Big Cottages Graythwaite: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Graythwaite gives you access to one of the Lake District's most peaceful corners. This tiny hamlet sits on the western shore of Windermere surrounded by ancient woodland and rolling fells. The area forms part of the historic Graythwaite Estate with its Victorian gardens and centuries-old oak trees.
We think Graythwaite works brilliantly for large groups wanting to escape the tourist crowds. You get proper countryside seclusion whilst staying within easy reach of Windermere and Hawkshead. The network of forest trails and lakeside paths means everyone from keen hikers to families with young children can find activities that suit them.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before browsing properties. Set your budget first because holiday cottages in the Lakes vary wildly in price. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas or New Year costs significantly more than the same place in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some large holiday houses sit miles from the nearest shop which sounds romantic until you need milk at 7am. Check how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A group of 12 adults needs more facilities than 12 people including children.
Distance from the nearest town affects your entire stay. Properties deep in the countryside offer peace but require cars for everything. Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference to dog owners in your group. Modern or rustic changes the whole vibe of your break.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. An 8 bed cottage needs at least two full bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet. Properties that sleep 14 or sleeps 20 should have three or four bathrooms to avoid morning chaos.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. Couples with young children often need ground floor rooms. Older guests appreciate ensuite bathrooms. Sort this out weeks ahead to prevent awkward conversations on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the rental cost divided by number of guests. Factor in whether children pay less. Some groups charge per room rather than per person which works better for families.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for when people must pay their share. Use banking apps that track who's paid to avoid confusion.
Hidden fees
Check if electricity costs extra in winter. Some holiday lets charge for firewood or hot tub usage. Pet fees add up quickly if you're bringing multiple dogs. Last minute bookings sometimes include premium charges.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms or cinema rooms for rainy days. An indoor pool transforms a weekend break especially with children. Hot tubs work brilliantly for evening entertainment after long walks. Enclosed gardens matter hugely for dog friendly cottages and families.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Vote on top choices rather than trying to please everyone simultaneously. Book popular attractions weeks ahead for big groups because spaces fill fast.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Plan one major group activity per day and leave afternoons flexible. Some people want to hike whilst others prefer browsing shops. Split into smaller groups for different activities then regroup for dinner.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Graythwaite sits roughly 20 minutes from Hawkshead and 15 minutes from the Windermere ferry. Factor in parking time at popular spots. Summer traffic around Bowness adds 30 minutes to any journey.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - The Lakes gets proper rain so indoor options matter. Keep a list of museums and indoor attractions. Spacious self-catering accommodation with good facilities means bad weather doesn't ruin your break.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping before arrival
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes problems - verify exact spaces available
- Who organizes everything including food shops and group meals needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in cottages for 10 or more guests
Top 5 group attractions in Graythwaite
The southern Lakes offer brilliant options for large groups wanting variety. You can explore historic houses and gardens one day then tackle mountain walks the next. The compact geography means you're never more than 30 minutes from major attractions.
#1 Grizedale Forest
This massive woodland covers 24 square kilometres with trails for all abilities. The sculpture trail features over 40 artworks hidden among the trees. Mountain bike trails range from gentle family routes to technical single track that challenges experienced riders.
#2 Hill Top Beatrix Potter's House
The famous author's 17th-century farmhouse sits in Near Sawrey just 15 minutes away. Groups can explore the cottage and gardens that inspired her beloved stories. The National Trust property gets busy so booking timed entry slots for large groups prevents disappointment.
#3 Windermere Lake Cruises
England's largest lake offers various cruise options from short trips to full-length journeys. Private boat hire works well for family reunions or hen parties wanting exclusive use. The ferry crossing from Ferry House to Bowness takes cars and provides stunning fell views.
#4 Hawkshead Village
This medieval village features cobbled squares and whitewashed cottages. The traffic-free centre makes it perfect for groups to wander safely. Wordsworth attended the grammar school here and you can visit his old classroom.
#5 Coniston Water
This five-mile lake offers watersports including kayaking and paddleboarding. The Steam Yacht Gondola provides leisurely cruises with National Trust commentary. Groups can tackle the Old Man of Coniston fell walk for panoramic views across the southern Lakes.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| World of Beatrix Potter | Interactive recreation of Peter Rabbit's world with character displays and themed gardens | Works for mixed-age groups and provides shelter during typical Lake District rain |
| Lakeland Motor Museum | Over 30,000 exhibits including classic cars and motorcycles spanning 130 years | Large venue accommodates big groups comfortably with cafe facilities |
| Windermere Jetty Museum | Restored Victorian boathouse displaying historic boats and steam launches | Educational and entertaining for all ages with hands-on exhibits |
| Blackwell Arts & Crafts House | Stunning Edwardian house showcasing original furniture and decorative arts | Spacious rooms prevent crowding and gardens offer outdoor space |
| The Brewery Arts Centre Kendal | Cinema, theatre and gallery space with regular exhibitions and performances | Group bookings available for shows and multiple entertainment options |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can typically park at Big Cottages in Graythwaite?
Most large holiday houses in the area provide parking for 4-6 vehicles. Always verify exact numbers with the owner because some properties have limited space. Overflow parking sometimes requires roadside spaces which can be tricky in winter.
Do properties that sleep 12 or more include linen and towels?
Most holiday rentals include bedding but policies vary on towels. Some cheap last minute deals exclude linen to reduce costs. Always check what's provided because buying towels for 14 guests gets expensive.
Can we book Big Cottages in Graythwaite for one night or weekend breaks?
Many properties require minimum three-night stays especially during peak season. Weekend and one night bookings become more available in winter months. Stag dos and hen parties often face restrictions so check policies carefully.
Are there group accommodation options with hot tubs near Graythwaite?
Plenty of large cottages and lodges feature hot tubs as standard. Properties with hot tubs book quickly for Christmas and New Year. Some charge extra for heating costs so factor this into your budget.
What's the best way to find cheap group cottage deals?
Booking well ahead or grabbing last minute cancellations offers best value. Midweek breaks cost less than weekends. Sites like Snaptrip aggregate deals from multiple providers making comparison easier.
Finding the right group cottage transforms your Lake District experience. Graythwaite's position gives you countryside peace whilst keeping attractions accessible. Whether you need country cottages for a family reunion or spacious villas for big groups celebrating special occasions, this corner of the Lakes delivers.
The combination of massive properties with pools and hot tubs plus outdoor activities means everyone stays entertained. We find groups appreciate having proper space to spread out after busy days exploring. Book early for peak periods and you'll secure the perfect base for your Lake District adventure.