Big Cottages Scampton: Your Group Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Scampton gives your group a peaceful base in rural Lincolnshire with easy access to Lincoln's historic attractions and the surrounding countryside. This village sits just north of Lincoln and offers the kind of space and freedom that hotels simply can't match for large groups.
You'll find everything from spacious country cottages with enclosed gardens to properties with hot tubs perfect for unwinding after exploring nearby RAF Scampton's aviation heritage. The area works brilliantly for family reunions and weekend breaks where everyone needs their own space but wants to stay together.
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 properties that sleep 12 or more vary wildly in price. We recommend using platforms like Snaptrip to compare holiday rentals across multiple providers.
Location matters more than you think. Being five miles from Lincoln means different things to different groups. Consider whether you want total countryside isolation or prefer being near shops and pubs. The number of bathrooms often causes more issues than bedrooms so factor in at least one bathroom per four guests.
Pet-friendly properties with enclosed gardens book up fast if you're bringing dogs. Modern or rustic comes down to personal preference but check photos carefully. Some "rustic" cottages to rent are genuinely charming whilst others just need updating.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
A 10 bedroom property sounds perfect for ten couples but check the bathroom situation. We've seen gorgeous large holiday houses with only three bathrooms which creates morning chaos. Properties that sleep 20 need at least five bathrooms to function smoothly.
Bedroom allocation drama
Decide who gets the master suite before arrival. Drawing straws works or let whoever organized everything claim it. Some groups rotate rooms on longer stays. Whatever you choose just sort it beforehand to avoid awkwardness.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide upfront whether couples pay double or everyone splits equally. Factor in that some 5 bedroom properties cost less per head than cramming into smaller accommodation.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline for payments at least two weeks before the deposit is due. Chase people early because someone always forgets. Most holiday lets require full payment eight weeks before arrival.
Hidden fees
Check for cleaning fees and linen charges which can add £200 to your bill. Some properties charge extra for heating at Christmas or New Year. Pet fees typically run £25-50 per dog. Last minute bookings sometimes waive cleaning fees so it's worth asking.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for big houses with games rooms or indoor pools for rainy days. Properties with hot tubs are brilliant for evening entertainment. Massive kitchens matter more than you'd think because cooking for large groups in tiny spaces causes stress.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Don't over-schedule because people need downtime. We find one planned activity per day works better than cramming everything in.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Split into smaller groups for some activities. Not everyone wants to visit Lincoln Cathedral whilst others might love it. Self-catering accommodation gives you flexibility to eat at different times which helps when coordinating big groups.
Think about how far it is to activities - Scampton sits about 15 minutes from Lincoln city centre. Factor in that getting ten people ready and into cars takes longer than you think. Properties near major roads make day trips easier.
Backup plans for bad weather - Book at least two indoor attractions in advance. Lincoln's museums and historic sites work well for groups. Having board games and films downloaded saves the day when plans fall through.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check parking capacity matches your number of cars - rural cottages often have limited spaces
- Assign one person to organize shared meals and another for activities to spread the workload
- Clarify the damage deposit policy and who's liable if something breaks
- Discuss quiet hours because early risers and night owls clash in group accommodation
- Verify mobile signal strength if you need to work remotely during your stay
Top 5 group attractions in Scampton
The area around Scampton blends aviation history with Lincoln's medieval heritage. Groups staying in holiday homes here can explore everything from Norman castles to modern museums within a short drive. The flat Lincolnshire landscape makes cycling popular whilst Lincoln's steep streets provide a workout.
#1 Lincoln Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece dominates Lincoln's skyline and once held the title of world's tallest building. Groups can explore the vast interior together or split up to discover the library and tower separately. The surrounding Cathedral Quarter offers plenty of cafes for regrouping afterwards.
#2 Lincoln Castle
Walk the medieval walls together for panoramic views across Lincolnshire. The castle houses one of four surviving Magna Carta copies and the Victorian prison offers fascinating insights into 19th-century justice. Large groups can book guided tours that bring the history alive.
#3 RAF Scampton Heritage Centre
Located right on your doorstep this site celebrates the famous Dambusters squadron. The heritage centre suits aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Groups can explore at their own pace and the outdoor areas work well for families with children.
#4 Steep Hill and Bailgate
Lincoln's historic shopping quarter features independent shops and restaurants perfect for splitting up and exploring. The steep cobbled street challenges fitness levels but rewards you with medieval architecture. Groups can arrange to meet at one of the many pubs dotted along the route.
#5 Whisby Nature Park
This 130-hectare reserve offers walking trails around lakes and through woodland. Groups can hire bikes or simply enjoy the visitor centre cafe. The flat paths suit all fitness levels and dogs are welcome making it ideal for mixed-ability groups.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| The Collection Museum | Archaeological finds spanning 300,000 years plus contemporary art galleries | Free admission and spacious galleries let groups explore independently |
| Museum of Lincolnshire Life | Social history exhibits including Victorian schoolrooms and wartime displays | Interactive exhibits engage different ages and the cafe accommodates large parties |
| Lincoln Drill Hall | Live performances from theatre to comedy in an intimate venue | Group bookings available and the bar area works for pre-show gatherings |
| Doddington Hall | Elizabethan mansion with period rooms and extensive gardens | The farm shop and restaurant handle group bookings for lunch |
| Gainsborough Old Hall | Medieval manor house with great hall and reconstructed medieval kitchen | Guided tours can be arranged for groups and there's ample space throughout |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Scampton?
Book at least six months ahead for peak times like Christmas and New Year. Properties that sleep 14 or more get snapped up quickly. We've found decent availability for midweek breaks even two months out but weekends fill fast.
What's the minimum stay for large holiday houses?
Most require three nights minimum with seven nights standard during summer and holidays. Some accept one night bookings in winter but expect premium rates. Weekend breaks typically run Friday to Monday.
Are there cheap options for cottages for 10 or more?
Prices per person often beat hotels when you factor in self-catering savings. Midweek and off-season rates drop significantly. Lodges and cabins sometimes cost less than traditional country cottages whilst offering similar space.
Can we bring dogs to group cottage rentals?
Many properties welcome dogs but check limits as some restrict numbers. Dog friendly houses with gardens book quickly. Expect to pay extra per pet and some require additional damage deposits.
What facilities should we prioritize for hen parties or stag dos?
Look for properties with hot tubs and spacious living areas. Good transport links to Lincoln matter for nights out. Some rental companies specifically market party-friendly villas so check their policies on noise and guests.
Making the most of your group break
Scampton's location gives you the best of both worlds with countryside peace and Lincoln's attractions nearby. Big Cottages in Scampton work brilliantly as a base whether you're planning a family reunion or celebrating with friends.
The key to successful group holidays lies in choosing accommodation that genuinely fits your needs. An 8 bed property with multiple bathrooms and living spaces beats cramming into somewhere that technically sleeps your numbers but lacks breathing room.
Book early for the best selection of holiday homes and don't forget to check what's included. Properties with everything from bed linen to welcome hampers save hassle whilst spacious kitchens and outdoor areas make group living actually enjoyable rather than stressful.