Big Cottages Burnham Market: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Burnham Market gives you a perfect base to explore North Norfolk's stunning coastline along with the kind of luxury and space you can't get from even the best hotel. This Georgian village sits just two miles from the beach and offers everything from independent shops to excellent pubs.
The village works brilliantly for large groups because you get coastal access without the crowds of bigger resorts. We find groups love the combination of village charm and easy access to Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea and the North Norfolk Coast Path. Properties here range from converted barns to spacious country cottages that sleep 12 or more guests.
Avoiding stress and planning the perfect group break
Which cottage?
Start with your must-haves before you even look at properties. Set your budget first because holiday homes in North Norfolk vary wildly from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with hot tubs and indoor pools. A 10 bedroom property costs significantly more than a 5 bedroom cottage.
Location matters more than you think. Some large holiday houses sit in the village centre whilst others occupy rural spots a mile or two out. Distance from the nearest town affects everything from morning coffee runs to emergency supplies. We always check how far properties are from Burnham Market's shops.
Pet-friendly or pet-free makes a huge difference to your search. Many dog friendly cottages come with enclosed gardens which work well for families. Modern or rustic affects the vibe completely. Some groups want contemporary lodges whilst others prefer traditional country cottages with character features.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. An 8 bed cottage needs at least two bathrooms or you'll have queues every morning. Properties that sleep 14 or sleeps 20 should have three or four bathrooms. Check if bedrooms have ensuite facilities because this changes everything for large groups.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest couples with young children or whoever organised the trip. Some massive properties have multiple master bedrooms which solves this problem. For family reunions consider giving grandparents the best room.
Splitting costs between your group
Divide the rental cost equally or charge per bedroom depending on room sizes. Apps like Splitwise track who owes what. Factor in extras like hot tub heating or welcome hampers. Group accommodation works out cheaper per person than individual cottages to rent.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically pays the deposit then collects money from everyone else. Set clear deadlines for payment. Most holiday cottages require full payment six to eight weeks before arrival. Snaptrip and similar platforms show payment schedules upfront.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning fees, linen charges and electricity costs. Some properties to let charge extra for heating during Christmas and New Year breaks. Pet fees add up if you're bringing multiple dogs. Weekend breaks sometimes cost more per night than week-long stays.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms, cinema rooms or indoor pools for rainy days. Large cottages with hot tubs give everyone a focal point for evening entertainment. Spacious kitchens matter because cooking for big groups in cramped spaces causes stress.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Book restaurants in advance because North Norfolk gets busy. For hen parties or stag dos consider hiring a minibus rather than taking multiple cars.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because not everyone wants constant activities. Mix active days with relaxed mornings. Self-catering gives you flexibility that hotels can't match. Some guests might want beach walks whilst others prefer village shops.
Think about how far it is to activities - Burnham Market sits within 30 minutes of major attractions. Holkham Hall and beach are 10 minutes away. Wells harbour takes 15 minutes. Sandringham Estate is 20 minutes south. Factor in parking at popular spots during summer.
Backup plans for bad weather - North Norfolk has excellent indoor attractions. Keep a list of nearby museums, galleries and cafes. Properties with indoor pools or hot tubs become essential during storms. Village pubs provide good shelter and entertainment.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means extra planning for meals
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily hassle so check spaces before booking
- Who organizes everything including food shops, activities and transport needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules in open-plan properties requires house rules
Top 5 group attractions in Burnham Market
North Norfolk offers outstanding attractions for large groups. The area combines coastal beauty with historic estates and nature reserves. Most attractions sit within a 30-minute drive making day trips easy from your holiday lets.
#1 Holkham Beach and Nature Reserve
This three-mile beach ranks among Britain's finest with golden sand backed by pine forests. The reserve covers 10,000 acres with walking trails through varied habitats. Groups love the space here because even busy days never feel crowded and there's room for everyone to spread out.
#2 Wells-next-the-Sea
This working harbour town offers crabbing, boat trips and fish and chips on the quay. The beach huts and mile-long beach provide classic seaside fun. Large groups find plenty to do from browsing independent shops to taking the miniature railway along the coast.
#3 Holkham Hall
This 18th-century Palladian mansion sits in a vast deer park with formal gardens and a walled garden. The estate offers multiple walking routes and a cafe. Groups can split up with some touring the house whilst others explore the grounds or visit the gift shop.
#4 Burnham Market Village
The village itself deserves exploration with Georgian architecture and excellent independent shops. Multiple pubs serve quality food and local ales. Groups enjoy the relaxed pace and can easily walk everywhere from most holiday rentals in the area.
#5 Brancaster Beach
This seven-mile stretch of sand offers water sports, seal watching and stunning sunsets. The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club sits behind the dunes. Large groups appreciate the facilities including beach cafes and ample parking for multiple vehicles.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Holkham Hall Interior | Grand state rooms with art collections and historic furnishings in a magnificent setting | Self-guided tours let groups move at their own pace with space for everyone |
| Creake Abbey Cafe and Shops | Food hall, farm shop and artisan businesses in converted farm buildings | Everyone finds something interesting and the cafe handles large parties easily |
| Burnham Market Shops | Boutiques, galleries and delis in a compact village centre | Groups can browse independently then meet at one of several coffee shops |
| Local Pubs | Traditional Norfolk pubs serving locally sourced food and regional ales | Most accommodate large bookings with advance notice and separate dining areas |
| Dalegate Market | Covered market near Burnham with food stalls and craft shops | Undercover space works for any weather with parking for coaches |
Visitor FAQs
How many cars can we bring to Big Cottages in Burnham Market?
Most large holiday houses offer parking for four to six cars but always check before booking. Some properties have additional overflow parking. Street parking in the village is limited so off-road spaces are essential for groups.
Do we need to bring linen and towels?
Most holiday cottages include linen and towels in the rental price. Some budget properties charge extra so check the listing carefully. Beach towels are rarely provided so bring your own for coastal trips.
Can we book cottages for 10 for just one night?
Most properties require minimum three-night stays with seven nights during peak summer. Weekend breaks are possible in quieter months. Last minute availability sometimes offers shorter stays but don't rely on this for large groups.
Are there houses to rent that allow parties?
Most landlords prohibit parties to protect their properties and respect neighbours. Hen parties and family reunions are usually fine if you're respectful. Always disclose your group type when booking to avoid losing your deposit.
What's the best time to book group accommodation?
Book 6-12 months ahead for summer, Christmas and New Year. Large cottages that sleep 20 get reserved quickly. Spring and autumn offer better availability with lower prices and you'll find more cheap deals through platforms offering holiday rentals.