Big Cottages Lee: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Lee gives you direct access to one of North Devon's most dramatic coastal settings. This tiny village sits tucked into a valley where Fuchsia Valley meets the sea and offers the kind of unspoilt beauty that makes group breaks genuinely memorable.
Lee works brilliantly for large groups because you get proper coastal isolation without being miles from anywhere useful. Ilfracombe sits just three miles east with its shops and restaurants whilst Woolacombe's three-mile beach lies four miles west. The village itself has a proper community feel with the Grampus Inn serving local food and the beach below offering rock pools and coastal walks that keep everyone entertained.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before you even open SnapTrip or browse holiday cottages listings. A 10 bedroom property sleeping 20 guests costs vastly different to a 5 bedroom cottage that sleeps 10. We always recommend writing down your absolute requirements first.
Set your budget first and stick to it. Large holiday houses in Lee range from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with hot tubs and indoor pools. Properties by the sea command premium rates but you're paying for those coastal views and beach access.
Location matters more than you think. Some big houses sit in the village centre near the Grampus Inn whilst others perch on clifftops with no neighbours for half a mile. Country cottages further inland offer enclosed gardens perfect for dog friendly breaks but you'll drive to reach the coast.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does your group actually need? An 8 bed property might sleep 14 people but check if that includes sofa beds in lounges. We find groups need at least one bathroom per four guests to avoid morning chaos.
Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency supplies. Lee has limited facilities so you'll drive to Ilfracombe or Woolacombe for major supermarkets. Factor in parking for multiple cars because coastal properties often have limited spaces.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a massive difference. Dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens let your pets roam safely but some guests prefer animal-free accommodation for allergies or personal preference. Decide this early because it halves your options immediately.
Modern or rustic changes the entire vibe. Spacious new builds offer contemporary kitchens and bathrooms whilst traditional cottages provide character beams and inglenook fireplaces. Neither is better but your group needs to agree which style suits your break.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count heads properly and add one bedroom as buffer space. A family reunion with 12 adults needs different accommodation to a hen party where people don't mind sharing. Large groups often book cottages that sleep 12 or properties that sleep 14 to give everyone breathing room.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest couples with young children get ground floor rooms whilst the stag dos crew can take attic spaces. Put it in writing so nobody feels hard done by on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who pays what. Big groups booking holiday homes often have one person paying the rental upfront then chasing reimbursements for months. Agree payment deadlines before anyone books anything.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
Most holiday lets require 25-50% deposits months in advance. The person booking shouldn't subsidise everyone else so collect money immediately. Set up a dedicated group account or use payment request features in banking apps.
Hidden fees
Check for extras like linen charges, cleaning fees, heating costs and damage deposits. Some cheap cottages to rent look affordable until you add mandatory extras. Properties with hot tubs often charge £50-100 extra and Christmas or New Year breaks command premium rates.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Large cottages for big groups increasingly offer games rooms, cinema rooms and indoor pools. We prioritise properties with communal spaces where everyone gathers rather than massive houses where groups splinter into separate rooms. Hot tubs work brilliantly for evening entertainment and lodges with pool tables keep teenagers occupied.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document listing daily options rather than rigid schedules. Some guests want coastal walks whilst others prefer lazy mornings. Build in free time because groups of 10+ people never move at the same pace.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed days. A beach day followed by a pub lunch works better than cramming in three attractions. Weekend breaks need less planning than week-long stays because people tolerate busier schedules for shorter periods.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Lee sits perfectly for exploring North Devon but you'll drive everywhere. Woolacombe Beach takes 10 minutes, Exmoor National Park starts 30 minutes inland and Lundy Island ferries leave from Ilfracombe. Factor in travel time when booking activities.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Coastal cottages need wet weather alternatives. Ilfracombe Aquarium, Combe Martin Wildlife Park and various National Trust properties provide all-weather options. Self-catering accommodation with decent living spaces means you can hunker down comfortably when storms roll in.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk food shopping before arrival
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration in narrow Devon lanes
- Who organizes everything from food to activities to transport needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in open-plan properties where noise travels
Top 5 group attractions in Lee
Lee and the surrounding North Devon coast offer attractions that work brilliantly for large groups. The area transformed from fishing villages to holiday destinations over the past century but retained its rugged character. These landmarks and activities suit parties ranging from family reunions to hen parties.
#1 Woolacombe Beach
This three-mile stretch of golden sand consistently ranks among Britain's best beaches. Large groups spread out easily here with space for beach games, surfing lessons and rock pooling. The beach offers facilities including cafes and surf hire shops whilst the South West Coast Path provides spectacular clifftop walks for those wanting to escape the sand.
#2 Exmoor National Park
Exmoor sits on Lee's doorstep offering 267 square miles of moorland, woodland and coast. Groups can tackle walking routes ranging from gentle valley strolls to challenging coastal hikes. The park's famous for wild ponies, red deer and some of Britain's darkest skies for stargazing. Multiple entry points mean you can tailor visits to your group's fitness levels.
#3 Ilfracombe Harbour and Tunnels Beaches
Ilfracombe's Victorian harbour bustles with fishing boats, pleasure craft and the Lundy Island ferry. The hand-carved tunnels leading to private beaches offer sheltered swimming when Atlantic swells make other beaches rough. Groups enjoy the harbour's restaurants and Damien Hirst's controversial Verity statue provides a talking point.
#4 Watermouth Castle
This Victorian folly turned family attraction sits between Lee and Ilfracombe offering dungeons, gardens and entertainment. Groups with children appreciate the variety of activities from mechanical music displays to adventure playgrounds. The castle's quirky character and sheltered grounds work well when coastal weather turns challenging.
#5 Lundy Island
The MS Oldenburg ferry carries groups to this granite island sitting 12 miles offshore. Lundy offers traffic-free walking, puffin colonies, seal spotting and a proper sense of adventure. Day trips work for active groups whilst the island's accommodation suits those wanting overnight stays. Book ferry tickets well ahead for large groups because space fills quickly.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Ilfracombe Aquarium | Local marine life displays in Victorian building with touch pools and conservation exhibits | Compact size suits groups who can explore together without losing people |
| Combe Martin Wildlife Park | Animals, tropical house and indoor play areas spread across wooded valley | Multiple attractions keep different ages entertained simultaneously |
| The Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe | Cinema, live performances and events in modern venue overlooking harbour | Group bookings available for shows and films with adjacent restaurants for pre-theatre meals |
| Broomhill Art Hotel | Sculpture gardens and gallery spaces showcasing contemporary art in woodland setting | Self-guided exploration lets groups move at own pace through outdoor and covered areas |
| Arlington Court | National Trust house with carriage collection, Victorian gardens and estate walks | Large property absorbs groups easily with indoor and outdoor spaces plus cafe facilities |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Lee?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak summer weeks and Christmas breaks. Large holiday houses sleeping 12+ guests are limited in Lee so popular properties fill quickly. Last minute deals appear occasionally but don't risk it for specific dates with big groups.
What's the minimum stay for group accommodation in Lee?
Most holiday rentals require 3-7 night minimum stays depending on season. Weekend breaks and one night stays rarely feature for large cottages because turnover costs make them uneconomical for owners. Expect week-long bookings during summer and school holidays.
Are properties in Lee suitable for stag dos and hen parties?
Some owners welcome parties whilst others explicitly ban them. Always declare your group type when booking because turning up with a hen party to a family-only cottage risks losing your deposit. Look for properties advertising party-friendly policies or contact owners directly.
Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly cottages?
Pet policies vary wildly between properties. Some allow one small dog whilst others welcome multiple large dogs. Expect additional cleaning fees of £25-50 per pet. Gardens with secure fencing matter more than house size when travelling with dogs.
What happens if our group size changes after booking?
Contact your rental provider immediately because occupancy limits are strict. Insurance and licensing restrict guest numbers so you can't just squeeze in extra people. Some properties offer flexibility whilst others enforce cancellation policies for number changes.
Making the most of your Lee group break
Big Cottages in Lee provide the perfect base for exploring North Devon's dramatic coastline whilst giving your group proper space to relax together. The village's position between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe means you're never far from activities but you return each evening to peaceful coastal surroundings.
We find the best group breaks balance planned activities with downtime. Book your cottage early, sort finances upfront and build flexible itineraries that let people opt in or out. Lee's combination of beaches, moorland and coastal villages provides enough variety to keep everyone happy whether you're planning a family reunion or a weekend with friends.
The properties available range from traditional country cottages to modern houses with pools and hot tubs. Whatever your budget and group size, you'll find accommodation that turns a simple holiday into a proper group experience where memories get made.