Big Cottages Stow-On-The-Wold: Your Group Break Sorted
Booking Big Cottages in Stow-On-The-Wold gives your group a proper Cotswolds experience without the hassle of coordinating multiple hotel rooms. This historic market town sits right in the heart of the Cotswolds and offers that perfect blend of honey-coloured stone buildings and proper countryside charm that makes the area so special.
We love how Stow works for large groups because everything centres around the market square. You've got independent shops and traditional pubs within walking distance. The town sits at 800 feet above sea level making it the highest town in the Cotswolds. Properties here range from converted barns with hot tubs to spacious country cottages sleeping 20 guests.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your absolute must-haves before you even open SnapTrip or any other rental site. We find groups waste hours scrolling through properties that won't work for them. Set your budget first and stick to it because holiday cottages in the Cotswolds vary wildly in price.
Location matters more than you think. Some large holiday houses sit miles from the nearest village which sounds romantic until you need milk at 9pm. Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. A 10 bedroom property might sound perfect but if it only has three bathrooms you'll have queues every morning.
Dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens book up fast especially for Christmas and New Year breaks. Modern self-catering accommodation often comes with better heating and wifi. Rustic cottages for 10 or more guests give you character but sometimes dodgy plumbing. Think about what matters most to your group.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum. Large groups often book an 8 bed property then realise half the party is waiting to shower. Properties that sleep 12 should have at least three bathrooms. Holiday homes that sleep 14 or more need four bathrooms to avoid morning chaos.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before you arrive. The master suite with the ensuite always causes arguments. We suggest drawing names from a hat or rotating rooms if you're booking for multiple nights. Some big houses have a mix of doubles and singles which needs planning for couples versus solo guests.
Splitting costs between your group
Use a shared spreadsheet or app to track who owes what. Massive properties sleeping 20 can cost thousands for a weekend so transparency matters. Factor in the rental cost plus food and activities. Some groups split evenly while others charge per bedroom based on size and ensuite access.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then chases everyone for money. Set clear deadlines for payment before the trip. Most holiday lets require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival. Last minute bookings for cheap accommodation might need immediate payment so have a plan.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in your rental price. Some properties charge extra for heating and electricity especially in winter. Linen and towels might cost extra. Properties with hot tubs or indoor pools often have supplements. Pet fees add up if you're bringing multiple dogs to dog friendly cottages.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for group accommodation with games rooms or cinema rooms. Properties with pool tables and table tennis keep everyone entertained when the weather turns. Spacious kitchens matter for big groups because you'll spend time cooking together. Gardens with outdoor seating work brilliantly for summer hen parties or family reunions.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone can suggest activities. We find groups work best with a loose structure rather than rigid schedules. Book any must-do activities in advance but leave free time. Some people want to explore while others prefer relaxing in holiday rentals with hot tubs.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed activities throughout your stay. Morning walks followed by pub lunches work well. Evening meals at the cottage give everyone downtime. For stag dos or hen parties consider splitting the group for different activities then regrouping for dinner.
Think about how far it is to activities - Stow sits perfectly for exploring the Cotswolds with Bourton-on-the-Water just 4 miles away. Broadway and Chipping Campden are within 20 minutes drive. Factor in travel time when planning your days. Multiple cars help but parking in Cotswold villages can be tricky.
Backup plans for bad weather - The Cotswolds gets its share of rain so have indoor options ready. Local museums and historic houses provide shelter. Many large cottages to rent have enough space for indoor activities. Pubs with fires become very popular when it's wet outside.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking capacity matches your group's cars - many country cottages only have space for 3-4 vehicles
- Assign one person to coordinate food shopping or use delivery services to the property
- Clarify the damage deposit policy and who's responsible if something breaks during your stay
- Discuss quiet hours if your group has early risers and night owls
- Book restaurants in advance as Stow's popular eateries fill up quickly for weekend and Christmas breaks
- Arrange a cleaning rota or budget for a cleaner to avoid arguments about housework
Top 5 group attractions in Stow-On-The-Wold
Stow and the surrounding Cotswolds offer brilliant options for large groups wanting to explore together. The area transformed from a major wool trading centre into one of England's most visited regions. These attractions work particularly well for parties of 10 or more guests staying in group cottages.
#1 Cotswold Farm Park
This working farm lets groups meet rare breed animals and watch demonstrations throughout the day. Founded by Joe Henson in 1971 it now protects over 50 breeding flocks and herds. The site covers 1600 acres with indoor and outdoor areas making it perfect for families with children of all ages.
#2 Blenheim Palace
Just 30 minutes from Stow this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers 2000 acres of parkland to explore. The palace itself is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Groups can split up to explore the state rooms, gardens and pleasure gardens at their own pace.
#3 Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village
This one-ninth scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water sits in the Old New Inn gardens and fascinates visitors of all ages. Built in 1937 from local Cotswold stone it includes a model of itself creating an infinite loop. The village works brilliantly for groups because everyone can wander freely and it takes about 30 minutes to see everything.
#4 Cotswold Distillery
Located in nearby Stourton this craft distillery produces award-winning gin and whisky. Group tours and tastings need booking in advance but accommodate up to 15 people per session. The experience includes the production process and samples of their spirits making it ideal for adult groups and celebrations.
#5 Chastleton House
This National Trust Jacobean country house remains virtually unchanged since 1612. The intimate scale works well for groups who want something less crowded than major palaces. Limited visitor numbers mean you need to book timed tickets in advance but the atmosphere feels authentic and personal.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Cotswold Farm Park | Indoor barns with rare breed animals, hands-on experiences and play areas that work in any weather | Spacious site lets large groups spread out with meeting points and café facilities for regrouping |
| Blenheim Palace | Extensive state rooms, Churchill exhibition and indoor play area keep everyone entertained regardless of weather | Multiple routes through the palace mean groups can explore at different paces without losing each other |
| Bourton Model Village | Covered walkways protect from light rain while you explore the detailed miniature buildings and gardens | Compact size means groups stay together easily and the adjacent shops provide shelter if needed |
| Cotswold Distillery | Indoor tours through production areas with tastings in their dedicated tasting room | Structured tours work perfectly for groups wanting a shared experience with expert guidance |
| Chastleton House | Atmospheric rooms filled with original furniture and fascinating stories from 400 years of family history | Intimate scale suits groups of 10-15 who want detailed information and personal attention from guides |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Stow-On-The-Wold?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Properties that sleep 12 or more get snapped up quickly. We've found decent availability for last minute bookings in shoulder seasons but you'll have limited choice for specific features like hot tubs or indoor pools.
Can we book large holiday houses for just one night?
Most properties require minimum 3-night stays on weekends and 7 nights during peak season. One night bookings are rare for big houses because of the cleaning and changeover time needed. Midweek breaks sometimes have more flexible minimum stays especially outside summer.
What's the best size property for our group of 16?
Look for properties sleeping 18-20 to give everyone breathing room. A 5 bedroom cottage sleeping exactly 16 means every bed is full with no space for coats or bags. Extra capacity also helps if someone wants their own room or couples prefer not to share.
Are there properties suitable for both families and dogs?
Yes, many large cottages in Stow offer dog friendly accommodation with enclosed gardens. Check how many dogs are allowed as some properties limit numbers. Properties with hot tubs often restrict dogs from certain areas so read the rules carefully before booking.
How do we handle different arrival times for our group?
Arrange key collection details with everyone in advance. Some holiday homes have key safes while others require meeting the owner. Designate one person to arrive first and let others in. Make sure everyone has the property address and what3words location as rural Cotswold properties can be tricky to find.
Making the most of your group break
Stow-On-The-Wold gives you that classic Cotswolds experience without feeling too touristy. The town works brilliantly as a base because you're central to everything. Properties here range from traditional stone cottages to modern lodges with all the facilities groups need.
We think the key to a successful group break is choosing accommodation that genuinely fits your needs. Don't compromise on bathrooms or parking if those matter to your group. The right property makes everything else easier from coordinating activities to simply relaxing together.
Book early for the best choice of houses to rent. The most popular properties with features like hot tubs and spacious gardens get reserved months ahead. But even last minute availability can surprise you if you're flexible on dates. Your group will love exploring the Cotswolds from a proper base where everyone has space to spread out.