Big Cottages Burford: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Burford gives you a perfect base to explore one of the Cotswolds' most beautiful medieval towns. The honey-coloured stone buildings and historic high street create an atmosphere that makes group breaks feel special from the moment you arrive.
You'll find everything from spacious properties that sleep 12 to massive holiday homes that accommodate 20 guests. The mix of country cottages with hot tubs and dog friendly rentals with enclosed gardens means there's accommodation for every type of group gathering.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing through hundreds of properties. We always recommend listing what your group absolutely needs versus what would be nice to have.
Set your budget first and be realistic about what you can afford. Large holiday houses in Burford range from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with indoor pools.
Location matters more than you think. Some holiday cottages sit right in the town centre whilst others are tucked away in the countryside. Think about whether your group wants to walk to pubs and restaurants or prefers total privacy.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you really need? A 10 bedroom property sounds great until you realise it only has three bathrooms for your hen party of 18 guests.
Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency supplies. Being too isolated can limit your options especially if you're planning a family reunion with elderly relatives.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference. Many large cottages welcome dogs but some guests have allergies. Sort this out before you book.
Modern or rustic changes the whole vibe. Some groups want sleek holiday rentals with all the gadgets whilst others prefer traditional country cottages with character beams and open fires.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom for every four guests minimum. An 8 bed cottage should have at least two full bathrooms plus a downstairs toilet. Properties that sleep 14 or more need three bathrooms to avoid morning chaos.
Bedroom allocation drama
Who gets the master suite causes more arguments than you'd think. Decide this before arrival based on who's paying most or who organised everything. Some big houses for big groups have multiple master bedrooms which solves this problem.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Factor in the rental cost plus food and shared activities. People booking different room sizes might pay different amounts which is fair for weekend breaks.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment and use bank transfers rather than cash. Sites like Snaptrip often require full payment eight weeks before arrival.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in your holiday lets booking. Some properties charge extra for heating at Christmas or New Year. Others add cleaning fees or require you to bring your own linen. Read the small print on cottages to rent before committing.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for self-catering properties with games rooms or cinema rooms. Houses to rent with hot tubs are brilliant for evening entertainment. Some lodges have indoor pools which work perfectly when the weather turns.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone can suggest ideas. Not everyone wants to do everything together. Build in free time alongside planned group outings.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with relaxed ones. A stag do wants different things than a family gathering. Balance pub visits with cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Burford sits perfectly for exploring the Cotswolds. Oxford is 20 miles east. Cheltenham and Gloucester are both within 30 minutes drive. This matters when you're coordinating transport for large groups.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - The Cotswolds gets its share of rain. Have indoor alternatives ready. Burford itself has antique shops and cosy pubs. Nearby towns offer museums and covered markets.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby limits your options for meals out and emergency supplies
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily hassle when group accommodation expects everyone to arrive separately
- Who organizes everything including food shopping, activities and transport needs deciding before you arrive
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement and house rules
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls or sit above living spaces
Top 5 group attractions in Burford
Burford and the surrounding Cotswolds offer attractions that work brilliantly for parties and large groups. The area combines historic sites with outdoor activities and charming market towns that everyone can enjoy together.
#1 Cotswold Wildlife Park
This 160-acre zoological collection sits just two miles from Burford and houses over 260 species. The park works well for big groups because it's spacious enough that you won't feel crowded. The grounds include gardens and a narrow-gauge railway that adds to the experience.
#2 Blenheim Palace
Winston Churchill's birthplace sits 12 miles from Burford and offers 2000 acres of parkland to explore. Groups can split up to tour the state rooms or walk the gardens at their own pace. The sheer scale means you can easily spend a full day here without feeling rushed.
#3 Burford High Street
The medieval high street slopes down to the River Windrush and contains independent shops and historic buildings. Groups can browse antique stores and galleries then meet up at one of several traditional pubs. It's perfect for a relaxed morning before heading elsewhere.
#4 The Cotswold Way
This 102-mile walking trail passes near Burford and offers sections suitable for all fitness levels. Groups can tackle short walks together or split into faster and slower paces. The views across rolling hills provide photo opportunities that justify the effort.
#5 Oxford City Centre
The university city sits 20 miles east and offers everything from historic colleges to modern shopping. Large groups can book guided tours of the colleges or explore independently. The mix of culture and commerce means there's something for everyone's interests.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Cotswold Wildlife Park | Indoor tropical house and reptile exhibits alongside outdoor enclosures | Large spaces prevent crowding and multiple routes let groups split up |
| Blenheim Palace | State rooms filled with art and Churchill exhibition spaces | Guided tours available for groups and enough rooms that you won't feel rushed |
| Ashmolean Museum Oxford | World-class art and archaeology collections across multiple floors | Free entry makes it budget-friendly and varied collections suit different interests |
| Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum | Military history displays covering 250 years of local regiments | Compact size works for shorter visits and appeals to history enthusiasts |
| Burford Garden Company | Large garden centre with homeware and food hall | Café provides meeting point and varied stock means browsing time for all |
Visitor FAQs
How many guests can Big Cottages in Burford accommodate?
Properties range from 5 bedroom cottages for 10 guests up to massive houses that sleep 20 or more. Most group accommodation falls in the cottages for 10 to sleeps 14 range which suits family reunions and celebrations.
Can we book Big Cottages in Burford for one night only?
Most holiday homes require minimum stays of three nights during off-peak periods and seven nights in summer or at Christmas. One night bookings are rare but some properties offer this for last minute availability.
Are there Big Cottages in Burford with hot tubs?
Yes many large holiday houses include hot tubs as standard. Properties with hot tubs and enclosed gardens are particularly popular for hen parties and milestone birthdays where you want private outdoor space.
What's the best way to find cheap group accommodation in Burford?
Book well in advance or look for last minute deals when owners want to fill gaps. Midweek breaks cost less than weekends. Avoid peak times like New Year and school holidays when prices jump significantly.
Do Big Cottages in Burford allow stag dos and hen parties?
Some properties welcome parties whilst others don't. Always check the house rules before booking. Owners want to protect their properties and neighbours so be honest about your group type when enquiring about rentals.
Making the most of your Burford group break
Big Cottages in Burford give you the space and facilities that hotels simply can't match. The combination of historic surroundings and modern self-catering accommodation creates the perfect setting for groups.
We find that successful group breaks balance planned activities with downtime. Having spacious holiday rentals means people can retreat when they need space whilst still enjoying communal areas for meals and evening entertainment.
The location puts you within easy reach of the best Cotswolds attractions whilst giving you a beautiful base to return to each evening. That's what makes Burford work so well for large groups seeking both adventure and relaxation.