Large holiday cottages & group accommodation

Planning your group holiday: what to look for

Finding the right large holiday cottage to rent for your group will depend on numbers and the occasion, but there are a few key details worth checking before you book.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Having enough bedrooms to sleep everyone is one thing; making sure there are enough bathrooms is another. As a rough guide, look for at least one bathroom per three or four guests - more if the group includes young children or older guests who may need easier access. For the latter, features like a bath or a walk-in shower may become more important. If you're staying as a family or a close-knit group of friends, you may not mind sharing bathrooms, otherwise you may want to look for properties with en-suite bathrooms for added privacy and convenience.

Parking

If you're a large group travelling in separate cars, then it's worth checking the parking situation in advance. Many large cottages have private parking for multiple vehicles, while others may have more limited or no parking available on site. In which case, you may need to do a bit of research to find alternative parking options nearby.

Dining and kitchen space

One of the biggest practical and cost-effective advantages of self-catering is cooking meals at home and eating together. Look for properties that specifically mention a dining table that can seat the full group, and check whether the kitchen has enough oven space and worktop room for cooking at scale. A large fridge and a dishwasher are worth prioritising for bigger groups.

Outdoor space

For large groups, outdoor space effectively extends the living area of the property, especially when the weather is nice. A terrace, garden or large decked area gives everyone room to spread out, which can make even a generous cottage feel more comfortable when you're sharing it with 12 or more people. And, if your group includes children or dogs, then an enclosed garden makes a significant difference and allows you to relax while you're outside. Use our handy 'enclosed garden' filter when searching for properties.

Layout and communal space

Depending on the occasion and your group size, you may want to prioritise large communal areas where you can all come together or multiple breakout rooms where people can have their own space and enjoy some downtime - or maybe both. Larger holiday cottages often have a floorplan, which means you can look at the flow and layout of the property in advance.