Big Cottages Huntley: Your Group Break Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Huntley gives your group a peaceful base in the Forest of Dean with the kind of space and freedom you won't find in hotels. This small Gloucestershire village sits between Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye and offers genuine countryside charm without being miles from anywhere.
The area works brilliantly for large groups because you get proper rural surroundings with woodland walks and historic sites nearby. Plus you're only 15 minutes from Gloucester's shops and restaurants when you need them. Properties here range from converted farmhouses to modern lodges that sleep 12 or more guests comfortably.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before you even look at properties. Set your budget first because holiday cottages vary wildly in price. A massive 10 bedroom property costs more than a 5 bedroom one but splitting between more guests often makes it cheaper per person.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit down long farm tracks which feels romantic until someone's car gets stuck. Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency pharmacy runs.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does your group really need? A cottage that sleeps 20 might only have four bathrooms which creates queues. Check the actual bedroom breakdown because "sleeps 14" might include sofa beds in lounges.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference. Dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens cost more but save arguments if half your group wants to bring their pets. Modern or rustic affects heating bills and whether granny will be comfortable in winter.
Plan these in advance
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest drawing names from a hat or giving it to whoever's organizing everything. Some large holiday houses have several good rooms which helps but there's always one box room nobody wants.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a payment app to track who owes what. The person booking usually pays the full rental upfront then chases everyone for their share. Agree whether couples pay more than singles before you book.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
Most holiday rentals take a damage deposit of £200-500. Nominate one responsible person to hold this money. Take photos when you arrive so you're not blamed for existing damage. Properties listed on Snaptrip often have clear deposit terms.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in the rental price. Some cheap cottages add cleaning fees and linen hire which bumps the cost up. Holiday homes with hot tubs sometimes charge extra for heating them. Pet fees add £30-50 per dog typically.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups often have games rooms with pool tables or table tennis. Some spacious properties include indoor pools though these are rare in Huntley. Properties with hot tubs give everyone something to do in the evenings without leaving the cottage.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Don't pack every day solid because large groups need downtime. Self-catering means you control meal times which helps when coordinating 10+ people.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants the same things. Hen party groups might want spa time while stag dos prefer adventure activities. Family reunion groups need options for different ages.
Think about how far it is to activities - Huntley sits close to the Forest of Dean's walking trails and cycle paths. Gloucester Cathedral is 20 minutes away. Clearwell Caves and Puzzlewood are both under 30 minutes which works well for big groups with multiple cars.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Book at least one indoor attraction in advance. The area has several all-weather options. Keep board games and cards at the cottage for emergency entertainment. Holiday lets with cinema rooms or hot tubs save rainy days.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking spaces match your number of cars - most cottages for 10 guests have 3-4 spaces maximum
- Nominate someone to organize food shopping and activities or it won't happen
- Agree who's responsible if something breaks - usually it's the person who booked
- Discuss sleep schedules because early risers and night owls clash in group accommodation
- Make sure you're not too isolated - some villas and lodges have no shops within walking distance
Top 5 group attractions in Huntley
The Forest of Dean area transformed from industrial coal mining country to one of England's most beautiful woodland regions. Today it offers outdoor activities and historic sites that work brilliantly for groups wanting variety.
#1 Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
This 4.5 mile trail through Beechenhurst woods features contemporary art installations among ancient trees. Groups can walk together or split up and meet at various points. The trail suits different fitness levels because you can do shorter sections.
#2 Clearwell Caves
These ancient iron ore mines let groups explore underground caverns and learn about mining history. The self-guided tour works well because large groups can move at their own pace. Eight caverns stay at 13 degrees year-round so bring jackets even in summer.
#3 Puzzlewood
This ancient woodland inspired Tolkien and featured in Star Wars films. The maze of pathways and rock formations keeps groups entertained for hours. It's genuinely magical and works for all ages from kids to grandparents.
#4 Gloucester Cathedral
This Norman cathedral appeared in Harry Potter films and offers free entry for groups. The cloisters and architecture provide excellent photo opportunities. Groups can explore independently or book guided tours for deeper historical context.
#5 Wye Valley
The river valley offers canoeing and kayaking for adventurous groups. Several companies run group sessions with all equipment provided. The scenery is outstanding and you'll see wildlife including peregrine falcons if you're lucky.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwell Caves | Underground caverns with mining history and geological formations in a controlled climate | Self-paced tours work perfectly for groups of varying mobility and interest levels |
| Gloucester Cathedral | Norman architecture and Harry Potter filming locations with impressive cloisters | Free entry and spacious interior accommodates large groups without feeling crowded |
| Dean Heritage Centre | Forest history museum with indoor exhibits about local coal mining and woodland crafts | Educational content suits mixed-age groups and provides shelter on wet days |
| Gloucester Quays | Shopping outlet with restaurants and cinema in converted Victorian docks | Everyone can split up for shopping then regroup for meals or entertainment |
| Cattle Country Farm Park | Indoor play areas and animal barns with hands-on farming experiences | Perfect for family groups with children needing entertainment regardless of weather |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Huntley?
Most large cottages have parking for 3-4 cars maximum. Some properties offer additional parking in nearby fields. Always check the listing before booking because parking limitations cause real problems for groups arriving in multiple vehicles.
Can we book cottages to rent for just one night?
Most holiday rentals require minimum 3-night stays and week-long bookings during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. Last minute availability sometimes allows shorter stays. Weekend breaks typically need Friday to Monday as minimum.
Are there 8 bed properties that allow parties?
Most group cottage owners prohibit parties in their rental agreements. Some properties specifically welcome celebrations for hen parties or birthdays but you must declare this when booking. Breaking party rules risks losing your deposit and immediate eviction.
What's included in self-catering accommodation?
Standard holiday homes include fully equipped kitchens with cookers and fridges. Bed linen and towels are usually provided but check the listing. Properties with pool or hot tub often exclude towels for these facilities.
How do we find cheap group accommodation that sleeps 20?
Book well in advance for better rates on houses to rent. Midweek stays cost less than weekends. Consider slightly smaller properties like those that sleep 12 or 14 if your group has flexibility. Sites like Snaptrip aggregate deals from multiple providers.
Finding the right group cottage in Huntley sets up your entire break for success. The village's location between the Forest of Dean and Gloucester gives you countryside peace with urban amenities close enough when needed.
We recommend booking properties with more bathrooms than you think necessary and confirming parking arrangements before you pay. The area offers enough variety to keep everyone happy from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs.
Large holiday houses here provide genuine value when you split costs between guests. You get space to spread out and facilities like gardens and hot tubs that make staying in as appealing as going out.