Big Cottages Boston: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Boston gives your group a perfect base to explore this historic market town with its stunning medieval architecture and rich maritime heritage. The town sits on the River Witham in Lincolnshire and offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities that work brilliantly for large groups.
You'll find spacious properties here that can sleep 12 or more guests with features like hot tubs and enclosed gardens. The town's compact centre means everyone can explore independently whilst the surrounding Fens provide peaceful countryside perfect for dog friendly breaks and family reunions.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before browsing hundreds of properties. 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 rental in February.
Location matters more than you think. Some large holiday houses sit in isolated countryside whilst others are walking distance from Boston's town centre. Consider whether your group wants rural peace or easy access to shops and restaurants.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does your group really need? A property that sleeps 20 might only have four bathrooms which creates queues. Count couples as needing doubles and singles who might share. Properties with 8 bed configurations often work better than cramming everyone into a massive house with fewer rooms.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference. Dog friendly cottages often have enclosed gardens and ground floor bedrooms but may show more wear. If anyone has allergies you need pet-free accommodation regardless of whether you're bringing animals.
Modern or rustic affects your stay more than photos suggest. Country cottages with character often have quirky layouts and lower ceilings. Contemporary lodges and villas offer better facilities but less atmosphere. Neither is better but your group needs to agree.
Plan these in advance
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We recommend allocating rooms based on who's paying most or who has young children needing space. Some groups draw names from a hat which feels fairer than arguments on arrival day.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a spreadsheet showing the total cost divided by attendees. Factor in that couples often pay more than singles. Use apps like Splitwise to track who's paid what because chasing money ruins friendships faster than anything else.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and pays the deposit then collects money from others. Set clear deadlines for payment that align with the property's payment schedule. Most holiday lets require full payment 6-8 weeks before arrival so give your group deadlines two weeks earlier.
Hidden fees
Check what's included because some holiday rentals charge extra for heating and electricity or hot tub use. Linen and towels sometimes cost extra. Properties that sleep 14 or more often have higher cleaning fees. Read the small print on SnapTrip and other booking platforms carefully.
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 properties with pool facilities or indoor pools keep everyone entertained regardless of weather. Cottages with hot tubs provide evening entertainment and lodges with cinema rooms work brilliantly for family movie nights.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities then vote on favourites. Don't over-schedule because people need downtime. We find that planning one major activity per day with free time around it works better than rigid itineraries.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants the same experience and forcing consensus creates resentment. Some might explore Boston's shops whilst others visit attractions. Regroup for meals and evening activities.
Think about distance to activities - Check actual driving times to attractions because rural properties can be 20 minutes from main roads. Boston town centre attractions are walkable from central accommodation but countryside cottages to rent need cars. Ensure parking accommodates multiple vehicles.
Backup plans for bad weather - Lincolnshire weather changes fast so have indoor alternatives ready. Boston offers museums and indoor markets when rain hits. Self-catering properties with spacious living areas and good facilities save the day when you're stuck indoors.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means bulk shopping trips
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily vehicle shuffling
- Who organizes everything including food shops and activity bookings
- Who's responsible if something breaks and how to report issues
- Managing different sleep schedules when some want late nights and others early starts
- Kitchen equipment for cooking large meals because not all big houses have commercial-sized facilities
- Bin collection days and recycling rules for the property
Top 5 group attractions in Boston
Boston transformed from a medieval wool trading port into one of England's most important towns. The area around The Wash offers flat landscapes perfect for cycling and walking. Groups find plenty to explore from the famous Stump tower to the surrounding fenland nature reserves.
#1 St Botolph's Church (The Stump)
This massive parish church dominates Boston's skyline with its 272-foot tower visible for miles across the Fens. Groups can climb the 365 steps to the top for panoramic views stretching to Lincoln Cathedral on clear days. The medieval architecture and historical significance make it Boston's most iconic landmark.
#2 Maud Foster Windmill
Britain's tallest working windmill still grinds flour using wind power and offers guided tours showing the seven-storey mechanism. Large groups can book private tours and the tea room serves refreshments with flour milled on site. The surrounding area provides excellent photo opportunities and educational value for all ages.
#3 RSPB Frampton Marsh
This coastal nature reserve offers birdwatching hides and walking trails across saltmarsh and wetland habitats. Groups can spot thousands of wading birds and wildfowl depending on season. The visitor centre provides information and the flat terrain suits all fitness levels making it ideal for mixed-age parties.
#4 Pilgrim Fathers Memorial
This memorial marks where the Pilgrim Fathers were imprisoned in 1607 before eventually sailing to America. The cells beneath the Guildhall Museum show where they were held and groups can explore Boston's connection to American history. The compact town centre location makes it easy to combine with other attractions.
#5 Boston Guildhall Museum
The medieval guildhall houses fascinating exhibits about Boston's trading history and the Pilgrim Fathers story. Groups can explore multiple rooms including the original cells and council chambers. The museum sits in the heart of town making it perfect for splitting your group between shopping and culture.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| St Botolph's Church | Medieval architecture and tower climb with fenland views | Accommodates large numbers and provides shared experience |
| Boston Guildhall Museum | Historical exhibits and Pilgrim Fathers cells | Self-guided tours let groups explore at own pace |
| Maud Foster Windmill | Working mill demonstrations and tea room | Group bookings available with private tours |
| Blackfriars Arts Centre | Theatre performances and exhibitions in medieval building | Group tickets for shows and events |
| Boston Bowl | Ten-pin bowling and arcade games | Perfect for hen parties and stag dos with competitive fun |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can Big Cottages in Boston accommodate?
Most large holiday houses provide parking for 4-6 vehicles but always check before booking. Rural properties typically offer more parking than town centre accommodation. Contact owners directly if you need space for more vehicles because some have overflow parking areas.
Are there properties that sleep 10 available for one night stays?
Most holiday homes require minimum stays of 2-3 nights and week-long bookings during peak season. Last minute availability sometimes offers shorter stays. Weekend breaks typically need Friday to Monday bookings whilst midweek breaks run Monday to Friday.
Which areas offer the best group accommodation near Boston?
The town centre provides easy walking access to attractions whilst villages like Kirton and Wyberton offer peaceful countryside settings within 10 minutes drive. Coastal areas near The Wash suit groups wanting beach house experiences. The Fens provide isolated retreats for those seeking privacy.
Do holiday cottages in Boston allow hen parties and stag dos?
Some properties accept parties whilst others specifically exclude them. Always declare your group type when booking because failing to do so risks losing your deposit. Look for properties advertising suitability for celebrations or contact owners to discuss your plans.
What facilities should we prioritize for a family reunion?
Prioritize enough bathrooms for your guest count and communal spaces where everyone gathers. Gardens matter for children and dogs. Properties that sleep 20 need commercial-sized kitchens and multiple fridges. Consider ground floor bedrooms for elderly relatives and check accessibility features.
Making the most of your group break
Boston offers the perfect combination of historical attractions and peaceful countryside for group holidays. The compact town centre means you can explore independently then regroup at your spacious accommodation for meals and evening entertainment.
We recommend booking early for Christmas and New Year breaks because the best properties fill up months ahead. Last minute deals appear occasionally but you'll have limited choice for large groups. Properties with hot tubs and pools book fastest so act quickly when you find suitable holiday rentals.
The surrounding Lincolnshire countryside provides excellent walking and cycling routes whilst the coast sits just 30 minutes away. Whether you're planning a weekend break or week-long stay you'll find cottages for 10 or more guests with all the facilities needed for memorable group breaks.