Big Cottages Harrogate: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Harrogate gives you a perfect base to explore this elegant spa town along with the kind of luxury and space you can't get from even the finest hotel. The town's Victorian heritage shines through its stunning architecture and the famous Turkish Baths that have drawn visitors since 1897.
You're spoiled for choice with large holiday houses that sleep 12 or more guests. Properties range from spacious country cottages with enclosed gardens to massive holiday homes with hot tubs and indoor pools. Many offer dog friendly accommodation perfect for family reunions or hen parties where everyone can stay together under one roof.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties on Snaptrip or other rental sites. Set your budget first because holiday cottages for 10 or more guests vary wildly in price. Location matters too - do you want to be in the town centre or prefer rural country cottages?
Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you really need. An 8 bed property might sound perfect but check if there are enough bathrooms for your group. Distance from the nearest town affects everything from food shopping to emergency supplies.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference to your search. Modern or rustic changes the entire feel of your break. Some groups love contemporary villas with pools whilst others prefer traditional lodges with character.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
A 5 bedroom cottage might work for 10 guests if some couples don't mind sharing. However a 10 bedroom property gives everyone their own space. Count bathrooms carefully because one bathroom for eight people creates morning chaos.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We recommend drawing names from a hat or rotating rooms if you're booking for multiple nights. This prevents awkward conversations and hurt feelings on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the total rental cost divided by the number of guests. Factor in extras like hot tub heating or welcome hampers. Apps like Splitwise make tracking shared expenses simple throughout your stay.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment and send reminders. Most holiday lets require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival so plan accordingly.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning fees, linen charges and electricity costs. Some properties charge extra for heating during winter or Christmas breaks. Pet fees add up quickly if you're bringing multiple dogs to dog friendly cottages.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms, cinema rooms or indoor pools. Large groups need entertainment options for downtime. Houses to rent with hot tubs provide perfect evening relaxation after busy days exploring.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared calendar before you arrive. Let everyone add their must-do activities then find overlaps. Don't overschedule because people need downtime during weekend breaks or week-long stays.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active and relaxed activities. Some guests want to explore whilst others prefer staying in spacious accommodation. Split into smaller groups for different activities then regroup for meals.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check driving times to major attractions. Properties that sleep 20 might need multiple cars. Factor in parking costs and availability at popular destinations.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Yorkshire weather changes fast. Book indoor activities in advance and keep a list of nearby museums, galleries and covered markets. Self-catering properties with good facilities become invaluable during rainy days.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means extra planning for food supplies
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration and neighbour complaints
- Who organizes everything including food shopping, activities and transport arrangements
- Who's responsible if something breaks and how to report issues to the property owner
- Managing different sleep schedules when some guests are early risers and others night owls
Top 5 group attractions in Harrogate
Harrogate transformed from a small village into a fashionable spa destination during the Victorian era. The town centre features elegant gardens and historic buildings alongside modern shops and restaurants. Group accommodation here puts you within walking distance of major landmarks.
#1 RHS Garden Harlow Carr
This 68-acre garden showcases year-round planting across woodland, streamside and alpine areas. Large groups can explore at their own pace with plenty of space to spread out. The on-site café handles big parties well and the plant centre offers unique souvenirs.
#2 Turkish Baths and Health Spa
These restored Victorian baths feature stunning Moorish architecture with original tiles and decorative details. Groups can book sessions together though you'll need to arrange this well ahead for parties of 10 or more. The experience includes hot rooms, steam rooms and a plunge pool.
#3 Valley Gardens
These free public gardens stretch across 17 acres in the town centre. Perfect for morning walks or picnics with large groups. The gardens feature the Sun Pavilion, children's play areas and the Magnesia Well Café for refreshments.
#4 Bettys Café Tea Rooms
This iconic Yorkshire institution serves traditional afternoon tea in elegant surroundings. The Harrogate branch seats large groups but booking months ahead is essential for weekend visits or Christmas breaks. Their bakery next door sells takeaway treats.
#5 Harrogate Theatre
This historic venue hosts touring productions, comedy shows and pantomimes. Group bookings get discounted rates and guaranteed seating together. The theatre bar opens before shows making it easy to coordinate meeting times for big groups.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Baths | Victorian spa facilities with hot rooms, steam rooms and relaxation areas in stunning Moorish architecture | Can accommodate large groups with advance booking and offers unique shared experience |
| Mercer Art Gallery | Fine art collection in a former spa building featuring 19th and 20th century works | Free admission makes it budget-friendly and self-guided tours suit different interests |
| Royal Hall | Concert venue hosting classical music, comedy and variety shows in ornate Victorian surroundings | Large capacity and group booking discounts available for most performances |
| Harrogate Library | Modern facility with local history archives and comfortable reading spaces | Free WiFi and quiet areas perfect for groups needing workspace or research facilities |
| Victoria Shopping Centre | Covered mall with high street shops, cafés and restaurants across two floors | Weather-proof shopping with multiple food options for groups with varied tastes |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Harrogate?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year or summer holidays. Last minute availability exists but choice becomes limited for properties that sleep 14 or more guests. Stag dos and hen parties should book even earlier.
What's the minimum stay for large holiday homes?
Most require 3-7 night minimum stays depending on season. Some accept one night bookings during quieter periods but expect premium rates. Weekend breaks typically run Friday to Monday.
Are there cheap options for cottages to rent?
Prices per person often work out cheaper than hotels when you book massive properties. Midweek stays and off-season dates offer better value. Self-catering saves money versus eating out for every meal.
Can we bring dogs to group accommodation?
Many large cottages welcome dogs but check pet limits. Some properties accept multiple dogs whilst others restrict numbers. Enclosed gardens make life easier for dog owners in big groups.
What facilities should we expect in holiday rentals that sleep 20?
Look for multiple living areas so groups can spread out. Commercial-grade kitchens with large fridges and dishwashers are essential. Adequate parking for 6-8 cars matters more than most people realize.
Big Cottages in Harrogate combine the elegance of this historic spa town with practical accommodation for large groups. Whether you're planning a family reunion or organizing a hen party, the variety of properties means finding the perfect base for exploring North Yorkshire's attractions and countryside.