How to plan a group trip in the UK

There’s nothing quite like getting everyone together: the friends who make you laugh until your face hurts, the family you don’t see enough, the colleagues who’ve somehow become your chosen people. A group holiday in the UK is your chance to reconnect, recharge, and create the kind of memories that get retold every time you meet again.

A family of five playing a game of jenga outside their accommodation.

Key takeaways

Discover the best UK destinations for group holidays, from coastal escapes to countryside retreats.
Learn how to plan stress-free group getaways, with tips on budgets, booking, and communication.
Explore group-friendly lodges with hot tubs, restaurants, and on-site entertainment for all ages.
Get inspired with itineraries and activity ideas for family reunions, friend trips, and celebrations.
Find dog-friendly and family-friendly parks that make every member of the group feel at home.
Enjoy spacious, flexible accommodation designed for connection, comfort, and unforgettable memories.

But we all know the truth: planning a group getaway can be…a lot. Finding dates that work, choosing somewhere everyone loves, figuring out food, travel, and budgets: it’s enough to make anyone consider staying home.

Luckily for you, Away Resorts has gorgeous parks across the UK that are perfect for seamless group holidays. From Cornish coastlines to woodland retreats, planning becomes easy. Spacious lodges, fun-filled activities, and group-friendly accommodation mean you can actually enjoy the build-up instead of battling logistics.

Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a UK group holiday that feels effortless and unforgettable.

Why a group trip is always a good idea

Between family commitments, work schedules, and life admin, it’s rare that everyone’s calendars line up. But when they finally do, magic happens. Group getaways have a special kind of energy: laughter over breakfast, spontaneous adventures, shared sunsets, and those late-night conversations you didn’t know you needed.

A weekend away or a few mid-week days in one of the UK’s most beautiful spots gives everyone a reset button. You don’t need flights, passports, or endless travel days: just a few hours in the car and you’re somewhere new.

And because Away Resorts parks are dotted all over the UK, you can pick a destination that suits everyone: halfway points for scattered friends, seaside escapes for beach lovers, or forest hideaways for groups craving calm.

Pick your people and your vibe

Before you dive into dates and destinations, define the kind of trip you want.

Is your group all about relaxing, adventuring, or celebrating?

The chill crew: Long lie-ins, spa sessions, hot tub chats, and late-night movies
The adventure squad: Paddleboarding, zip-lining, hiking, and action from dawn till dusk
The mixed bunch: A blend of energy levels and interests – one of you might be in the spa while another’s at the bar, and that’s perfectly fine
The family crew: Families travelling together, with kids of different ages, needing space to play, rest, and eat together

Knowing the vibe early makes choosing a location and budget much easier. It also keeps expectations aligned, so no one’s shocked or disappointed when a “quiet weekend” turns into “karaoke until midnight.”

Choose your destination

The UK might be small, but it’s still bursting with variety. Mountains, beaches, forests, and lakes are all within easy reach. Here are some destinations groups regularly rave about.

Friends chilling in the rooftop hot tub at Retallack Resort and spa.

Lincolnshire

Lakeside charm meets countryside calm in Lincolnshire. It’s the kind of place where water sports and spa sessions coexist happily, and everything you need is within touching distance.

Things to do: Kayaking across calm waters, spa treatments when you’ve earned them, evening entertainment that really entertains, and hot tubs that become the evening headquarters.

Where to stay: Tattershall Lakes wrote the book on group lodges. Waterside location, activities everywhere you look, bars with atmosphere, and Instagram-famous hot tub lodges. Book early, they’re popular for a reason.

Perfect for: Groups who want options – morning adventurers, afternoon loungers, and night-time socialisers all get their ideal experience.

North Wales

When mountains crash into the coastline, you get North Wales. Dramatic, beautiful, and ideal for groups who can’t decide between adventure and relaxation (spoiler: you can have both).

Things to do: Tackling Zip World if you’re brave enough, hiking Snowdonia trails, discovering quiet beaches, and rewarding yourselves with spa sessions after all that fresh air.

Where to stay: Barmouth Bay and Golden Sands both deliver mountain-meets-sea magic. Hot tub lodges with ridiculous views mean post-adventure soaks feel earned. On-site facilities keep everyone happy without leaving the park.

Perfect for: Active groups who love adventure but also appreciate downtime.

Yorkshire

Classic British seaside without the crowds. Yorkshire’s coastline delivers beaches, charming towns, and a seaside-holiday feeling without battling for space on the sand.

Things to do: Exploring sandy beaches, coastal walks with proper sea air, discovering that fish and chips taste better by the ocean, and evenings back at base, enjoying lodge life.

Where to stay: The Bay Filey gives you Yorkshire coast access with modern lodge comfort. Beach proximity, group-friendly accommodation, and facilities that mean you don’t have to venture far unless you want to.

Perfect for: Traditional seaside lovers who prefer beaches without the tourist bustle.

Hampshire

New Forest territory, where woodland charm becomes an actual mood. Hampshire specialises in that countryside luxury vibe that makes you forget about work emails or to-do lists.

Things to do: Forest trails where phones get forgotten, outdoor yoga (for the bendy ones), cycling through ancient woodland, and discovering local pubs or hidden gems.

Where to stay: Sandy Balls (yes, we know, everyone giggles) provides the ideal wellness base. Lodges nestled in trees, facilities designed for unwinding, and space to disconnect from regular life.

Perfect for: Groups craving nature, families wanting quality time, or anyone who needs a reset.

Dorset

South coast beauty where the coast meets countryside. Dorset blends beach days with rolling hills, giving groups that classic British holiday mix: variety without the excessive travel.

Things to do: Beach mornings with sand and sea, coastal path walks showcasing Jurassic Coast views, exploring charming villages, and afternoons that end with sunset drinks on your lodge deck.

Where to stay: Swanage Bay View gives groups Dorset’s coastal charm with lodge comfort. Scenic location, easy beach access, and accommodation designed for groups who want nature, seaside, and quality time together.

Perfect for: Groups who want both beach fun and countryside charm in one getaway.

Set the budget early

Nobody enjoys budget conversations, but having them early saves awkwardness down the line. Establish what everyone can spend: accommodation, travel, food, activities, the works.

Book ahead when you can. Group lodges with hot tubs disappear fast, especially in peak season. Plus, early booking can mean better rates and lodges next to each other (trust us, you want this).

Apps like Splitwise or a shared spreadsheet can keep tabs on expenses and who paid for what, so one ends up footing the mystery pizza bill.

Sort accommodation that fits everyone

When it comes to group trips, your accommodation can make or break the experience. Too small and everyone’s on top of each other. Too spread out and you lose that together feeling.

You’ll want to look for accommodation and parks with:

Spacious open-plan living areas – so everyone can cook, chat, and relax together
Large outdoor decks – perfect for BBQs, stargazing, and that all-important group selfie
Private hot tubs – because every great group trip deserves bubbles
On-site restaurant and bars – ideal for easy group dinners (and no one has to drive)
Entertainment and activities – from live music to water sports, for every kind of guest.

Whether you’re booking one large lodge or several side-by-side, at Away Resorts, you’ll have the space, flexibility, and comfort that make a group holiday actually feel like a holiday.

Group holiday parks for kids

When planning a group trip with kids, look for parks that make family life easy: safe play areas, kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and family-friendly dining. Parks like Tattershall Lakes and The Bay Filey offer dedicated children’s activities so parents can relax too. Explore more about the best holiday parks for kids here.

Group camping parks

If your crew prefers sleeping under the stars, choose camping or glamping parks that can accommodate multiple tents or pods together. Look for facilities like shared kitchens, bathrooms, and communal fire pits to make group camping trips hassle-free.

Away Resorts has UK campsites that suit every level of camper, from traditional tents to luxury glamping pods.

A pitched up family tent with a man, woman and baby sitting in the porch area of the tent. A teen boy and girl are cycling by on a hot sunny day.

Plan your activities (but not every minute)

The golden rule is to balance structure with freedom. Overplanning can make a group trip feel like boot camp, while underplanning can lead to “so…what now?” moments.

Choose two or three anchor activities everyone can join, then leave the rest flexible.

Ideas for inspiration:

Morning paddleboarding or a lakeside walk
Spa sessions or wellness classes
Afternoon drinks at the resort bar
Family treasure hunt or scavenger game around the resort
BBQ night at your lodge
Quiz or karaoke evening
Day trip to a nearby attraction

And don’t forget downtime. Some of the best moments happen when there’s nothing scheduled: chatting on the deck, napping in the sun, or wandering without a plan.

Keep communication simple

Every successful group trip has one hero: the organiser. But they don’t have to do it alone.

Create a WhatsApp chat or Google Doc where everyone can discuss and see dates, packing lists, and payment details. Assign small jobs: one person handles food planning, another checks activity bookings, and someone else is in charge of playlists.

Once you arrive, all that’s left to coordinate is who’s pouring the prosecco.

Group trip ideas for every kind of crew

Each Away Resorts has its own personality, so whether your group thrives on high-energy fun or prefers slow mornings and scenic views, there’s a perfect match waiting.

Type of group	What you need	Where to go
Family reunions	Something for every age and energy level	Tattershall Lakes, The Bay Filey
Friends celebrating	Fun, laughter, late nights	Swanage Bay View, Golden Sands
Adventure crews	Adrenaline and outdoor action	Barmouth Bay, Tattershall Lakes
Wellness groups	Spa time, nature, proper calm	Sandy Balls, Rettallack Resort
Birthday parties	Party atmosphere meets comfort	St Ives Bay, The Bay Filey

Example large group holiday itineraries

Need more inspiration? Here’s how a real group holiday in the UK could unfold.

The classic weekend reunion (2 nights)

Day 1: Arrive, unpack, debate who gets the best bedroom, and kick off the night with a BBQ or takeaway on the deck.

Day 2: Try a morning activity – paddleboarding, a forest walk, or even mini-golf. Lunch at the resort restaurant, then a lazy afternoon hot-tub session. As night falls, head to the on-site bar for drinks and live music.

Day 3: Leisurely breakfast together, a final stroll or swim, and one last group photo (that takes 15 attempts) before everyone heads home, promising “we will do this again.”

The big family gathering (3 nights)

Day 1: Arrive and explore the resort – kids to the playground, adults to the spa or bar.

Day 2: Plan a day out exploring the local area, maybe the coast, a historic town, or a nearby attraction. Return for a family dinner cooked together in your lodge.

Day 3: Relaxed morning, optional activities (bowling, cycling, or simply some horizontal time). Evening games night to bring out the competitive side.

Day 4: Final breakfast (cooked by whoever lost at games), slow pack-up, and head home feeling refreshed and properly reconnected.

What to pack for a group holiday in the UK

For a group holiday, you’ll want to keep packing simple but smart: you’ll thank yourself later.

Essentials include:

Swimwear for pools and hot tubs
Comfy layers (because British weather loves surprises)
Trainers or comfortable walking shoes
Board games or cards for late-night laughs
Portable speaker for group playlists
Power banks and chargers (someone always forgets)
Reusable bottles and coffee cups
Raincoat or umbrella (just in case)
Matching hoodies, t-shirts, or robes if your group loves a photo moment

And don’t forget: bring patience with humour. With a large group holiday, things rarely go exactly to plan… but that’s half the fun.

Ready to plan your group getaway?

Whether it’s a milestone birthday trip, a long-overdue reunion, or just an excuse to hang out somewhere beautiful, Away Resorts takes the stress out of organising. You bring the people, we’ll bring the perfect place.

Our parks are made for togetherness: big living spaces, brilliant activities, restaurants and bars for easy dining, and accommodation that feels like home (but better). From coastlines to countryside, you’ll find a setting that suits every group and every mood.

So, gather the crew, lock in the dates, and start counting down.

Your next unforgettable group holiday in the UK starts right here, with Away Resorts.

Mother and young daughter sitting lakeside enjoying lunch and drinks together in the sunshine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book accommodation for a large group?

Yes! Many Away Resorts lodges sleep 6–8 people, and larger groups can book several lodges close together. Early booking helps you stay side by side.

Are there on-site restaurants and bars?

Most Away Resorts parks include restaurants, bars, cafés, and takeaway options. Whether you want a sit-down meal or dinner in your lodge, we’ve got you covered.

Do Away Resorts have hot tubs?

Absolutely. Hot tubs are one of our most popular features for group getaways, ideal for unwinding after a busy day or raising a toast under the stars.

Is there entertainment for all ages?

Yes: from live music and family shows to kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Can I bring my dog on a group holiday?

Yes! Away Resorts parks are dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join the fun. Our large lodges are perfect for groups who want the whole family, including four-legged members, on holiday.

When’s the best time for a group holiday in the UK?

Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor fun and lakeside lounging. Autumn brings beautiful colours and quieter parks, while winter is made for cosy lodges and hot-tub nights.