Big Cottages Bradbourne: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Bradbourne gives you access to one of Derbyshire's most charming villages whilst providing the space and comfort that large groups need. This peaceful hamlet sits in the heart of the Peak District with rolling hills and traditional stone buildings creating an authentic countryside atmosphere.
The village works brilliantly for family reunions and group holidays because you get genuine rural tranquillity without being miles from anywhere. Ashbourne lies just three miles away for shops and restaurants whilst the Peak District's best walking routes start practically on your doorstep.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing properties on Snaptrip or other rental sites. A hot tub might be non-negotiable for some groups whilst others prioritise an enclosed garden for dogs and children.
Set your budget first and be realistic about what you can afford. Large holiday houses that sleep 12 or more cost significantly more than smaller properties but split between guests the per-person rate often beats hotel accommodation.
Location matters more than you think. Some massive country cottages sit in isolated spots which sounds romantic until you realise the nearest shop is eight miles away and half your group forgot essentials.
Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A 10 bedroom property sounds perfect for twelve people until you discover it only has three bathrooms. We recommend at least one bathroom per four guests to avoid morning chaos.
Check the distance from the nearest town. Being fifteen minutes from Ashbourne means easy access to supermarkets and restaurants. Being thirty minutes from anywhere means you need to plan every meal in advance.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early. Dog friendly cottages often have enclosed gardens and ground floor bedrooms but they book up fast especially for Christmas and New Year breaks.
Modern or rustic changes everything about your stay. Contemporary lodges with indoor pools and cinema rooms suit groups wanting luxury whilst traditional stone cottages offer character and charm.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bedroom per couple or family unit plus extras for singles. An 8 bed property works for sixteen people if they're all couples but gets cramped with mixed groups needing separate rooms.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest giving it to whoever organised the trip or the oldest family members to avoid arguments on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Some groups split the rental equally whilst others charge more for couples taking larger rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment and don't let people leave it until the last minute.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in the rental price. Some properties charge extra for heating and electricity whilst others include everything. Pet fees and damage deposits add up quickly too.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms and spacious living areas where everyone can gather. Houses with hot tubs and indoor pools keep groups entertained regardless of weather whilst cinema rooms work brilliantly for evening entertainment.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone can suggest activities and vote on preferences. This beats endless group chat discussions and ensures nobody feels left out of decisions.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time alongside planned activities. Not everyone wants to do everything together and some guests prefer relaxing at the cottage to constant sightseeing.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Bradbourne sits perfectly for exploring Dovedale and the Tissington Trail but you'll need cars to reach most attractions. Factor in driving time when planning your days.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Peak District weather changes fast so have indoor alternatives ready. Nearby Ashbourne offers independent shops and cafes whilst Matlock Bath provides family-friendly attractions under cover.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means planning every meal
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes problems when everyone drives separately
- Who organizes everything including food shopping and activity bookings needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear before arrival
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls
Top 5 group attractions in Bradbourne
The area surrounding Bradbourne offers brilliant options for big groups wanting outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The Peak District landscape provides natural entertainment whilst historic market towns add variety to your itinerary.
#1 Dovedale Stepping Stones
This iconic Peak District walk takes you through a dramatic limestone valley with the famous stepping stones providing photo opportunities and gentle adventure. The circular route works for mixed ability groups and you can turn back at any point if some guests tire.
#2 Tissington Trail
This flat traffic-free cycling route follows an old railway line for thirteen miles through stunning countryside. Bike hire is available nearby and the trail suits families and groups with varying fitness levels because you can cycle as far as you want then turn back.
#3 Carsington Water
Derbyshire's largest reservoir offers watersports and a seven-mile walking route around the shore. Groups can try sailing and windsurfing or simply enjoy the visitor centre and cafe whilst taking in views across the water.
#4 Ashbourne Market Town
This traditional market town provides excellent shopping and dining just three miles from Bradbourne. The independent shops and historic coaching inns give groups somewhere to explore on foot whilst the Thursday and Saturday markets add local flavour.
#5 Alton Towers
Britain's most famous theme park sits twenty minutes from Bradbourne making it perfect for groups with teenagers or thrill-seekers. The resort offers something for all ages and provides a complete day out without excessive travel time.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Heights of Abraham | Cable car rides and cavern tours with panoramic Peak District views | Accommodates large groups and offers indoor cavern experiences when weather turns |
| Chatsworth House | Magnificent stately home with extensive art collections and period rooms | Group tickets available and enough rooms to keep everyone interested for hours |
| Peak District Mining Museum | Underground tours showing lead mining history with authentic equipment | Educational group tours available and completely weatherproof |
| Denby Pottery Village | Factory tours showing pottery production plus shopping and dining | Varied activities suit different interests and covered facilities throughout |
| Gulliver's Kingdom | Family theme park with indoor and outdoor rides | Perfect for groups with children and offers group booking discounts |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Bradbourne?
Most large cottages provide parking for three to five vehicles but always check before booking. Some properties have limited parking which causes problems when everyone drives separately.
Can we book cottages for one night or weekend breaks?
Many properties require minimum three-night stays especially during peak season. Last minute availability sometimes offers shorter breaks but don't rely on finding weekend rentals easily.
Are properties that sleep 20 actually comfortable for that many?
Check the living space carefully. Some houses technically sleep 20 but lack communal areas where everyone can gather comfortably. Look for properties with multiple reception rooms and large kitchens.
What about cheap accommodation for big groups?
Booking well in advance gets better rates whilst midweek breaks cost less than weekends. Consider slightly smaller properties if budget is tight because the per-person cost drops significantly.
Do holiday lets allow hen parties and stag dos?
Many owners prohibit single-sex groups under certain ages due to noise concerns. Always declare your group type when booking because turning up for an unauthorised party risks losing your deposit.