Big Cottages Buttermere: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Buttermere gives your group access to one of the Lake District's most dramatic valleys. This tiny hamlet sits between Buttermere and Crummock Water with towering fells on all sides. The area offers genuine mountain scenery without the crowds you'll find in Windermere or Keswick.
Large groups love Buttermere because you get proper wilderness on your doorstep. The valley works brilliantly for family reunions and walking groups who want challenging hikes by day and spacious accommodation by night. Properties here range from traditional farmhouses to modern lodges with hot tubs.
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. We always set the budget first because large holiday houses vary wildly in price. A 10 bedroom country cottage costs significantly more than a basic 5 bedroom rental.
Location matters enormously in Buttermere. Some holiday cottages sit right in the valley with lake views whilst others perch on hillsides requiring confident driving on narrow lanes. Think about mobility in your group before booking somewhere remote.
Count bedrooms and bathrooms properly. A cottage that sleeps 14 might only have three bathrooms which creates queues at breakfast time. Dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens book up fast so reserve early if you're bringing pets.
Modern or rustic makes a huge difference to your stay. Some guests want wifi and contemporary kitchens whilst others prefer stone fireplaces and original beams. Properties with hot tubs and indoor pools command premium rates but keep groups entertained regardless of weather.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. Large groups in an 8 bed property with two bathrooms will struggle. Check if bathrooms are ensuite or shared because this affects morning routines significantly.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. We suggest couples with young children or oldest family members get priority. Single beds versus doubles matters too so check the actual bed configuration not just the sleep count.
Splitting costs between your group
Divide the total rental cost by number of adults attending. Children often pay half rate. Send payment requests immediately after booking so you're not chasing money weeks later. Apps like Splitwise track who's paid what.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
Most holiday lets require 25-50% deposit upfront with the balance due 6-8 weeks before arrival. One person typically books then collects money from others. Keep records of all transactions in case disputes arise.
Hidden fees
Watch for cleaning charges, linen costs and electricity supplements. Some cheap cottages add £150+ in extras. Pet fees typically run £25-40 per dog. Last minute bookings sometimes waive cleaning fees so it's worth asking.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Properties that sleep 20 might have cinema rooms or indoor pools. Spacious lounges with wood burners work brilliantly for evening gatherings. Villas with hot tubs let you relax after long walks.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find voting systems work better than one person deciding everything. Book any paid activities like ghyll scrambling before arrival because spaces fill quickly.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix challenging walks with gentler options. Some guests want to conquer Haystacks whilst others prefer flat lakeside strolls. Build in free time so people can split off without guilt.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Buttermere sits 20 minutes from Keswick where you'll find shops and restaurants. Cockermouth is 30 minutes away. The isolation is part of the appeal but means planning meals carefully.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Lake District weather changes fast. Have indoor alternatives ready like visiting Honister Slate Mine or driving to Maryport Aquarium. Cabins and lodges with good facilities save the day when it's pouring.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby - stock up in Keswick before arrival
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars - confirm exact spaces available especially for weekend breaks
- Who organizes everything - rotate responsibility for meals and activities to avoid burnout
- Who's responsible if something breaks - understand the damage deposit terms before booking
- Managing different sleep schedules - properties with separate wings work best for mixed groups
Top 5 group attractions in Buttermere
Buttermere valley transforms depending on season. Winter brings snow to the high peaks whilst summer fills the trails with walkers. The area suits active groups who want proper mountain experiences. Most attractions involve outdoor activities so bring appropriate gear.
#1 Haystacks
This 597-metre fell was Alfred Wainwright's favourite mountain and holds his ashes. The summit offers stunning views across multiple lakes. Groups find the circular route from Buttermere village takes 4-5 hours with plenty of spots for picnics.
#2 Buttermere Lake Circuit
This 4.5-mile flat walk circles the lake and suits all fitness levels. The path stays close to the water with minimal elevation gain. Families with children and less mobile guests can complete this comfortably in two hours.
#3 Scale Force Waterfall
England's highest single-drop waterfall at 52 metres sits just south of Crummock Water. The walk from Buttermere takes about an hour each way through woodland. Groups often combine this with the lake circuit for a longer day out.
#4 Honister Slate Mine
This working mine offers underground tours and via ferrata climbing experiences. Groups can book private tours or try the Xtreme route with zip wires. The mine sits 15 minutes drive from Buttermere at the top of Honister Pass.
#5 Crummock Water
This larger lake next to Buttermere offers quieter walking routes. The western shore path provides excellent views back towards the fells. Wild swimming spots attract brave groups during summer months though the water stays cold year-round.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Honister Slate Mine | Underground tours through working mine tunnels with historical exhibits and slate demonstrations | Book group tours in advance. Via ferrata experiences suit adventurous parties and stag dos |
| Keswick Museum | Local history displays including original Wainwright manuscripts and geological specimens | Small venue works for groups up to 15. Free entry makes it budget-friendly for large groups |
| Theatre by the Lake | Professional productions in Keswick's waterfront theatre with year-round programming | Group bookings available. Perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations with evening shows |
| Puzzling Place | Optical illusion rooms and hologram gallery in Keswick town centre | Entertaining for mixed-age groups. Takes about an hour so works as filler activity |
| Jennings Brewery | Guided tours of traditional Cumbrian brewery in Cockermouth with tasting sessions | Must book ahead for groups. Popular with hen parties and birthday celebrations |
Visitor FAQs
How many guests can Big Cottages in Buttermere accommodate?
Self-catering properties range from cottages for 10 up to massive houses that sleep 12, sleeps 14 or even sleeps 20. The largest holiday homes often combine multiple buildings on one site.
Can we book accommodation for one night or weekend breaks?
Most holiday rentals require minimum three-night stays. Weekend and one night bookings occasionally appear for last minute availability but expect week-long minimums during peak seasons.
Are there properties to hire with hot tubs and pools?
Several large cottages feature hot tubs though indoor pools are rare in Buttermere itself. Nearby properties within 10 miles offer more facilities. Search specifically for houses with hot tubs to filter results.
What's the best time to book for Christmas or New Year?
Reserve 12 months ahead for festive periods. Group accommodation for big groups books fastest. Properties to let over Christmas command premium rates but offer magical winter scenery.
How do we find cheap cottages to rent for large groups?
Book midweek rather than weekends. November through March offers lower rates except Christmas. Properties slightly outside Buttermere cost less whilst still providing easy access to walks.
Making the most of your group cottage break
Big Cottages in Buttermere give you the space and freedom that hotels can't match. You control mealtimes and activities without worrying about disturbing other guests. The valley rewards groups who embrace outdoor adventure with memories that last for years.
Book early for the best selection of properties. Large holiday houses with gardens and modern facilities disappear fast especially for family reunions and parties. We recommend viewing multiple options before committing because photos don't always show the full picture.
The combination of dramatic scenery and quality group accommodation makes Buttermere ideal for bringing people together. Whether you want challenging walks or gentle lakeside strolls, this corner of Cumbria delivers authentic Lake District experiences away from tourist crowds.