Big Cottages Scarborough: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Scarborough gives your group the perfect coastal base with space and freedom that hotels simply can't match. This historic seaside town on Yorkshire's dramatic coastline offers everything from medieval castles to award-winning beaches and a thriving harbour that's been welcoming visitors for centuries.
Scarborough works brilliantly for group breaks because you get proper beach accommodation alongside cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. The town caters perfectly for large groups with properties that sleep 12, sleeps 14 or even sleeps 20 guests under one roof.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of holiday cottages. Set your budget first because large holiday house rentals vary wildly from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with hot tubs and indoor pool facilities.
Location matters hugely for group accommodation. Do you want coastal cottages right by the sea or country cottages with enclosed garden space slightly inland? Consider whether you need a 5 bedroom setup or massive properties with 8 bed or 10 bedroom configurations.
Think about bathrooms realistically. One bathroom for ten guests creates chaos. Modern or rustic depends on your group but dog friendly properties with gardens suit families whilst sleek lodges and cabins work better for hen party groups or stag dos.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. For cottages for 10 people you need at least three bathrooms. Properties that sleep 10 or more should have ensuites to avoid morning bottlenecks.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. Couples usually take priority but families with young children might need ground floor rooms. Sort this out weeks ahead to avoid weekend tension.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Some groups split rental costs equally whilst others charge per bedroom size. Agree the method before booking your holiday homes.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books then collects money from everyone. Set clear deadlines for payment. Most holiday rentals through Snaptrip or similar platforms require deposits months ahead for Christmas and New Year breaks.
Hidden fees
Check if linen costs extra. Some self-catering properties charge for towels, heating or cleaning. Pet-friendly houses to rent often add fees per dog. Read the small print on holiday lets before committing.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Large cottages in Scarborough often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Properties with hot tubs provide evening entertainment whilst spacious lounges with log burners create perfect gathering spots. Some big houses feature cinema rooms for movie nights.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Vote on top choices then book tickets ahead for popular attractions. Assign different people to organise each day to share the load.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with relaxed ones. Balance beach time with cultural visits. Build in free time because large groups rarely want identical schedules. Offer two activity options each day so people can split up.
Think about how far it is to activities - Check actual driving times not just distances. Scarborough's compact size means most attractions sit within walking distance but parking multiple cars in town costs money. Consider properties to let near the harbour for central access.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Yorkshire weather changes fast. Book indoor activities as backup options. Many group cottage rentals include entertainment facilities that save the day when rain hits.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby limits food options
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport
- Who's responsible if something breaks during your stay
- Managing different sleep schedules when some guests party late
- Agreeing house rules about noise, smoking and guests
- Planning meals for big groups requires military precision
Top 5 group attractions in Scarborough
Scarborough transformed from a spa town into Yorkshire's premier seaside resort whilst keeping its historic character intact. The town offers attractions that work brilliantly for families, parties and family reunion gatherings with activities that accommodate large groups easily.
#1 Scarborough Castle
This dramatic clifftop fortress dominates the headland between North and South Bays. The medieval ruins span 3000 years of history from Bronze Age settlements through Roman signal stations to Civil War sieges. Groups can explore freely across the massive site with stunning coastal views.
#2 SEA LIFE Scarborough
Yorkshire's premier aquarium houses over 1000 creatures including sharks, rays and rescued sea turtles. The underwater tunnel provides incredible photo opportunities whilst interactive rockpool experiences let groups get hands-on. The facility handles large groups well with spacious viewing areas.
#3 Peasholm Park
This oriental-themed park features a boating lake, waterfall and Japanese gardens spread across 20 acres. Summer brings spectacular naval warfare reenactments with pyrotechnics. Groups can hire boats together or simply enjoy the landscaped grounds and tree trail.
#4 North Bay Railway
This miniature railway runs along the coast connecting Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills. The 20-minute journey offers sea views and nostalgic charm. Perfect for groups with mixed ages as it appeals to children and adults equally.
#5 Scarborough Market Hall
The Victorian market hall buzzes with local traders selling everything from fresh fish to vintage clothing. Groups can split up to browse then regroup at the excellent food stalls. The building itself showcases stunning architecture worth seeing.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Scarborough Spa | Grand Victorian entertainment venue hosting concerts, theatre and comedy shows in ornate surroundings | Large auditorium seats groups together with bar facilities for interval drinks |
| The Rotunda Museum | Circular geological museum displaying fossils and local history in Britain's first purpose-built museum building | Compact space works for smaller groups interested in Jurassic Coast heritage |
| Scarborough Art Gallery | Free gallery showcasing local artists and touring exhibitions in elegant Crescent building | Self-guided viewing lets groups explore at own pace then discuss over coffee |
| Hollywood Plaza | Modern cinema complex showing latest releases with comfortable seating and refreshments | Group bookings available with multiple screens for different preferences |
| Alpamare UK | Indoor waterpark featuring slides, wave pools and spa facilities in climate-controlled environment | Handles large groups brilliantly with varied attractions for all ages and abilities |
Visitor FAQs
How far ahead should we book Big Cottages in Scarborough?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like summer holidays, Christmas and New Year. Last minute availability exists for midweek breaks and shoulder seasons but choice becomes limited for properties that sleep 20 or more guests.
What's the minimum stay for group cottage rental?
Most holiday rentals require three-night minimums but some accept one night bookings midweek. Weekend breaks typically need Friday to Monday. Christmas and New Year often require full week bookings.
Can we hire beach houses for hen party or stag dos?
Yes but inform owners upfront. Some properties restrict parties whilst others welcome groups. Properties to hire for celebrations often require higher deposits and have stricter house rules about noise and damage.
Do large holiday houses allow dogs?
Many dog friendly cottages accept multiple pets but check limits. Some allow one dog whilst others welcome whole packs. Expect additional cleaning fees and ensure enclosed garden access for safety.
What facilities should we expect in self-catering accommodation for big groups?
Large groups need industrial-sized kitchens with big fridges, multiple ovens and dishwashers. Expect dining tables that seat everyone, ample parking and sufficient bathrooms. Many include hot tubs, games rooms or indoor pool facilities.
Making the most of your Scarborough group break
Big Cottages in Scarborough combine coastal beauty with practical group accommodation that actually works. The town's compact layout means you can walk to most attractions whilst having spacious holiday homes as your base.
We recommend booking properties with parking for multiple cars and checking exact distances to beaches. Scarborough's two bays offer different characters with South Bay providing traditional seaside fun whilst North Bay delivers quieter family beaches.
The combination of beach house accommodation and cultural attractions makes Scarborough ideal for groups with varied interests. Whether you need cottages to rent for family reunion gatherings or lodges for weekend escapes, this Yorkshire coast gem delivers proper group holiday experiences.