If you’ve ever tried to book a whole-family break, you’ll know just how much of a challenge it can be to find the right retreat.
Different generations have different needs… so what works for the little ones may not work for the grown-ups, and vice versa. If you’ve got a baby in tow, it might be nice if you didn’t have to pack everything but the kitchen sink! And if the grandparents are coming along, you might also need to look for stays with ground-floor facilities and shops in walking distance.
These many niggles aside, there’s nothing quite like spending quality time with the whole family all together (something that happens less and less in these busy, distracted times of ours), which makes searching for the perfect retreat well worth the effort.
And here’s some good news: we’ve rounded up some of our favourite multi-generational stays to make your search that little bit easier. Each one comes with a note from the owner about what facilities you can expect, so all you’ve got to do is choose a favourite, get booking…
…then prepare to spend precious moments with those much-loved people you don’t get to see quite as often as you’d like.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: The Lavender Barn | Somerset
Matlock, Derbyshire, England
Eco-friendly, accessible, self-catering log cabins, camping pods and a gypsy caravan on a working farm in the Peak District.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Our spacious, single-storey log cabins have accessible layouts and equipment for individual needs (including baby equipment), with toys, games, a playground, and friendly farm animals for everyone to meet!
Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Ireland
An eclectic collection of hand-crafted cabins with private hot tubs, bell tents and historic lodges, magically secluded in the vast, idyllic gardens of an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 4
We have cosy family cabins, woodland adventures for little ones, and charming gate lodges where grandparents can relax close by.
Craster, Northumberland, England
Spirit your loved ones away to a magnificent, Grade II*-listed country retreat, rich in fascinating history and secluded in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to the Northumberland coast.
Cots and highchairs can be provided, the adjacent Stable Cottage has bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor, and Hemmel House was designed with an electric wheelchair in mind.
St. Eval, Cornwall, England
Exquisite architecture, fabulous eco-credentials and sweeping views of countryside and coastline - that's what to expect at Sheepfold and Sheepshed, a pair of eco-barns in glorious North Cornwall.
Bedrooms: 3 (+2)
Sleeps: 8 (+4)
The Sheepfold and Annex have four bedrooms conveniently located on the ground floor, and the separate two-bedroom Annex also has its own bathroom and sitting room for extra privacy.
Broxted, Essex, England
Indulge your wanderlust with an off-grid, self-drive adventure aboard your very own Land Rover Defender, complete with rooftop tent set-up, a cosy lounge, and all the equipment you could want!
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 roof tents
Sleeps: 2-7 guests
Our larger Defender 110 provides a flexible setup for whole-family adventures, with our optional Thule Outset available for guests who would rather not climb a rooftop-tent ladder to bed.
Halse, Somerset, England
An award-winning, awe-inspiring conversion with a hot tub and a private indoor pool, nestled on the edge of a soothing Somerset village.
The Barn is single-storey and in a great location, with a family friendly pub and cafe just five minutes’ walk away.
Blakeney, Gloucestershire, England
A soulful and sustainable mid-century haven with an al fresco soaking tub and lush foliage inside and out, peacefully secluded on a hillside in the Forest of Dean.
Our retreat is a purpose-built, design-led single-storey space with level access from the ramped entrance through to the terrace and a main bedroom with plenty of space for a travel cot (also with a Stokke high chair, books and toys to keep little ones happy!).
Selsey, West Sussex, England
Prepare for a first-class holiday at stunning Seabank - a railway carriage retreat on the southernmost point of West Sussex.
Our converted railway carriages are all on one level and virtually on the sea, with a travel cot, toys and games for the young and comfortable seating for old(er) guests.
Ullapool, The Highlands, Scotland
Two sustainably-crafted, architecturally-designed retreats peacefully elevated on a hillside above Ullapool, for jaw-dropping views towards Loch Broom and the mountains beyond.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per apartment
Sleeps: 6
The building is a single-storey layout, step-free and level access throughout, with walk-in showers that make it especially practical for older guests, and a large bath for the kids. We also provide a cot, bedding, highchair and a children’s dining kit.
Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland
A private, magical haven with joyfully quirky retreats and idyllic wildflower meadows, peacefully secluded in Ireland’s ‘Ancient East’ close to bustling Dublin.
We have ample outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy, with child beds, travel cots and high chairs all provided. Our Age Friendly accessible accommodation, ensuite bathrooms, and even textured pathways are great for the grandparents, too.
Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Exclusive rule of an authentic, sustainable, and exquisitely restored castle that dates all the way back to the 16th century, located within Scotland’s most concentrated collection of archaeological sites.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10 exclusive
With thoughtful touches such as travel cribs for babies, a rollaway bed for children, and the chance to pick fresh vegetables from the castle garden to cook together, your stay will create a relaxed, memorable experience for everyone.
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Indulgent rural luxury on a blissfully remote, dog and horse-friendly family farm nestled in sublime Aberdeenshire countryside, with private hot tubs for stargazing and a wealth of natural wonder to discover.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per lodge
Sleeps: 6
Single-level living, accessible layouts, enclosed gardens and acres of countryside provide space for everyone to enjoy at their own pace – with a cot and highchair provided on request.
Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire, England
A luxury family retreat with an enchanting ‘rabbit warren' feel, complete with a stargazing dome, hot tub, and idyllic views of rural Warwickshire.
The accommodation at Ben's Burrow includes a self-contained studio flat offering added privacy for grandparents or carers, spacious communal areas for everyone to gather, and family-friendly outdoor features including a hot tub, firepit, and stargazing dome that appeal to all ages.
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