Choosing a Large Holiday Cottage in Hampshire
Hampshire is a great choice for family trips or friend getaways because it offers a mix of coastal spots and countryside that suits everyone. Families can head to beaches like Bournemouth for fun in the sand or explore the New Forest where ponies wander and trails lead through old woods. Groups of friends enjoy Portsmouth’s naval history and lively pubs or Southampton’s shops and restaurants that keep everyone busy. Large holiday cottages in Hampshire provide plenty of space for big groups to stay comfortably.
The county’s central spot makes it easy to visit London or the South Downs for day trips without long drives. Big houses to rent often come with gardens or extra rooms for shared meals and relaxing evenings. These large holiday homes fit different budgets and group sizes. With its blend of relaxation, adventure and culture, Hampshire is a solid pick for a holiday break.
Main Local Attractions and Activities for Large Families and Groups of Friends in Hampshire
Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, draws families with its rides and kid-friendly areas that keep children happy for hours. Marwell Zoo lets large parties see animals up close through interactive exhibits and feeding sessions suitable for all ages. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers tours of HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, which groups can book together for a full day of history. The New Forest provides cycling trails and pony spotting that fit bigger families looking for active days out. Hawk Conservancy Trust has flying displays and bird walks perfect for friends who enjoy nature without too much effort. Riverside paths along the River Itchen allow groups to picnic or relax in quiet green spaces. Large cottage rentals near these sites make it simple to plan visits. Holiday accommodation for large groups usually includes communal areas for sharing stories after outings.
Exbury Gardens features steam railway rides and flower displays that multi-generational families find engaging. Beaulieu National Motor Museum gives car enthusiasts a chance to explore collections together. Longdown Activity Farm has tractor rides and animal feeding that suit younger children in bigger parties.
Well-Known Seasonal Activities in Hampshire
In summer, the New Forest Show brings livestock displays and craft stalls that large groups can wander through for a full day of rural fun. The Cowes Week regatta in August fills the Solent with boat races, which friends can watch from shores or join for an exciting event. Winchester Cathedral hosts Christmas markets in December with lights and local goods that families enjoy browsing together. The Great British Food Festival in spring features tastings and demos appealing to food-loving groups. Halloween at Paultons Park turns the theme park into a spooky adventure with trails and shows for all ages. The Southampton Boat Show in September lets large parties see yachts and try water activities on display. These events add interest to stays in large holiday homes. Houses that sleep 8 or more make attending such seasonal happenings convenient.
Why Hampshire is Appealing to Large Groups, Best Places to Visit, What It's Known For, and Unique Features
Hampshire appeals to large groups because it combines urban energy with rural escapes, all within short drives from one another. Best places include the New Forest for wild walks, Portsmouth for naval history, and Winchester for its ancient cathedral. This location is well known for its maritime past, seen in places like the Mary Rose, and its literary ties to Jane Austen in Chawton. Unique features cover the chalk streams of the Itchen Valley, the wild ponies in the New Forest, and the dramatic Solent coast with views to the Isle of Wight. Group accommodation here allows easy coordination of trips with roomy setups for planning. Big houses to rent sit near these highlights, so outings stay straightforward. Holiday rentals for groups often add perks like pools or bike storage to improve the stay.
Mottisfont Abbey offers walled gardens and art exhibits that interest different tastes in a group. The Hawk Conservancy has falconry shows that provide shared thrills for all.
Why Choose Large Cottage Holidays in Hampshire
A large holiday let in Hampshire gives you plenty of room to settle down after exploring the area’s coastal or historic attractions. These places work well for group holidays, giving everyone space to cook meals, play board games and relax comfortably.
With loads to see, from wild forests to old ships, there’s something for everyone, young or old, to get into. Large holiday houses make arranging a trip simple, so everyone has fun and makes memories. Hampshire’s mix of seaside spots and country walks fits relaxed or active days, keeping things enjoyable no matter what you’re after. For family and group holidays, Hampshire has a nice mix of coastal and rural charm. Choose big cottages here.
22 results based on your search.
Best For: Family gatherings, multi-generational holidays, groups with children and New Forest breaks
Sleeps: 12 guests, with a maximum of 10 adults plus 2 children
Highlights: Five bedrooms, six bathrooms, multiple living spaces, games area, large garden, outdoor dining and beaches nearby
Beech Lodge is a spacious large holiday home in New Milton, ideally positioned for group breaks combining the New Forest with the Hampshire and Dorset coast. With plenty of shared living space, extensive bathroom facilities and a generous garden, it works particularly well for families and mixed-age groups.
- Beach Nearby
- EV Charging
- Games Room
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists, dog-friendly holidays and guests looking for a quieter New Forest setting
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Direct forest access, views across Ibsley Common, ground-floor bedroom and wet room, two living areas, large garden, wood burner and two dogs welcome
Brogenslade is a traditional detached New Forest cottage sleeping eight at Furze Hill, overlooking the open landscape of Ibsley Common. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a large garden give families plenty of space, while forest walking begins directly from the property and Fordingbridge is only a short drive away.
- Accessible Accommodation
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, multi-generational groups, four couples sharing and friends looking for a characterful coastal holiday home near the New Forest.
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with additional separate toilets.
Highlights: Beautifully restored Grade II listed farmhouse, four double bedrooms, two living areas, beamed dining room with wood burner, large enclosed garden, private parking and Milford on Sea village within walking distance.
Carrington Farmhouse is a beautifully restored Grade II listed holiday home in Milford on Sea, Hampshire. Sleeping eight across four double bedrooms, this spacious period property combines original character with stylish modern interiors, a welcoming lounge, sunny garden room and an impressive dining room with exposed beams and a wood-burning stove. With a large enclosed garden, village pubs and restaurants nearby and the New Forest coastline within easy reach, it is a wonderful choice for families and friends sharing a coastal holiday.
- Beach Nearby
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and dog-friendly New Forest holidays
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Direct New Forest access, two living rooms, ground-floor king bedroom, large gardens, children's trampoline and swing, parking for three cars and two dogs welcome
Corner Cottage is a spacious four-bedroom holiday home on a quiet country lane near Ringwood, right on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Two separate living areas, a large garden and a ground-floor bedroom make it particularly useful for families sharing, while forest walks, Ringwood, Moors Valley and the south coast are all within easy reach.
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups and guests wanting the New Forest within walking distance
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Private hot tub, two living rooms, family garden with play area, pizza oven, EV charging, flexible super king bedroom, Lyndhurst shops and restaurants within walking distance
Cornerstone is a stylish four-bedroom holiday home sleeping eight in Lyndhurst, one of the best-known villages in the New Forest. A private hot tub, sociable garden, separate snug and spacious dining conservatory make it particularly appealing for family holidays, while shops, cafés, restaurants and open forest are all within walking distance.
- EV Charging
- Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and groups looking for a secluded New Forest stay with outdoor space
Sleeps: 8 guests, with a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children
Highlights: Forest clearing setting, wood-fired Nordic hot tub, direct forest access, large enclosed garden, outdoor cooking, pub within walking distance, wildlife outside the gate
Dell Cottage is a spacious detached holiday home in Bank, a tiny New Forest hamlet just outside Lyndhurst. Set in its own mature garden with open forest on three sides, it offers a wonderfully secluded base for families who want walking, wildlife and time outdoors to be central to their holiday. A wood-fired Nordic hot tub, terrace, fire pit and impressive outdoor cooking facilities add plenty of reasons to spend time at the cottage itself.
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, groups of friends, multi-generational groups, food lovers, walkers and dog-friendly New Forest holidays
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Four en-suite bedrooms, direct forest access, chef’s kitchen with teppanyaki grill, two living areas, secluded garden, EV charging and village pub close by
Fiddlesticks Cottage is a beautifully restored four-bedroom holiday home in East Boldre, where part of a 15th-century thatched cottage has been combined with a contemporary extension. Sleeping eight with four en-suite bedrooms, two living areas and a particularly impressive kitchen, it offers a luxurious base for families and friends with open New Forest heathland directly outside.
- Beach Nearby
- EV Charging
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Private Grounds
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Large families, multi-generational groups, two-family holidays, groups of friends and countryside breaks.
Sleeps: 12 guests | 6 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 2 adjoining barns
Highlights: Two hot tubs, two enclosed gardens, multiple living areas, wood burners, countryside views, ample parking and a village pub within walking distance.
Goesmere Barns offers large group accommodation in Damerham, near Fordingbridge, with 12 guests accommodated across two adjoining converted barns. Set in the countryside on the north-west side of the New Forest, each barn has its own living space, garden and hot tub, giving families and groups plenty of room while staying together in one location.
- Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and dog-friendly New Forest holidays
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Woodland setting, large private garden, ground-floor en-suite bedroom, wood burner, secure bike storage, parking for four cars, Burley within walking distance
Gorselands Cottage is a spacious four-bedroom holiday home tucked among woodland on the edge of Burley in the New Forest. Sleeping eight with a large garden, ground-floor en-suite bedroom and walks and cycle routes from the doorstep, it is particularly well suited to families and groups who want the forest to be a major part of their holiday.
- Parking
- Pets
- Private Grounds
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and groups wanting Brockenhurst village facilities within walking distance
Sleeps: 8 guests, with a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children
Highlights: Two living rooms, two wood burners, contemporary kitchen diner, secluded garden, flexible family bedroom, EV charging, bike storage and station nearby
Greenwood is a spacious three-bedroom holiday home sleeping eight in Brockenhurst, right in the heart of the New Forest. Two separate living spaces, a large contemporary kitchen diner and a secluded garden give families plenty of room to spread out, while shops, pubs, restaurants, cycle hire and the railway station are all within walking distance.
- EV Charging
- Golf
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and dog-friendly New Forest holidays
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms, including a separate garden annexe
Highlights: Seasonal outdoor swimming pool, direct forest access, separate bedroom annexe, two log burners, playroom, trampoline and Brockenhurst within walking distance
Heather Cottage is a characterful family holiday home overlooking the open New Forest near Brockenhurst. The main cottage sleeps six across three bedrooms, while groups of seven or eight use a self-contained double bedroom annexe in the garden. A seasonal swimming pool, trampoline, playroom and large lawn give families plenty to enjoy at home, with forest walks and cycle tracks starting virtually from the doorstep.
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Outdoor Pool
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Swimming Pool
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and guests wanting direct New Forest access
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Open forest views, direct walking and cycling access, large private garden, ground-floor twin bedroom, three bathrooms, log burner and Brockenhurst within walking distance
Ivy Cottage is a detached four-bedroom holiday home sleeping eight on the edge of Brockenhurst, overlooking open New Forest where ponies, donkeys, cattle and deer can regularly be seen. A large garden, open-plan living space and three bathrooms make it a strong choice for families sharing, while village shops, pubs and restaurants are around a 15 to 20 minute walk away.
- Parking
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two-family holidays, dog-friendly breaks, coastal walkers and groups wanting Milford on Sea and the New Forest close by
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms, maximum 6 adults
Highlights: Quiet Milford on Sea setting, four bedrooms, enclosed garden, conservatory, dining for eight, parking for three cars and coastal walks nearby
Lee Shore is a spacious four-bedroom holiday home tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac in Milford on Sea. Sleeping eight with a maximum of six adults, it is particularly suited to families, with three king bedrooms and a children's bunk room. A large kitchen diner, conservatory and enclosed rear garden provide plenty of space for a full group, while the coast, village centre and New Forest are all easy to reach.
- Beach Nearby
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, groups of friends, walkers, cyclists and dog-friendly New Forest holidays
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Two sitting rooms, study/play room, wood burner, Aga kitchen, large private gardens, two en-suite bedrooms, gated parking and Solent shoreline nearby
Moonfleet Cottage is a spacious four-bedroom holiday home in the peaceful New Forest hamlet of East End, close to Lymington and less than a mile from the Solent shoreline at Tanners Lane. Two sitting rooms, a study/play room and generous gardens give a group of eight plenty of space, while New Forest walking and cycling routes begin close to the cottage.
- Beach Nearby
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups, couples sharing and guests wanting Lymington's shops, restaurants and waterfront on the doorstep
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Central Lymington location, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, enclosed courtyard, dining for eight and two dogs welcome
Mount Bank is a beautifully renovated four-bedroom holiday home in the centre of Lymington, just a couple of minutes' walk from the Georgian High Street. Two living areas, three bathrooms and an enclosed courtyard make it particularly useful for families and friends sharing, while the harbour, coastal walks, restaurants, shops and Saturday market can all be reached on foot.
- Beach Nearby
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, multi-generational groups, summer pool holidays, walkers and groups wanting direct access to the New Forest
Sleeps: 8 guests, with a maximum of 4 adults and 4 children
Highlights: Private heated outdoor pool, direct forest access, single-storey layout, mature garden, children's play area, log burner and Pilley village facilities nearby
Old Farm Cottage is a spacious single-storey holiday home sleeping eight in Pilley, surrounded by New Forest countryside. Its private heated swimming pool is a major summer attraction, while direct forest access, a mature garden and children's play equipment make it particularly appealing to families. Lymington is around three miles away, with Beaulieu, Brockenhurst and the Solent coast all within easy reach.
- Accessible Accommodation
- Outdoor Pool
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Swimming Pool
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, groups with up to six adults, dog-friendly stays and guests wanting central Lymington on the doorstep
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms, recommended for a maximum of 6 adults
Highlights: Central Lymington location, four individually styled bedrooms, south-west facing garden, wood burner, Aga, two dogs welcome and Town Quay moments away
Saddlers Cottage is a characterful three-storey townhouse sleeping eight in the heart of Lymington. Cobbled streets, Town Quay, restaurants, shops and the waterfront are just a short walk away, while a sunny rear garden, sociable kitchen diner and wood-burning stove give families a comfortable base for exploring the New Forest coast.
- Beach Nearby
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups and guests wanting Lymington's shops, restaurants, harbour and coast within walking distance
Sleeps: 8 guests, with a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children
Highlights: Central Lymington location, three en-suite bedrooms, ground-floor accommodation, open-plan living, private courtyard, parking and coastal activities nearby
Sail Away is a beautifully presented four-bedroom townhouse sleeping eight in a small private gated development close to the centre of Lymington. Three en-suite bedrooms, flexible family accommodation and a bright open-plan living floor make it particularly convenient for groups who want to explore the town, harbour and New Forest without relying on the car every day.Sleeps 8 | 4 bedrooms | 3 en-suite bathrooms | Courtyard | 1 dog | Private parking | Central Lymington
- Beach Nearby
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
Best For: Large families, multi-generational groups, groups of friends, walking holidays and New Forest breaks.
Sleeps: 12 guests | 6 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms
Highlights: Heated outdoor pool, games room, full-size table tennis, large garden, direct forest access and parking for several cars.
Thatchby Oak is a large holiday cottage near Brockenhurst in the New Forest, sleeping up to 12 in six bedrooms. Set around a mile from the village, this detached thatched house has direct access to forest walking and cycling trails, with a seasonal heated swimming pool, games room and extensive outside space for larger family and group holidays.
- EV Charging
- Games Room
- Outdoor Pool
- Parking
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Swimming Pool
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, two families sharing, multi-generational groups, walkers, cyclists and dog-friendly New Forest holidays
Sleeps: 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
Highlights: Direct New Forest access, countryside views, two living rooms, log burner, sunny terrace, EV charging, two dogs welcome, pub within walking distance
The Old Post Office is a stylish four-bedroom holiday home in Emery Down, a small New Forest village just outside Lyndhurst. Sleeping eight with three bathrooms, two living areas, a sunny terrace and walks beginning from the village, it gives families and friends an excellent base for exploring the forest while keeping shops, pubs, attractions and the Hampshire coast within easy reach.
- Beach Nearby
- EV Charging
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Rural
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Large families, groups of friends, multi-generational holidays, dog-friendly stays and coastal breaks.
Sleeps: 10 guests | 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms
Highlights: Beach within a short walk, games room with pool table, enclosed south-facing garden, 2 dogs welcome, pubs and shops nearby and parking for 3 cars.
White Lady is a large holiday home in Milford on Sea, Hampshire, sleeping 10 in five permanent bedrooms close to both the coast and New Forest National Park. The beach, village shops and places to eat can all be reached on foot, while an enclosed garden, games room and five double bedrooms make it a flexible choice for families and groups of adults.
- Beach Nearby
- Games Room
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
Best For: Families, multi-generational groups, two families sharing and friends looking for a stylish coastal holiday home near the New Forest.
Sleeps: 8 guests across 4 bedrooms, including a self-contained annexe that must be booked for groups of more than 6.
Highlights: Beautifully renovated coastal home, separate self-contained annexe, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area, wood burner, enclosed garden and Barton on Sea clifftops within walking distance.
Woodland Cottage is a beautifully renovated holiday home tucked away in a peaceful setting in Barton on Sea, Hampshire. Sleeping eight guests when booked with its self-contained annexe, the property combines contemporary interiors, spacious family living and a private garden with easy access to the New Forest coastline. With three bedrooms in the main house and a stylish annexe above the detached garage, it is particularly appealing to families and friends who enjoy spending time together while having their own space to relax.
- Beach Nearby
- Multiple Living Rooms
- Parking
- Pets
- Pub Nearby
- Walks From the Door
