Holiday Ideas for Big Families & Groups

Designed for social stays, you’ll all be winning at Y Graiglwyd (Welsh for “Grey Rock”) - a Victorian former shooting lodge turned boutique seaside retreat.

Perched above Bull Bay on Anglesey’s dramatic north coast, with sweeping sea views, the four-storey property was built in the mid-1800s by the Marquis of Anglesey, and blends period charm with modern creature comforts.

It’s a dream base for big groups, families and anyone keen on games, sea air and cinema nights. There’s a fully kitted-out games room (pool table, darts, TV), a cinema room with an 86" screen and surround sound, and a garden with a BBQ terrace and space to lounge after a day exploring the Anglesey Coastal Path, which runs just behind the house.

Dog lovers will be especially pleased: pets not only stay free, but they get their own bedroom! And with colourful Cemaes Bay and the historic Amlwch harbour, and a local pub all within easy reach, there’s plenty to do between games and beach walks.

Stac Polly Lodge, Achiltibuie near Ullapool, Scottish Highlands

Sleeps 8. 4 beds. 2 dogs. 7 nights from £2,326

Adventure seekers will love a stay at Stac Polly Lodge - set against the windswept beauty of the Achiltibuie Peninsula in the majestic Scottish Highlands, and located in the heart of Sutherland’s UNESCO-recognised geopark. The first-floor living room makes the most of its elevated position with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a cinematic view of land, sea and sky. Downstairs, a sleek open-plan kitchen and dining space opens directly onto a large lawned garden, where you’ll find a private six-person hot tub, a barrel sauna, and plenty of room to sit, catch up and scan the horizon for seals.

On calmer days, have a go at kayaking, sailing and wild swimming, or why not go fishing, mountain biking or take the binoculars and enjoy some wildlife encounters – you may spot red deer, golden eagles and osprey circling overhead. When the weather broods, the Games Room awaits - kitted out with table tennis, table football and other distractions for rainy afternoons.

Harrietsham Retreats - Foxton Lodge, Harrietsham, Maidstone

Sleeps 6. 3 beds. 2 dogs welcome. 7 nights from £1,275

For a rural escape with a dose of fun, head to Foxton Lodge - a three-bedroom retreat tailor-made for family holidays or weekends with friends. The property has a dedicated games room with a classic slate pool table and a mobile table tennis - ideal for friendly competition come rain or shine. Outside, a spacious decked terrace and a separate rear patio provide ample space to unwind or socialise. There’s even a shared gym for those wanting to maintain their fitness between countryside strolls.

Indoors, the living room’s log burner invites long, cosy evenings, whether curled up with a book or chatting over wine after a day exploring the surroundings. The kitchen is fully equipped for keen cooks, while the open-plan dining area makes mealtimes a relaxed and sociable affair.

Harrietsham’s scenic walking and cycling routes are right on your doorstep, and a short drive brings you to the majestic Leeds Castle and the bustling historic town of Maidstone.

The Cherry Tree, Harby, Near Lincoln

Sleeps 10. 5 beds. 7 nights from £1,415

The Cherry Tree is a handsome country property with lots of fun to dive into and sleeps ten. The living room features a supersized, sink-in sofa and a wood-burning stove for long evenings curled up with a film or good conversation. The open-plan dining area comfortably seats ten, making it the ideal setting for celebratory meals or lazy Sunday brunches.

For those craving a little playtime, the garage has been transformed into a well-equipped games room, with both pool and table tennis on offer. There’s also a secure bike store for those keen to explore the meandering lanes and bridleways that criss-cross this part of Lincolnshire.

But what truly sets The Cherry Tree apart is its bespoke service. Guests can curate their stay with everything from in-house spa treatments and private dining to floristry, celebration cakes and pub deliveries. It’s a stay that can be as low-key or as luxurious as you wish, all with the personal touch of trusted local suppliers.

With the historic towns of Lincoln and Newark just a short drive away, and local gems like Doddington Hall on your doorstep, The Cherry Tree offers a rare combination of rural peace and easy access to culture, shopping and fine food.

Dundonnell, Kildonan, NW Highlands, Scotland

Sleeps 7. 4 beds. 3 dogs welcome. 7 nights from £929

At the end of a quiet Highland track, Kildonan isn’t just a luxurious rural escape - it’s a playground for grown-ups and families alike. Set on its own promontory at the head of Little Loch Broom, this stylishly modern house pairs sweeping, cinematic views with a rich offering of fun, from its smartly designed games room to the boundless natural playground beyond its doorstep. The games room is where the action really begins: a central pool table stands ready for evening showdowns, alongside a dart board, Smart TV with Sky and Netflix, and a punchy sound system to set the mood. Laughter and rivalry are practically guaranteed.

Yet, the real “game room” lies beyond the walls. Step outside and you’re met with the raw grandeur of the Scottish Highlands: the loch, the Summer Isles and the mighty An Teallach looming in the distance. For friends and families who crave shared experiences, there are hikes straight from the garden gate, wild swims in the loch, or a spontaneous football match on the lawn. When the sun dips, there’s no better place to regroup than around the firepit or inside by the roaring wood burner, recounting the day’s adventures over a dram of something local.

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