Big Cottages Glastonbury: Your Group Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Glastonbury gives you a brilliant base to explore this mystical Somerset town along with the kind of space and freedom you simply can't get from hotels. The town sits at the heart of the Somerset Levels with Glastonbury Tor rising 158 metres above the surrounding landscape and offering views across five counties on clear days.
We think it's perfect for group breaks because you get self-catering flexibility alongside attractions that work brilliantly for large groups. From exploring the ancient abbey ruins to climbing the Tor and visiting the Chalice Well Gardens, there's enough here to keep everyone from teenagers to grandparents engaged without anyone feeling dragged around.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even look at properties. Set your budget first because holiday cottages in Glastonbury range from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with hot tubs and indoor pools. We always recommend being realistic about what you'll actually use versus what looks good in photos.
Location matters more than you think. Some large holiday houses sit right in town near the High Street shops and restaurants whilst others are tucked into the Somerset countryside. Country cottages offer peace and enclosed gardens perfect for dog friendly breaks but you'll need cars for everything.
Think hard about bedrooms and bathrooms. An 8 bed property sounds great until you realise it only has two bathrooms for sixteen guests. Properties that sleep 12 or sleeps 14 need at least three bathrooms to avoid morning chaos. Check if it's actually a 10 bedroom house or just sleeps 20 using sofa beds.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early. Many group accommodation options welcome dogs but some guests have allergies. Modern or rustic affects your experience too. Lodges and cabins offer contemporary comfort whilst traditional cottages for 10 have character but sometimes temperamental heating.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Work out real numbers not optimistic ones. A 5 bedroom cottage sleeping ten means couples sharing and possibly bunk beds. For big groups we suggest overshooting slightly. Properties that sleep 10 work better for eight adults who want space.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We've seen family reunions nearly derailed over this. Consider drawing names from a hat or giving it to whoever's organising everything. Some massive houses to rent have multiple master bedrooms which solves this entirely.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who's paid what. For weekend breaks or one night stays keep it simple with equal splits. Christmas and New Year rentals cost more so agree on payment plans early. Some won't mind paying extra for better rooms.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books then chases everyone for money. Set a firm deadline for payments. Holiday lets and holiday rentals typically need deposits months ahead. Make it clear you're not a bank and need reimbursement within days not weeks.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in holiday homes before booking. Some properties charge extra for hot tub use or heating. Dog friendly cottages often add pet fees. Snaptrip and other booking sites show these clearly but always read the small print on rental properties.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for big groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Some spacious properties have cinema rooms perfect for rainy evenings. Houses with pool facilities or properties with hot tubs give you entertainment without leaving. Check what's actually there versus what needs bringing.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone adds suggestions. For hen party or stag dos you'll want different activities than family groups. We find it works better having a loose plan rather than military precision. Leave gaps for spontaneity.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants to climb Glastonbury Tor or spend hours in the abbey. Large groups work better when you're not forcing consensus on everything. Meet back at your group cottage for meals.
Think about how far it is to activities - Glastonbury town centre is compact and walkable but attractions across Somerset require transport. Wells Cathedral sits nine miles away. Bath makes a brilliant day trip at 23 miles. Factor in travel time when planning.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Somerset gets wet. Have indoor alternatives ready. The abbey ruins work in light rain but the Tor becomes slippery. Glastonbury has independent shops and cafes perfect for sheltering. Your large cottages should have enough space for everyone to spread out indoors.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone's driving constantly for supplies
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily reshuffling nightmares at properties to let
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement terms
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in accommodation where sound travels between rooms
Top 5 group attractions in Glastonbury
Glastonbury transforms from sleepy market town to spiritual hub depending on the season. The town's famous for its legends connecting it to King Arthur and early Christianity. For groups these attractions offer something beyond typical tourist spots with genuine historical significance and space for large parties to explore together.
#1 Glastonbury Tor
This iconic hill topped with St Michael's Tower dominates the landscape for miles around. The climb takes about 20 minutes up steep paths but rewards you with panoramic views across Somerset. Groups love it because everyone can go at their own pace and it's completely free with space at the top for picnics.
#2 Glastonbury Abbey
These atmospheric ruins once formed one of England's most powerful monasteries before Henry VIII dissolved it in 1539. The 36-acre grounds give groups plenty of room to wander without feeling crowded. The site connects to Arthurian legend as the supposed burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.
#3 Chalice Well Gardens
These tranquil gardens surround a spring that's flowed for thousands of years producing iron-rich red water. The peaceful atmosphere works brilliantly for groups wanting quiet time after busy sightseeing. Multiple garden areas mean your party can spread out and the covered wellhead provides shelter during typical Somerset drizzle.
#4 Glastonbury High Street
The town's main street packs in independent shops selling everything from crystals to vintage clothing. Groups enjoy browsing separately then regrouping at cafes like the Rainbow's End or Hundred Monkeys. The street has proper character with buildings dating back centuries and enough variety to keep everyone interested.
#5 Somerset Rural Life Museum
Located in a Victorian farmhouse and abbey barn this museum shows Somerset farming life across the centuries. Groups appreciate the hands-on exhibits and the fact it's indoors for weather backup. The museum sits just outside town centre with parking for multiple vehicles which matters when you're travelling from holiday rentals.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Glastonbury Abbey | Medieval ruins with museum displays and interactive exhibits about monastic life | Large grounds accommodate big groups without overcrowding and covered areas provide weather protection |
| Somerset Rural Life Museum | Victorian farmhouse with agricultural tools, cider making equipment and period room settings | Free admission and indoor exhibits work for mixed age groups with different interests |
| Glastonbury Tribunal | 15th century merchant's house with local history displays and tourist information | Compact space suits smaller groups and provides context before exploring the wider town |
| The Glastonbury Experience | Courtyard shopping area with independent retailers and covered walkways | Groups can split up to browse then meet at the central courtyard cafe |
| Assembly Rooms | Community venue hosting markets, exhibitions and events throughout the year | Large indoor space accommodates groups and regular events provide entertainment options |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Glastonbury?
Most large holiday houses offer parking for 3-4 vehicles but always check before booking. Some town centre properties have limited parking whilst country cottages usually have more space. Contact owners directly if you need parking for more cars as nearby options might exist.
What's the minimum stay for group cottage rental?
Weekend breaks typically require two nights minimum whilst Christmas and New Year often need week-long bookings. Some properties offer one night stays outside peak season. Last minute availability sometimes has flexible terms so it's worth asking.
Are Big Cottages in Glastonbury suitable for hen parties and stag dos?
Many properties welcome celebration groups but some have strict no-party policies. Be upfront when booking about your group type. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms work brilliantly for celebrations. Noise restrictions usually apply after 11pm in residential areas.
Can we bring dogs to group accommodation?
Plenty of dog friendly options exist with enclosed gardens perfect for pets. Most charge per dog and limit numbers to two or three. Always declare all pets when booking as undeclared animals can forfeit your deposit.
What happens if we damage something at our holiday cottage?
Your rental agreement covers this. Most properties take security deposits that cover accidental damage. Report breakages immediately to your property manager. Deliberate damage or excessive cleaning needs can result in additional charges beyond your deposit.
Big Cottages in Glastonbury give you the perfect combination of mystical history and practical group accommodation. The town's compact size means you're never far from attractions whilst the surrounding Somerset countryside offers peaceful retreats.
We love how Glastonbury works for different group types. Family reunions appreciate the mix of activities for all ages. Hen parties enjoy the independent shops and cafes. Groups of friends find the spiritual atmosphere either fascinating or amusingly quirky depending on their outlook.
Book properties that sleep slightly more than your actual numbers. The extra space prevents that cramped feeling that ruins group holidays. Check reviews specifically mentioning large groups to see how properties actually perform with multiple guests rather than couples.