Big Cottages Kirkby Lonsdale: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Kirkby Lonsdale gives you a stunning base in one of England's most picturesque market towns. Nestled where Cumbria meets Lancashire and Yorkshire, this historic settlement sits on the River Lune with views across to the Howgill Fells and Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The town works brilliantly for large groups because everything is walkable yet you're minutes from spectacular countryside. You'll find properties ranging from converted farmhouses sleeping 12 to massive holiday homes that sleep 20 or more. Many come with hot tubs, enclosed gardens and enough parking for multiple cars.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties on Snaptrip or other rental sites. 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 a last minute weekend in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles from Kirkby Lonsdale itself which means you'll need multiple cars for every outing. We always check how many bathrooms come with the bedrooms because three bathrooms for 14 guests creates morning chaos.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early. Dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens book up fast in the Lakes. Modern lodges with indoor pools suit some groups whilst others prefer rustic stone cottages with character beams and open fires.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count actual guests not theoretical maximums. An 8 bed cottage sleeping 16 usually means some double beds and sofa beds. For family reunions we recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. Properties that sleep 14 should have at least four bathrooms to avoid queues.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest the person organizing everything gets first pick or you draw names from a hat. Some big houses have a mix of ensuite rooms and standard bedrooms which causes friction if not allocated fairly.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a shared spreadsheet for transparency. The accommodation rental is straightforward but food shops, activities and fuel add up. Apps like Splitwise track who paid for what and calculate who owes whom at the end.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline for payment at least a month before travel. Security deposits for large groups can reach £500 so make sure everyone knows they're liable for damages.
Hidden fees
Check if electricity is included or metered separately. Some holiday lets charge extra for hot tub use, firewood or linen. Pet fees add £30-50 per dog. Short breaks often carry supplements and one night stays are rare in peak season.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms, cinema rooms or indoor pools for rainy days. Spacious kitchens matter hugely when cooking for big groups. We prioritize houses with large dining tables that seat everyone together rather than split dining areas.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities then vote on top choices. Book popular attractions in advance especially for hen parties or stag dos. Group accommodation works best when you plan two activities per day maximum and leave downtime.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed options. Some guests want to hike the Dales whilst others prefer browsing the town's independent shops and cafes. Split into smaller groups for different activities then regroup for evening meals.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Kirkby Lonsdale sits 20 minutes from the M6 making day trips manageable. Lancaster is 20 miles south, Kendal 15 miles north and the Yorkshire Dales are on your doorstep. Factor in country lanes which take longer than maps suggest.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - The Lakes get 140 inches of rain annually so have indoor alternatives ready. Local pubs with open fires, the Ruskin's View walk (short even in drizzle) and self-catering means you can hunker down with board games and good food.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means extra driving and limits spontaneous meals out
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily reshuffling nightmares
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport needs deciding upfront
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules when some guests stay up late and others rise early for walks
Top 5 group attractions in Kirkby Lonsdale
This market town punches above its weight for group activities. The surrounding area offers everything from gentle riverside walks to challenging fell hikes. Most attractions suit mixed abilities and ages which matters when booking for big groups with varying fitness levels.
#1 Devil's Bridge and Ruskin's View
This medieval bridge over the River Lune is Kirkby Lonsdale's most famous landmark. Walk five minutes to Ruskin's View which the Victorian art critic called one of England's finest scenes. The viewpoint works brilliantly for groups because everyone can enjoy it regardless of mobility and it's free.
#2 Yorkshire Dales National Park
You're literally on the edge of the Dales with Ingleton Falls just 6 miles away. Groups can split between challenging walks up Ingleborough or Whernside and gentler valley strolls. The park offers year-round activities from winter walks to summer picnics by waterfalls.
#3 The Radical Steps and River Walks
These Victorian steps lead down to the River Lune where you'll find peaceful walking paths. Large groups can walk together along the riverside then regroup at one of the town's cafes. The paths suit pushchairs and wheelchairs for the first section making them inclusive for family reunions.
#4 Kirkby Lonsdale Market Square
The Thursday market has run since 1227 and the town centre clusters around this historic square. Groups can browse independently then meet for lunch at one of several pubs. The compact town centre means nobody gets lost and there's enough variety to keep everyone interested.
#5 Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
This 4.5 mile circular walk passes stunning waterfalls and ancient woodlands. It takes 2-3 hours at a steady pace and the trail is well-maintained. Groups appreciate that you can't get lost and there are photo opportunities every few minutes. Book cheap accommodation midweek and you'll have the trail almost to yourselves.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery | Local craft beers and tours showing the brewing process in a working brewery | Tours accommodate groups and you can arrange tastings for parties |
| The Ruskin Rooms | Art gallery and community space hosting exhibitions and workshops | Free entry and interesting for mixed groups on rainy afternoons |
| Local Pubs and Restaurants | Historic inns serving traditional food with many offering private dining areas | Several venues handle large bookings and some have function rooms |
| Nearby Lancaster Castle | Medieval castle with 1000 years of history including prison tours | Guided tours work well for groups and booking ahead gets group rates |
| Settle-Carlisle Railway | Scenic railway journey through the Dales with spectacular viaducts | Groups can book together and it's perfect when weather prevents outdoor plans |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Kirkby Lonsdale?
Book 6-12 months ahead for Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Properties that sleep 10 or more get snapped up quickly. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice for specific dates. Weekend breaks need 2-3 months notice minimum.
What size property do we need for our group?
A 5 bedroom cottage typically sleeps 10, an 8 bed sleeps 14-16 and 10 bedroom properties handle 20 guests. Always check the actual bed configuration because "sleeps 12" might include sofa beds. We recommend properties slightly larger than your minimum to avoid feeling cramped.
Are cottages to rent in Kirkby Lonsdale suitable for hen parties and stag dos?
Many holiday cottages accept parties but you must declare this when booking. Some properties have strict no-party policies whilst others welcome celebrations. Villas and lodges with hot tubs are popular for hen weekends. Always respect neighbours and noise policies or you'll lose your deposit.
Can we bring dogs to group accommodation?
Loads of holiday homes in the area are dog friendly given the walking opportunities. Properties with enclosed gardens work best for multiple dogs. Most hosts charge per pet and limit numbers to 2-3 dogs. Always check garden security because some cottages have cattle grids or unfenced areas.
What's included in self-catering holiday rentals?
Expect fully equipped kitchens, linen, towels and basic supplies like washing up liquid. Large holiday houses usually provide welcome packs. Hot tubs, indoor pools and games rooms come as stated but check if there are usage costs. Heating is normally included but some properties meter electricity separately in winter.
Kirkby Lonsdale offers the perfect combination of stunning scenery and practical amenities for large groups. The town itself provides shops, restaurants and pubs within walking distance whilst the surrounding countryside delivers endless outdoor activities.
Properties range from cheap and cheerful country cottages to spacious luxury houses with pools and hot tubs. Whatever your budget or group size you'll find suitable holiday rentals that let everyone relax together. The location works brilliantly because you're central to the Lakes, Dales and Lancashire coast.
We recommend booking early for the best choice of properties to hire. Group cottage breaks here suit family reunions, milestone birthdays and friends' weekends equally well. The combination of natural beauty and market town charm makes it hard to beat for large groups wanting to let off steam together.