Valley area combines natural beauty with historic sites perfect for large groups. The landscape offers outdoor activities alongside cultural attractions within easy driving distance. These destinations cater well to parties and big groups wanting varied experiences.
#1 Chew Valley Lake
This reservoir covers 1200 acres and provides sailing, fishing and birdwatching opportunities. The perimeter path stretches for miles offering easy walking for all fitness levels. Groups can hire equipment or simply enjoy picnics beside the water with stunning Mendip Hills views.
#2 Bath City Centre
The Roman Baths and Georgian architecture make Bath a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your group can explore the historic streets, visit the Jane Austen Centre or take guided walking tours. The compact city centre means everyone can split up and regroup easily for meals.
#3 Cheddar Gorge
Britain's largest gorge offers dramatic limestone cliffs and cave systems. Groups can tackle the 274 steps to the clifftop or explore Gough's Cave with its spectacular rock formations. The village below has shops and cafes for those preferring gentler activities.
#4 Bristol Harbourside
The regenerated docks area features museums, restaurants and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge nearby. SS Great Britain provides fascinating maritime history whilst the harbourside offers street food and independent shops. Large groups find plenty to occupy different interests here.
#5 Wookey Hole Caves
These ancient caves combine natural wonder with family entertainment including a dinosaur valley and vintage penny arcade. The guided cave tour takes groups through spectacular chambers with underground rivers. Additional attractions mean you can easily spend half a day here.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Baths Museum | Ancient bathing complex with interactive displays and audio guides exploring Roman life in Britain | Self-paced exploration suits different interests and group booking discounts available |
| SS Great Britain | Brunel's pioneering iron ship restored with below-deck experiences and dockyard museum | Large vessel accommodates big groups without crowding and weather-proof throughout |
| Wookey Hole Caves | Underground cave system with guided tours through illuminated chambers and rock formations | Tours run regularly for groups and additional indoor attractions keep everyone entertained |
| Bristol Museum & Art Gallery | Free admission to collections spanning natural history, archaeology and fine art across multiple floors | No booking required and varied exhibits mean something appeals to every group member |
| Thermae Bath Spa | Modern spa using natural thermal waters with rooftop pool overlooking the city | Advance group bookings essential and perfect for hen parties or relaxation days |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Chew Stoke?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Last minute availability exists for midweek breaks and off-season periods but choice becomes limited for properties that sleep 14 or more guests.
Can we book large holiday houses for one night stays?
Most group accommodation requires minimum stays of three nights during peak season and weekends. Midweek and off-season you might find properties accepting shorter bookings but one night rentals remain rare for cottages for 10 or more.
What's included in self-catering holiday rentals?
Expect fully equipped kitchens, bed linen and towels in most properties. Check whether wifi, heating and electricity are included or charged separately. Some villas and lodges provide welcome packs whilst others leave cottages empty for your arrival.
Are there cheap options for large groups?
Prices per person often work out cheaper than hotels when you split costs. Look for properties slightly outside peak season or consider midweek breaks. Houses to rent through SnapTrip and similar platforms often have special offers for last minute bookings.
What makes accommodation suitable for stag dos and hen parties?
Look for isolated properties where noise won't disturb neighbours. Cabins and lodges with hot tubs and games rooms work well. Check the rental agreement allows parties because some holiday homes specifically exclude stag and hen groups.
Finding the right group cottage in Chew Stoke sets up your break perfectly. The village location gives you countryside peace whilst keeping Bath and Bristol within easy reach. We think the combination of spacious holiday homes and excellent local attractions makes this area ideal for family reunions, weekend breaks and celebrations.
The key to successful group holidays lies in planning ahead and communicating clearly. Sort out the practical details early so everyone can relax and enjoy exploring the Chew Valley. Whether you need properties that sleep 12 for extended family or massive houses for wedding parties, this area delivers quality accommodation to hire alongside genuine Somerset character.