Big Cottages Morecambe: Your Group Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Morecambe gives you a stunning coastal base with the kind of space and freedom that hotels simply can't match. This Lancashire seaside town sits right on Morecambe Bay with sweeping views across to the Lake District fells and a promenade that stretches for miles along the Irish Sea.
The town works brilliantly for large groups because everything is accessible. You've got the beach on your doorstep and the Lake District National Park just 30 minutes away. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a weekend with friends, the mix of coastal walks, nearby attractions and proper seaside character makes it ideal for group accommodation.
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 holiday cottages for 10 or more can vary wildly in price. Location matters too - do you want to be right by the sea or are you happy being a short drive from the beach?
Think hard about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A 10 bedroom property sounds massive but if you've got 20 guests you'll need proper sleeping arrangements. Check if you need dog friendly accommodation before you fall in love with a property that doesn't allow pets.
Decide whether you want modern lodges with hot tubs and indoor pools or rustic country cottages with character. Properties with enclosed gardens work brilliantly if you're bringing dogs or have young children in your group.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Work out your actual numbers first. An 8 bed property that sleeps 14 means some rooms have bunk beds or sofa beds. Large holiday houses that sleep 20 need at least four bathrooms to avoid morning chaos. Count couples as needing their own rooms and factor in any children sharing.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before you arrive. The master suite usually goes to whoever organised everything or the oldest family members. Be upfront about room sizes when people book because nobody wants to discover they've got the box room when they've paid the same as everyone else.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a spreadsheet or a group payment app. Divide the rental cost by the number of adults or by room depending on what's fairest. Remember that couples paying for one room shouldn't pay the same as a family taking three rooms in your large cottages.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for when people need to pay their share. For Christmas or New Year breaks, get deposits early because these dates book up fast and you'll need commitment from your guests.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in your rental. Some properties charge extra for heating, linen or cleaning. Pet fees can add up if you're bringing multiple dogs. Last minute bookings might seem cheap but watch for premium rates during peak seasons or for one night stays.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for big houses with games rooms, cinema rooms or indoor pools. Properties with hot tubs are brilliant for evening entertainment. Spacious living areas matter because you need somewhere everyone can gather without feeling cramped. Some villas and cabins have outdoor fire pits or BBQ areas perfect for groups.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where people can suggest activities. Don't try to schedule every minute because large groups need downtime. Build in flexibility so people can split off into smaller groups for different activities without causing drama.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed activities. Include options for different age groups and fitness levels. For hen parties or stag dos you'll want different plans than family reunions. Weekend breaks need tighter scheduling than week-long stays.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times to places you want to visit. Morecambe Bay's coastal location means the Lake District is close but traffic can add time. Make sure your self-catering accommodation has enough parking for multiple cars if people are driving separately to attractions.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Lancashire weather can be unpredictable. Have indoor alternatives ready. Properties to let with good facilities mean you're not stuck if it rains. Research indoor attractions nearby before you arrive.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby for your self-catering needs
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars - crucial for big groups arriving separately
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport coordination
- Who's responsible if something breaks - check the rental agreement carefully
- Managing different sleep schedules when you've got early risers and night owls
- Kitchen size - a 5 bedroom cottage kitchen won't cope with cooking for 20 people
- Noise restrictions if you're planning parties or celebrations
Top 5 group attractions in Morecambe
Morecambe has transformed from a traditional seaside resort into a destination that balances heritage with modern attractions. The seafront celebrates local hero Eric Morecambe while the bay itself offers some of England's most dramatic coastal scenery. For big groups these attractions provide variety without requiring long journeys.
#1 Morecambe Promenade and Beach
The promenade stretches for miles with the iconic Eric Morecambe statue as its centrepiece. The beach is vast at low tide with firm sand perfect for group walks. You can see across to the Lake District peaks and watch spectacular sunsets over the bay that Turner painted.
#2 The Midland Hotel
This Art Deco masterpiece dominates the seafront and welcomes visitors to explore its public areas. The architecture alone makes it worth visiting and the building represents Morecambe's glamorous past. Groups can enjoy afternoon tea or drinks while soaking up the period features and sea views.
#3 Happy Mount Park
This 22-acre park offers something for all ages with a splash park, miniature railway and adventure playground. The Japanese garden provides peaceful walks while the café serves groups throughout the day. It's free to enter and works brilliantly when you've got mixed age groups to entertain.
#4 RSPB Leighton Moss
Just outside Morecambe, this nature reserve is one of England's finest wetlands. The reserve has multiple hides and trails suitable for different mobility levels. Birdwatching works well for groups because everyone can explore at their own pace then meet up afterwards.
#5 Lancaster Castle
Twenty minutes from Morecambe, this working castle offers guided tours through 1000 years of history. The tours are engaging and informative covering everything from medieval times to its use as a prison. Groups can book together and the city of Lancaster itself has excellent pubs and restaurants nearby.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| The Platform | Arts centre with galleries, theatre and cinema showing independent films and live performances | Book group tickets for shows or split up to explore different exhibitions |
| Lancaster Maritime Museum | Explores Lancaster's maritime heritage in a historic customs house with interactive displays | Self-guided so groups can explore at different paces then regroup |
| Williamson Park and Butterfly House | Tropical butterfly house with hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a heated environment | Weather-proof attraction with café facilities for group refreshments |
| Lancaster City Museum | Free museum covering local history from Roman times through to modern day | Compact enough to visit quickly, perfect for mixed interest groups |
| Vue Cinema Lancaster | Modern multiplex cinema showing latest releases with group booking options | Easy entertainment option for evenings when groups want downtime |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Morecambe?
Book at least 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Large holiday houses that sleep 12 or more get snapped up quickly. You might find last minute availability in quieter months but you'll have limited choice for properties that sleep 20.
What's the best area to stay for beach access?
The West End near the promenade puts you closest to the main beach and attractions. Holiday homes along Marine Road Central offer sea views. Beach houses in Bare to the north are quieter but still have excellent coastal access.
Are there enough facilities for very large groups?
Yes, but check carefully. Properties that sleep 14 or more should have at least 3-4 bathrooms and a kitchen equipped for catering to large numbers. Verify parking capacity because holiday rentals often have limited spaces. Check if there's an enclosed garden if you need outdoor space for big groups.
Can we bring multiple dogs to dog friendly cottages?
Most dog friendly properties specify how many pets they allow. Some large cottages accept multiple dogs but charge per pet. Always declare exact numbers when booking because insurance and deposits depend on accurate information. Properties with enclosed gardens are essential for multiple dogs.
What about cottages to rent for special occasions?
Many properties welcome celebrations but check restrictions on parties and noise. Some houses to rent have specific rules about hen parties or stag dos. For family reunions or milestone birthdays, look for spacious properties with good communal areas. Cottages for 10 or more often work well for gatherings but confirm guest limits.
Finding the right group cottage in Morecambe sets the tone for your entire break. The combination of coastal beauty, accessible attractions and quality accommodation means your group can focus on spending time together rather than logistics.
We recommend using sites like Snaptrip to compare holiday lets across different providers. Whether you need cheap options or luxury villas with pools, having everyone under one roof in proper self-catering accommodation beats coordinating multiple hotel rooms every time.