Big Cottages Blandford: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Blandford gives you a perfect base to explore this historic Dorset market town along with the kind of luxury and space you can't get from even the best hotel. The town sits on the River Stour and offers Georgian architecture alongside easy access to the Jurassic Coast and Cranborne Chase.
You're spoiled for choice with properties ranging from country cottages with enclosed gardens to spacious holiday homes that sleep 20 guests. We find that large groups love the combination of rural tranquillity and proximity to coastal attractions. The area works brilliantly for family reunions and weekend breaks throughout the year.
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 vary wildly in price depending on season and facilities. A 10 bedroom property at Christmas costs significantly more than the same place in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some cottages to rent sit miles from shops whilst others are walking distance from Blandford Forum's town centre. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. Eight guests don't necessarily need an 8 bed house if couples are sharing rooms.
Distance from the nearest town affects your entire stay. Being too isolated means multiple car trips for supplies. Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a massive difference to your shortlist. Modern properties often include hot tubs and indoor pools whilst rustic lodges offer character and charm.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Work out realistic numbers before searching. A group of 12 adults needs more bathrooms than 12 people including children. Properties that sleep 12 might only have three bathrooms which creates morning chaos. We recommend one bathroom per four guests minimum for comfortable stays.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival to avoid awkwardness. Some groups rotate rooms on longer stays. Others allocate based on who paid most or who organised everything. Families with young children often get ground floor rooms whilst couples take upstairs spaces.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet showing accommodation costs and additional expenses. Some groups split equally whilst others charge per bedroom. Factor in that couples in a 5 bedroom house pay differently to single guests. Be transparent about what's included in the base price.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books large holiday houses and collects money from everyone else. Set clear payment deadlines weeks before the balance is due. Use banking apps for easy transfers. Agree upfront whether the organiser gets compensated with a free room or reduced rate.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning charges and security deposits that aren't in the headline price. Dog friendly properties often add pet fees. Some holiday rentals charge extra for heating in winter. Linen and towels might cost more. Hot tub properties sometimes have energy surcharges.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for big groups often include games rooms with pool tables and table tennis. Some massive properties have cinema rooms and indoor pools. Look for large holiday house options with hot tubs because they're brilliant for evening entertainment. Gardens matter hugely for parties and stag dos.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Don't over-schedule because people need downtime. We find that mixing structured activities with free time works best. Some guests want adventure whilst others prefer relaxing in spacious accommodation.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for different activities rather than forcing everyone together constantly. Hen party groups might want spa time whilst others explore local attractions. Self-catering means flexible meal times which helps enormously.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Blandford sits 15 miles from the coast so beach accommodation isn't immediate but coastal cottages are reachable. The town centre is walkable from many properties. Dorchester and Poole are within 30 minutes drive. Factor in travel time when planning daily schedules.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Dorset weather changes fast so book properties with good indoor facilities. Houses to rent with games rooms and hot tubs save rainy days. Keep a list of indoor attractions nearby. Large cottages with proper living spaces mean groups can spread out comfortably.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means extra planning for supplies
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily frustration with vehicle shuffling
- Who organizes everything including food shops and activities needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear before arrival
- Managing different sleep schedules in group accommodation requires house rules about noise
Top 5 group attractions in Blandford
Blandford Forum and the surrounding area offers excellent attractions for large groups. The town itself showcases Georgian architecture after being rebuilt following the 1731 fire. We find that groups appreciate the mix of historical sites and outdoor activities across North Dorset.
#1 The Royal Signals Museum
This military communications museum sits just outside Blandford and tells the story of army signals from the Crimean War to modern conflicts. Groups can explore interactive exhibits and see historic equipment. The museum accommodates large groups well with advance booking and offers guided tours that bring military history to life.
#2 Cranborne Chase
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches across the Dorset-Wiltshire border and provides stunning walking routes for active groups. The landscape includes ancient woodlands and chalk downland with archaeological sites. Large groups can split into different ability levels and explore various trails before regrouping.
#3 Kingston Lacy House
This National Trust property near Wimborne features a grand country house with extensive gardens and parkland. Groups can tour the art-filled interiors and explore 250 acres of grounds. The estate handles large groups effectively and offers various walking routes suitable for different fitness levels.
#4 Blandford Georgian Fair
Held annually in May, this event celebrates the town's Georgian heritage with period costumes and entertainment. The fair takes over the town centre with stalls and performances. It's perfect for groups wanting a unique cultural experience though you'll need to book holiday lets well in advance.
#5 Jurassic Coast
Whilst not immediate, the World Heritage coastline sits 30 minutes away offering dramatic cliffs and fossil hunting. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove make excellent day trips for groups. The beaches work brilliantly for larger parties wanting coastal walks and seaside experiences from their Dorset base.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| The Royal Signals Museum | Military communications history with interactive displays and historic equipment spanning centuries of army signals | Handles advance group bookings with guided tours available and spacious galleries |
| Hall & Woodhouse Brewery | Brewery tours showing traditional beer-making processes with tastings of local ales and behind-scenes access | Group tours available with dedicated spaces for larger parties to sample products together |
| Wimborne Minster | Historic church with astronomical clock and chained library offering architectural beauty and medieval history | Large interior accommodates groups comfortably with self-guided or arranged group tours |
| Priest's House Museum | Local history museum in Wimborne showing Victorian kitchen and period rooms with Dorset heritage displays | Compact but manageable for groups interested in social history with garden space |
| Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre | Major entertainment venue 30 minutes away hosting shows and concerts in a grand theatre setting | Perfect for group nights out with block booking options for parties and celebrations |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Blandford?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas and New Year. Last minute availability exists for midweek breaks outside school holidays. Properties that sleep 14 or more get snapped up quickly for weekend breaks.
Can we book cottages for 10 for just one night?
Most large holiday house rentals require minimum stays of three nights on weekends and seven nights during peak season. Midweek one night stays are rare. Some properties offer short breaks in winter months.
Are there cheap options for large groups?
Prices per person often work out cheaper in massive properties than smaller ones. Booking well ahead and choosing off-peak dates reduces costs significantly. Self-catering saves money versus hotels with restaurants.
What about properties with hot tubs for hire?
Many group cottages include hot tubs as standard. Check if energy costs are included because some charge extra. Properties with hot tubs book fastest so reserve early. Maintenance and cleaning standards vary between rental companies.
Do villas and cabins near Blandford allow stag dos?
Policies vary by property owner. Some explicitly ban stag and hen parties whilst others welcome them. Always declare your group type when booking. Breaking house rules risks losing your deposit and immediate eviction.
Finding the right group accommodation in Blandford means balancing location with facilities and budget. The town offers excellent access to Dorset's attractions whilst providing that peaceful countryside setting large groups need. We think the combination of Georgian charm and modern holiday homes makes it ideal for gatherings.
Whether you need cottages to rent for a family reunion or spacious lodges for celebrations, Blandford delivers. The area works year-round with indoor attractions for winter and coastal access for summer. Start planning early and communicate clearly with your group to ensure everyone has a brilliant break.