Big Cottages Bognor Regis: Your Group Break Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Bognor Regis gives you direct access to one of West Sussex's most popular seaside towns. This Victorian resort has transformed from a royal retreat into a vibrant coastal destination with award-winning beaches and year-round entertainment.
The town works brilliantly for large groups because everything sits within walking distance. You get Blue Flag beaches, the famous Butlin's resort, independent shops along the high street and excellent transport links to Chichester and the South Downs National Park. Group accommodation here means you can split costs while enjoying spacious properties with gardens and modern facilities.
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 range from cheap last minute deals to luxury villas with hot tubs and indoor pools. 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. A 10 bedroom property sounds massive but might only have three bathrooms. Check if you need dog friendly cottages with enclosed gardens or if you prefer pet-free rentals. Decide between modern lodges with cinema rooms or rustic coastal cottages with character.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Calculate one bathroom per four guests minimum. Large holiday houses that sleep 12 or more need at least three bathrooms to avoid morning chaos. Properties that sleep 10 often work better than cramming into an 8 bed cottage.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets which room before arrival. The couple organizing everything usually claims the master suite. Families with young children need ground floor bedrooms. Singles can share twin rooms or pay extra for their own space.
Splitting costs between your group
Divide the rental cost equally or charge per bedroom. Couples in the master suite might pay slightly more. Use banking apps to track shared expenses for food and activities. Keep receipts for everything.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person typically books and collects money from everyone else. Get deposits upfront - at least 50% - because chasing people later causes friction. Security deposits for the property usually get refunded within two weeks if nothing breaks.
Hidden fees
Check what's included in the rental price. Some properties charge extra for heating, electricity, linen and towels. Pet fees add £20-50 per dog. Hot tub properties might have additional cleaning charges. Read the small print on booking sites like Snaptrip.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Big houses for groups often include games rooms with pool tables, spacious lounges with smart TVs and fully equipped kitchens for group meals. Properties with hot tubs work brilliantly for hen parties and family reunions. Some holiday homes have indoor pools perfect for Christmas and New Year breaks when the weather turns.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Book popular attractions in advance during peak season and weekends. Assign different people to organize each day so one person doesn't do everything.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Mix active days with relaxed ones. Plan group meals but leave some evenings free. Build in downtime because large groups need breaks from each other. Accept that not everyone joins every activity.
Think about how far it is to activities or attractions - Check driving times to major sites. Bognor Regis sits 6 miles from Chichester and 18 miles from Portsmouth. The South Downs National Park starts just 4 miles north. Factor in parking costs and availability at popular spots.
Backup plans for when the weather's rubbish - Coastal weather changes fast. Have indoor alternatives ready like museums, cinemas and shopping centres. Properties with games rooms and hot tubs become essential when rain cancels beach plans.
Some things to plan in advance
- Being too isolated with no shops or restaurants nearby means extra driving and planning
- Parking inadequate for multiple cars causes daily hassle - verify 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 the rental agreement
- Managing different sleep schedules requires house rules about noise after midnight
Top 5 group attractions in Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis combines traditional seaside charm with modern attractions. The town centre offers independent shops and cafes while the seafront delivers classic British beach entertainment. Groups find plenty to do regardless of age or interests.
#1 Bognor Regis Beach
This Blue Flag beach stretches for miles with clean sand and safe swimming. The promenade has cafes, amusement arcades and fish and chip shops. Groups can hire beach huts, play volleyball or simply relax by the sea.
#2 Hotham Park
This 52-acre park sits in the town centre with formal gardens, a miniature railway and a large lake. The park hosts events throughout summer including concerts and festivals. Groups enjoy picnics, walks and the children's play areas.
#3 Picturedrome Cinema
This independent cinema shows mainstream and art house films in a restored 1920s building. The venue has comfortable seating and a licensed bar. Groups can book multiple seats together for evening entertainment regardless of weather.
#4 South Downs National Park
Located just 4 miles north, this national park offers walking trails, cycling routes and stunning views. Groups can explore historic sites like Arundel Castle or tackle challenging hikes. The park works well for active groups wanting countryside alongside coast.
#5 Chichester Cathedral
This 900-year-old cathedral sits 6 miles from Bognor Regis in the historic city of Chichester. The building features medieval architecture, modern art installations and peaceful cloisters. Groups appreciate the free entry and fascinating history.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Picturedrome Cinema | Classic films in a restored 1920s venue with licensed bar and comfortable seating | Book multiple seats together for evening entertainment |
| Chichester Cathedral | Medieval architecture, modern art and 900 years of history in a stunning building | Free entry and self-guided tours work for mixed-age groups |
| Pallant House Gallery | Modern British art in a Queen Anne townhouse with rotating exhibitions | Compact size means groups can explore together in under two hours |
| The Novium Museum | Roman bathhouse ruins and local history displays in central Chichester | Interactive exhibits engage different ages and interests |
| Goodwood Motor Circuit | Historic racing venue with museum, driving experiences and events year-round | Large groups can book driving experiences or simply tour the facilities |
Visitor FAQs
How many people can Big Cottages in Bognor Regis accommodate?
Properties range from cottages for 10 guests up to massive houses that sleep 20 or more. You'll find 5 bedroom cottages perfect for extended families and larger properties ideal for stag dos, hen parties or family reunions.
Can we book Big Cottages in Bognor Regis for one night?
Most holiday lets require minimum stays of three nights during off-peak periods and seven nights in summer. Weekend breaks typically need two-night minimums. Last minute availability sometimes offers shorter stays.
Are there self-catering properties with hot tubs by the sea?
Yes, many beach houses and coastal cottages include hot tubs in their gardens. These properties get booked quickly for Christmas, New Year and summer holidays so reserve well in advance.
What facilities do large holiday houses typically include?
Most group accommodation features fully equipped kitchens, multiple bathrooms, spacious lounges and gardens. Premium properties add hot tubs, games rooms, enclosed gardens for dogs and parking for several cars.
How do we find cheap cottages to rent for big groups?
Book well ahead for the best rates or search for last minute deals within two weeks of travel. Midweek breaks and off-season dates offer significant savings. Compare prices across multiple booking sites.