Big Cottages Blackpool: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Blackpool gives your group the perfect base to explore this iconic seaside resort without the cramped hotel rooms and rigid meal times. You get space to spread out and the freedom to create your own schedule.
Blackpool has been Britain's favourite coastal playground since Victorian times. The town offers everything from the famous Pleasure Beach to the historic Tower and miles of sandy beaches. Large groups can enjoy stag dos and hen parties or simply gather for a family reunion by the sea.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties. Set your budget first because holiday rentals vary wildly from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with hot tubs and indoor pools.
Location matters more than you think. Some cottages to rent sit right by the beach whilst others nestle in quieter spots further inland. Consider whether you want a 5 bedroom property or something massive that sleeps 20 guests.
Count bathrooms as carefully as bedrooms. An 8 bed cottage with two bathrooms creates morning chaos. Most spacious holiday homes now offer en-suites but always check before booking.
Distance from town centres affects everything. Remote country cottages offer peace but you'll need multiple cars for supplies. Properties near Blackpool's centre put restaurants and attractions within walking distance.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference. Dog friendly cottages often include enclosed gardens which are brilliant for families with children too. Some lodges and cabins specifically welcome four-legged guests.
Modern or rustic changes the whole vibe. Contemporary self-catering accommodation usually features better heating and wifi. Traditional holiday cottages offer more character but sometimes lack mod cons.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. Large holiday houses that sleep 12 need at least three bathrooms. Properties that sleep 10 can manage with two if they're well-positioned.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. Couples usually claim larger rooms whilst singles share. Some big houses have a mix of doubles and twins which helps.
Splitting costs between your group
Divide the rental equally or charge per bedroom. Weekend breaks work well with flat splits. Longer stays might need adjustment if some guests arrive late or leave early.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books then collects money from everyone else. Use banking apps to track payments. Most group accommodation requires deposits months ahead so chase people early.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning charges and linen costs. Some holiday lets charge extra for heating during Christmas and New Year. Pet fees add up if you're bringing dogs.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Large cottages for big groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Properties with hot tubs are perfect for evening relaxation. Some rental houses feature cinema rooms whilst others have indoor pools.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests ideas. Vote on must-do attractions versus optional extras. Book group tickets in advance for popular venues.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with downtime. Not everyone wants to visit every attraction. Split into smaller groups for different activities then regroup for meals.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach sit close together. The Sandcastle Waterpark and Sea Life Centre cluster near the beach. Plan your base location around your priorities.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Coastal cottages need wet weather alternatives. Blackpool excels at indoor entertainment with arcades and shopping centres. Book a few indoor attractions before arrival.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby limits spontaneous meals out
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration in beach accommodation
- Who organizes everything from food shopping to activities and transport arrangements
- Who's responsible if something breaks and how to report issues quickly
- Managing different sleep schedules when some want parties and others need early nights
Top 5 group attractions in Blackpool
Blackpool transformed itself from a small fishing village into Britain's premier seaside resort. The town now welcomes millions annually who come for the Illuminations and world-class entertainment. Groups find plenty to do whatever the weather.
#1 Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This amusement park ranks among Europe's most visited attractions with over 40 rides including iconic wooden rollercoasters. The Big One dominated the skyline since 1994 and remains a must-ride. Groups can split up based on thrill tolerance then meet for food.
#2 Blackpool Tower
Built in 1894 and inspired by Paris's Eiffel Tower this 158-metre landmark offers multiple attractions under one roof. The Tower Ballroom features stunning architecture whilst the Circus entertains all ages. The glass SkyWalk provides incredible coastal views for brave groups.
#3 Sandcastle Waterpark
Britain's largest indoor waterpark keeps groups entertained for hours regardless of weather. Eighteen slides and attractions cater to different ages and confidence levels. The Master Blaster water rollercoaster and Montazooma speed slide thrill adrenaline seekers.
#4 Blackpool Zoo
Over 1000 animals across 32 acres make this a brilliant day out for family groups. The Dinosaur Safari and active animal presentations keep everyone engaged. Large groups appreciate the spacious grounds and multiple dining areas.
#5 Winter Gardens
This Grade II listed entertainment complex hosts everything from concerts to comedy shows. The Opera House and Empress Ballroom showcase Victorian grandeur. Check what's on during your stay because shows suit different group types.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Sandcastle Waterpark | Indoor water slides and wave pools with tropical temperatures year-round | Accommodates large groups with varied attractions for all abilities |
| SEA LIFE Blackpool | Underwater tunnels and interactive rock pools featuring marine life | Self-paced viewing works well for groups with different interests |
| Madame Tussauds | Wax figures of celebrities and interactive experiences | Great for photos and splitting into smaller groups |
| Blackpool Tower Dungeon | Live actors recreate Lancashire's dark history with theatrical scares | Timed shows work perfectly for pre-booked group slots |
| Coral Island | Massive indoor arcade with hundreds of games and rides | Everyone can do their own thing then regroup easily |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Blackpool?
Book six to twelve months ahead for peak times like Christmas and New Year. Summer weekends and school holidays fill up fast. Last minute deals appear occasionally but you'll have limited choice for properties that sleep 14 or more guests.
What's the minimum stay for large holiday houses?
Most require three nights minimum with seven nights standard during summer. Some accept one night bookings during quieter periods. Weekend breaks typically run Friday to Monday.
Can we hire cottages for 10 people with enclosed gardens?
Yes many properties offer enclosed gardens perfect for children and dogs. Filter search results on sites like Snaptrip for this feature. Beach houses sometimes have smaller gardens than country cottages.
Do holiday homes that sleep 20 cost more per person?
Usually not. Massive properties often work out cheaper per head than smaller accommodation. An 8 bed cottage split between eight costs more per person than a property that sleeps 20 divided between twenty guests.
Are properties with pool and hot tub common?
Hot tubs are increasingly common in large group accommodation. Indoor pools are rarer and command premium prices. Most houses to rent with pools sit slightly outside Blackpool centre rather than right by the beach.
Big Cottages in Blackpool give your group the freedom to explore this legendary resort at your own pace. Whether you're planning a hen party or family reunion the combination of spacious holiday rentals and endless attractions creates unforgettable breaks. Book early and plan thoroughly to make the most of your coastal escape.