Big Cottages Croyde: Your Group Break Blueprint
Booking Big Cottages in Croyde gives you direct access to one of North Devon's most celebrated surf beaches alongside the space and freedom that hotels simply can't match. This coastal village sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and draws visitors year-round with its golden sands and dramatic headlands.
We think Croyde works brilliantly for group breaks because everything sits within walking distance. The beach accommodation here ranges from spacious villas with hot tubs to dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens. You'll find holiday cottages that sleep 10 through to massive houses to rent that sleep 20 or more guests comfortably.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves rather than getting lost in endless property listings. Set your budget first because rental costs vary wildly between a 5 bedroom cottage and a 10 bedroom beach house. Location matters too since some properties sit right by the sea whilst others nestle in quieter spots.
Think hard about how many bedrooms and bathrooms your group actually needs. A sleeps 14 property might sound perfect but check if it has enough bathrooms to avoid morning queues. Consider whether you need pet-friendly accommodation or prefer pet-free spaces. Decide if you want modern self-catering lodges or rustic country cottages with character.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. An 8 bed property should have at least two full bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet. Large groups often overlook this and regret it. Check if ensuite rooms exist because they solve many problems.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. Families with young children often need ground floor rooms. Couples booking for a family reunion might want separate wings. Sort this out early to avoid awkward conversations on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the total rental cost divided by number of guests. Some groups charge per person whilst others charge per room. Be clear about what's included because properties with pool or hot tub access sometimes cost more.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and collects money from everyone else. Use payment apps to track who's paid. Most holiday lets require deposits months ahead so chase people early. Agree upfront whether deposits are refundable if someone drops out.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning charges and linen costs because these add up fast. Some large holiday house rentals charge extra for heating during Christmas or New Year breaks. Pet fees apply to dog friendly cottages. Read the small print on sites like Snaptrip before confirming.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms or cinema rooms because wet weather happens in North Devon. An indoor pool transforms a rainy weekend. Hot tubs work brilliantly for evening entertainment. Large groups need spacious living areas where everyone can gather without feeling cramped.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared calendar before you travel. Surf lessons need booking ahead during peak season. Restaurants in Croyde fill up fast so reserve tables early. Don't over-schedule because people want downtime too.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with relaxed ones. Some guests want to surf whilst others prefer coastal walks. Split into smaller groups for activities then regroup for meals. This works better than forcing everyone to do everything together.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Croyde village sits compact but attractions like Barnstaple or Ilfracombe need driving. Check parking at your chosen cottage because big groups mean multiple cars. Properties to let near the beach save time and fuel.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Keep a list of indoor activities nearby. Board games and cards work well. Some groups book cheap last minute spa treatments or cinema trips to Barnstaple when rain arrives.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby limits your options
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and activities
- Who's responsible if something breaks or gets damaged
- Managing different sleep schedules when some guests stay up late
- Kitchen equipment sufficient for cooking for large groups
- Bin collection days and recycling rules for the property
Top 5 group attractions in Croyde
Croyde and the surrounding North Devon coast offer brilliant options for group accommodation guests. The area transformed from a quiet farming village into a surf destination whilst keeping its authentic character. These attractions work well for families and big groups including hen party groups and stag dos.
#1 Croyde Beach
This Blue Flag beach stretches for half a mile with consistent surf breaks that suit beginners and experienced surfers. Multiple surf schools operate here offering group lessons. The beach has lifeguards during summer and cafes right on the sand.
#2 Baggy Point
This dramatic headland offers circular walks with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The National Trust manages the site and paths suit most fitness levels. Groups can split up and tackle different routes then meet at the top.
#3 Putsborough Beach
Just south of Croyde this quieter beach works brilliantly when the main beach gets crowded. Rock pools appear at low tide and the sand stretches for miles. Parking sits right behind the beach making it easy for groups with young children or equipment.
#4 Croyde Village
The village itself offers surf shops and pubs within a compact area. Thatch Croyde serves excellent food and welcomes large groups with advance booking. Several shops sell beach equipment and local produce for self-catering guests.
#5 South West Coast Path
This long-distance trail passes right through Croyde connecting multiple beaches and viewpoints. Groups can walk sections then arrange pickup by car. The path links Croyde to Woolacombe in one direction and Saunton in the other.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| The Pottery Barn | Paint your own ceramics in a relaxed studio setting with guidance available | Works for all ages and abilities with space for groups to work together |
| Barnstaple Pannier Market | Historic covered market with local crafts and food stalls operating year-round | Groups can browse independently then regroup with plenty of cafes nearby |
| The Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe | Cinema and live performances in a modern venue overlooking the harbour | Group bookings available with varied programming suitable for different tastes |
| Broomhill Art Hotel | Sculpture gardens and gallery spaces showcasing contemporary art in woodland setting | Self-guided tours work well for groups with on-site restaurant for refreshments |
| Escape Rooms Barnstaple | Team challenges in themed rooms requiring problem-solving and collaboration | Perfect for competitive groups with multiple rooms allowing teams to race |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Croyde?
Book at least six months ahead for summer breaks and a full year for Christmas or New Year. Last minute availability exists but choice becomes limited. Weekend breaks and one night stays are harder to find in peak season.
What size property do we need for our group?
Count actual guests not potential ones. A cottage for 10 suits ten people not twelve squeezed in. Consider cottages to rent with extra sofa beds only as genuine backup. Properties that sleep 12 comfortably beat cramming into cottages that sleep 10.
Are Croyde cottages suitable for hen parties and stag dos?
Many large cottages welcome parties but check terms carefully. Some properties restrict group bookings for under 25s. Be honest when booking because turning up with a party to a family property causes problems.
Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly properties?
Most dog friendly accommodation specifies how many pets they accept. Some allow one dog whilst others welcome three or four. Always check if enclosed gardens exist because they make life easier with multiple dogs.
What's included in self-catering holiday homes?
Standard equipment includes kitchen basics and bedding but check specifics. Some holiday rentals provide towels whilst others don't. Properties with hot tubs might charge extra for heating. Confirm what's included before you book to avoid surprises.
Big Cottages in Croyde give you the perfect base for exploring North Devon's dramatic coastline whilst enjoying the comfort of spacious group accommodation. The village combines excellent beach access with enough amenities to keep everyone happy.
We find the mix of coastal cottages and modern holiday homes means every group finds something suitable. Whether you want cheap weekend breaks or luxury villas with pool facilities Croyde delivers. The combination of natural beauty and practical facilities makes it ideal for family reunions and celebrations.