Big Cottages Grasmere: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Grasmere gives your group a perfect base in the heart of the Lake District. This village sits between stunning fells and offers the kind of space and freedom that hotels simply can't match for large groups.
You'll find everything from spacious properties that sleep 12 to massive holiday homes accommodating 20 guests. The village itself draws visitors year-round with its literary heritage and dramatic mountain scenery that inspired Wordsworth's greatest works.
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 large holiday houses vary wildly in price. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas costs significantly more than the same rental in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some cottages to rent sit right in Grasmere village whilst others occupy isolated spots requiring cars for every trip. We always check how many bedrooms versus bathrooms because one bathroom for 14 guests creates morning chaos.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference. Dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens let your pets roam safely whilst you enjoy the scenery. Modern or rustic affects your experience too since some groups want hot tubs and indoor pools whilst others prefer traditional country cottages.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. An 8 bed property needs at least two full bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet. Groups often book properties sleeping more than needed just to get extra bathrooms and living space.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. We suggest couples with young children or the person organizing everything gets first pick. Single guests can share twin rooms whilst families need their own space.
Splitting costs between your group
Divide the total rental equally or charge per bedroom depending on your group dynamic. Family reunions often split costs per family unit whilst hen party groups divide everything equally including food and activities.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and collects money from everyone else. Use banking apps to track who's paid what. Most holiday lets require full payment eight weeks before arrival so chase people early.
Hidden fees
Check for extra charges like linen hire or cleaning fees. Some properties charge per dog whilst others include pets free. Heating costs can add hundreds to winter bookings in large houses to rent.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with hot tubs because they're brilliant for groups after long walks. Games rooms with pool tables keep teenagers entertained whilst cinema rooms work perfectly for family movie nights. Some lodges include indoor pools though these command premium prices.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Book popular attractions weeks ahead especially for large groups needing 10+ spaces. Stag dos and hen parties need different planning than family groups.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with relaxed ones. Not everyone wants to climb Helvellyn so offer alternatives like visiting Dove Cottage or browsing Grasmere village shops. Split into smaller groups for different activities.
Think about how far it is to activities - Grasmere sits centrally for Lake District exploration. Windermere lies 20 minutes south whilst Keswick is 30 minutes north. Factor in parking challenges at popular spots during peak season.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Lake District weather changes fast. Keep a list of indoor activities and make sure your group accommodation has enough space for everyone to spread out during rainy days.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping trips
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and activity bookings
- Who's responsible if something breaks and how damages get split
- Managing different sleep schedules when some want early nights and others party late
- Self-catering means planning meals for big groups which takes serious coordination
Top 5 group attractions in Grasmere
Grasmere transforms from quiet village to bustling hub depending on season. The area offers activities for all ages from gentle lakeside walks to challenging fell climbs. These attractions work brilliantly for large groups wanting shared experiences.
#1 Grasmere Lake
This stunning lake offers easy walking paths around its perimeter taking roughly an hour. Groups can hire rowing boats or simply enjoy picnics on the shores. The views towards Helm Crag and Silver How provide perfect photo opportunities for everyone.
#2 Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum
William Wordsworth lived here from 1799 to 1808 writing some of his finest poetry. The cottage shows how the poet's family lived whilst the museum explores Romantic literature. Groups get fascinating insights into Lake District literary heritage that shaped English poetry.
#3 Easedale Tarn
This mountain tarn sits in a dramatic glacial valley reached via a moderate two-hour walk. The path suits reasonably fit groups and rewards effort with spectacular scenery. Pack lunch and enjoy it beside the water surrounded by towering fells.
#4 The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
This tiny shop beside St Oswald's Church sells the famous gingerbread made to a secret recipe since 1854. Groups queue for this unique treat that's more like shortbread than traditional gingerbread. Buy boxes to take back to your holiday rentals.
#5 Rydal Water and Rydal Cave
A gentle walk from Grasmere leads to this smaller lake and the impressive Rydal Cave. The cave was quarried for slate and now provides shelter and exploration opportunities. The circular walk back through woodland suits all fitness levels.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Wordsworth Museum | Literary exhibitions and Romantic poetry collections in modern galleries | Educational and cultural experience suitable for all ages with group rates available |
| Heaton Cooper Studio | Art gallery showcasing Lake District landscapes by local artists | Inspiring for creative groups with space to browse together |
| St Oswald's Church | Historic church where Wordsworth worshipped with his grave in the churchyard | Quick cultural stop that accommodates large groups easily |
| Local pubs and restaurants | Traditional Cumbrian food and real ales in cosy settings | Several venues handle group bookings for meals and celebrations |
| Grasmere village shops | Independent retailers selling outdoor gear and local crafts | Browsing opportunities when weather turns with something for everyone |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Grasmere?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas and New Year. Last minute availability exists for midweek breaks outside school holidays but choice becomes limited for properties sleeping 14 or more guests.
What's the minimum stay for group cottage rentals?
Most properties require three-night minimum stays with week-long bookings standard during summer. Some accept one night stays during quiet periods though weekend breaks typically need two nights minimum.
Can we bring multiple dogs to holiday cottages?
Many dog friendly properties accept several dogs but always check limits. Some cottages for 10 or more guests welcome up to four dogs whilst others restrict numbers or charge per pet.
Do large holiday homes provide linen and towels?
Most modern holiday homes include linen and towels but some traditional country cottages charge extra. Always confirm what's provided because buying linen for 20 guests gets expensive.
What happens if we damage something?
You'll pay a security deposit that covers accidental damage. Properties with hot tubs often require larger deposits. Keep the group accommodation tidy and report any breakages immediately to avoid disputes.
Big Cottages in Grasmere offer unmatched flexibility for groups wanting to explore this iconic Lake District village. The combination of spacious accommodation and proximity to world-class walking makes it perfect for family reunions and celebrations.
We recommend booking properties with gardens for summer stays and those with hot tubs for winter breaks. Check parking provisions carefully and confirm the property suits your group size before paying deposits.