Packing for a group house weekend is different to packing for a hotel. You need to bring everything your group will eat, drink, cook with, and entertain themselves by — and the items you forget can make the difference between a mediocre weekend and an unforgettable one. Whether you're planning a hen party weekend, a 40th birthday celebration, or a family reunion, this comprehensive packing list has you covered.
Kitchen and Food Essentials
Most group houses provide basic cookware, but they rarely have everything a large group needs. Bring sharp knives — a good chef's knife changes everything for group cooking. Large serving platters and bowls are often missing from rental kitchens. A cafetiere or two ensures morning coffee doesn't descend into chaos. Oven gloves, tea towels, and a good corkscrew are essentials that surprisingly vanish from rental properties.
For the food shop, order a supermarket delivery to arrive just after your check-in time. Plan for a big shop covering breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and at least one large group dinner. Consider a private chef for one special evening — it's often better value than eating out for a large group.
Drinks and Glassware
Bring more than you think you need. Group houses often have mismatched glassware that's insufficient for a large party. Disposable cups for the hot tub are a must. A cool box or two for drinks in the garden saves constant trips to the kitchen fridge.
Entertainment and Activities
While many group houses have games rooms and entertainment systems, bringing your own board games, a Bluetooth speaker, and a deck of cards ensures you're never bored. A group playlist prepared in advance saves arguments about music. If the property has a cinema room, bring your own streaming stick or downloaded films in case the house system doesn't support your accounts.
Bedroom and Bathroom Must-Haves
- Extra towels — especially if you plan to use a hot tub
- Hair dryers — group houses rarely have one per bedroom
- Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel — travel sizes for everyone
- Earplugs and eye masks — essential for mixed groups with different sleep schedules
- Clothes hangers — many group houses have limited hanging space
The Items Everyone Forgets
Bin bags for the kitchen, cling film and foil for leftovers, a first aid kit (group houses usually have basic ones but check), matches or a lighter for candles, torches for garden access at night, sunscreen for summer weekends, and wellies for country walks even if the forecast looks clear. A power strip or extension lead is gold for large groups fighting over limited sockets.
Seasonal Additions
For winter weekends, add extra layers, slippers, hot water bottles, and a flask for walks. Summer weekends need insect repellent, sun protection, and garden games like boules or badminton. For festive stays, bring decorations and a Secret Santa gift exchange to create instant holiday spirit.
Ready to book? Browse all group properties and start planning your perfectly packed weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most provide basic pots, pans, cutlery, and plates — but rarely enough for large groups. Bring extra serving dishes, a sharp chef's knife, a corkscrew, and a cafetiere.
Most group houses provide bedding and towels included in the price. Always confirm before booking. Bring extra towels if you plan to use a hot tub.
Board games, a Bluetooth speaker, a deck of cards, a prepared group playlist, and a streaming stick for the TV. If the house has a cinema room, bring your own streaming login.
Order a supermarket delivery timed to arrive just after check-in. It saves lugging shopping through the car and ensures you have everything for a weekend of group cooking.
