🚗 Easy to Get To – Even for That One Mate Who Always Gets Lost

We’ll admit it, “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” sounds like it might require sat navs, packed lunches and 4 hours on the road. But actually? The Wye Valley is sneakily accessible.

• From Bristol: Under 1hr 15 mins

• From Birmingham: 90 mins

• From Cardiff: 1 hour

• From London: 2 hrs 30 if you time it right

And once you’re there, you’ll find big holiday homes with proper parking, easy links to local towns (Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Chepstow) and enough privacy that you can belt out Wonderwall round the firepit without bothering the neighbours.

👉 Where to stay: The Anchor – a 15th-century former pub-turned-holiday house sleeping up to 22. All the charm, none of the sticky carpets.

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🧒 Fun for All Ages – From Toddlers to Teenagers to Nan

One of the hardest parts about a big family trip? Keeping everyone entertained. The Wye Valley takes care of that for you.

• Little ones love Puzzlewood (real-life enchanted forest vibes), Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and the miniature railway at Perrygrove.

• Teens can go off-grid with Go Ape, paddleboarding in Symonds Yat, or canoeing down the river like extras from Swallows and Amazons.

• Adults get castles, vineyards, long lazy pub lunches and the chance to finally relax without running a taxi service.

And for groups who want to do very little? The views, the walks and the well-stocked kitchen (or private chef – more on that in a sec) mean chilling out is just as much on the cards.

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🍴 Food, Glorious Food (That You Don’t Have to Cook)

This is the age of “book the chef, light the candles, open the wine”. You’re not here to spend hours in a supermarket or juggle dietary requirements with half a pack of pasta and a punnet of sad cherry tomatoes.

In the Wye Valley, you’ve got:

• Private chefs and caterers who’ll cook at your holiday home and do the clearing up.

• Top-notch restaurants like The Whitebrook (Michelin-starred) or The Saracens Head in Symonds Yat.

• Local producers and farm shops if you fancy rustling up something yourself – think cider, local meats, Wye Valley asparagus in season.

👉 Where to stay:Wye Rapids House – the perfect set-up for laid-back meals and fireside feasts, with space for kids to roam and grown-ups to unwind.

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🏞️ The Outdoors is Basically Showing Off

Yes, yes – we said this wasn’t just for walkers. But if your group does like to get the boots muddy, the Wye Valley is one big scenic show-off.

• Symonds Yat Rock – Instagrammable af, and the peregrine falcons are a bonus.

• The Wye River – try paddleboarding, canoeing, or just have a lazy pub lunch and watch the action from the terrace.

• Forest of Dean – mountain biking, sculpture trails, wildlife spotting.

But don’t worry – it’s not all full throttle. You’ll find plenty of picnic spots, pub gardens, and scenic drives if your vibe is more flask and blanket than Fitbit steps.

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🏡 Room for Everyone (and Then Some)

Forget squeezing into a couple of B&Bs or having to ask “so who’s in the bunk bed?” when you arrive. BHHL’s big houses are made for groups – think en-suite bedrooms, long dining tables, wood-burners, garden games, and even your own bar in some cases.

You’ve got:

• The Anchor – 7 ensuite bedrooms, pub-style bar, riverside location, games room, Sky TV and superfast broadband. Perfect for big celebrations or multi-gen families.

• Pencraig Court – sweeping views and peaceful garden, ideal for quieter retreats or wildlife-watching weekends.

• Forest House – central in Coleford, fab for groups wanting to explore but still wander into town for a pint or ice cream.

👉 Every property comes with on-the-ground support from the BHHL team, so if you’ve forgotten the birthday cake candles or need a taxi last minute – someone’s got your back.

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🕺 Entertainment On Tap (Even After Dark)

Your group doesn’t have to head out every night. With the right set-up, the party stays in.

• Hot tubs at selected properties

• Big screen TVs with Sky and streaming

• Outdoor firepits and BBQs

• Games rooms and pub-style bars

• Space to hire live music, a cocktail class, quiz night host or chef

When you stay somewhere that feels like a private mini-hotel, you can plan the kind of nights in that are actually memorable. No last orders, no taxis, no “who’s got the key?”

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In a Nutshell…

Big group holidays can be chaotic – but they don’t have to be. The Wye Valley brings together everything you want from a getaway with family or friends: location, views, food, space, nature, adventure and a bit of luxury. Add one of BHHL’s large holiday lets into the mix and suddenly you’re not just “away for the weekend”, you’re making proper memories.

Ready to rally the family?
Your perfect Wye Valley escape starts right here.

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