The best group-friendly escapes in the UK
Escaping to the English countryside with a group of friends is probably one of the best tonics for the soul, and easily one of my favourite things in the world. I've made it into a bit of a yearly tradition to gather a cluster of my closest friends and take over a beautiful property for a weekend away, and over the years have collated a black book of my favourite self-catering properties across the UK that are equally as luxe and welcoming as they are perfect for sleeping large groups. Of course, finding somewhere suitable for the occasion can seem like a bit of a mission at times, with there being so many boxes to tick - you'll want somewhere that is nestled in nature but not too far from attractive sights or towns; it also has to be relatively easy to travel to, and as chic as it is cosy...read on below for my recommendations.
Bibury Farm Barns, The Cotswolds
A cluster of Cotswold barns nestled near the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire border have been beautifully converted into five incredibly luxe self-rentals. Sleeping between 6-10 guests, each of the barns provide the perfect retreat for groups of friends; there’s also the possibility of booking more than one at a time, which is how I celebrated my birthday a couple of years ago - or you can even book all five if you want to host a takeover of the entire estate. Each barn features plenty of honey-coloured Cotswold stone, spacious open-plan kitchen/living areas, and luxe interiors in neutral tones; huge king-size beds, wood-burning stoves and rolltop bathtubs are also a given. There’s no need to worry about bringing along the essentials with you: you’ll find a generous breakfast hamper waiting upon arrival, along with luxurious 100 Acres toiletries in every bathroom - and if you want the fridge to be fully stocked ahead of your stay, simply let the team know and they’ll unpack your Ocado delivery on your behalf. You’ll only be a short walk away from the postcard picture-worthy village of Bibury, as well as a short drive away from some of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.
Three Mile Beach, Cornwall
Just steps away from Gwithian Towans (one of the longest stretches of sand in Cornwall), you’ll find the chic, bungalows at Three Mile Beach. Inside these fifteen luxury beach houses that sleep between 4-10 guests, you’ll find airy, open-plan kitchen and living areas filled with natural light, and relaxed bedrooms designed with pops of colour against whitewashed walls. After a morning spent surfing and swimming, you can soak in the hot tub or steam off in the barrel sauna on your private deck; there are hammocks to lounge on, barbecues to grill on, and even Gozney pizza ovens at your disposal (should you want to host a ‘pizza night’, the team will come round with a generous tray of dough and toppings). You’ll find a hamper of goodies and all of the cooking utensils you could possibly need waiting in the kitchen, but if you’re feeling peckish and don’t feel like cooking, there’s a rotating variety of food trucks at ‘Chomp’, the al fresco dining area - or drive into nearby St Ives where a myriad of great restaurants and cafes await. The team can even arrange a private chef to whip up a feast for you - every whim and fancy of yours is catered for at Three Mile Beach, so that you can have the relaxing coastal retreat that you deserve.
Cotswold Farm Hideaway, The Cotswolds
A group of three beautifully reclaimed farm cottages on the edge of Gloucestershire have been lovingly designed to comfortably sleep 12. If you’re a design lover, you’ll certainly appreciate the artful touches here, from the chic linen bedding in all of the rooms, to the design-led coffee table books and chic crockery. The biggest of the three cottages, Whitehall, has a large open-plan kitchen and dining table area, which is the perfect space for hosting large groups - along with plenty of outdoor space to ramble and host BBQs in the summer months. From here, you’ll be in the perfect location to explore the north of the Cotswolds, and neighbouring Somerset.
Brownber Hall, Cumbria
Located in the peaceful Howgill Fells, Brownber Hall is a beautifully reimagined Victorian country pile, sleeping up to 15 guests across eight bedrooms. Interiors strike the perfect balance between homely and eclectic, with bedrooms featuring iron-wrought bedsteads and unexpected pops of print. Two large sitting rooms and an open-plan kitchen and dining room allow for large groups of guests to sprawl out across the ground floor. Freshly baked sourdough, marmalade, and homemade cakes and biscuits will be waiting for you on arrival - and if you don’t fancy cooking, home cooked meals can also be ordered in advance. Guests are in the perfect location to ramble across the Dales, or drive to the nearby Lakes; if your party is larger than 15, neighbouring sister property Brownber House sleeps an additional 8 guests, and the two properties can be booked together.
Barsham Barns, Norfolk
Along the north coast of Norfolk, situated among endless wildflower meadows, you’ll find Barsham Barns, a collection of six luxury barns nestled within the West Barsham Estate. Inside each of the spacious barns (which sleep between 4-14 guests), you can expect elegant colour palettes and playful prints; striped lampshades, floral curtains and squashy sofas sit against the natural stone walls. Homemade Victoria Sponge cakes and hampers bursting with local treats are waiting for you upon checking in, and the open-plan kitchen/living room areas are perfect for cooking up meals and dining together in large groups. Spend your days exploring nearby Burnham Market and Wells-near-the-Sea, or driving to nearby stately homes such as Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall for a ramble among the grounds.
The Lakes by Yoo, The Cotswolds
Sleeping on the water might not immediately come to mind when picturing the Cotswolds, but miraculously, The Lakes by Yoo have created an idyllic estate in the heart of Gloucestershire that allows guests to escape to the water without having to drive to the coastline. Imagine a sprawling, 850-acre estate dotted with private homes and luxe cabins sleeping up to 12 guests each - wake up to stunning views over the lakes, and spend your days kayaking, paddle boarding and wild swimming (most of the cabins are just steps from the water), before winding down at the estate spa. Don’t feel like cooking up a feast in your cabin? You’ll be a mere minutes’ drive from some of the best pubs and restaurants in the area.
The Farmhouse at Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire
Prefer the privacy that comes with a self-catering stay, but still crave the luxury of sleeping at a hotel? If so, the standalone Farmhouse on the Middleton Lodge Estate in north Yorkshire could be the perfect option if you’re looking for a group retreat. Sleeping up to 12 guests across six ensuite bedrooms, the farmhouse has been cosily renovated with the same laidback luxe interiors that are mirrored throughout the rest of the hotel - expect capacious sofas to curl up in, generous bathtubs in each bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen to cook in. However, guests still get access to all of the hotel’s lovely features, from the spa and pool to both of the fantastic restaurants on-site. There’s lots to explore here, from wandering through the beautifully pruned walled garden, to long walks across the nearby Dales, so you certainly won’t be bored.
The Cottage at Hampton Manor, Birmingham
Nestled in the walled garden, separate from the main hotel, The Cottage at Hampton Manor features a spacious sitting and dining room area that is perfect for celebrating in. Clad in floral William Morris wallpapers and luxe furnishings, the four ensuite bedrooms sleep up to 8 guests, with plenty of space to sprawl out. A generous farmhouse kitchen comes stocked with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all of the equipment you might need, but of course, you’ll be able to access the rest of the estate during your stay, including the hotel’s two award-winning restaurants, bakery, and lush grounds - all while enjoying the comfort and privacy of your standalone cottage.
