Different types of group stays

You just can’t beat a giant country estate sitting atop a hill, overlooking rolling countryside. With huge manor houses full of antique furnishings and classic, traditional style, country estates offer an opulent and luxurious way to unwind with a big group.

These stays tend to include giant dinners in grand dining halls, late evenings in spacious lounges, and moments of downtime in front of the fire in a peaceful drawing room. And once you step outside, a big estate will often have acres of grounds for you to explore that can include manicured gardens or more rustic, authentic countryside.

If you’re staying on an estate, you may just be able to spend all of your time within the grounds, playing croquet, relaxing on giant lawns, and dining alfresco on big patios with incredible views.

One of the great benefits of Britain’s agricultural heritage is the array of farm buildings covering the land. From old stables to spacious barns, the British Isles are home to thousands of characterful properties that offer a nod to the past. And these rustic dwellings can provide large groups with a fantastic, peaceful place to relax in a truly stunning setting.

There are hundreds of barns listed on Coolstays, with some offering an authentic, rural experience with original features like exposed beams and crooked nooks and crannies, whilst other barns have been given a contemporary twist with modern renovations creating bright open spaces thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and crips minimalist design.

One thing that all big barns have in common, is that they’re able to provide large groups with a cracking place to stay. These spaces tend to provide a central living space where you can all socialise together before retiring to your cosy bedrooms for a deep, restorative sleep. And, due to their past life as an agricultural building, barns are often located in the heart of gorgeous countryside, ensuring you and your loved ones are only ever a short stroll from a winding path, secluded river, or calming forest.

Now it’s time for something a little different. If you’re looking for a group getaway amongst nature, then why not hire out an entire glamping site? There are a number of these sites spread out throughout the great British countryside that offer you a rustic, back-to-basics holiday where you can enjoy the great outdoors.

If you were to book a glamping site then you’ll likely have access to your own slice of countryside, whether that’s a peaceful meadow, a private glade, or a tranquil spot on the edge of a lake.

These sites often have hot tubs, firepits, and alfresco seating areas where you can all socialise and eat together. Then, once the sun has set and the stars come out, your rural location will ensure you can make the most of the dark night skies to gaze at the constellations above. And, when bedtime beckons, you can all retire back to your own tipis, yurts, or tents, staying cosy by the woodburner before slipping to a restful night’s sleep. And when you wake up, there are few places better to enjoy a delicious morning coffee than with your loved ones in a quiet spot of British countryside.

If you’re travelling with groups made up of different families, work colleagues, or people from multiple generations, then a collection of cottages might be just what you need. You can all gather in the largest space and socialise together before retiring back to your own dwellings at night to relax in peace.

This is perfect for big family reunions where the grandparents can have their own cottage away from their noisy grandchildren and where families with kids can have their own space to get the children down away from the rest of the group. And if you’re travelling with acquaintances, on a work retreat, your own private cottage to retire to at night might just be what you need.

By booking a collection of cottages for your next holiday, you can essentially have your very own village! And who wouldn’t love that?

If you’re after something uber-contemporary that looks as if it’s been pulled straight from Grand Designs then you should consider a deluxe, modern home for your next retreat. There are many of these wonderful homes throughout the UK, with epic swimming pools, huge walls of glass, modern art, and gigantic open social spaces.

These architect-designed properties offer you all the comfort in the world, and the minimalist design and oneness with their natural surroundings, ensure that you can rest and unwind away from the stresses of everyday life.

These homes often feature high-end amenities throughout, meaning budding chefs will adore cooking in the kitchen with all of its excellent appliances, whilst others can sneak off for a relaxing soak in a huge freestanding bathtub. Add to this hot tubs, rainfall showers, underfloor heating, and cutting-edge entertainment systems, and you’ve got the perfect place to unwind with your loved ones in style.