Big Cottages Ambleside: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Ambleside gives your group the perfect base to explore the Lake District's most charming Victorian town. You get the space and freedom that hotels simply can't match with properties sleeping anywhere from 10 to 20 guests under one roof.
Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Windermere surrounded by dramatic fells and ancient woodlands. The town became a tourist hub in the 1800s when wealthy Victorians built grand villas here and that heritage means you'll find stunning large holiday homes with original features alongside modern lodges with hot tubs and indoor pools.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even open SnapTrip or any other rental site. We always set the budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly from cheap country cottages to massive villas with every luxury imaginable.
Location matters more than you think. Some properties sit right in Ambleside town centre whilst others are tucked away in the fells requiring a car for every trip. Think about whether you need dog friendly accommodation or prefer pet-free spaces for guests with allergies.
The bedroom and bathroom ratio is crucial. An 8 bed property might sound perfect but if it only has two bathrooms you'll have queues every morning. We recommend at least one bathroom per four guests for a comfortable stay.
Modern or rustic changes everything about your experience. Some groups want sleek self-catering accommodation with cinema rooms whilst others prefer traditional cottages to rent with exposed beams and open fires. Neither is wrong but you need consensus before booking.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count actual people not just bedrooms. A property that sleeps 14 might have bunk rooms which won't suit everyone. Check the bedroom breakdown carefully and make sure there are enough double rooms for couples in your party.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We've seen family reunions nearly fall apart over this. Consider drawing names from a hat or giving it to whoever organized the trip as a thank you.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a shared spreadsheet or app to track who owes what. Holiday rentals for big groups get expensive when you add food and activities. Be transparent about costs from day one to avoid awkwardness later.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then chases everyone for their share. Set a firm deadline for payments and use bank transfers rather than cash. Most holiday lets require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival.
Hidden fees
Read the small print on heating costs and cleaning fees. Some properties charge extra for hot tub use or linen. Factor these into your budget when comparing cottages for 10 or larger groups.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms or spacious living areas where everyone can gather. Houses to rent with pool tables and log burners keep groups entertained on rainy days. Some luxury holiday homes even have indoor pools or cinema rooms.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where people can suggest activities. Not everyone wants to climb Helvellyn so have options ranging from gentle lake cruises to challenging fell walks. Book popular activities like kayaking in advance.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time. Rigid schedules stress people out on holiday. We suggest one planned group activity per day with mornings or afternoons left flexible for smaller groups to do their own thing.
Think about how far it is to activities - Ambleside is central but some attractions need 30-40 minutes driving. Check distances to places like Beatrix Potter's Hill Top or the Langdale Pikes before assuming everything is nearby.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Lake District weather changes fast. Have a list of indoor attractions ready. The town has excellent pubs and cafes plus Windermere's museums are just 15 minutes away.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone has to drive for every meal
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration when people need to shuffle vehicles
- Who organizes everything from food shopping to booking restaurants needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in group accommodation when early risers wake night owls
Top 5 group attractions in Ambleside
Ambleside transformed from a small mill town into the Lake District's adventure capital. The compact town centre sits within walking distance of major trailheads whilst Windermere's shores offer watersports and boat trips perfect for large groups.
#1 Stock Ghyll Force
This 70-foot waterfall sits just 10 minutes walk from the town centre through ancient woodland. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels making it ideal for groups with mixed abilities. The viewing platform accommodates large groups and the dramatic cascade provides brilliant photo opportunities.
#2 Windermere Lake Cruises
England's largest lake stretches 10 miles from Ambleside to Lakeside. Group bookings get you onto historic steamers that have sailed these waters since Victorian times. You can hop off at Bowness or continue to the southern tip with options for circular routes.
#3 Wray Castle
This National Trust property sits on Windermere's western shore offering 65 acres of grounds to explore. The mock-Gothic castle has interactive exhibits and the gardens provide space for groups to spread out. It's particularly good for family reunions with activities for all ages.
#4 Rydal Cave and Rydal Water
The old slate quarry caves create a dramatic backdrop for group photos whilst Rydal Water offers gentle lakeside walks. This area is less crowded than central Ambleside making it perfect for larger groups who want space. The circular walk takes about two hours at a relaxed pace.
#5 Bridge House
This tiny 17th-century building spans Stock Beck right in Ambleside's centre. It's one of the Lake District's most photographed landmarks and makes a great meeting point for groups. The National Trust maintains it and whilst you can't all fit inside it's a quirky piece of local history.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| The Armitt Museum | Local history exhibits including Beatrix Potter's botanical paintings and Roman artefacts from nearby forts | Compact space works for groups up to 15 with fascinating Lake District heritage |
| Ambleside Climbing Wall | Indoor climbing centre with routes for beginners through to experienced climbers plus bouldering areas | Book group sessions for hen parties or stag dos wanting active challenges |
| Zeffirellis Cinema | Independent cinema showing mainstream and art house films in a cosy two-screen venue | Perfect for evening entertainment when groups want downtime |
| Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole | Interactive exhibits about the National Park's wildlife and geology plus adventure playground | Large indoor spaces accommodate groups and the cafe handles big parties |
| Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall | Craft brewery with tasting rooms and tours explaining the brewing process | Group tastings available and the relaxed atmosphere suits weekend gatherings |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Ambleside?
For Christmas and New Year breaks book 9-12 months ahead as the best properties fill fast. Weekend breaks and last minute availability appear more often but you'll have limited choice for groups needing accommodation that sleeps 12 or more.
Are there properties with enclosed gardens for dogs?
Yes many large cottages offer enclosed gardens perfect for dog friendly breaks. Check the listing carefully as garden sizes vary and some only have partial fencing. Properties sleeping 20 guests often have the biggest outdoor spaces.
Can we book for just one night?
Most holiday cottages require minimum 3-night stays with 7-night minimums during peak season. One night bookings are rare for large groups though some lodges offer this for midweek breaks outside summer.
What about properties with hot tubs for large groups?
Plenty of big houses come with hot tubs but check capacity. A hot tub that fits 6 people won't accommodate your whole group at once. Some luxury rentals have multiple hot tubs or swimming pools.
How do we find cheap group accommodation?
Book midweek outside school holidays for the best rates. Properties that sleep 10 in bunk rooms cost less per person than those with all double bedrooms. Sharing a 5 bedroom cottage between couples works out cheaper than separate hotel rooms.
Making the most of your Ambleside group break
Big Cottages in Ambleside put you right in the heart of England's most spectacular National Park. The town's position between major fells and Windermere's shores means you can hike mountains in the morning and cruise the lake by afternoon.
Group holidays work best when everyone has space to breathe. That's why we always recommend properties with multiple living areas and gardens where people can spread out. The best holiday homes balance communal spaces for gatherings with quiet corners for those needing downtime.
Whether you're planning a family reunion or a weekend with friends Ambleside delivers. The combination of outdoor adventures and cosy pubs creates the perfect backdrop for making memories with the people who matter most.