Big Cottages Glassonby: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Glassonby gives your group a peaceful base in the Eden Valley with the kind of space and freedom you simply can't get from hotels. This small Cumbrian village sits between Penrith and Alston with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on your doorstep.
The area works brilliantly for family reunions and weekend breaks with large groups. You'll find country cottages and spacious properties that sleep 12 or more guests with enclosed gardens for dog friendly stays. The village itself dates back centuries with traditional red sandstone buildings and working farms still defining the landscape.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of holiday cottages on Snaptrip or other rental sites. We always set the budget first because properties range from cheap last minute deals to massive holiday homes with hot tubs and indoor pools.
Location matters more than you think. Some group accommodation sits miles from the nearest shop whilst other houses to rent are closer to Penrith for supplies. Think about whether you need 5 bedroom cottages or something bigger like 8 bed or 10 bedroom options.
Count bathrooms as carefully as bedrooms. One bathroom for ten guests creates queues and tension. Most large holiday houses offer at least three bathrooms but check the listing carefully. Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference too if anyone's bringing dogs.
Modern or rustic changes the whole vibe. Some lodges and cabins have cinema rooms and games rooms whilst traditional country cottages offer exposed beams and open fires. Neither is better but your group needs to agree on what they want.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Work out real numbers not optimistic ones. A cottage that sleeps 14 might have bunk beds or sofa beds that nobody actually wants. We always aim for one bathroom per four guests minimum for self-catering breaks.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. Couples with young kids often need ground floor rooms. Older guests might struggle with steep cottage stairs. Sort this out in your group chat weeks before check-in.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing the rental cost per person. Some groups charge couples more than singles. Others split it equally. Just be clear upfront to avoid awkwardness when someone books activities or buys food.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually pays the deposit for holiday rentals then collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline for payment at least two weeks before arrival. Chase people early because someone always forgets.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning fees and damage deposits that aren't included in the nightly rate. Some holiday lets charge extra for heating at Christmas or New Year. Properties with hot tubs sometimes add surcharges. Read the small print on every listing.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big Cottages in Glassonby often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Some have hot tubs in gardens which work brilliantly for hen parties or stag dos. Look for properties with large dining tables that actually seat your whole group because eating together matters on group breaks.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. We find that giving people two or three options works better than trying to please everyone all the time. Book any paid activities at least a week ahead.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in downtime because not everyone wants to be busy all day. Some guests will want to walk in the North Pennines whilst others prefer staying in the cottage reading. That's fine on a weekend or week-long break.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Glassonby sits about 20 minutes from Penrith and 30 minutes from Ullswater. Factor in travel time when planning days out. Multiple cars help but check the cottage has adequate parking for your group.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Cumbria gets rain so have indoor alternatives ready. Penrith has museums and cafes. Some large cottages have indoor pools or cinema rooms that save the day when it's pouring.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone needs to do a big supermarket run in Penrith
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes chaos so confirm exact spaces available before booking
- Who organizes everything from food shopping to activities and transport needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters when some guests want parties and others need early nights
Top 5 group attractions in Glassonby
The Eden Valley and surrounding areas offer brilliant options for big groups wanting days out. You're close to the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines with Penrith providing shops and restaurants. These attractions work well for families and large groups needing activities that accommodate different ages and interests.
#1 Ullswater Lake
This stunning lake sits about 30 minutes from Glassonby and offers steamers that can accommodate large groups. You can book group tickets for the historic vessels that run between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding. The surrounding walks suit all fitness levels with cafes at both ends.
#2 Penrith Castle
These free-to-enter ruins sit right in Penrith town centre making them perfect for a quick group visit. The castle dates from the 14th century and you can explore the remains whilst learning about border conflicts. It works well combined with shopping or lunch in town.
#3 Rheged Centre
This massive grass-covered building near Penrith houses a cinema and exhibitions about Cumbrian history. The centre includes shops and cafes with plenty of space for groups to spread out. The cinema shows mainstream films and can accommodate large parties for group bookings.
#4 Lowther Castle
These romantic ruins come with 130 acres of gardens and parkland perfect for groups wanting outdoor space. The adventure playground keeps children busy whilst adults explore the castle and formal gardens. You'll find cafes and facilities that handle big groups easily.
#5 Acorn Bank
This National Trust property near Temple Sowerby features herb gardens and orchards in a peaceful setting. The watermill and woodland walks give groups options for splitting up or staying together. The tearoom serves groups but booking ahead helps during busy periods.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Rheged Centre | Cinema screenings and exhibitions about Cumbrian heritage with retail and dining options | Large spaces and facilities designed to handle multiple visitors with group cinema bookings available |
| Penrith Museum | Local history displays covering geology and archaeology in a compact town centre location | Free entry makes it budget-friendly and the small size means groups can visit quickly between other activities |
| Dalemain House | Historic house with period rooms and collections spanning several centuries | Guided tours can be arranged for groups and the cafe accommodates larger parties |
| Brougham Hall | Restored historic building with craft workshops and artisan businesses | Multiple indoor spaces let groups browse independently and the cafe handles large numbers |
| Alpaca Annie | Alpaca farm offering walks and experiences with these friendly animals | Group bookings available for alpaca walking experiences that work brilliantly for hen parties |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Glassonby?
Most large holiday homes offer parking for 3-4 cars but always check the listing. Some properties have more spaces whilst others are limited. Contact the owner directly if your group needs parking for 5+ vehicles.
Can we book cottages for 10 for just one night?
Many holiday rentals require minimum stays of 2-3 nights especially for weekend breaks. One night bookings are rare for large cottages. You'll find more flexibility for midweek stays outside peak season.
Are there cottages to rent that sleep 20 near Glassonby?
Properties that sleep 20 guests are less common but you'll find options within 10 miles. Some owners offer multiple cottages on the same site that work for massive groups. Booking well ahead helps secure these larger properties.
Do holiday homes in Glassonby allow stag dos and hen parties?
Some owners welcome parties whilst others don't. Always declare the nature of your group when booking. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms often suit celebrations better than traditional country cottages.
What's included in self-catering accommodation?
Expect fully equipped kitchens with cookers and fridges plus bed linen and towels. Check whether wifi is included and whether heating costs extra in winter. Some villas and lodges include welcome packs whilst others don't.
Big Cottages in Glassonby give you the perfect base for exploring the Eden Valley and North Pennines. The village location means you get peace and quiet whilst staying close enough to Penrith for supplies and attractions. Book early for Christmas and New Year when large group accommodation fills up fast.
We recommend viewing multiple properties before deciding because photos don't always show the full picture. Read reviews from previous guests about parking and space. The right cottage makes your group break memorable for all the right reasons.