Big Cottages Hastings: Your Complete Planning Guide
Booking Big Cottages in Hastings gives you a brilliant base to explore this historic coastal town along with the kind of luxury and space you can't get from even the best hotel. The town sits where William the Conqueror landed in 1066 and you'll find medieval streets alongside a working fishing fleet and miles of shingle beach.
We think Hastings works perfectly for group breaks because you get coastal walks and beach activities combined with proper history and culture. You can book properties that sleep 12 or massive houses that sleep 20 with facilities like hot tubs and indoor pools. The town offers everything from stag dos to family reunions with accommodation ranging from country cottages inland to beach houses right by the sea.
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 cottages for 10 guests cost very different amounts depending on season and facilities. Location matters hugely when you're booking cottages to rent because some groups want to be right in town whilst others prefer country cottages set back from the coast.
Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you really need. An 8 bed property might sound perfect but if it only has two bathrooms you'll have queues every morning. We always recommend at least one bathroom per four guests for large groups. Check if you need dog friendly properties with enclosed gardens or if you want somewhere pet-free.
Decide between modern lodges with all the gadgets or rustic holiday homes with character. Properties with hot tubs and games rooms cost more but they keep everyone entertained when you're not out exploring. Look at parking too because big houses need space for multiple cars.
Plan these in advance
How many bedrooms and bathrooms for your group
Count heads properly and add one bedroom if possible. A 10 bedroom property gives breathing room for cottages for 10 people. Check bathroom numbers because three bathrooms for fourteen guests creates bottlenecks. Look at bedroom layouts on floor plans because some 5 bedroom properties have tiny box rooms.
Bedroom allocation drama
Sort out who gets the master suite before you arrive. We suggest drawing names from a hat or giving it to whoever organised everything. Some large holiday house properties have multiple good rooms which helps avoid arguments. Couples usually get priority over singles for double rooms.
Splitting costs between your group
Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. Decide upfront if everyone pays equal shares or if couples pay more than singles. Holiday rentals for big groups can cost thousands so get money sorted early. Some groups charge extra for the best bedrooms.
Deposits and getting reimbursed
One person usually books and collects money from everyone else. Set a deadline two weeks before the balance is due so you're not chasing people. Bank transfers work better than cash for large amounts. Keep records of who's paid because someone always forgets.
Hidden fees
Check if the rental includes electricity or if there's a meter. Some properties charge extra for hot tub use or firewood. Pet fees add up if you're bringing dogs. Last minute bookings on sites like Snaptrip sometimes have lower deposits but stricter cancellation terms.
Group cottage entertainment & activities
Stuff in the cottage itself - Look for properties with games rooms and pool tables because they're brilliant for evenings. Spacious holiday lets with cinema rooms work well for families. Houses to rent with indoor pools keep kids happy regardless of weather. Hot tubs are perfect for hen parties and groups wanting to relax.
Coordinating group activities like a pro - Create a shared document where everyone suggests activities. Vote on the top five so you're not trying to please everyone all the time. Book any paid activities in advance because group accommodation guests often find popular attractions sell out.
Creating itineraries that please everyone - Plan one or two group activities per day and leave free time. Some guests want to explore whilst others prefer chilling in spacious villas or cabins. Don't pack the schedule too tight because getting large groups ready takes ages.
Think about how far it is to activities - Check driving times to main attractions before booking. Coastal cottages near Hastings Old Town mean you can walk to restaurants and pubs. Properties further out need cars for everything which complicates logistics for groups.
Backup plans for bad weather - Hastings has excellent indoor attractions so you're covered. Book self-catering accommodation with good indoor space because groups get cabin fever in small properties. Having a hot tub or indoor pool means bad weather doesn't ruin weekend breaks.
Some things to plan in advance
- Check you're not too isolated with no shops or restaurants within walking distance
- Verify parking spaces match your number of cars because street parking frustrates neighbours
- Decide who organises food shopping and meal planning for self-catering breaks
- Clarify who's responsible if something breaks and how the damage deposit works
- Discuss managing different sleep schedules especially for new year or Christmas parties
- Confirm the property allows hen parties or stag dos if that's your plan
- Check if one night stays are permitted or if there's a minimum booking
Top 5 group attractions in Hastings
Hastings transformed from a declining seaside resort into a vibrant cultural destination whilst keeping its fishing heritage intact. The Old Town features medieval buildings and independent shops whilst the seafront offers traditional seaside fun. Groups find plenty to do from exploring castles to riding funicular railways.
#1 Hastings Castle
This Norman castle sits high above the town offering panoramic views across the Channel. Built around 1070 by William the Conqueror it's one of England's first Norman fortifications. Groups can explore the ruins and learn about the 1066 invasion through interactive displays and the atmospheric West Hill Cliff Railway gets you there without the steep climb.
#2 Smugglers Adventure
These genuine smuggling caves wind through St Clement's Caves beneath the West Hill. The attraction brings 18th century smuggling to life with theatrical displays and costumed characters. Large groups get discounted rates and the whole experience takes about an hour making it perfect for mixed ages.
#3 Hastings Pier
Rebuilt after a devastating fire the pier now hosts events and exhibitions alongside traditional seaside attractions. The open deck provides stunning coastal views and the visitor centre explains the pier's dramatic history. Groups can grab food from the café or just stroll the 280 metre length taking photos.
#4 Fishermen's Museum
Located in the Stade this free museum sits inside a former fishermen's church. You'll see the Enterprise which is the last Hastings sailing lugger alongside nets and equipment. The working fishing fleet still launches from the shingle beach here making it a living piece of heritage that fascinates visitors.
#5 Hastings Contemporary
This striking black building houses rotating contemporary art exhibitions in light-filled galleries. The rooftop terrace offers exceptional views across the Old Town and coast. Groups interested in modern art find world-class exhibitions here and the building itself is an architectural landmark worth seeing.
Indoor activities
| Attraction | What you'll experience | For groups |
|---|---|---|
| Smugglers Adventure | Underground caves with theatrical smuggling displays and costumed guides | Group discounts available and takes exactly one hour |
| Hastings Contemporary | Modern art galleries with changing exhibitions and rooftop views | Large spaces accommodate groups without crowding |
| True Crime Museum | Britain's largest crime collection including execution equipment and case files | Fascinating for groups who like unusual attractions |
| Shipwreck Museum | Maritime artefacts recovered from local wrecks including Amsterdam remains | Compact museum perfect for quick group visits |
| Hastings Museum | Local history from dinosaurs to John Logie Baird plus Grey Owl exhibition | Free entry makes it budget-friendly for large groups |
Visitor FAQs
How far in advance should we book Big Cottages in Hastings?
Book at least six months ahead for peak times like Christmas and new year. Summer weekends and school holidays fill up fast especially for properties that sleep 14 or more. Last minute deals appear occasionally but you'll have limited choice for large holiday house options.
What's the best area to stay for group accommodation?
The Old Town puts you near restaurants and pubs within walking distance. St Leonards offers cheaper holiday lets with good transport links. Properties by the sea cost more but you get beach access. Country cottages inland provide peace and often have gardens.
Do most large cottages allow hen parties and stag dos?
Many properties have strict no-party policies so read terms carefully. Some owners permit celebrations if you're respectful and keep noise down. Be honest when booking because turning up with a hen party to a no-party property risks losing your deposit.
Are there cheap options for cottages to rent in Hastings?
Prices vary hugely based on season and facilities. November through March offers the best deals except Christmas. Properties without hot tubs or pools cost less. Booking midweek rather than weekends saves money for groups.
How does parking work for multiple cars?
Check the listing carefully because some properties only have two spaces. Street parking in Hastings requires permits in many areas. Large groups often need properties with driveways or private parking. Confirm exact numbers before booking to avoid problems.
Making the most of your group break
Hastings gives you that rare combination of proper history and working seaside town atmosphere. The fishing fleet still operates from the beach and you can buy fresh catch daily. Medieval streets lead to modern galleries and the whole place feels authentic rather than touristy.
We find groups love the variety here because beach days mix with castle exploring and smuggling caves. The town has enough restaurants and pubs to feed large groups without booking weeks ahead. Transport links to London mean guests can arrive easily by train.
Book your group cottage early and plan the basics but leave room for spontaneity. The best group breaks balance organised activities with downtime. Hastings rewards exploration so get out and discover this fascinating coastal town.