Big Cottages Hawkshead: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Hawkshead gives your group a perfect base in the heart of the Lake District. This medieval village with its whitewashed buildings and cobbled lanes offers genuine character that hotels simply can't match.
The village sits between Windermere and Coniston Water with Beatrix Potter's Hill Top just a short walk away. We find groups love the combination of village amenities and quick access to fells and lakes. You can walk to pubs and shops yet still enjoy proper countryside views from your rental property.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before browsing properties. Set your budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly in price. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas or New Year costs significantly more than the same cottage in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles from Hawkshead village itself. Check the actual distance to shops and restaurants. We always recommend properties within walking distance of amenities for big groups.
Count bathrooms as carefully as bedrooms. A property that sleeps 20 with only three bathrooms creates morning chaos. Aim for at least one bathroom per four guests. Dog friendly cottages often have enclosed gardens which matters if you're bringing pets.
Modern or rustic affects your stay significantly. Some lodges and cabins offer contemporary luxuries like indoor pools and cinema rooms. Traditional holiday cottages provide more character but fewer facilities. Neither is better but know what your group prefers.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count actual guests not theoretical maximum capacity. Properties advertise they sleep 12 or sleeps 14 but often include sofa beds. For comfortable group accommodation we suggest booking properties rated for two more than your actual number.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets which room before arrival. The master suite question causes genuine friction in family reunions and hen parties. We recommend allocating rooms based on who booked earliest or drawing names from a hat.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the total rental cost divided by guests. Some groups charge per person while others charge per bedroom. Decide your method early and get agreement in writing via group chat.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and pays the deposit for holiday rentals. Set up a dedicated bank account or use payment apps to collect contributions. Chase payments at least two weeks before the balance is due to avoid last minute stress.
Hidden fees
Read the small print on holiday lets carefully. Some properties charge extra for heating and electricity. Others add cleaning fees or require you to provide bed linen. Factor these into your budget when comparing cottages to rent.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for large groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Properties with hot tubs provide evening entertainment without leaving the property. Some spacious villas feature indoor pools perfect for families with children. Check what's actually included because facilities vary enormously between holiday homes.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Vote on top choices then book tickets in advance for popular attractions. Assign one person as activity coordinator to prevent decision paralysis.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because not everyone wants constant group activities. We suggest one planned activity per day maximum. This works better for big groups than cramming in multiple attractions.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Hawkshead sits roughly 20 minutes from Windermere and 15 minutes from Coniston. Factor in travel time when planning days out. Properties that sleep 10 or more need multiple cars which complicates logistics.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Lake District weather changes rapidly. Have indoor alternatives ready for every outdoor activity. Museums and indoor attractions save the day when hiking becomes impossible.
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 daily frustration in large holiday houses
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and meal planning needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear before booking self-catering accommodation
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls
Top 5 group attractions in Hawkshead
Hawkshead and the surrounding Lake District offer exceptional attractions for large groups. The area combines literary heritage with outdoor adventures and traditional Cumbrian experiences. Most attractions accommodate groups easily with advance booking.
#1 Hill Top House
Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse sits just outside Hawkshead village. The National Trust property shows rooms exactly as Potter left them with original furniture and her personal belongings. Groups can explore the cottage and gardens that inspired her famous tales.
#2 Grizedale Forest
This massive woodland between Coniston and Windermere offers 40 sculptures hidden among the trees. Groups can tackle mountain bike trails ranging from easy to expert level. The forest provides activities for all fitness levels from gentle walks to challenging climbs.
#3 Windermere Lake Cruises
England's largest lake sits 20 minutes from Hawkshead. Groups can book private boat charters or join scheduled cruises. The steamers connect multiple lakeside villages making them practical transport as well as tourist attractions.
#4 The Old Grammar School
This 15th-century building in Hawkshead village educated William Wordsworth. The small museum shows original desks carved with pupils' initials including Wordsworth's own. Groups appreciate the quick visit that provides historical context for the village.
#5 Coniston Water
This lake offers quieter alternatives to busy Windermere. Groups can hire kayaks and paddleboards or take the historic Gondola steam yacht. The surrounding fells provide hiking routes for various abilities from gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkshead Brewery | Craft beer tasting and brewery tours showing the production process | Groups can book private tastings and the taproom accommodates parties |
| Beatrix Potter Gallery | Original illustrations and watercolours in a 17th-century building | Compact space works for groups up to 15 with staggered entry times |
| The World of Beatrix Potter | Interactive exhibition recreating scenes from Potter's stories | Large venue handles big groups easily with group booking discounts available |
| Lakeland Motor Museum | Classic cars and motorcycles plus Campbell Bluebird exhibition | Spacious museum accommodates large groups without feeling crowded |
| Hawkshead Village Shops | Independent retailers selling local crafts and Cumbrian produce | Compact village centre lets groups browse together then regroup easily |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can Big Cottages in Hawkshead accommodate?
Most large cottages provide parking for 4-6 vehicles but verify exact numbers before booking. Some properties have limited roadside parking which causes problems for groups arriving in multiple cars.
Do holiday cottages in Hawkshead allow one night stays?
Most properties require minimum three-night stays with seven nights mandatory during peak season. Last minute availability sometimes offers shorter breaks but don't rely on finding one night rentals.
Which properties work best for stag dos and hen parties?
Look for isolated properties rather than village centre cottages to avoid disturbing neighbours. Many owners explicitly ban parties so read terms carefully. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms suit celebration groups.
Are there cheap options for cottages for 10 or more guests?
Booking well in advance and avoiding school holidays reduces costs significantly. Snaptrip and similar platforms offer deals on last minute availability. Splitting an 8 bed or 5 bedroom property between families works out cheaper per person than hotels.
Can we bring dogs to group accommodation in Hawkshead?
Many holiday homes welcome dogs but check maximum numbers allowed. Properties with enclosed gardens provide secure spaces for pets. Some owners charge per dog so factor this into your budget.
Making the most of your group break
Big Cottages in Hawkshead give you the space and facilities that massive groups need. The village location means you're never far from shops and pubs yet you still get proper Lake District scenery.
Book early for properties that sleep 12 or more because availability fills quickly. Christmas and New Year weekend breaks get reserved months ahead. We find midweek stays offer better value and quieter attractions.
The combination of village amenities and countryside access makes Hawkshead ideal for family reunions and large groups. You can please both the hikers and the pub enthusiasts without anyone spending hours in cars.