Big Cottages Old Hunstanton: Your Group Break Guide
Old Hunstanton sits on Norfolk's northwest coast where red and white chalk cliffs meet sandy beaches. This Victorian seaside village offers a quieter alternative to its busier neighbour Hunstanton whilst keeping all the coastal charm. The area became popular in the 1800s when the Le Strange family developed it as a resort and today it remains an unspoilt destination perfect for groups wanting sea air without the crowds.
Big Cottages in Old Hunstanton give your group the space and freedom that hotels simply can't match. You'll find properties ranging from 5 bedroom coastal cottages to massive holiday homes that sleep 20 guests. Many come with hot tubs and enclosed gardens whilst some even feature indoor pools. The village location means you're steps from the beach yet close enough to King's Lynn and the North Norfolk coast for day trips.
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 large holiday houses vary wildly in price. A cheap last minute deal might save money but could lack the facilities your group needs. Location matters too - do you want beach accommodation right on the seafront or country cottages slightly inland?
Work out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need. An 8 bed property might sound perfect for 16 guests until you realise it only has three bathrooms. Check if you need dog friendly accommodation with gardens or if anyone has mobility issues requiring ground floor bedrooms. Decide between modern lodges with all the gadgets or rustic holiday cottages with character.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests as a minimum. Large groups often underestimate this and mornings become chaotic. Properties that sleep 12 or more should ideally have at least four bathrooms. Check if ensuite bedrooms exist because they reduce queues significantly.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest drawing names from a hat or rotating if you're booking for multiple nights. Some groups charge slightly more for premium rooms which works well for family reunions where budgets differ. For hen parties or stag dos consider whether the guest of honour gets first pick.
Splitting costs between your group
Create a shared spreadsheet listing the rental cost and all extras. Divide equally or weight it by room quality. Apps like Splitwise track who's paid what. Be clear upfront about whether children count as full shares. This prevents awkward conversations later.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline for payments at least a month before travel. Most holiday lets and holiday rentals require full payment 6-8 weeks ahead. Make sure you can cover the deposit if others are slow to pay because you'll be liable.
Hidden fees
Read the small print on houses to rent carefully. Some properties charge extra for heating or electricity. Others add cleaning fees or require you to bring your own linen. Pet-friendly cottages often charge per dog. Factor these into your budget when comparing group accommodation options.
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 spacious properties have cinema rooms perfect for movie nights. Holiday homes with hot tubs are brilliant for evening relaxation whilst those with pool tables keep competitive groups entertained. Check what's included because these facilities justify higher rental costs.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Vote on top choices then book tickets in advance for popular attractions. Assign different people to organise each day. This spreads the workload and means nobody feels like the unpaid tour guide.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Build in free time because large groups rarely want to do everything together. Offer two options each day so people can split up. Some might want beach walks whilst others prefer pub lunches. This flexibility prevents arguments and keeps everyone happy.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check driving times to your planned destinations. Old Hunstanton is 15 minutes from Hunstanton town centre and 30 minutes from King's Lynn. Factor in parking at attractions because arriving in multiple cars complicates things. Some groups prefer one minibus.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Norfolk weather changes fast so have indoor alternatives ready. Local pubs with fires and board game cafes work well. Many large cottages have enough space for indoor activities. Stock up on supplies for a big group meal if you're stuck inside.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means someone has to drive for every meal
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily reshuffling nightmares
- Who organizes everything including food shopping, activities and transport needs deciding early
- Who's responsible if something breaks should be clear in your rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules matters in properties where bedrooms share walls
Top 5 group attractions in Old Hunstanton
The North Norfolk coast offers diverse attractions suitable for big groups throughout the year. Old Hunstanton's location provides easy access to historic sites, nature reserves and family-friendly venues. Most attractions welcome groups and offer facilities like cafes and parking that make visiting with parties of guests straightforward.
#1 Hunstanton Beach
This Blue Flag beach stretches for miles with striped cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. The wide sandy expanse means groups can spread out and the shallow waters suit families. Rock pools appear at low tide and the promenade has cafes and amusements. It's one of the few east coast beaches where you can watch the sunset over the sea.
#2 RSPB Titchwell Marsh
This nature reserve sits 10 minutes east and attracts birdwatchers year-round. Boardwalk trails make it accessible for most fitness levels and the visitor centre has excellent facilities. Groups can spot avocets, marsh harriers and thousands of wading birds depending on season. The reserve cafe accommodates large groups for lunch.
#3 Sandringham Estate
The Royal Family's Norfolk residence opens its gardens and museum to visitors. Groups can explore 600 acres of grounds and see rooms where the royals spend Christmas. The estate is 20 minutes from Old Hunstanton and has ample parking. Coach parties visit regularly so facilities handle big groups well.
#4 Holkham Hall and Beach
This Palladian mansion sits within a vast estate 25 minutes away. The hall offers guided tours whilst Holkham Beach featured in Shakespeare in Love. Groups can split between culture and coast. The estate has multiple cafes and a farm shop. Parking accommodates coaches so multiple cars aren't a problem.
#5 Sea Life Sanctuary Hunstanton
This aquarium and seal rescue centre sits in neighbouring Hunstanton. Groups get discounted rates and can watch feeding times together. The indoor facility works perfectly for rainy days. Talks and displays educate whilst entertaining and the gift shop keeps souvenir hunters happy.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Life Sanctuary | Marine life displays, seal hospital, underwater tunnel, feeding demonstrations | Group discounts available, indoor venue, educational talks, suitable for all ages |
| Sandringham Museum | Royal memorabilia, vintage cars, exhibitions about the estate's history | Large visitor facilities, group tours possible, spacious grounds for breaks |
| Holkham Hall | Stately home tours, art collections, marble hall, period furnishings | Guided tours for groups, multiple refreshment areas, flexible visit times |
| True's Yard Fisherfolk Museum | King's Lynn fishing heritage, restored cottages, local history displays | Compact venue for smaller groups, authentic experience, educational |
| Lynn Museum | Local archaeology, Seahenge display, natural history, interactive exhibits | Weather-proof option, central King's Lynn location, affordable entry |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Old Hunstanton?
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak times like Christmas, New Year and summer holidays. Large holiday houses that sleep 14 or more get reserved quickly. Last minute deals exist but you'll have limited choice. Weekend breaks and one night stays are easier to find at short notice outside school holidays.
What's the minimum stay for group cottages?
Most properties require 3-7 night minimums depending on season. Weekend breaks typically need Friday to Monday bookings. Christmas and New Year often have week-long minimum stays. Some owners offer flexible short breaks outside peak times so always ask.
Are large cottages in Old Hunstanton suitable for hen parties and stag dos?
Many properties welcome celebrations but check individual policies. Some owners restrict parties or charge additional deposits. Self-catering accommodation gives you privacy but be respectful of neighbours. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms work brilliantly for celebrations without disturbing others.
How does parking work for cottages for 10 or more guests?
Most large holiday homes provide parking for 4-6 cars. Check exact numbers before booking because street parking in Old Hunstanton is limited. Some properties have overflow parking arrangements. Coordinate arrival times to avoid everyone turning up simultaneously.
Can we bring dogs to group accommodation?
Many cottages to rent are dog friendly but most limit numbers to 2-3 pets. Expect additional charges per dog and check if enclosed gardens are available. Some properties restrict dogs to ground floor areas. Always declare pets when booking because undisclosed animals can forfeit your deposit.
Making the most of your group break
Old Hunstanton combines coastal beauty with practical amenities that make group holidays run smoothly. The village has enough pubs and restaurants for meals out whilst supermarkets in Hunstanton are close for self-catering supplies. Beach walks, nature reserves and historic houses provide activities for all interests and ages.
Booking holiday rentals here means you're exploring one of Norfolk's most attractive stretches of coastline. The area stays relatively quiet even in summer compared to other seaside resorts. Properties range from cosy lodges to massive villas so there's accommodation for every group size and budget.
We recommend visiting between May and September for the best beach weather though the area has charm year-round. Winter breaks offer dramatic coastal walks and cosy evenings in properties with hot tubs. Whatever season you choose, Big Cottages in Old Hunstanton provide the perfect base for creating memories with family and friends.