Big Cottages Moreton-In-Marsh: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Moreton-In-Marsh gives your group a perfect base in the heart of the Cotswolds. This historic market town sits at the junction of the ancient Fosse Way and offers genuine honey-coloured stone architecture without the tourist crowds of Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Water.
The town works brilliantly for family reunions and hen parties because you get proper countryside charm plus excellent transport links. Moreton station connects directly to London Paddington in 90 minutes and you're within 30 minutes of Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham and Oxford.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before browsing properties. We find groups waste hours looking at cottages to rent that don't actually meet their basic requirements.
Set your budget first and be realistic about what you can afford. Large holiday houses that sleep 12 or more cost significantly more than standard holiday cottages but split between guests the price per person often beats hotel rates.
Location matters more than you think. Some massive country cottages sit miles from anywhere which sounds romantic until you need shops or restaurants. Properties within walking distance of Moreton's High Street give you flexibility.
Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you really need. A 10 bedroom property sounds perfect for 20 people until you realise it only has three bathrooms. We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum.
Decide on pet-friendly or pet-free early. Dog friendly accommodation with an enclosed garden costs more but saves arguments later. Modern or rustic affects price too with contemporary properties commanding premium rates.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count actual beds not just bedrooms. An 8 bed property might have four doubles and four singles which doesn't work for eight couples. Check floor plans carefully and ask about bed configurations before booking.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest drawing names from a hat or rotating rooms if you're booking for multiple nights. Couples with young children often need ground floor rooms near bathrooms.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide upfront whether everyone pays equal shares or if couples pay more than singles. Factor in that some guests might use more facilities like hot tubs.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and pays the deposit for holiday rentals. Set clear deadlines for when others must pay their share. Most holiday lets require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival so chase people early.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in the rental price. Some properties charge extra for heating, linen, towels and end-of-stay cleaning. Pet fees typically add £25-50 per dog. Properties with hot tubs or indoor pools often have energy supplements.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Some spacious properties have cinema rooms or indoor pools though these command premium rates. Properties that sleep 14 or more usually have large gardens perfect for outdoor games.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find groups work best with one or two organised activities per day plus free time. Don't overschedule or you'll exhaust everyone.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants to visit gardens or go on long walks. Having self-catering accommodation means people can come and go as they please.
Think about how far it is to activities - Moreton sits perfectly for exploring the Cotswolds with most attractions within 20 minutes drive. Check parking availability at popular sites especially during peak season and weekends.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - The Cotswolds gets its share of rain so book properties with good indoor spaces. Large holiday homes with spacious living areas and dining tables that seat everyone properly make wet days bearable.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking capacity matches your group size - most big groups arrive in multiple cars
- Confirm mobile signal and WiFi strength if people need to work remotely
- Assign one person to coordinate food shopping and meal planning
- Clarify the damage deposit policy and what counts as damage
- Discuss quiet hours especially if your group includes early risers and night owls
- Book restaurants in advance as Moreton's best spots fill up quickly at weekends
Top 5 group attractions in Moreton-In-Marsh
The northern Cotswolds offers brilliant group activities within easy reach of your accommodation. We've focused on attractions that work well for large groups rather than couples-only experiences.
#1 Batsford Arboretum
This 56-acre arboretum sits just outside Moreton and works brilliantly for mixed-age groups. The paths suit wheelchairs and pushchairs while the garden centre and café provide rest stops. Spring brings spectacular magnolias while autumn delivers incredible colour from Japanese maples.
#2 Chastleton House
This National Trust Jacobean house hasn't been significantly altered since 1612. Groups love the authenticity and the fact it feels like a real home rather than a museum. Book guided tours in advance for groups of 10 or more.
#3 Cotswold Falconry Centre
Located in nearby Batsford, this centre offers flying displays and hands-on experiences. Groups can book private sessions and the indoor facilities mean weather doesn't cancel plans. Perfect for stag dos wanting something different or families with teenagers.
#4 Bourton-on-the-Water
Just 15 minutes from Moreton, this village offers multiple attractions within walking distance. The Model Village, Motor Museum and Birdland all accept group bookings. The riverside location provides excellent photo opportunities and plenty of cafés for coffee stops.
#5 Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's birthplace sits 20 minutes north and offers theatre, river walks and historic buildings. The RSC offers group discounts and you can book private tours of Shakespeare's houses. The town has excellent restaurants for group dinners.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Cotswold Falconry Centre | Birds of prey flying displays and handling sessions in covered areas | Private group sessions available and works for all ages |
| Chastleton House | Guided tours through an unchanged Jacobean mansion | Group tours can be arranged with advance booking |
| Bourton Model Village | One-ninth scale replica of Bourton with indoor sections | Self-guided so groups can explore at own pace |
| RSC Theatres Stratford | World-class Shakespeare performances in three venues | Group discounts available and pre-show dining options |
| Cotswold Brewing Company | Brewery tours and tastings in Bourton-on-the-Water | Perfect for stag dos and groups wanting something different |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Moreton-In-Marsh?
Book 6-12 months ahead for Christmas and New Year breaks. Properties that sleep 20 get snapped up quickly. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice especially for weekend breaks or school holidays.
Can we book large cottages for one night stays?
Most group accommodation requires minimum three-night stays at weekends and seven nights during peak season. Some properties offer one night stays midweek outside summer but expect to pay premium rates.
What's the best area to stay for groups in Moreton?
Properties within a mile of the town centre work best. You get easy access to shops and pubs but still feel rural. Avoid cottages more than three miles out unless everyone has cars.
Are properties with hot tubs worth the extra cost?
Hot tubs add £200-500 to weekly rental costs but groups love them. They're brilliant for hen parties and family reunions. Check energy costs aren't charged separately as hot tubs use significant electricity.
How do we find cheap group accommodation?
Book midweek outside school holidays for best rates. Sites like Snaptrip aggregate deals from multiple agencies. Consider slightly older properties without pools or hot tubs as these cost significantly less.
Making the most of your group break
Moreton-In-Marsh gives you the perfect balance of countryside peace and practical amenities. The town's Tuesday market has run since 1227 and the independent shops stock everything you need for self-catering.
We recommend arriving early on your first day to sort bedrooms and get shopping done before everyone wants dinner. The Co-op and Tesco Express cover basics while Budgens stocks better quality ingredients.
Group holidays work best when you balance organised activities with downtime. Having holiday homes with spacious living areas means people can socialise or find quiet corners as needed. The Cotswolds rewards slow exploration rather than rushing between attractions.