Why Big Group Holidays Are Back (and Hotels Are Out)
There's been a noticeable shift in the way people travel.
Not so long ago, organising a family celebration or friends' getaway usually meant searching for a hotel with enough rooms, hoping everyone could stay in the same place and crossing your fingers that dinner reservations could accommodate twenty people.
Now?
More and more groups are skipping the hotel altogether.
Instead, they're booking spacious holiday homes where everyone can stay together, relax at their own pace and create the kind of memories that simply aren't possible when everyone's spread across separate hotel rooms.
If you're planning a birthday, anniversary, reunion or just an excuse to escape with your favourite people, here's why large group holidays are making a huge comeback.
Better Value for Everyone
Let's start with the obvious one: cost.
When you split the price of a large holiday home between several couples or families, it often works out considerably cheaper per person than booking individual hotel rooms.
Instead of paying for ten or twelve hotel rooms, everyone shares one beautiful property complete with spacious living areas, gardens, games rooms and often extras like hot tubs, cinema rooms or private bars.
That means your budget stretches much further.
Rather than spending the extra money on accommodation, you can put it towards experiences—whether that's hiring a private chef, enjoying local activities or simply treating yourselves during your stay.
The Holiday Starts the Moment You Arrive
Hotels naturally separate people.
You meet for breakfast.
You disappear back to your rooms.
Someone wants a nap.
Someone else heads to the bar.
Large holiday homes bring everyone together and BHHL have 16 of them for you to choose from.
The kitchen becomes the social hub.
The lounge fills with laughter.
The garden turns into the place where conversations continue long after the sun has gone down.
Children play together while adults catch up over coffee.
Grandparents aren't tucked away on another floor.
Nobody needs to organise where to meet next.
The holiday becomes about spending time together rather than simply staying in the same town.
Shared Memories Beat Separate Rooms Every Time
Ask anyone about their favourite group holiday and they rarely talk about the bedroom.
They remember:
- The huge breakfast everyone cooked together.
- Board games that became unexpectedly competitive.
- Barbecues that lasted all afternoon.
- Sitting in the hot tub under the stars.
- The late-night conversations that somehow solved the world's problems.
These are the moments people remember years later.
Hotels offer somewhere to sleep.
Large holiday homes offer somewhere to live together for a few days.
That's a big difference.
Eat What You Want, When You Want
Trying to book a restaurant for twenty people on a Saturday evening?
Good luck.
Even if you manage it, you're tied to a booking time, a set menu or several separate tables.
Self-catering changes everything.
Fancy pancakes at midday?
Go for it.
Want to cook a huge Sunday roast together?
Perfect.
Ordering pizzas after a long riverside walk?
No problem.
Many large holiday homes feature generous dining spaces designed specifically for big groups, making shared meals one of the highlights of the stay.
Of course, if nobody feels like cooking, you can still arrange local catering, meal deliveries or enjoy one of the excellent pubs and restaurants around the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
The choice is yours.
Freedom Makes Better Holidays
One of the biggest differences between hotels and holiday homes is flexibility.
There's no worrying about breakfast finishing at 9.30.
No rushing back before housekeeping arrives.
No queueing to use shared facilities.
No wondering whether the lounge will still have enough seats.
Your group sets the pace.
Early risers can enjoy coffee in the garden.
Night owls can carry on chatting without disturbing strangers.
Children have space to play safely.
Dogs can often come too, meaning nobody has to miss out on the family gathering.
It's your holiday, your timetable.
Less Organising, More Enjoying
Anyone who's ever organised accommodation for a large group knows the challenge.
Who's on which floor?
Can everyone park?
Where do we meet?
Has everyone checked in?
When you're all staying under one roof, life becomes much simpler.
One arrival.
One shared space.
One place where everyone knows where everyone else is.
Instead of constantly coordinating plans, you simply enjoy being together.
Perfect for Every Celebration
Large holiday homes aren't just for milestone birthdays anymore.
Groups are booking them for:
- Family reunions
- Multi-generational holidays
- Friends' weekends away
- Walking holidays
- Cycling adventures
- Baby showers
- Small weddings
- Christmas and New Year breaks
- Retirement celebrations
- Simply because everyone's overdue a catch-up
The reason is always the same.
People value time together more than ever.
And Where Better Than the Wye Valley?
When you're travelling with a group, location matters just as much as the accommodation.
The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean offer the perfect balance.
Spend one day walking beside the River Wye.
Visit charming market towns such as Ross-on-Wye or Monmouth.
Explore ancient woodland, independent cafés, castles and country pubs.
Or simply stay at your holiday home all day, enjoying good food, games, laughter and each other's company.
There's no pressure to do everything.
Sometimes doing very little together turns out to be the highlight of the trip.
The New Way to Holiday Together
Hotels will always have their place.
But when it comes to bringing together extended families, old friends or several generations under one roof, large holiday homes offer something hotels simply can't.
Space.
Freedom.
Privacy.
Value for money.
And, most importantly, the chance to make memories together rather than just sleeping in the same postcode.
That's why more groups are choosing large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
Because the best holidays aren't measured by room numbers or breakfast buffets.
They're measured by the stories you're still laughing about long after everyone has gone home.
Take a look at some of our large holiday houses:
Around the dining Room at Forest House
The bar area in River Wye Lodge
Party time at Monnow Valley Studios
Get in touch to arrange your relaxing break:
Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
01600 732 050
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Bowley Hall
Prices from £3,250.00
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 included
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
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The Manor on the Monnow
Prices from £2,850.00
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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Holly Tree House
Prices from £2,450.00
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 £2,450.00
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 22 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 £2,850.00
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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Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,850.00
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 £2,850.00
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 for hire
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
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Brookside
Prices from £2,450.00
Grand Georgian Manor — A Luxurious Countryside Escape for up to 24 Guests. Experience the charm and elegance of this stunning Georgian manor house, featuring eight large bedrooms and five bathrooms. Perfect for large groups, family gatherings, or special celebrations, the property offers a grand dining area where everyone can dine together, a large lounge for relaxing evenings, a fun-filled games room, and an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Combining classic style with modern comfort, this exceptional home provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable countryside getaway.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Large Games Room / Party Room
- Hot Tub can be hired
- Ground floor bedroom for elderly or infirm
- Village location with local shop, cafe & pub
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Forest House
Prices from £2,850.00
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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Fairlea Grange
Prices from £2,450.00
This striking gothic townhouse in the heart of Abergavenny is full of character and inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie The Lady Vanishes. It was the childhood home of Ethel Lina White who wrote the original novel. If you want your stay to evoke a dramatic atmosphere this is the holiday home for you! 10 bedrooms, sleeping up to 24 people with 2 lounges , 2 kitchens , games Room, Hot Tub, enclosed garden in walking distance of town centre and Station. Pet friendly.
- 10 bedrooms, 6 ensuites plus 2 bathrooms
- Pets Welcome
- Games Room
- Covered Hot Tub
- Near Brecon Beacons
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High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,450.00
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 £2,850.00
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 room with pool and table football
- Hot tub Hire available
- Pet Friendly
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Bromsash House
Prices from £2,950.00
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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Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £4,250.00
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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Pencraig Cottage
Pencraig Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth
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Hope Mansell Hall
Prices from £4,250.00
Hope Mansell Hall is an 18 ensuite bedroom Georgian estate in 11 acres of winding gardens and tranquil woodland outside Ross-on-Wye. Perfectly equipped for family and corporate events, intimate celebrations and weddings. Sleeps up to 36 guests plus 4 children on Z beds. With games room for the children, huge dining room, gorgeous kitchen , gardens, the perfect getaway.
- 18 Ensuite Bedrooms sleep 36 plus 4 children on Z beds
- Games Room, pool, table tennis, table football for children
- Huge Dining Room seats 40
- Professional level kitchen
- Bar, perfect for socialising
