The Magic of a Mega Meet-Up

We’re not talking soggy tents or squishing into nan’s living room. We’re talking roaring log fires, games rooms, en suite bedrooms, and countryside views that stretch for days. We're talking the Forest of Dean — all ancient woodland, riverside rambles, and proper pub lunches — with a seriously good line-up of large, character-packed houses just waiting to host your brood.

From toddlers to teenagers, grannies to grown-ups, there’s something magical about a few uninterrupted days away with your nearest and dearest. Even better when everyone’s got their own space and no one’s on a blow-up mattress in the kitchen.

And now for the cherry on top…

It’s Cheaper Than You Think

We know. At first glance, hiring a big house for 20+ people might look a bit “oof!” on the budget front. But break it down per person, and suddenly you’ve got bargain-busting prices that rival most hotels and beat holiday parks hands down.

Let’s talk numbers:

🛏 The Anchor, Lydbrook – Sleeps 20
Starting at just over £50 per person per night, this beauty has bags of space, a riverside setting, and plenty of room for the little ones to join the adventure. That includes bedrooms galore, lush gardens, and all the charm of a historic inn made for memory-making.

🌲 Forest House, Coleford – Sleeps 25
This Georgian gem offers style and substance, with elegant spaces, town-centre convenience, and a cost from just £55 per person per night. It’s got the wow-factor for those landmark birthdays or long-overdue catch-ups.

When you consider the price of eating out three times a day or cramming into hotels with barely a hallway to play in — the value of going big speaks for itself. Especially when most properties come with:

• A fully equipped kitchen (yes, you will become a team breakfast legend)

• BBQs and outdoor space for long summer evenings

• Log burners for those lazy winter nights

• Games rooms, cinema rooms, pool tables and more

• Proper privacy and no worrying about waking the neighbours

You’re Not Just Booking a House – You’re Booking Experiences

One of the biggest perks of going large is having the space to actually do stuff together. We're talking pancake flipping contests, board game tournaments, late-night chats with a glass of red, and communal cooking that ends in fits of laughter.

There’s no “meeting in the car park at 9” or splitting into different restaurants because you couldn’t get a big enough table. Everyone’s under one roof. That means spontaneous fun, together time, and zero logistics.

And let's be honest, that’s the bit we all remember years later. Not the cost. Not the weather. Just the belly laughs, the togetherness, and maybe Uncle Dave’s questionable karaoke choices.

The Forest of Dean: Your Family Playground

If you’ve never been to the Forest of Dean before, prepare to fall head over muddy boots in love.

It’s packed with outdoor adventures for all ages, like:

• Puzzlewood (yes, the magical woodland from Star Wars and Harry Potter)

• Go Ape for your little (and not-so-little) daredevils

• The Dean Forest Railway, a must for train lovers of all ages

• Canoeing, cycling, walking and wildlife watching galore

• Wye Valley vineyards and cider farms (for the grown-ups, obvs)

You’ll find characterful pubs, independent cafés, and more cake than you can politely decline. And all of it just a couple of hours from Birmingham, Bristol, and London.

Still Not Sure? Let’s Do a Little Maths…

Let’s say you’re booking a 3-night weekend stay at Forest House with 25 people. At £55 per person per night, that’s:

£55 x 3 nights = £165 per person

Now compare that to a chain hotel stay, meals out, and splitting up the group — the savings (and sanity) start to add up pretty quickly.

Plus, you’ve got a kitchen to cook group meals, fridge space for drinks and snacks, and the freedom to just be. No check-in desk queues, no bedsharing, and no judgment if you wear slippers all day.

Top Tips for Planning a Big Family Break

Here’s how to make it smooth, not stressful:

🗓 Book early – Large houses get snapped up fast, especially during school holidays.

📅 Use a spreadsheet or group planner – Track who’s coming, who’s in charge of lasagne night, and who’s bringing the giant Jenga.

🍷 Do a big shop or order a delivery – Save time and money by bulk-buying your essentials (wine counts as an essential, right?).

📸 Designate a photographer – You’ll want at least one person snapping those “three generations on the trampoline” moments.

🎂 Celebrate something – Whether it’s a big birthday or just the fact you’ve all survived another school year, make it special.

Ready to Make Some Memories?