Finding a Place for a Big Family Get Together in the UK

Usually a holiday is a family affair – just you and the kids. Maybe you’ll take your parents, maybe you go with your sister and her family.
But most of the time it’s just you.
And then sometimes, just for a few nights, you need a lot more space. Maybe there’s a family wedding, or grandparents are celebrating a big wedding anniversary. Perhaps a relative is returning from overseas… or maybe you’ve all simply decided it’s just time to get together.

Family Get Together image courtesy of Shutterstock

And then what you want is a house that can take all of you. That has room for the kids to get out and play, for a mass game of rounders or cricket. Space for trestle tables in the garden and dinner under the stars. But also space for families to breathe on their own; bedrooms to spare, and rooms to separate and not be on each others toes. A quiet room for reading the papers, a room for the early-morning Xbox players… and of course a kitchen that makes feeding a horde a joy not a chore.

But where would you find somewhere like that? Well, let me give you some ideas…

1. Group Accommodation.

My search would probably start here – masses of choice, and all aimed at large parties. Use the search options and find somewhere in Cornwall, Scotland or France.

Treharrock Manor

Off my head top choice? Treharrock Manor in Cornwall.  It has 11 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a large kitchen with Aga and electric cooker, large dining and sitting rooms (with piano and open fire), spacious hall, TV room, study and an indoor drying room ideal for wetsuits.

The Manor sits on a south facing slope in its own secluded valley at the end of a 1/4 mile ( and rather bumpy!) private drive. The house is surrounded by 14 acres of gardens and grounds including lawns, a hard tennis court, large sand pit, a stream and bluebell filled woods…

If the sun doesn’t shine there is a games basement with table tennis and a 2/3 size snooker table. Books and games are also provided.

2. Party Houses

My rapid next step would be to head over to PartyHouses.co.uk. All their properties are in the Peak District (but who doesn’t want to go there?), and all Party Houses have been specifically designed with large family groups invading regularly in mind. Good quality and strong furnishings means you don’t have to worry about damages, and they’re all children and dog friendly. Wifi’s included (essential, obvs…), and there are BBQ’s and outdoor seating for those summer days.

Roaches Hall

Top on my list would be Roaches Hall, with its 13 bedrooms  (5 doubles, 6 twins, 2 quads) and 10 bath/shower rooms. The dining room seats 34, there’s a granite fitted kitchen and Roaches Hall comes with its own 8 acres of private gardens, fields, and woodlands for your private use, with stunning views onto the Peak District.

3. One Off Places

With many holiday rental sites there’s the option of not just hiring a large property, but of hiring groups of holiday cottages adjacent to each other; perfect for large groups of people who wish to go on holiday together, but retain the privacy of their own detached cottage. One of our personal favourites is One Off Places, with their brilliant range of options and flexibility.

Many of these large groups of properties include swimming pools, games rooms, tennis courts as well activities such a fishing, horse riding and golf.  Some holiday cottages, houses or villas are dogs friendly too – but do check!

Castle Farm

Top UK choice (though I admit, after browsing OOP, I’d be trying to convince everyone that what we really needed was a mediaeval castle in France, or a lodge in the Alps, or maybe a fabulous Spanish Villa…) would probably be Castle Farm in the Brecon Beacons.  The 40-acre farm stands in an exceptionally private location, with direct access to the Brecon Beacons National Park behind the house, its own stretch of river for paddling in, a nature walk and acres of woods. Castle Farm consists of a lovely old farmhouse sleeping 10, a separate cottage for up to 7 and a studio style barn which has bunk beds for ten plus – 27 beds in total onsite.

And if it’s proving impossible to tie everyone down for a weekend or short break, then why not try just for the day instead? Of course you can’t usually rent a holiday property by the day, but I suggest you try Venuefinder for loads of ideas that offer day rental- there’s bound to be somewhere pretty central that’s reachable for the whole family.

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