Big Cottages Coniston: Your Group Break Blueprint
Booking Big Cottages in Coniston gives you a stunning Lake District base with the kind of space and flexibility that hotels simply can't match. This historic village sits on the shores of Coniston Water with the dramatic peak of the Old Man of Coniston rising 803 metres behind it.
We think Coniston works brilliantly for large groups because you get proper countryside without being miles from anywhere. The village has shops and pubs within walking distance whilst Windermere is just 20 minutes away. You'll find properties ranging from traditional country cottages sleeping 10 to massive holiday homes that sleep 20 or more.
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 rental costs for large holiday houses vary wildly depending on season and facilities. A spacious 8 bed cottage costs far less than a property with hot tubs and an indoor pool.
Location matters more than you think. Some lodges sit right by Coniston Water whilst others are tucked into the fells. Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need because a 10 bedroom property with two bathrooms creates queues nobody wants.
Dog friendly accommodation opens up more walking routes but not everyone wants pets around. Modern self-catering properties have better heating and wifi whilst rustic country cottages offer more character. Properties with enclosed gardens work brilliantly if you're bringing children or dogs.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count heads properly and add one bedroom as buffer space. A cottage that sleeps 12 across 5 bedrooms means sharing and that doesn't suit everyone. We always recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum to avoid morning chaos.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before you arrive. The couple who booked everything usually gets first pick but establish this early. Some groups draw names from a hat whilst others pay different amounts based on room size.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the total rental cost divided by number of guests. Factor in whether couples pay more than singles. Apps like Splitwise track who owes what throughout the weekend for food and activities.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline two weeks before arrival for final payments. Most holiday rentals through Snaptrip or similar platforms require full payment 6-8 weeks ahead.
Hidden fees
Check what's included because some holiday lets charge extra for heating and electricity. Linen and towels sometimes cost more. Properties to hire often have cleaning fees and security deposits that bump up the final price considerably.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms because wet weather happens in the Lakes. Houses to rent with hot tubs give you something to do in evenings. Some large cottages have cinema rooms whilst others offer table tennis or pool tables.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities then vote on favourites. Book any essential activities like boat hire or guided walks before you arrive because group accommodation means group bookings fill fast.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because not everyone wants to do everything together. Split into smaller groups for different activities then regroup for meals. This works especially well for mixed age groups or hen party weekends.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Coniston village sits central to most Lake District attractions. Windermere is 8 miles away whilst Ambleside is 6 miles. The Langdale Pikes are 20 minutes by car. Factor in parking because popular spots fill up by mid-morning in summer.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - The Lakes gets 140 inches of rain yearly so have indoor options ready. Nearby Kendal has museums and cafes whilst Bowness offers shopping. Some villas and cabins have their own entertainment so you never need to leave.
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 arguments before you've even unpacked
- Who organizes everything from food shopping to activities needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in open-plan properties where noise travels
Top 5 group attractions in Coniston
Coniston offers proper Lake District experiences without the crowds you get at Windermere. The area transformed from copper mining hub to tourist destination after John Ruskin settled here in 1872. Groups can tackle mountain walks or gentle lake cruises depending on fitness levels.
#1 Coniston Water
This 5-mile lake offers kayaking and paddleboarding with several hire companies operating from the village. The Coniston Launch steam yacht runs regular services letting groups explore the shoreline without driving. Donald Campbell's fatal water speed record attempt in 1967 made this lake famous worldwide.
#2 The Old Man of Coniston
This 803-metre peak provides challenging hiking for fit groups with spectacular views across Morecambe Bay. The route passes old copper mine workings that operated from Roman times until 1914. Allow 4-5 hours for the full circuit and start early because weather changes fast at altitude.
#3 Brantwood House
John Ruskin's former home sits on the eastern shore with 250 acres of gardens and woodland. Groups can explore the house then walk the estate trails at their own pace. The tearoom handles large parties with advance notice making it perfect for family reunion gatherings.
#4 Grizedale Forest
This 6000-acre forest between Coniston and Windermere has mountain bike trails and sculpture walks. Groups can split by ability level with routes from gentle strolls to technical red-grade cycling. The Go Ape high ropes course takes group bookings for stag dos and hen parties.
#5 Tarn Hows
This National Trust beauty spot sits 3 miles from Coniston with an easy 1.5-mile path around the tarn. The level terrain suits mixed-ability groups including wheelchair users. Parking fills quickly so arrive before 10am or after 3pm during peak season.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Ruskin Museum | Local history from copper mining to Campbell's Bluebird with Ruskin's personal collection | Compact size suits quick visits and works as wet weather backup |
| Hawkshead Brewery | Craft beer tours and tastings in nearby Staveley with food pairings available | Takes group bookings and offers private tours for parties of 10 plus |
| Lakeland Motor Museum | Classic cars and motorcycles including Campbell exhibition at Backbarrow | Large indoor space handles big groups comfortably with cafe facilities |
| The World of Beatrix Potter | Interactive Peter Rabbit experience in Bowness with character encounters | Group tickets available and works well for families with young children |
| Kendal Museum | Natural history and archaeology covering 700 million years of local heritage | Free entry makes it budget-friendly for large groups exploring nearby Kendal |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Coniston?
Book 6-12 months ahead for Christmas and New Year breaks because large holiday cottages fill fast. Last minute availability exists but you'll have limited choice. Summer weekends and school holidays need booking by February at latest.
Can we have one night stays in group accommodation?
Most properties require minimum 3-night stays with 7-night minimums in peak season. One night bookings rarely happen except midweek in winter. Weekend breaks typically run Friday to Monday.
What's the average cost for cottages for 10 people?
Expect £1500-3000 per week depending on season and facilities. Cheap options exist further from the lake whilst properties with pool or hot tub cost more. Divide by guest numbers and it's often cheaper than hotels.
Are most large cottages dog friendly?
Around 60% of Coniston holiday homes accept pets but check restrictions on numbers and sizes. Properties with gardens suit dogs better than apartments. Some charge pet fees of £20-40 per dog per stay.
Do properties that sleep 14 or sleeps 20 have enough parking?
Check parking spaces in the listing because it varies wildly. Some cottages to rent have space for 6-8 cars whilst others offer just 2-3 spaces. Street parking in Coniston village is limited and often restricted.
Big Cottages in Coniston give you the perfect base for exploring England's most beautiful national park. The village combines accessibility with genuine mountain scenery whilst offering enough accommodation variety to suit any group size or budget.
We recommend booking early and planning key activities in advance but leaving flexibility for spontaneous adventures. The combination of lake and mountain means groups can split by interest then share stories over dinner in your spacious rental property.