Inspiration
If you need a little inspiration for your next trip, here are some articles from our team to guide your next adventure.
- Fri Nov 07 2025
Where in the UK is best to go for a hen party?
When it comes to planning a hen do in the UK, Big Cottages is your bestie. Whether you’re after a classy Bath escape, a beach bash in Brighton or a wild weekend in Liverpool, we’ve got the hen party houses to match your group’s vibes. So, as the experts in group party pads, we’ve put together a list of the best UK cities for a hen party. You’ll even find a handy recommendation on where to stay, so all you need to do is pack your sequins… - Fri Nov 07 2025
Fun weekends away for friends UK
If you’ve got a special event approaching and are planning a weekend break in the UK we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up the best places for fun weekends away for friends in the UK. Whether you’re a group who want a quiet weekend in the countryside or a crazy city trip, we’ve got cottages across the UK that’ll fit the bill. - Thu Sep 04 2025
Best cities for New Year's Eve
This New Year’s Eve, it’s safe to say we’ll be making up for last year’s lost celebrations. Make it a memorable one by hitting up one of the best cities for New Year’s Eve parties. Whether you want to dance on a rooftop bar until the early hours, or wine and dine at one of the UK’s fanciest restaurants, we’ve covered it all and more in our guide on where to spend your New Year’s Eve. - Thu Sep 04 2025
Spot the difference
Christmas is the season for festive celebrations, nostalgic traditions and, above all, spending time with family and friends. For those with a big clan, it's normal to hear the house ringing with laughter and the sounds of children’s voices playing boisterous games. If you have an extended family, the chance for cousins, step-family and younger relatives to grow up together will create memories that last for a lifetime. - Wed Sep 03 2025
The most popular stag & hen do destinations revealed!
We are excited to reveal the most popular locations in the UK for hen and stag parties, along with the top ten European destinations bride and grooms-to-be are jetting off to this year! - Fri Aug 08 2025
Where in the UK is best to go for a stag do?
Planning a stag do to remember (or not, depending on how many pints are involved)? From iconic party cities to adventure-packed countryside retreats, the UK is full of epic stag party destinations. At Big Cottages, we’re the pros in big party houses, so here’s our guide to the best places for a UK stag do – with things to do, where to drink and places to stay. - Mon Jul 07 2025
Guide to organising a large family staycation
When it comes to organising a large family Christmas, the sticking point is always a big one: space. Who has a dining table for seating over 12 people, or an oven big enough for a million roast potatoes? And do you rotate the host or will one person be stuck organising this festive shindig every year? - Mon Apr 07 2025
Spring pilgrimages
If you’re looking to expand your travels and want to find something that’s as good for your body and soul as it is for your photo album, then a pilgrimage could be just the thing. - Fri Jan 17 2025
The UK's top cyclist-friendly locations
Calling all MAMIL’s (middle-aged men in lycra), experts in the saddle, and those who adore pedalling around Britain, we have curated a list of the top cycling-friendly locations across the country, just in time for the cycling season. - Thu Jan 16 2025
Castles to rent
Gone are the days when castles were strictly reserved for royalty. Nowadays, you can easily book a stay in fantastic fortresses all across Britain! From fairy tale castles to majestic manor houses, we’ve got plenty of castles to rent here at Big Cottages. If you fancy living like a Lord and Lady for the weekend, then why not take a look? - Thu Jan 16 2025
Nine of the best British seaside towns to explore
Dreaming of a holiday by the sea? You needn’t look any further than our island’s spectacular coastline. In fact, the UK is home to some of the world’s best beaches – who’d have thought? And we know all the best places to explore. From cool, artisan towns to traditional Victorian resorts, these are nine of the best British seaside towns. - Thu Jan 16 2025
11 beach clubs in the UK to visit this summer
The glow of summer is finally here; cue long nights in sultry pub gardens, barbecues on a Sunday afternoon and tequila cocktails as the sun goes down. If you’ve got your group summer holiday sorted, you might be looking for something extra special to impress your friends. We’ve got you covered, with 11 beach clubs that will take you from day to night. Sip a spritz on a lounger in sunny Dorset or play beer pong at a pop-up beach club in the heart of London. Summer is yours for the taking. - Thu Jan 16 2025
Father’s Day staycations in the UK to treat your dad
Whether the Father figure in your life loves action-packed adventures or a laid-back weekend, show him how much he means to you with a staycation he’ll never forget. Choose one of these seven holiday cottages and discover a fun-filled Father’s Day break. - Thu Jan 16 2025
Everything you need to know about the Isle of Purbeck
Rugged coastline, imposing cliffs, dense grassland - the Isle of Purbeck is one of Dorset's best-loved attractions, and it’s not hard to see why. A peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, it borders the English Channel, Poole Harbour and the River Frome’s marshes. There ’s plenty to see and do in some of the UK’s most diverse and inspiring landscapes. - Thu Jan 16 2025
Best places to stay in Ireland on a budget
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, can be a fairly expensive place to visit, however, there are still plenty of affordable options out there. Whether you’re looking to explore national parks, have a few pints of Guinness or take a walk around its historical monuments and castles, there’s always an affordable thing to do. At Big Cottages, our self-catering accommodation can often be a much cheaper option than city centre hostels and grand 5-star hotels in Ireland. So we’ve put together a round-up of the best places to stay in Ireland on a budget.
