Big Cottages Highbridge: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Highbridge gives your group a brilliant base between the Somerset Levels and the Bristol Channel coast. This market town sits just minutes from Burnham-on-Sea's sandy beaches and offers easy access to Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury and the Quantock Hills.
You'll find everything from converted farmhouses sleeping 20 guests to spacious villas with hot tubs and indoor pools. The area works brilliantly for family reunions, hen parties and stag dos because you get coastal walks, wildlife reserves and proper Somerset countryside all within a short drive.
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 rentals vary wildly from cheap last minute deals to luxury lodges with every amenity imaginable.
Location matters more than you think. Being near Highbridge town centre means shops and restaurants within walking distance. Properties by the sea cost more but you get beach access without needing multiple cars for every outing.
Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A group of 12 adults needs more bathrooms than a family gathering with kids who can share. Check if you want dog friendly accommodation or prefer pet-free spaces.
Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency supplies. Modern country cottages offer different vibes to rustic converted barns. Neither is better but your group will have preferences.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. An 8 bed property might sleep 14 people but check the bathroom count. Morning chaos with one shower between ten people ruins holidays fast.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. Couples often expect the best rooms but families with young kids might need ground floor access. Sort this out when booking to avoid awkward conversations on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the rental cost divided by guests. Some groups charge per person while others charge per bedroom. Decide your method early and stick to it.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment. We suggest getting final payments at least a month before travel to avoid chasing people.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in your rental price. Some properties charge extra for heating, hot tub use or cleaning. Pet fees add up quickly for 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, cinema rooms or indoor pools for rainy days. Large holiday houses often have table tennis, pool tables and board game collections. Properties that sleep 10 or more usually offer better communal spaces than smaller cottages.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared group chat weeks before travel. Float ideas for days out and gauge interest. Book popular attractions in advance because turning up with 14 people expecting immediate entry rarely works.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Plan one or two group activities per day maximum. Leave free time for people to do their own thing. Not everyone wants to visit every attraction and that's fine.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times to places you want to visit. Somerset traffic in summer adds 20 minutes to most journeys. Properties near Highbridge give you Weston-super-Mare in 15 minutes and Cheddar in 20.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Coastal cottages are brilliant until it rains sideways for three days. Have a list of indoor activities ready. The area offers caves, museums and shopping centres within easy reach.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone drives for every meal
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily reshuffling nightmares
- Who organizes everything including food shopping, activities and transport
- Who's responsible if something breaks and how damages get handled
- Managing different sleep schedules when early risers wake night owls
Top 5 group attractions in Highbridge
The Somerset coast and countryside around Highbridge transformed from industrial marshland to a tourism hotspot over recent decades. Groups love the mix of natural landmarks, historic sites and family-friendly activities all packed into a compact area.
#1 Burnham-on-Sea Beach
This massive sandy beach stretches for miles and works brilliantly for big groups who want space to spread out. The iconic lighthouse on stilts makes a great photo spot. Low tide reveals vast expanses perfect for beach games and the promenade has cafes and amusements.
#2 Cheddar Gorge
Britain's largest gorge offers dramatic cliff walks and famous caves that accommodate large groups easily. The walk up the gorge suits various fitness levels with stopping points throughout. Groups can explore at their own pace and the views from the top justify the climb.
#3 RSPB Ham Wall
This wildlife reserve on the Somerset Levels provides excellent birdwatching for groups interested in nature. The flat accessible paths work for all ages and abilities. Starling murmurations in winter attract massive crowds but the reserve handles group visitors well year-round.
#4 Brean Down
This dramatic headland juts into the Bristol Channel and offers a proper coastal walk with historical interest. The Victorian fort at the summit fascinates history buffs. Groups can split between walkers tackling the climb and beach lovers staying below.
#5 Glastonbury Tor
The iconic tower-topped hill dominates the Somerset landscape and provides 360-degree views. The walk up takes about 20 minutes and groups often make this a morning activity before exploring Glastonbury town. The mystical atmosphere appeals to varied interests.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar Gorge Caves | Underground caverns with stalactites and archaeological significance | Guided tours accommodate large groups and provide shelter whatever the weather |
| Tropiquaria | Indoor zoo with reptiles, tropical animals and adventure golf | Compact site keeps groups together with activities for different ages |
| Clarks Village | Outlet shopping with major brands and restaurants | Large enough for groups to split up with easy meeting points |
| The Helicopter Museum | World's largest helicopter collection with interactive exhibits | Fascinating for all ages with space for groups to explore independently |
| Wookey Hole Caves | Show caves with underground river and Victorian paper mill | Multiple attractions on one site keep groups entertained for hours |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Highbridge?
Book at least six months ahead for Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Large holiday houses that sleep 12 or more get snapped up quickly. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice for properties sleeping big groups.
What's the minimum stay for group accommodation?
Most holiday cottages require three nights minimum with week-long stays standard in peak season. Some properties offer weekend or one night stays outside busy periods. Always check the specific rental terms before getting your hopes up.
Are there cottages for 10 people with enclosed gardens for dogs?
Yes, many dog friendly properties around Highbridge feature enclosed gardens perfect for pets. Search specifically for this feature because not all country cottages have secure outdoor spaces. Some allow multiple dogs which matters for groups with several pets.
Can we hire properties with hot tubs for hen parties?
Absolutely. Many large cottages and lodges come with hot tubs and welcome hen parties. Be upfront about your group type when booking because some properties restrict parties. Properties that sleep 14 or more often have better facilities for celebrations.
What about self-catering for massive groups at Christmas?
Big houses to rent for Christmas book up by March. Look for properties with spacious kitchens and large dining tables. Check the oven size matters when cooking for 20 people. Some holiday homes provide extra fridges and freezers which helps enormously.
Finding the right group cottage in Highbridge sets up your entire break for success. The combination of coastal access, countryside walks and proper Somerset character makes this area brilliant for large groups wanting variety.
We recommend booking properties with more space than you think you need. That extra bedroom becomes a quiet retreat and additional bathrooms prevent morning bottlenecks. The best holiday lets balance communal areas for socializing with private spaces for downtime.