Looking for ideal places to stay for large groups? Here are the finest groups of holiday cottages you'll ever see
Need your own space?
A holiday getaway needs to strike a fine balance. On the one hand, you want the big houses and fireplaces and games rooms – all the luxury amenities needed for the best of parties. On the other hand, it’s important to have your own space – we don’t need Uncle Jo taking up unnecessary space in the hot tub. Family gatherings can quickly take a turn when nobody has a place to relax. We especially love the group retreats which have wonderful shared facilities but also individual retreats surrounding these, allowing family and friends time out as well as a fun-filled and chaotic large group holiday.
With that in mind, we’ve hand-picked the quintessential places to stay for large groups. From the shores of Loch Ness to the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, Uncle Jo’s got his own space from now on.
Large holiday cottages? You're speaking our language.
The Highland Club, Loch Ness
Luxury apartments in a former abbey
Let me take you to the Highlands for a short tour of The Highland Club’s luxury apartments. 20 of them to be precise, all constructed from the grounds of the former abbey in Fort Augustus – you may notice that puts you right on the southern tip of Loch Ness.
What better way to soak up the views of the Loch than gazing out from not one, but two penthouse apartments? Each comes with its own roomy roof terrace, of course.
If the penthouse lifestyle isn’t for you, this group accommodation features every apartment size to suit your needs – one bedroom apartments to two and three bedroom apartments make it so you each have your own space.
But as is with all group stays, the highlight is of course the activities – say no more. We know those views of the Loch will have you itching to go wild swimming, but you might also like to enjoy the more spoling indoor swimming pool and spa area – once you’re all warmed up, get together with friends and challenge each other to snooker in the club lounge (otherwise known as a super luxury games room).
The location is truly the perfect starting point for exploring the Highlands – touring groups, fishing, castles and whisky can all be found a short distance away. To conclude your tour of The Highland Club, why not try some wild swimming in the Loch itself? I’m sure there’s nothing down there… or is there?
Visit The Highland Club
In the Vale, The Lake District
A collection of compact and bijou getaways
The Huts
We now go down to the Lake District, and let me now take you to Birkett Farm – a working farm for generations. But this isn’t your typical farm, here you will find 5 huts and cabins: each sleeping 2 with hot tubs for each cabin. That’s right, this is one of the most luxurious holiday retreats available in the Lake District, with breathtaking views over huge stretches of grassland.
Each hut has been lovingly crafted with locally sourced materials to support the local community, and to deliver a serene yet modern holiday, making you feel close to nature without losing out on the contemporary comforts.
While not large houses, these properties act as the perfect base for exploring the gorgeous pastures and towering mountains of the Lake District – spend the day trekking the countryside with your family, or discover a quaint local town.
After a long day, return to a glass of bubbles in the hot tub and watch a beautiful sunset – it doesn’t get much better than that.
The Barns
Additionally, In the Vale is home to two barns, both of which sleep 2. Surrounded by dramatic views of the valley, these barns are fantastic, since each barn combines the closeness of nature with luxurious commodities.
Renovations to the barns haven’t stripped away the history of the properties however, since the owners have kept unique features that tie into the history of the farm.
Catching back up to modern day however, the barns feature hot tubs much like the huts. These tubs are crafted from cedarwood – the difference you ask? A sweet woody fragrance while relaxing to the clear views of the mountains.
A bespoke kitchen, a spoiling bathroom and a bedroom with a floating king size bed allow residents to relax and admire mother nature from a distance – but isn’t that the best way to enjoy a view?
Visit In the Vale Huts or In the Vale Barns
Lakes by Yoo, The Cotswolds
Luxury on the Lakes
We love big holiday houses and their swimming pools – and the Lakes by Yoo have got a wonderful spa with indoor poll and a beautiful lake for cold water swimming. You can’t beat mother nature’s swimming pools – the lakes.
The Lakes by Yoo offers luxurious cabin retreats overlooking Marley Lake in Gloucestershire, each cabin containing 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open-plan living area. Open up the large retractable doors and spend your evenings relaxing on the deck, or join your friends and family out on the lake.
Take your relaxation to the next level and visit the onsite Spa, a 17-metre heated pool, gym, treatment rooms, plus a sauna and steam rooms. That sounds like a lot of relaxing to me.
There’s space for everyone at Marley Lake, whether you need space to yourself or a place to kick back with your friends.
Visit Lakes Byyoo
Well Furlong Retreats, The Cotswolds
The Ultimate Cotswolds Escape
Well Furlong Cottage
If privacy is what you’re looking for, look no further than the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, where Well Furlong Shepherd’s Cottage has all you need to escape the hustle and bustle with the family.
This large holiday house is found just outside the idylic village of Little Comberton, beside the splendid Bredon Hill – a must-visit walking route with views of the Malvern Hills.
Well Furlong Cottage caters for family holidays, boasting its own tennis court, indoor pool, jacuzzi and hot tub. Not only that, but you can also find a football, table tennis and pool table upstairs in the games room.
Well Furlong Cottage itself sleeps 6 in 3 separate bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom – no sharing bathrooms here. Additionally, you can book the games room itself as an extra room, sleeping 2 more.
Well Furlong Shepherd’s Hut
In a nearby field, you can also book Well Furlong Shepherds Retreat, which sleeps 2-4 and is a perfect place for grandparents to stay and have their own space.
Have their own space they shall, since this shepherd’s hut includes an open-plan kitchen, super kingsize bed and a decking area with a sunken jacuzzi. This decking area is perfect for al fresco dining and sunbathing during the warmer months.
As the night draws in, stay warm in the living area thanks to the hobbit wood burner whilst
Well Furlong Retreats are dog-friendly, so make sure to bring your furry friends on your adventures through the Cotswolds.
The Farm at Avebury, Wiltshire
Six luxury holiday homes big enough to host large groups
A stunning collection of self-catering holiday homes, this group accommodation can be found on a working farm set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Each of the six properties has been uniquely hand-crafted to offer every luxury you would ever desire. The highlight however, is the proximity to each other. The Farm at Avebury knows how to throw a celebration, from weddings to conventions they’ve done it all. Through this they know how important being close to each other is, and so they have designed each holiday home around a landscaped courtyard, with plenty of communal sitting areas.
There is a large table for al fresco dining and a barn which can be set up in a variety of ways – parties, yoga retreats, etc.
Being a farm, this retreat also understands the important role animals play in our lives, and thus they have made this large group accommodation ready for your furry friends. Take your dog on a plethora of walking routes and admire the Wiltshire countryside.
As an added treat, don’t forget to arrange for produce from the farm to be delivered to your door – this is a farm after all…
Visit The Farm at Avebury
Newton Hall, Northumberland
A stunning coastal boutique hotel
Found beside the charming coastal town of Netwon-by-the-Sea, Newton Hall is perfect for a special occasion. This large group accommodation has endless options when it comes to places to stay – quirky or traditional, it’s your choice.
Activites such as wild swimming, paddleboarding or canoeing are just a stone’s throw away, but if the view is enough to satisfy you, you’re in luck since you can enjoy the sea views from a hot tub. In the evening, you’d be amiss not to visit the onsite pub.
Everything at Newton Hall is designed to make your stay luxurious, and why not bring your dog along? Newton Hall is as dog-friendly as they come, and I’m sure your dog wouldn’t mind put their paws up for a few days.
Visit Newton Hall
Time to take a step back
There you have it, some of our collection of large group accommodation. We’ve shown you tennis courts, swimming pools, treehouses and cabins. All of these fabulous group holidays each have something unique to offer, so now it’s time for you to take a step back and decide where you want to create your best memories.
With all that being said, what more do you need? Grab your friends and family, and book somewhere special for Uncle Jo.