Big Cottages Ingleton: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Ingleton gives your group a perfect base in the Yorkshire Dales with the kind of space and freedom you simply can't get from hotels. This historic village sits at the meeting point of three valleys and offers stunning limestone scenery alongside proper Yorkshire hospitality.
We think Ingleton works brilliantly for large groups because everything you need is within reach. The village has proper shops and pubs whilst the surrounding countryside delivers waterfalls and cave systems that'll keep everyone entertained. Properties range from converted farmhouses to modern lodges with hot tubs.
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. Christmas and New Year bookings cost significantly more than midweek breaks in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles from the nearest shop whilst others are right in Ingleton village. We always check how many bedrooms and bathrooms the property actually has because a 10 bedroom cottage with two bathrooms creates queues nobody wants.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early. Dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens book up fast in the Dales. Modern or rustic affects your experience too. Some guests want underfloor heating and wifi whilst others prefer exposed beams and open fires.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count heads properly. A cottage that sleeps 14 might have bunk rooms that don't suit adults. We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. Properties with ensuite bedrooms reduce morning chaos significantly. Check if bedrooms are doubles or twins because that affects couples versus singles.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. Draw names from a hat or rotate rooms if you're booking multiple nights. Some groups charge extra for the best rooms. Others give them to whoever's organising everything or the birthday person.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide upfront whether you're splitting equally or charging per person. Couples often pay more than singles. Children sometimes count as half. Get this agreed in writing before anyone transfers money.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then collects from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment. We've seen friendships tested when people don't pay on time. Consider travel insurance that covers cancellations because life happens and deposits are rarely refundable.
Hidden fees
Read the small print carefully. Some properties charge extra for heating and electricity. Others add cleaning fees or linen costs. Pet fees can reach £50 per dog. Hot tub properties sometimes charge separately for usage. Factor these into your budget from the start.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big Cottages in Ingleton often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Some massive properties have indoor pools or cinema rooms. Hot tubs are increasingly common and perfect after hiking. Look for spacious living areas where everyone can gather without feeling cramped.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where people can suggest activities. Don't overschedule because some guests want downtime. We find having one or two planned activities per day works better than jam-packed itineraries. Leave room for spontaneity and lazy mornings.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed options. Not everyone wants to climb Ingleborough. Some prefer pottering around Ingleton village or reading in gardens. Offer choices rather than forcing everyone to do everything together. Split into smaller groups for different activities.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Ingleton Waterfalls Trail starts right in the village. White Scar Cave is two miles away. Ingleborough Cave sits three miles out. Check driving times to attractions because Yorkshire Dales roads are narrow and slow. Factor in parking availability at popular spots.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - The Dales get proper rain. Have indoor alternatives ready. White Scar Cave works in any weather. The village has cafes and pubs. Some groups bring board games or plan cooking competitions. Properties with pools or hot tubs become lifesavers on wet days.
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 reshuffling nightmares
- Who organizes everything including food shopping, activities and transport needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls
Top 5 group attractions in Ingleton
Ingleton transformed from a coal mining village into a tourism hub thanks to its spectacular natural features. The area offers activities that work brilliantly for big groups and families wanting shared experiences in stunning surroundings.
#1 Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
This 4.5 mile circular walk takes you past multiple waterfalls through ancient woodland. The trail suits reasonably fit groups though some sections involve steps and can be slippery. Everyone gets incredible photos and the route has several spots perfect for group pictures.
#2 White Scar Cave
Britain's longest show cave features underground waterfalls and massive caverns formed over millions of years. Guided tours last 80 minutes and work well for groups because you all experience it together. The temperature stays constant year-round making it perfect for rainy days.
#3 Ingleborough
One of Yorkshire's Three Peaks, this 723-metre mountain challenges groups wanting proper hiking. The summit delivers 360-degree views across the Dales. Various routes suit different fitness levels. Groups often split with some tackling the peak whilst others explore lower paths.
#4 Thornton Force
Part of the Waterfalls Trail but worth mentioning separately because it's the most impressive cascade. Water drops 14 metres over limestone creating a natural amphitheatre. Large groups can gather here for breaks and the surrounding area offers flat rocks for sitting.
#5 Ingleborough Cave
This show cave offers a different experience to White Scar with more spacious chambers and fascinating formations. Tours accommodate groups well and guides tailor information to your interests. The cave stays dry underfoot making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| White Scar Cave | Underground waterfalls, stalactites and massive caverns with expert guides explaining geology | Everyone stays together on guided tours and it works in any weather |
| Ingleborough Cave | Spectacular limestone formations and spacious chambers with fascinating history | Guides accommodate large parties and tours can be booked for specific times |
| The Ingleton Pottery | Watch potters at work and browse handmade ceramics in a working studio | Small groups can arrange pottery sessions and everyone can browse the shop |
| Local pubs and cafes | Traditional Yorkshire hospitality with hearty food and local ales | Several venues have large dining areas and can take bookings for big groups |
| Settle-Carlisle Railway | Scenic train journey through spectacular Dales scenery with famous viaducts | Groups can book together and enjoy the journey without anyone driving |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Ingleton?
Book at least six months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice. Properties that sleep 12 or more get snapped up quickly because there aren't that many available.
What size property do we actually need?
Count every guest including children. An 8 bed property typically sleeps 16 but check the configuration. Some have bunk rooms whilst others offer all doubles. We recommend properties slightly larger than your minimum because extra space reduces friction in groups.
Are Ingleton cottages suitable for hen parties and stag dos?
Some properties welcome parties whilst others specifically exclude them. Always declare your group type when booking. The village is small and neighbours are close. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms work better for celebrations than quiet country cottages.
Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly properties?
Most dog friendly accommodation allows two dogs maximum. Some larger properties accept more but charge per pet. Always check beforehand because turning up with unexpected animals can void your booking. Look for properties with enclosed gardens for off-lead time.
What about self-catering for large groups?
Check kitchen facilities carefully. Some cottages have domestic-sized kitchens that struggle with cooking for 14 people. We recommend properties with range cookers, large fridges and plenty of workspace. Consider whether you'll all eat together or in shifts because that affects what you need.
Ingleton delivers everything you need for memorable group breaks. The combination of spectacular scenery, accessible attractions and quality accommodation makes it work for family reunions, milestone birthdays and friends' getaways. Properties range from cheap and cheerful to luxury lodges with pools.
We love that you can find cottages for 10 guests right up to massive houses that sleep 20 or more. The village location means you're never far from shops and restaurants whilst the surrounding Dales offer endless exploration. Book early for the best choice of holiday homes.