The UK’s best group getaways for the summer (with kids!)

A bite sized guide to: The best family friendly UK group getaways 

Best for effortless family reunions and celebrations – Bibury Farm Barns, Cotswolds

Best for big family reunions – Great Barn Farm, Norfolk 

Best for active tweens and teens – Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate

Best for space & services – SeaSpace, Cornwall 

Best for extra special experiences – Gitcombe Estate, Devon 

Best on a budget – Treworgey Cottages, Cornwall

Best for all hours entertainment – Flear Farm, Devon

Best for ample activities – Bosinver Farm, Cornwall

Best rural retreat – Dell of Abernethy, Scotland

Best idyll for interior lovers – The Farm at Avebury, Wiltshire

Best boujee beach break – CABÜ by the Sea

Best for slow days & softplay – Libbear Barton, Devon

Best wellness wonderland – Hawarden Estate, North East Wales

Best Cotswoldian crash pad – Bruern Cottages, Cotwolds 

Best stylish seaside staycation – Three Mile Beach, Cornwall 

Best for being King of the North – West Cawthorne, North Yorkshire

Bibury Farm Barns

Looking for a design-led barn stay with the service of a boutique hotel? Bibury Farm Barns is where beautifully restored countryside living, the rolling Cotswolds landscape and a genuinely exceptional concierge service come together for the easiest group getaway we’ve come across. With just five barns on site, it’s incredibly simple to take over the whole place, making it perfect for milestone birthdays, multi-generational reunions or big family celebrations without the usual logistical stress. Sleeping flexible groups of 6-10, and set moments from Bibury village, it delivers all the space of a private home with none of the planning headache, thanks to a concierge that can arrange everything from dining & day-out reservations to special occasion touches before you even arrive 

Great Barn Farm 

Think five-star family sleepover meets countryside cool – Great Barn Farm is where stylish self-catering barns, sweeping Norfolk skies, and a whole lot of fresh air come together for the ultimate family escape. From sandy toes at nearby beaches to muddy boots on woodland walks, it’s all the charm of country life… with none of the roughing it. Tucked away in the peaceful Norfolk countryside, this collection of beautifully restored barns offers the kind of flexible setup that makes it a dream for group getaways. Whether you’re planning a cosy stay for a couple of families or a full-blown multi-generational reunion, Great Barn Farm has you covered – individual barns sleep anywhere from two to 16 guests, and for really big gatherings, you can take over the whole place for up to 36 people. Yep, you read that right – 36! Massive family reunion, anyone?

Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate, Cotswolds

Bundling the besties along for a much needed dose of fresh air and some wholesome countryside vibes? Let us introduce you to Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate, practically perfect for small group getaways. Their houses sleep up to eight – though you could always stay across a couple too. Here, spacious self catering homes come with hotel-style facilities – think heated indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, seasonal children’s activities and an Activity Hub – along with acres of space to roam and ride bikes. The star of the show? The sparkling lakes, with boards and boats ready to go (some homes even open straight out onto the water). When it’s time to slow things down, there’s a central spa with gym, sauna and treatments, babysitting can be arranged, and many houses come with private hot tubs for post-bedtime catch ups. And should the crew get peckish, you can pick between easy dining options (there’s an on-site restaurant and pub in strolling distance), or make use of the generous, well-equipped kitchens. Is there anything these guys haven’t thought of?!

SeaSpace, Cornwall 

This clever aparthotel offers guests spacious self-catering studios, sleeping three to seven a pop. With an onsite restaurant dishing up cocktails, craft beer, sensational small plates and no-washing-required brunch, it’s easy for groups to come together for meals, but retire to their own enclaves when downtime is needed

The beautiful heated indoor pool, with it’s showstopping Art Deco decor, is sure to be a hit with water babies of all ages. Friends who sweat together, stay together, right? The padel courts and agenda of fitness classes allow the grown ups to put this to the test, while kids are having a blast in the outdoor playground, maze and games room. Big on neighbourhood spirit, this is a place to bond with locals, tapping into their knowledge of hidden hotspots and restaurant recommendations

Gitcombe Estate, Devon 

With a concierge service to rival 5* hotels, this Devonshire delight is ideal for those who have a special occasion to celebrate – or dare we say, just appreciate the finer things in life. There’s nine luxury homes to choose from at Gitcombe Estate (sleeping four to 13): Gitcombe House is the largest, cosseting guests with roll-top baths, antique accessories, roaring fires and a formal dining room screaming out for dinner parties. Prefer something a little more contemporary? Gitcombe Retreat is the base to book. Here, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling glass walls that wouldn’t look out of place in Architectural Digest, with a view across the valley bettering any postcard we’ve ever purchased. And The Coach House is the newest cottage in the collection, recently renovated to the highest of standards! For al fresco swims, plan a visit from May onwards, but water babies can rest assured the heated indoor pool and outdoor hot tub are open year round. Weather on the iffy side? The indoor playroom has you covered. From private chefs and tennis lessons to 1:1 pilates and top-tier pampering treatments, there’s no wish, whim or desire the team here can’t make come true

Treworgey Cottages, Cornwall 

This is the place to find the most bang for your buck. Sending a siren call to spend-savvy families, three-bedroom cottages at Treworgey start from as little as £149 per night (that’s under £50 per room!) Offering a cheaper take on Cornwall, price tags may be small, but the facilities you’ll find here are far from. We’re talking a heated outdoor pool & whirlpool, spa treatments, playground, games room, huge indoor ‘beach’ with giant playframe & sandpit, daily animal feeding, countless country walks from your door, and even horse riding lessons. All sizes and set ups can be catered for by the one to six-bed (dog friendly) home from homes, and the beach is only a stones’ throw away as well. (In case you can’t tell, I’m a little bit passionate about it! I’ve personally been on a big family holiday here, and everyone – aged from 8 months to 86 years – had an amazing time!)

Flear Farm, Devon 

Continuing the theme of budget-friendly breaks is Flear Farm. If you’re anything like us, one of the biggest challenges of parenting on holiday starts way before the trip itself – with the logistics of packing. Forgetful families fear not – from stair gates and baby monitors to baths and changing mats, the owners here have all your gear needs covered. Plus, they can even recommend trusted babysitters, should you fancy an adults only night off

The largest of groups can take over the five bedroom Flear House, while other bases sleep from two to nine people. Whichever you pick, each of these Devonshire dwellings read as cottage-core personified. The epic ‘Playbarn’ (which is open 24/7!) houses enough toys to keep siblings from squabbling, along with soft play, a Wendy House, trampoline, table tennis and those all important comfy sofas for ‘supervising’. Flear Farm’s USP, in our humble opinion as past guests? The huge grounds – impossible pretty and positively sprawling, perfect for afternoon adventures where you lose track of time  

Bosinver Farm, Cornwall 

If boredom busting activities are number one on your agenda, this is the name to know. Bosinver Farm’s onsite amenities are more on par with Centre Parcs than your standard Cornish cottage staycation. The daily schedule includes animal feeds with Farmer Dave, pony rides, running riot in the indoor soft play and delving into the deep, dark woods on the Gruffalo trail. The best bit? The heated indoor swimming pool, bookable in private slots. With a small gym, massage treatments and tennis courts sprinkled around the grounds, there’s definitely an excuse to slip off for some ‘alone time’. Whether you’re travelling with a dog, or not, there’s something to suit everyone with 20 cottages to choose from – and we’re not the only ones who think so! This year, Bosinver are finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards, for Excellence in the Self-Catering Accommodation category!

Dell of Abernethy, Scotland 

Enabling guests to switch off is a top priority at Dell of Abernethy, a scattering of retro-chic cottages in the show shopping Cairngorms National Park. Mother Nature is on top form here, with sprawling forests and glittering lochs providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures galore (from scenic wildlife spotting to high octane watersports, and even skiing, come winter). The team provide an amazing guide jammed with family friendly recommendations, and Scotland’s white sand beaches (those ones you’ve seen on Instagram!), are in easy day tripping reach as well

Guests of Dell of Abernethy can choose from 6 cottages, sleeping two to nine a piece. Mixing Scandi style with Scotland’s rugged beauty, this is your excuse to roundup the troops and make the highlands your base. Our favourite bits? The enchanted woodland playground where children can get muddy (as they should!). Balancing on logs over streams, whizzing down the zipline, and bounding around on the sunken trampoline

And then there’s the exceptionally family friendly ‘Gather Inn’ evenings, every Friday from Easter to Halloween. Think roaring fires to toast marshmallows over ’til late into the evening, kids making friends and running around together, food trucks, hammocks between trees, and festival vibes thanks to the epic teepee bar! Last but not least, the unwavering focus on homegrown goodness becomes clear in the onsite Dell Grocer store, where a curated selection of gorgeous goodies celebrate local produce and put the joy back into cooking (I had some of the best cheese of my life from there, plus amazing little negroni cans too pretty to throw away!)

The Farm at Avebury, Wiltshire 

Surrounding a communal courtyard, each of The Farm at Avebury’s six stables (sleeping two to six) are impeccably decorated with upholstered headboards, Pooky lamps and effortlessly stylish tidbits. Foodies will be in their element, with farm-fresh produce available to order. The surroundings are perfect for little legs to roam free, with an onsite play orchard (frequently shared with friendly lambs!), Avebury National Trust on the doorstep and a *huge* playbarn (think bouncy castle, countless bikes and trikes, jumbo connect four and oh so much more)

The newly installed hot tub is a massive hit, as are the abundance of farmyard friends to meet and greet. Run by amazing host Alice and family, The Farm at Avebury promises a wholesome escape at it’s most stylish (without overlooking those parent pleasing practicalities – including toys ready and waiting, baby carrier backpacks and laundry facilities). Plus keep your eyes peeled for 2027 – there’s an exciting new building project underway, meaning they’ll be even more stunning converted stables to choose from!

CABÜ by the Sea

Offering an upmarket spin on ‘holiday parks’ Kent’s CABÜ by the Sea offers parents an easy on the eye (and bank balance) alternative to the famous family forest breaks. Conceived as a series of self-contained hideaways with hotel-esque facilities, you’ll find the chicer-than-chic cabins sprinkled around 10 acres of safe & secure land. Standouts include the heated outdoor pool (surrounded by criminally comfy loungers); alfresco Nature Spa; Shepherd’s Hut spa treatments; and The Sitooterie – a communal space for groups to make use of the BBQ, pizza oven and griddle tables (the most idyllic s’mores spot we’ve ever seen)

Libbear Barton, Devon

Set across 40 peaceful acres of North Devon countryside, Libbear Barton pairs a handsome Georgian farmhouse (sleeping up to 16) with a trio of beautifully converted cottages (sleeping eight, eight and nine). Blending character features with generous, family-friendly living spaces, each also has it’s own private garden, boasting jumbo trampolines, BBQs and al fresco dining areas – everything you could need for slow evenings in the sun. Yet Libbear Barton has something else which really sets it apart – a huge, converted stables dining hall which can seat 40 (!) making this prime territory for special occasions. We’re thinking milestone birthdays & family anniversaries where the kids are top of the attendee list

Days revolve around fresh air and freedom, with plenty to keep little guests occupied, including a double-storey soft play, playground, games room, lake (with a little rowing boat in summer) and petting farm, so their accompanying grown ups can kick back and relax

The indoor pool, heated to a blissful 30°C and bookable for private use, is also standout, alongside a sauna, gym and optional hot tubs for slower moments. Run by parents, it’s brilliantly set up for babies and young children, with all the thoughtful extras (from blackout blinds to bath toys) taken care of, while sandy beaches and excellent local pubs sit within easy reach

Hawarden Estate, North East Wales

For those who prioritise gorgeous design as much as facilities at your fingertips, this is the spot to book. Harwarden offers a unique trifecta of aesthetically A* accommodation, a Michelin-worthy farm shop and memory-making experiences, wrapped up in a gorgeous working estate. Available to book throughout the year is the four-bedroom Gardener’s House, a glorious Georgian property brimming with eclectic decor inside and a sensational (personally, vouched for!) wood-fire tub outside

The generous grounds sprawl out invitingly from your front door, with arguably the country’s best Farm Shop, wild swimming and guided castle tours just a snapshot of what’s on the schedule. Seasonally, you don’t want to miss Hawarden’s Summer Camps – a glamping getaway with everything from artsy workshops, bushcraft sessions to photography and foraging

Bruern Cottages, Cotwolds 

Chocolate box Cotswoldian cottages? Bruern got the memo. A cluster of 12 chintz-chic home from homes provide plenty of room for gangs of all sizes. Offspring got a lot of energy to burn? Distraction-demanding tots will have no qualms with the playgrounds (yes, plural!), two-story wendy house, indoor & outdoor pools, plus a car track. Super-swish facilities for grown ups include an indoor pool, gym and spa treatment rooms. What about the cottages themselves? Think canopied beds, marble baths and plush living spaces. Dreamy

 Three Mile Beach, Cornwall 

As suitable for tots as it is for teens, Cornwall’s Three Mile Beach offers all-ages fun in spades. For a start, it opens right out onto Gwithian’s three mile-long sandy stretch near St Ives – quite possibly the most beautiful beach we’ve seen in Britain, and a brilliant spot for surfing, body boarding & wave jumping (you can hire equipment from the guys at Reception). The ‘shacks’, as they’re affectionately named, conjures to mind an image far too humble for these design-led rainbow-hued homes. Looking like something straight off an interior magazine moodboard, they elegantly meld locally crafted furniture with vibrant Mexican and Moroccan touches. They’re cheeky, colourful, and crammed with fun (including the coolest of hidden cocktail cupboards). A rare treat for pawrents, dogs are welcome in each of the 2-4 bed boltholes (plus essentials like cots and highchairs can be effortlessly arranged)

Every single accommodation boasts it’s own private decks – complete with sunken cedar hot tub, barrel sauna and the kind of BBQ setup that would make your dad cry happy tears. A name to know for gourmands, seasonal sharing plates are served at the onsite restaurant Chomp, whilst personal chefs and pizza parties can also be arranged. Want to know where the cool kids holiday? Look no further

West Cawthorne, North Yorkshire 

A beacon of beauty in Yorkshire, the twin luxury barns at West Cawthorne are hands down our top staycation choice in this neck of the woods. The South Range (sleeping six) and The West Range (sleeping four) can be booked individually or as a duo, making them an excellent group getaway base. While spectacular at any time of the year, we have a soft spot for a summer staycations, thanks in large part to the indoor/outdoor living, picturesque garden for smalls, and sumptuous hot tub for their downtime-deserving parents. Come winter, the ‘come hither’ sofas encourage movie nights and the perfect excuse to hunker down and enjoy each other’s company. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s when these pads are run by young parents (as is the case here), they’re absolute pros at making you feel right at home!

Themes: The Family Friendly UK Edit, Holiday Cheat Sheets

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