The quintessential family gathering in the UK often conjures up images of charming countryside escapes, where generations come together to share laughter, stories, and quality time. With this heartwarming tradition in mind, we’ve scoured the country to uncover five stunning holiday houses that serve as the perfect backdrop for creating cherished family memories.
Manor House, Yorkshire: A stately retreat for family reunions
Manor House, an 18th-century estate in Yorkshire, accommodates up to ten guests. It offers a grandeur that’s perfect for family gatherings. The kitchen and dining area feature a bespoke solid wood table, top-range appliances, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Manor House includes two sitting areas — a primary sitting room with a wood-burning stove for cosy nights, and a smaller room perfect for younger guests with games and a television.
Five beautifully decorated bedrooms grace the first floor, overlooking private gardens. The master bedroom features a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom.
Manor House’s garden and game room complete the experience. Ideal for all-age family gatherings in beautiful Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Hideaways
Prices from £1,465
Knotting Hill Farmhouse, Norfolk: Luxury coastal retreat for large families
Knotting Hill Farmhouse is located near Cley-next-the-Sea in Norfolk and offers luxury accommodation for up to eighteen guests. This exclusive, detached rental, inspired by the North Norfolk Coast, sits in three private acres and is ideal for big families.
Outdoor features include a wood-fired hot tub, a sauna, and a Scandinavian cold plunge pool. There’s also a wildflower-covered all-weather entertaining area and an outdoor kitchen.
Inside, eight en-suite bedrooms are individually styled. Designed in partnership with Schöffel, there is a unique suite with sea views and a balcony overlooking the beautiful wildflower roof.
Knotting Hill Farmhouse ensures privacy, comfort, and luxury for family gatherings by the sea. Perfect for those seeking a memorable coastal escape.
Norfolk Hideaways
Prices from £5,250
Watery Park Barn, Cotswolds: Spacious hideaway for gatherings
Watery Park Barn, a lovingly restored venue, now serves as a spacious holiday cottage in the Cotswolds. This stunning property offers a generous space for a family holiday.
The barn features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. It offers seven bedrooms, including four around the gallery, and a large dining table that can comfortably seat 18 for memorable dinner parties.
Outdoors, a large garden with a covered patio area and two gas barbecues is ready to enjoy. With a standard capacity of 14 guests, it can accommodate an extra four guests on sofa beds if requested.
Watery Park Barn provides the perfect setting for group getaways in the serene Cotswolds.
Cotswolds Hideaway
Prices from £3,585
Wraxall Yard, Dorset: Tranquil family retreat
Located in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wraxall Yard is a collection of five beautifully restored barns designed for family retreats. Set around a shared courtyard garden, these barns offer a peaceful escape for guests of all abilities.
Each cottage boasts an open-plan living area, a dining space, and a well-equipped kitchen with adaptable worktops. For larger groups, an on-site community space is available for communal cooking and dining, accommodating up to 24 guests.
The high ceilings with exposed trusses create a spacious atmosphere in Ladymeade, Kittwhistle, Lynchets, Clementine, and Larger Lookout, all of which offer accessible wet rooms and a variety of bedroom configurations.
Wraxall Yard is a perfect base for those looking to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Its location is ideal for exploring nearby quaint villages and market towns, and the beautiful Jurassic Coast is within easy reach. Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, is just a 15-minute drive away.
Dorset Hideaways
Prices from £2,700
Beach Cottage, Cornwall: A seaside gem for family escapes
Beach Cottage, just 100 yards from the stunning Trevaunance Cove, offers accommodation for eight guests. Renovated in 2021, it combines modern amenities with traditional charm like exposed brickwork and a roll-top bath. A newly built annexe can host an additional four guests, perfect for larger family gatherings, accommodating a total of twelve.
The cottage boasts a fully-equipped kitchen, an open-plan dining area, and two inviting living spaces. Four generous bedrooms, two of which can be configured as twin or super-king, along with additional family bathrooms and showers, ensure everyone’s comfort.
Outside, an acre of landscaped grounds awaits. Enjoy a barbecue, relax on the patio, and take in the lovely garden. Beach Cottage serves as an excellent base for exploring Cornwall.
Cornwall Hideaways
Prices from £2,232
