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Our best group places for a special occasion

There are times when another fleeting night out at the pub just won't cut the mustard. When a special occasion comes around, skip the predictable and celebrate with a group getaway in the UK that’s anything but ordinary.

 

These unique glamping stays for large groups are where muddy boots, big laughs, and late night hot tub chats replace plastic prosecco flutes and taxi queues.  If you’re the planner of the gang, consider this your guide to group holidays that hit different.

Rufus’s Roost, Yorkshire

Sleeps 6 – A fairytale treehouse for group getaways

Grab five other big kids ready to cast aside tedious adult responsibilities and head to glorious Yorkshire, where you’ll find a fairytale turreted treehouse at the end of a boardwalk that weaves gently through the woods. The lounge is perfect for boardgames, and if Monopoly starts to get heated, just slide down the tunnel to the cosy reading nook below. End each day of celebrations with pizzas from the outdoor oven and fizz in the hot tub under a sky full of stars

"I can't think of a better place for a group getaway in winter! We felt like we had the whole estate to ourselves as didn't see a soul during our stay. We walked into the warm treehouse to the sound of jazz and right away felt like we had found the perfect place to bed in for a few days. Already planning when we can get the gang back together and get back to Rufus Roost next year!"Guest review from Helen, after her special occasion stay at Rufus’s Roost.

Box Barn, Monmouthshire

Sleeps 18 – Large group glamping with space for everyone

For a special gathering that include everyone from Grandma to the dogs, Box Barn in Monmouthshire is the definition of a unique alternative to large group accommodation. Sleeping up to 18 guests across bunks, a yurt and a byre, it’s got a hot tub, yoga deck, gym, plunge barrel and even a stage with fancy dress and puppets for impromptu shows. The sociable courtyard is made for long celebratory dinners and marshmallow roasting

"1st joint family holiday since getting married. Large group of 13, ages 27 and up. We had a fab time, didn't leave the barn. Made full use of everything, planned a cocktail night, fancy dress night, BBQ and games night. Had plans to visit the local area but didn't end up doing this with all the fun that was being had. Excellent for the dogs too as the site is fully secure, fab bonus!"Guest review from Adrianne, after her special occasion stay at Box Barn.

Hive Beach House, Dorset

Sleeps 6 – Coastal cabin for group holidays by the sea

Perfect for milestone birthdays and reunions, this beachfront stunner on the Jurassic Coast is the ultimate ‘just bring people and wine’ escape. With surf-spray views, four king-size beds, a chef’s kitchen and a sauna-steam room overlooking the sea, it’s made for luxury group getaways in the UK. Walk, eat, lounge and repeat. It’s impossible to have a bad day when the beach is your backyard.

"I booked the Hive Beach House for a celebration with close girlfriends for my 50th Birthday and I couldn't have been more happy with it. Beautiful interior with everything you need. Absolutely stunning exterior - we couldn't tear our eyes away from the sea. We had great weather but would happily stay here in the depths of winter. Feel very lucky to have stayed here and have made some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime." – Guest review from Philippa, after her special occasion stay at Hive Beach House.

Middle at Middle Lypiatt Glamping, Gloucestershire

Sleeps 8 – Cotswolds safari tent for big group stays

Perched on a hilltop with 12 acres of wild land, this Cotswolds safari tent is part wilderness basecamp, part design-savvy retreat – not your ordinary group stay. Built by three generations of the same family, it’s got a Swedish hot tub, a luxe bathroom, and a kitchen built for feasts under the stars. For birthdays, reunions or just being with friends, this is the kind of special stay you’ll talk about for years.

"We booked Middle Lypiatt as a group of girl friends wanting somewhere extra special for the weekend. We literally couldn't have found anywhere better! The safari tent was beautiful and the location is absolutely stunning. We used the hot tub I'm the evening and again in the morning for a cold dip it was just perfect. Matt and Susie are fantastic hosts, they've thought of everything and were so helpful and friendly on site too. A trip we really won't forget!" – Guest review from Hannah, after her special occasion stay at Middle at Middle Lypiatt Glamping.

Riverdale, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 – Shepherd’s hut cluster for relaxed group escapes

Riverdale nails that sweet spot between group fun and personal space. Four beautiful shepherd’s huts sit beside a lazy river in this peaceful Yorkshire hideaway, and is perfect for couples or friends who want both time together and space apart to recharge. Each has a firepit, outdoor bath and woodland charm, while the riverside sauna deck with plunge pools is group relaxation at its best.

"We stayed for 2 nights as a belated birthday celebration for my partner, with the dog. We were very lucky with the weather which allowed us to make the most of the hut and its facilities as well as the local area. William kindly recommended a local walk (Hackfall woods) which was absolutely beautiful. We loved having use of the BBQ and firepit in particular which really made our stay special." – Guest review from Steph, after her special occasion stay at Riverdale.

Cottage In The Clouds, Cumbria

Sleeps 6 – Off-grid cottage for a special friends’ getaway

For the kind of group holiday that really gets away from it all, celebrate your special occasion at one of England’s most remote homes. This off-grid cottage in Cumbria has epic views, wild walking trails and a cosy living space perfect for late-night games by candlelight. And if you want to dip a toe back into civilisation, stroll to The Eagle’s Head pub for great food in a welcoming atmosphere.

"We spent three magical nights in the Cottage in the Clouds. We were a group of four friends. Pictures don't do justice to this place. It is truly a one-in-a-lifetime experience. The bedrooms are spacious and the beds comfortable. There is a small room on the ground floor which is very cosy and which heats up very quickly and it will keep you warm. The surrounding is incredible, beautiful landscape, great hikes and a magical forest 15/20 minutes walk from the cottage. Don't think about it, just book this place as you won't regret it."Guest review from Giulio, after his special occasion stay at Cottage in The Clouds.

Nantseren, Carmarthenshire

Sleeps 16 – Entire glamping site with bell tents and barn for large groups

In the wild heart of the Brecon Beacons, Nantseren is group glamping done right. Four bell tents sit beside a stream in a private meadow, complete with a kitchen barn, firepit and wood-fired hot tub. Days are for nature walks and naps in hammocks, nights for cooking, chatting and stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve.

"10/10 weekend. This was an amazing place to stay with 17 of us for a hen party. Great facilities and we had the place to ourselves. The tents were all set up so nicely, the hot tub and area around this was perfect, and the big barn had everything we needed for a great weekend away. It couldn’t have been better and Rebecca was so helpful and available to help if we needed. Highly recommend, and I am already making plans to go back"Guest review from Gemma, after her special occasion stay at Nantseren.

Knotting Hill Barn, Leicestershire

Sleeps 12 – Luxury lakeside retreat for group celebrations

Surrounded by woodland and water, this rustic-meets-luxury cabin has everything from underfloor heating to a hot tub under the stars. Think pizza oven dinners, lakeside swims, and music-filled nights. If you’re celebrating something big, treat yourselves and book a private chef to cook a special occasion dinner or leave prepped dishes waiting in the fridge. 

"We had a magical Easter/Birthday weekend. We passed the sign to tell us we were entering a stress free zone and that is exactly what it felt like. We were surrounded by the woodlands and sounds of nature and felt like we had completely escaped the stresses of daily life. We made good use of the outdoor shower, hot tub, pizza oven, swing and canoes."Guest review from Adrianne, after her special occasion stay at Knotting Hill Barn.

Vintage Vardos, Devon

Sleeps 14 – Whimsical Gypsy caravan camp for group holidays

Tucked in a Devon glade, the Vintage Vardos is a group glamping stay that will transport your friends and family back to a simpler time. Cook over an open fire, toast marshmallows, get to know the cows and sheep, and explore nearby Exmoor National Park. When the weather turns, the gallery barn has table tennis, darts, a cinema and space to unwind together.

"We booked the Vintage Vardos for our 25th birthday to celebrate with friends and we were not disappointed! Jemma was so helpful in helping arrange things beforehand and took all our stuff down to the site on her quad bike. She even showed us Norman, a young calf who lives on the farm! We really connected with nature; cooking breakfast and dinner over the open fire, toasting marshmallows and looking up at the many stars. It was honestly the best weekend we could've had and we created so many amazing memories. Thank you Jemma for giving us a birthday to remember!"Guest review from Rachel, after her special occasion stay at Vintage Vardos.

The Camping Meadow, Norfolk

Sleeps up to 32 – Epic glamping site for big group getaways

The great thing about big group holidays, is that when you split the cost, it becomes an absolute bargain. So, if you’re planning a milestone birthday, mini festival or reunion, The Camping Meadow is your blank canvas for a weekend of glorious chaos. Hire out the whole site and let the fun unfold. It’s like your own private festival, minus the dodgy loos and overpriced pints. With six bell tents, a two-storey handcrafted bender tent, double-decker bus turned party den, and a Warehouse Bar complete with pool table and cinema, this place was made for memorable group celebrations.

"This place is magical! We hired the entire camp site for my 40th birthday weekend. The kids ran free and adults had a brilliant time and the warehouse was worth its weight in gold. The hosts were so helpful, the site is wonderful and I couldn't recommend it enough." Guest review from Sinead, after her special occasion stay at The Camping Meadow.

Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Group Stay

 

1. Find your perfect basecamp

First things first, pick a place that matches your vibe. Do you want to climb mountains together, kayak down rivers or just find a big enough sofa for everyone to sit on at once? Our glamping for large groups stays range from forest lodges with saunas to treehouses and meadow hideouts.

 

If you need more inspiration, check out our feature Where to celebrate as a group to help you narrow the choices down and find the perfect place for your special occasion.

 

2. Get organised (but not too organised)

Yes, someone has to be the grown-up who books things. But don’t fall into the itinerary trap, you’re not running a school trip. Plan one or two group activities (a hike, a wild swim, maybe a communal cook-up) and leave room for spontaneous fun. A rainy day might turn into a film marathon. A quick dip in the lake might last all afternoon. That’s the beauty of glamping: there’s no agenda, just time well spent.

 

3. Master the group chat

Every successful group holiday starts with a strong group chat. Use it for logistics, playlists, memes and passive aggressive reminders about paying deposits. Top tip: mute notifications when the “what should we bring?” debate hits 100 messages.

 

4. Keep meals simple and social

Go for crowd pleasers that feed the masses. Think big pans of pasta, BBQ feasts or DIY pizza nights. Make cooking an event, not a chore. Or if you're feeling fancy, book one of our stays where you can book a private chef.

 

5. Balance together time and solo time

The best group holidays let everyone do their thing. Morning yoga on the deck for some, long lie-ins for others. Don’t worry if not everyone joins every activity, it’s about shared moments, not forced fun.

 

6. Bring the extras that make it sparkle

Add a touch of occasion. Bring fairy lights, bunting, and maybe a Bluetooth speaker (for the self-appointed DJ). Think wood-fired pizzas, storytelling around the campfire, and home-made cocktails in enamel mugs. A few thoughtful details turn a weekend away into something you’ll talk about for years.

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