Ashbourne Holiday Cottages

Big Cottages Ashbourne: Your Complete Planning Guide

Booking Big Cottages in Ashbourne gives you a perfect base to explore the Peak District gateway whilst enjoying the space and flexibility that hotels simply can't match. This historic market town sits right on the edge of the national park and offers everything from Georgian architecture to independent shops and traditional pubs.

We think Ashbourne works brilliantly for group breaks because you get countryside access without feeling isolated. The town has proper infrastructure with supermarkets and restaurants within walking distance of most holiday rentals. Plus you're positioned perfectly for exploring both the dramatic limestone dales and gentler Staffordshire countryside.

Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break

Which cottage?

Start with your absolute must-haves before you even open SnapTrip or other booking sites. We always recommend setting 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 place midweek in February.

Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles down single-track lanes whilst others are right in town. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need versus want. A group of 12 adults needs more facilities than 8 adults with 4 kids.

Decide early whether you need dog friendly accommodation or prefer pet-free properties. An enclosed garden becomes essential if you're bringing dogs. The modern versus rustic question affects everything from heating bills to whether your gran can manage the stairs.

Plan these in advance

How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group

Work backwards from your guest list. Properties that sleep 12 usually have 5 or 6 bedrooms but check the bed configuration. Some 8 bed houses use bunk rooms which don't suit everyone. We reckon you need at least one bathroom per four guests to avoid morning chaos.

Bedroom allocation drama

Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. Couples with young kids often need ground floor rooms. Teenagers might prefer being tucked away in converted attic spaces. Put it in writing to avoid awkward conversations on arrival day.

Splitting costs between your group

Create a shared spreadsheet showing the rental cost divided by number of guests. Factor in whether kids pay less. Some groups charge per bedroom rather than per person which works better for families. Be clear about what's included in the base price.

Deposits and getting reimbursed

One person usually books and pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment. Most holiday cottages require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival. Security deposits for big houses can reach £500 so make sure everyone knows they're contributing to this too.

Hidden fees

Check whether electricity is included or metered separately. Some massive properties charge extra for heating between October and March. Linen and towels aren't always provided in self-catering accommodation. Hot tub running costs can add £50-100 to your bill if charged separately.

Group cottage entertainment & activities

Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with proper group facilities. Games rooms with pool tables keep teenagers happy. Some spacious lodges include cinema rooms or indoor pools. Houses with hot tubs need booking well ahead especially for hen parties or stag dos. Large groups need big communal spaces not just lots of bedrooms.

Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find it works better than endless group chats. Assign different people to research and book specific things. This spreads the workload and gets everyone invested in the trip.

Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because not everyone wants to do everything together. Morning people can head out early whilst others sleep in. Split into smaller groups for some activities. A family reunion doesn't mean you're joined at the hip for three days straight.

Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times not just mileage. Peak District roads are slow and winding. What looks like 10 miles might take 30 minutes. Properties to hire near Ashbourne town centre mean you can walk to pubs and shops. More remote cabins need cars for everything.

Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Book at least one major indoor attraction in advance. Keep a list of local pubs and cafes that welcome large groups. Houses to rent with good facilities become crucial when it's pouring. Board games and decent WiFi matter more than you think.

Some things to plan in advance

• Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone's driving to get milk at 7am
• Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes arguments before you've even unpacked
• Who organizes everything including food shops and activities needs deciding upfront
• Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your booking terms
• Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls

Top 5 group attractions in Ashbourne

Ashbourne transformed from a quiet market town into a proper tourist destination thanks to its position at the Peak District's southern gateway. The town itself features stunning Georgian buildings along Church Street and St Oswald's Church with its 212-foot spire dominates the skyline.

#1 Dovedale

This limestone valley sits just 3 miles north and ranks as the Peak District's most visited natural attraction. The stepping stones across the River Dove create an iconic photo opportunity. Large groups can split up along the various walking routes which range from easy riverside strolls to challenging hill climbs with spectacular views.

#2 Alton Towers

Britain's most famous theme park lies 10 miles east and works brilliantly for mixed-age groups. Younger kids have dedicated areas whilst teenagers chase the big rollercoasters. The resort includes waterparks and mini golf so you can easily fill two days. Book group tickets in advance for significant savings.

#3 Carsington Water

This reservoir 5 miles away offers watersports and cycling around a 7-mile perimeter track. Groups can hire kayaks or paddleboards by the hour. The visitor centre includes a cafe and exhibition space. It's perfect for active families who want outdoor activities without serious hiking.

#4 Chatsworth House

The Duke of Devonshire's stately home sits 20 minutes north and provides a full day out. The house tours work well for groups because you can explore at your own pace. The gardens sprawl across 105 acres with fountains and sculptures. The farmyard and adventure playground keep children entertained whilst adults browse the gift shops.

#5 Tissington Trail

This 13-mile traffic-free path follows an old railway line and suits cyclists of all abilities. Multiple access points mean groups can tackle short sections or the full route. Bike hire is available at Ashbourne's trail head. The flat gradient makes it accessible for families with young children or less confident riders.

Indoor activities

Visitor FAQs

How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Ashbourne?
For weekend breaks and school holidays book 6-12 months ahead. Properties that sleep 14 or sleeps 20 get snapped up fast. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice especially for cheap accommodation during peak season.

Can we book cottages for 10 for just one night?
Most large holiday homes require minimum 3-night stays at weekends and 7 nights during summer. One night bookings are rare and usually only available midweek in low season. Some villas and lodges offer more flexibility than traditional cottages to rent.

What's included in self-catering group accommodation?
Expect a fully equipped kitchen with enough dishes and cookware for your group size. Bedding is provided but check whether towels are included. WiFi and basic toiletries are standard. Properties with pool or hot tubs usually include these in the rental price.

Are there cheap options for big groups at Christmas?
Christmas and New Year command premium prices with many properties requiring 4-7 night minimum stays. Book by March for December availability. Consider slightly smaller 5 bedroom houses rather than 8 bed properties to reduce costs whilst still accommodating decent numbers.

Which areas have the best gardens for dogs?
Look for holiday lets with enclosed gardens specifically mentioned in listings. Rural properties generally have larger outdoor spaces than town centre cottages. Some big houses include multiple acres of private grounds perfect for dogs. Always check garden security before booking if pets are coming.

Making the most of your Ashbourne group break

Ashbourne gives you that sweet spot between accessibility and countryside escape. We love that you can walk to proper shops and restaurants yet reach stunning Peak District scenery in minutes. The town works hard to welcome visitors without feeling overrun by tourism.

Group accommodation here ranges from converted barns sleeping 12 to massive country houses that sleep 20 or more. Properties with hot tubs book fastest so don't hang about if that's on your wish list. The mix of outdoor activities and indoor attractions means weather doesn't ruin your plans.

Start planning early and get everyone involved in decisions. The best group breaks happen when you've sorted the boring stuff like money and bedroom allocation before you arrive. Then you can focus on making memories rather than managing logistics.