Big Cottages Malmesbury: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Malmesbury gives you access to one of England's oldest towns with the kind of space and luxury that hotels simply can't match. This historic Wiltshire market town sits where the rivers Avon and Tetbury meet and boasts an impressive 12th-century abbey that dominates the skyline.
We think Malmesbury works brilliantly for group breaks because you get proper Cotswolds charm without the tourist crowds of places like Bourton-on-the-Water. The town centre is compact enough for everyone to explore together yet you're within easy reach of Bath, Bristol and the wider Cotswolds for day trips.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even look at properties. We always recommend setting your budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly in price depending on season and facilities. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas or New Year costs significantly more than the same place in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some country cottages sit miles from the nearest shop which sounds idyllic until you need milk at 7am. Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need because a group of 12 adults has very different requirements to 12 people including children.
Decide early whether you need dog friendly accommodation or prefer pet-free properties. This single factor eliminates half your options immediately. The modern versus rustic debate matters too because some groups want sleek kitchens and contemporary bathrooms whilst others prefer exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom per four guests as a minimum. Properties that sleep 12 should have at least three bathrooms to avoid morning queues. Check whether bedrooms have ensuite facilities because this changes everything for larger groups.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before you arrive. The couple who booked everything doesn't automatically get the master suite. We suggest drawing names from a hat or rotating rooms if you're booking for multiple nights to keep things fair.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide upfront whether you're splitting equally or proportionally based on room size. Some groups charge couples more than solo travellers which works if everyone agrees beforehand.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set a firm deadline for payments because chasing people ruins friendships. Most holiday rentals require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival so factor this into your timeline.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in the rental price. Some properties charge extra for heating, linen or towels. Hot tub costs can add £50-100 per stay. Pet fees typically run £25-50 per dog. Read the small print on SnapTrip and other booking platforms carefully.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms, cinema rooms or indoor pools for rainy days. Big houses often have table tennis, pool tables or board game collections. Some spacious cottages include hot tubs which work brilliantly for groups wanting to relax together after exploring.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find it works better to plan one or two group activities per day and leave the rest flexible. Not everyone wants to do everything together and that's fine.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed activities. Balance cultural visits with outdoor adventures. Factor in that some people will want lie-ins whilst others are up at dawn. Build in proper downtime because constant activity exhausts everyone.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check actual driving times not just distances. Narrow Cotswolds lanes mean 10 miles can take 30 minutes. Properties near Malmesbury give you Bath in 30 minutes, Bristol in 40 and Cirencester in 20.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Book at least two indoor attractions in advance. Have pub lunch options researched. Stock the cottage with films, games and books. Bad weather ruins breaks when you haven't planned alternatives.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone drives everywhere
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily reshuffling nightmares
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules requires ground rules about noise after midnight
Top 5 group attractions in Malmesbury
Malmesbury and the surrounding area offers excellent options for big groups wanting to explore together. The town itself provides historical interest whilst nearby attractions cater to various interests from gardens to adventure activities.
#1 Malmesbury Abbey
This magnificent Norman abbey dates from 1180 and dominates the town centre. Groups can explore the stunning architecture, medieval tombs and beautiful stained glass windows. The abbey welcomes large groups and provides a fascinating glimpse into 900 years of history.
#2 Westonbirt Arboretum
Located just 8 miles from Malmesbury, this national arboretum contains 15,000 trees across 600 acres. Groups can follow various trails, enjoy seasonal displays and explore one of the finest tree collections in the world. The site accommodates large groups easily with multiple paths and open spaces.
#3 Cotswold Water Park
Twenty minutes from Malmesbury, this network of 180 lakes offers water sports, walking trails and wildlife watching. Groups can book activities like paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing together. The park works well for mixed-ability groups with options from gentle lakeside walks to adrenaline activities.
#4 Lacock Abbey and Village
This National Trust property sits 15 minutes away and offers medieval cloisters, Victorian photography exhibitions and beautiful gardens. The village itself appears in countless films and TV shows. Large groups appreciate the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces to explore.
#5 Castle Combe
Often called England's prettiest village, Castle Combe sits just 6 miles from Malmesbury. Groups enjoy wandering the honey-coloured stone cottages, visiting the medieval market cross and exploring the 13th-century church. The compact village works perfectly for groups wanting a gentle afternoon out.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Malmesbury Abbey | Norman architecture, medieval history, stunning vaulted ceilings and ancient tombs | Free entry, self-guided tours, accommodates large groups easily |
| Athelstan Museum | Local history displays, medieval artefacts and stories of England's first king | Compact space perfect for quick group visits |
| Lacock Abbey | Medieval cloisters, Victorian photography collection, Harry Potter filming location | Multiple rooms spread groups naturally, café facilities |
| Corsham Court | Elizabethan mansion with Old Master paintings and period furniture | Guided tours available for groups, impressive state rooms |
| Dyson Museum | Engineering innovation displays, interactive exhibits, design evolution | Engaging for mixed-age groups, hands-on elements |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can typically park at Big Cottages in Malmesbury?
Most large holiday houses provide parking for 4-6 cars but always check before booking. Some rural properties have unlimited parking whilst town centre cottages may be more restricted. Contact the owner directly if your group needs more spaces.
Do we need to bring our own linen and towels?
Most holiday cottages include linen and towels in the rental price but some budget properties charge extra. Always check the listing details. Hot tub towels are usually separate from bathroom towels so bring extras if needed.
Can we book accommodation for just one night?
Most properties require minimum 3-night stays, especially for cottages that sleep 10 or more guests. Weekend breaks typically mean Friday to Monday. Last minute availability sometimes allows shorter stays but don't rely on this for group bookings.
Are properties suitable for hen parties or stag dos?
Many owners restrict party bookings so be honest when enquiring. Some properties welcome celebrations whilst others have strict no-party policies. Breaking these rules risks losing your deposit and immediate eviction.
What's included in self-catering properties?
Expect fully equipped kitchens, basic cleaning supplies and WiFi. Most provide welcome packs with essentials like tea, coffee and milk. Heating is usually included but check for properties with oil or electric heating which may be metered.
Making the most of your Malmesbury group break
Big Cottages in Malmesbury give you the perfect base for exploring this historic corner of Wiltshire. The combination of town amenities and countryside location means groups get the best of both worlds.
Book your group accommodation well in advance, especially for Christmas, New Year or summer holidays. Properties that sleep 14 or sleep 20 guests get snapped up quickly. We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for peak times.
The surrounding area offers enough variety to keep everyone happy whether you want cultural visits, outdoor adventures or simply relaxing in a cottage with an enclosed garden. Malmesbury proves you don't need to be by the sea to have an excellent group holiday.