Big Cottages Goodleigh: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Goodleigh gives you a perfect base to explore North Devon's stunning coastline and countryside. This charming village sits just outside Barnstaple and offers the kind of space and freedom that large groups need without the hassle of coordinating multiple hotel rooms.
You're spoiled for choice with properties ranging from converted farmhouses sleeping 12 to massive holiday homes that sleep 20 or more. The area combines easy access to beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde with the peaceful Devon countryside that makes self-catering breaks so appealing for family reunions and group getaways.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before you even open SnapTrip or browse holiday cottages online. We find that groups who nail down their non-negotiables first save hours of scrolling through properties that won't work.
Set your budget first and be realistic about what everyone can afford. A cheap cottage might seem appealing until you realise it's miles from anywhere. Location matters more than you think when you're coordinating big groups.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you really need? A 10 bedroom property sounds perfect until you discover it only has three bathrooms. For groups over 12 guests we recommend at least one bathroom per four people to avoid morning chaos.
Distance from the nearest town affects everything from last minute shopping runs to taxi costs. Properties near Barnstaple give you more flexibility than isolated country cottages. Think about whether you want dog friendly accommodation or prefer a pet-free environment.
Modern or rustic changes the whole vibe. Some groups want contemporary villas with hot tubs and indoor pools. Others prefer traditional holiday homes with character and enclosed gardens where kids can run wild.
Plan these in advance
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before you arrive. The master suite debate can cause friction so establish clear criteria. Families with young children often need ground floor rooms. Couples celebrating anniversaries might get priority for rooms with the best views.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the rental cost per person. Factor in that larger rooms might cost more. Some groups charge a flat rate while others adjust based on room size and occupancy. Be transparent from the start.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payments. We recommend using bank transfers rather than cash to keep records. Decide upfront who covers the security deposit and how you'll handle any deductions.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in your rental. Some properties charge extra for heating during Christmas and New Year breaks. Linen and towels might cost more. Properties with hot tubs often have energy supplements. Factor in cleaning fees which can add £200 or more to your total.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big Cottages in Goodleigh often come with games rooms, log burners and spacious kitchens perfect for group cooking. Properties that sleep 14 or more usually have multiple living areas so groups can split up. Look for houses with outdoor space for summer barbecues.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Use polls to gauge interest rather than endless group chat debates. Assign one person per day to coordinate rather than having one organiser do everything.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time. Not everyone wants to do everything together. Morning people can hit the beach while night owls sleep in. Plan one or two group meals but leave other times flexible for smaller groups to explore.
Think about how far it is to activities - Goodleigh sits within 20 minutes of Woolacombe Beach and 15 minutes from Barnstaple town centre. Check driving times to your must-see attractions. Coastal cottages near the sea save travel time but might cost more.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - North Devon gets its share of rain. Book at least two indoor activities in advance. Properties with pools or cinema rooms become invaluable during downpours. Keep a list of nearby pubs and restaurants as backup options.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone's always driving to get supplies
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily reshuffling headaches
- Who organizes everything from food shopping to activities and transport needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls
Top 5 group attractions in Goodleigh
The North Devon area surrounding Goodleigh has transformed into one of Britain's premier destinations for group holidays. From surfing beaches to historic market towns you'll find activities that work for big groups and family gatherings throughout the year.
#1 Woolacombe Beach
This three-mile stretch of golden sand consistently ranks among Britain's best beaches. The beach works brilliantly for large groups because there's space for everyone to spread out. Surfing lessons accommodate groups of 10 or more and the beachfront has cafes and facilities that can handle big parties.
#2 Exmoor National Park
Just 30 minutes from Goodleigh, Exmoor offers hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. Groups can split between challenging coastal walks and gentler moorland routes. The park's dark sky status makes it perfect for evening stargazing sessions back at your holiday let.
#3 Barnstaple Pannier Market
This historic covered market operates Tuesday through Saturday and gives groups a taste of proper Devon life. With over 30 stalls selling local produce and crafts, it's ideal for stocking up your self-catering accommodation. The surrounding town has enough shops and restaurants to keep big groups entertained for hours.
#4 Watermouth Castle
This family attraction combines a Victorian castle with gardens and entertainment. Groups appreciate the variety of activities from dungeon tours to mechanical music displays. The grounds provide space for large families to explore together or split into smaller groups based on interests.
#5 Croyde Bay
Another stunning beach that's become synonymous with North Devon surf culture. The village behind the beach has surf shops and eateries that cater well to groups. It's less crowded than Woolacombe outside peak season making it perfect for hen parties and stag dos wanting beach activities.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| The Plough Arts Centre | Theatre performances, cinema screenings and exhibitions in nearby Torrington | Group bookings available and varied programme suits different tastes |
| Broomhill Art Hotel | Sculpture gardens and contemporary art exhibitions near Barnstaple | Self-guided tours work well for groups who want to explore at their own pace |
| Barnstaple Heritage Centre | Local history displays covering North Devon's maritime and industrial past | Compact venue perfect for quick group visits before lunch in town |
| The Landmark Theatre | Live performances from comedy to music in Ilfracombe | Group discounts often available and varied programme throughout the year |
| Escape Rooms Barnstaple | Team-based puzzle challenges with multiple rooms for different skill levels | Perfect for competitive groups and can accommodate multiple teams simultaneously |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Goodleigh?
For peak times like Christmas, New Year and summer holidays, book 6-12 months ahead. Large holiday houses that sleep 20 get snapped up quickly. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice for properties sleeping more than 10 guests.
Can we book accommodation for just one night or a weekend?
Most large cottages require minimum stays of three nights during off-peak periods and a week during summer. Weekend breaks are possible outside school holidays but expect to pay a premium. Some lodges and cabins offer more flexible booking than traditional country cottages.
What's the average cost per person for group accommodation?
For an 8 bed property sleeping 16 people, expect £30-60 per person per night depending on season and facilities. Properties with hot tubs or pools cost more. Splitting a massive house between 20 guests often works out cheaper than booking multiple smaller cottages to rent.
Are most large holiday homes dog friendly?
About 60% of big houses in the Goodleigh area welcome dogs. Properties with enclosed gardens are particularly popular with pet owners. Check how many dogs are allowed as some properties restrict numbers. Pet-free properties often cost slightly less.
What happens if our group size changes after booking?
Contact your rental company immediately. Reducing numbers usually doesn't affect your booking but you won't get refunds. Increasing numbers might breach occupancy limits and insurance. Most properties have strict maximum guest numbers for safety and licensing reasons.
Making the most of your group break
Big Cottages in Goodleigh give you the perfect combination of coastal access and countryside calm. The area works brilliantly for groups because you're never more than 20 minutes from either beaches or moorland.
We recommend using Goodleigh as your base for exploring the whole North Devon coast rather than staying put. Properties with spacious kitchens and dining areas mean you can enjoy group meals without restaurant booking stress.
The key to successful group holidays is balancing together time with personal space. Choose properties that offer multiple living areas and enough bathrooms to avoid bottlenecks. Book your accommodation early and sort out the practical stuff before you arrive so everyone can actually relax and enjoy North Devon's spectacular scenery.