Staycations in the UK
What is a Staycation?
The term Staycation has arisen due to the current economic conditions leaving Britons with less money to spend and rising political uncertainty in Europe and other holiday destinations that have traditionally been popular.
This has led many to look closer to home for their next big holiday or weekend break without having to worry about flight cancellations, political unrest or the Pound no longer going as far as it used to in other countries.
Whilst some choose to have their Staycation literally by staying at home and going for day trips, others choose to at least get a change of scenery and explore a different part of the country by staying in a hotel or holiday let.
What makes a Staycation better than going abroad?
Whilst the UK may not have the best weather compared to the Mediterranean, Middle East or the Caribbean, neither does it have the very real possibility of political unrest or extreme weather conditions that have been prevalent in other countries in recent years.
Also with the rise of theme parks, interest in outdoor pursuits and the amazing wildlife, historic landmarks and the ever present natural wonder on our doorstep in the UK, Britons are starting to appreciate what is available to them without the stress and potential disaster of leaving the country.
More time to enjoy your Staycation!
Another benefit is that you actually get more time to enjoy your holiday simply because you aren’t spending hours waiting for a train or a plane, never mind the journey itself. In fact by the time you actually drove to your airport and parked you could already be unpacked and enjoying a holiday in the Wye Valley!
What are the benefits of a large holiday home?
A large holiday home can actually save you money! For instance, a group of 20 could easily book a weekend for less than £100 per head! This leaves you with more money to get out and explore the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
It is also fairly central and isn’t very far away from most parts of the UK, so no arduous travelling is required!
Why choose a holiday home with Big House Holiday Lets?
BHHL specialise in managing self-catering holiday lettings for large groups within the UK, focusing on the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean because of its outstanding natural beauty and because there are a wealth of activities and things to do.
Our group accommodation is suitable for families to join together and experience many wonderful local attractions just a short drive from our holiday homes.
It is also great for groups of friends to get away or clubs with shared interests such as fishing, cycling, hiking or canoeing to take a weekend break enjoying their passion.
What makes us different from the big travel sites is that we live in the same area as the holiday homes we let, so if you need to know anything before you book just ask and we’ll be happy to talk through your requirements!
How do I book my Staycation?
At BHHL we love getting to know our customers. First, check our holiday homes with your preferred dates and if you’re undecided about which one fits in with your plans just call us on 01600 722929 or send us an email and we’ll be happy to tell you more about the houses and the local area and find the right one for you.
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Beautiful sunset -
Wye Valley -
Forest of Dean Trees
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Bowley Hall
Prices from £2,950.00
Bowley Hall is a 9 bedroom Manor House and a 3 bedroom Coach House sleeping up to 31 guests in stunning Herefordshire countryside. With a bar, games room, cinema room, extensive grounds, outdoor pizza oven and Hot Tub (hire charge) its the perfect venue to relax in style and comfort. 3 lounges, huge baronial dining room, modern kitchen, breakfast room - its has everything you need. Licensed for weddings up to 170 with Marquee.
- 9 Bedrooms in Hall + 3 in Coachhouse
- Sleeps from 18 to 31 plus 4 infants please ask for a quote
- Hot Tub (Hired) Hot Tub included in house hire from November 2025 to May 2026
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
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Holly Tree House
Prices from £1,995.00
Charming villa above Symonds Yat, sleeping 22 in 9 bedrooms overlooking River Wye. Two lounges, a large dining room and patio plus covered, outdoor Hot Tub and Games Room. Short walk to 3 pubs (with excellent food), river ferry, and flat riverside circular walk - super pet-friendly. Loads of activities inc canoes and paddle boards. verty safe and secure, no traffic. Ideal multi generation holiday cottage. Holly Tree House provides accommodation in an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- 9 bedrooms sleeping 12 - 22
- 8 Bath and Shower/Loos
- Covered Hot Tub
- Pet Friendly
- 3 Pub/Restaurants walkable
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The Anchor
Prices from £2,150.00
Set in the heart of Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean and previously know as The Anchor Inn, this cosy village pub, which dates back to the 15th century, is now a charmingly converted holiday cottage sleeping 20 in 7/8 ensuite bedrooms. Lovely Games Room and covered Hot Tub. Enclosed rear garden, pet friendly. Walk to village pubs, shop and chippie! Easy access to riverside. With Superfast Broadband and full Sky Film and Sports Pack it's ideal for work and leisure.
- 7/8 ensuite bedrooms sleep 22
- G/F room, sofa bed & bathroom
- Dogs and other pets welcome
- Covered Hot Tub
- Dine 20 round one table
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River Wye Lodge
Prices from £3,150.00
Converted Coaching Inn on the banks of the River Wye, with park and canoe launch - short walk to village shop, pub, Indian takeaway and fish and chip shop. Sleeps 26 in 12 bedrooms, 10 having glorious views of the River Wye. Accessibility ramp to the front door and the ground floor houses a wheelchair friendly twin room with an en-suite wet room. Huge dining room and lounge, 2 connected kitchens, playground outside. Games Room. Pet friendly.
- 12 Bedrooms sleeping 26
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room
- Dine 26 round one table
- Twin disabled bedroom wet room en suite
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Bromsash House
Prices from £2,600.00
Bromsash House is a grand Manor house boasting six acres of land. 5 bedrooms in the main house sleep 12 adults . There is a Lodge with 3 double bedrooms sleeping a further 6 and Games Room.. The gardens are huge and boast a huge array of unusual trees, fruit trees, rose bushes, and magnolias, creating perfect areas in which to play and explore. Patio with lovely furniture and Hot Tub. Bromsash House sleeps 18 in total.
- 1 Hot Tub
- 2 Pets Welcome
- Max sleepers 18
- Linen Provided
- Sky TV
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Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,750.00
13 bedroom (11 ensuite) converted hotel overlooking the River Wye rapids at Symonds Yat. Large dining room , bar, lounge, patio, riverside garden plus outdoor hot tub (that can be hired) and games room. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sights and sound of nature all around you. An ideal pet-friendly cottage for large group holidays. With flat walks and 3 nearby pubs and restaurants, Wye Rapids provides an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for up to 30 guests (26 adults max plus 4 children)
- 11 ensuite Bedrooms plus family room and shared bathroom sleeps 26 adults plus 4 children
- Hot tub hire available
- All dine together
- Fully commercial kitchen
- Offroad parking for 16 cars
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Monnow Valley Studio
Prices from £3,450.00
Sleeps 24 in 11 bedrooms , world famous recording studio on banks of the River Monnow, full of memorabilia with Party Room, Games Room, Cinema Room, stunning dining room, huge modern kitchen, hot tub (hire charge) . Pets are not allowed. peaceful, quiet , safe with no traffic, fishing and swimming from the garden. Licensed for Weddings - 50 max.
- Outdoor Hot Tub
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
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The Manor on the Monnow
Prices from £2,950.00
Majestic Manor House sleeping 24 in 11 bedrooms, huge lounge and dining room. Big kitchen and separate breakfast room. Games room and covered Hot Tub in 2 acre safe and private grounds. On the banks of the River Monnow, fishing from garden and wild swimming a very short walk. 10 minute flat stroll into town, the Manor is perfect for town and country group self catering in the picturesque border town of Monmouth. Pet friendly.
- Games Room and Hot Tub
- Fishing from riverbank
- Wild swimming 100 yards
- Galleried Hall with woodburner
- 11 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms
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Forest House
Prices from £2,750.00
This 11 ensuite bedroom converted 4* Hotel sleeps up to 25 in the centre of Coleford, the heart of the Forest of Dean - Hot Tub, 2 Lounges, Games Room with pool table, Large dining room, fantastic kitchen. Off road walks and cycling from door. Pet friendly. Short walk to shops, pubs, restaurants. A perfect location for sampling the huge array of activities and attractions in the Forest of Dean.
- 11 Ensuite bedrooms sleeping 25
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room with Pool Table
- All Dine Together
- Pet Friendly for 2 dogs
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High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,200.00
The secluded hilltop retreat of explorer, adventurer, and author Christina Dodwell, High Cloud Farm, a perfect location for 3 generation celebrations, with maps, books, pictures and artefacts in evidence everywhere. This remote rural cottage on the Wales borders offers total privacy as a large party house or holiday retreat. Hot tub and heated Swimming Pool (May till October). farmhouse sleeps 12 and Barn sleeps 12. Everyone can dine together in the Barn. 3 Kitchens, Games Room, pet friendly.
- Dining table seats 24
- 10 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Large games room
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Covered hot tub
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Pencraig Court
Prices from £3,250.00
Classic country house sleeping 36 in 11 bedrooms midway between Monmouth and Ross on Wye overlooking the river. Pet friendly, stunning rooms, large grounds, games room. On site 3 bed cottage sleeping a further 8 available. Large grounds and gardens and a drive with an extensive parking area, totalling 3.6 Acres. Hot tub hire available.
- 11 Ensuite Bedrooms sleeping 36
- Attached 3 Bed cottage sleeping 8
- Games Rooms with Table Football and Pool table
- Hot tub Hire available
- Pet Friendly
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Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £3,950.00
A comfortable 25 bedroom (all ensuite) converted guest accommodation situated on the banks for the River Wye. Huge dining room, lounge,bar, games / party room and mature gardend. With flat walks from the door Symonds Yat Lodge is the perfect place for celebrations and large group holidays. Pet friendly, parking. Sleeps 50 guests. Prices are based on 30 guests in 15 bedrooms with 10 extra bedrooms available at an additional charge.
- 25 ensuite Bedrooms
- All dine together in huge dining room
- Licensed for Weddings - for up to 100 guests
- Pet friendly
- Country pub within 5 minute walk
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Carefree Cottage
Carefree Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth
