Best UK Destinations for Large Group Weekends

The United Kingdom offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, cities, and experiences—making it ideal for large group weekends. Whether your party craves coastal energy, countryside tranquillity, urban nightlife, or historic charm, there is a destination perfectly suited to your celebration.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best UK destinations for groups of 10, 15, 20, or more guests, highlighting why each location works, what property types to expect, the activities on offer, and practical travel considerations.

Brighton: The Classic Party Destination

Why It Works for Groups

Brighton has earned its reputation as the UK's premier party destination for good reason. The city combines beautiful beaches, a vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, exceptional nightlife, and a creative, anything-goes spirit that makes celebrations feel special.

Typical Property Types

Brighton offers stunning Regency townhouses and seafront villas, many sleeping 12–20 guests. Expect grand period features—high ceilings, bay windows, and elegant proportions—combined with modern updates including hot tubs and contemporary kitchens. Our Brighton Manor and Brighton Seafront Villa exemplify the best of Brighton accommodation.

Activities Suited to Groups

Brighton excels at group activities: beach walks along the iconic pier, cocktail bars in The Lanes, club nights in Kemptown, daytime spas, and Brighton Pavilion visits. The city is compact enough that everything is walkable—no taxis required.

Travel and Accessibility

Brighton is just one hour from London Victoria by train, with regular services throughout the day. For groups arriving by car, seafront parking can be challenging—book properties with off-street parking where possible.

London: Urban Sophistication at Scale

Why It Works for Groups

London needs little introduction. The capital offers world-class restaurants, West End shows, historic landmarks, and nightlife ranging from exclusive cocktail bars to legendary clubs. For groups wanting urban energy and endless activity options, London delivers.

Typical Property Types

Large group properties in London are rarer and pricier than elsewhere, but they exist. Expect elegant Georgian townhouses in zones 1–2, or larger properties in leafy suburbs like Hampstead or Richmond. Most London group houses sleep 10–14 guests.

Activities Suited to Groups

The options are limitless: West End musicals, private dining experiences, river cruises, Borough Market food tours, afternoon tea at iconic hotels, and club nights from Shoreditch to Mayfair. London caters to every taste and budget.

Travel and Accessibility

London is the UK's transport hub—accessible from anywhere by train, plane, or road. Within the city, the Tube makes getting around easy. For groups, consider properties near stations to minimise logistics.

Cornwall: Coastal Magic

Why It Works for Groups

Cornwall offers dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, world-class surfing, and a relaxed pace that feels like escaping to another world. For groups seeking nature, adventure, and that unmistakable coastal atmosphere, Cornwall is unbeatable.

Typical Property Types

Cornwall specialises in converted farmhouses, coastal estates, and properties with direct beach access. Larger properties sleeping 15–25 guests are available, often featuring gardens, terraces overlooking the sea, and swimming pools for warmer months.

Activities Suited to Groups

Surfing lessons at Newquay, coasteering adventures, beach barbecues, visits to the Eden Project, cliff walks along the South West Coast Path, and evenings at harbour-front pubs. Cornwall rewards active, outdoorsy groups.

Travel and Accessibility

Cornwall requires commitment to reach—it is 4–5 hours by car from London, or a scenic train journey via the Riviera Line. Once there, a car (or cars) is essential for exploring the peninsula's scattered attractions.

Lake District: Mountain Majesty

Why It Works for Groups

The Lake District provides the UK's most dramatic mountain scenery: glacial lakes, rugged fells, and charming stone villages. For groups who want to hike, explore, and return to a cosy property with roaring fires, the Lakes deliver an unforgettable experience.

Typical Property Types

Expect traditional lakeland architecture—stone-built houses, large cottages, and converted barns. Many properties feature incredible views, open fires, and hot tubs perfect for post-hike relaxation. Properties sleeping 12–20 guests are available across the region.

Activities Suited to Groups

Fell walking (from gentle strolls to serious peaks like Helvellyn), lake cruises on Windermere, kayaking and paddleboarding, mountain biking, and evenings in traditional Lake District pubs. The area suits active groups and those who appreciate natural beauty.

Travel and Accessibility

The Lake District is accessible via the M6 motorway (around 4 hours from London, 1 hour from Manchester) or by train to Windermere. A car is essential for reaching properties and attractions.

Cotswolds: Quintessential England

Why It Works for Groups

The Cotswolds represents the English countryside ideal: honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, country pubs, and an unhurried pace of life. For groups seeking relaxation, gastronomy, and picture-postcard scenery, the Cotswolds excels.

Typical Property Types

The Cotswolds specialises in manor houses, country houses, and converted farm estates. Properties here tend to be grand—sweeping lawns, walled gardens, formal dining rooms, and extensive grounds. Houses sleeping 20–30 guests are more common here than almost anywhere else in the UK.

Activities Suited to Groups

Village walking tours (Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Broadway), vineyard visits, cooking classes, spa days, antique shopping, and extended lunches at Michelin-starred restaurants. The Cotswolds suits groups who value quality over adrenaline.

Travel and Accessibility

The Cotswolds is ideally positioned—about 90 minutes from London, Birmingham, and Bristol. However, public transport is limited; car travel is strongly recommended for exploring the region's dispersed attractions.

Manchester: Northern Powerhouse

Why It Works for Groups

Manchester offers a compelling mix of cultural attractions, legendary music heritage, excellent dining, and some of the UK's best nightlife. For groups seeking urban energy without London prices, Manchester delivers outstanding value.

Typical Property Types

Manchester city centre features converted warehouse apartments and townhouses, while suburbs like Didsbury offer larger properties with gardens. The Manchester Party House showcases the contemporary style available in this vibrant city.

Activities Suited to Groups

Football stadium tours (Old Trafford or Etihad), Northern Quarter bar crawls, MediaCity visits, canal-side dining, live music venues, and clubs that stay open until 4am. Manchester excels at high-energy group weekends.

Travel and Accessibility

Manchester has excellent transport links—direct trains from London (2 hours), Birmingham, and Scotland. Manchester Airport serves domestic and international routes. The city centre is compact and walkable.

Devon: Coastal Charm and Countryside

Why It Works for Groups

Devon offers the best of both worlds: stunning coastline along the English Riviera and Jurassic Coast, plus rolling farmland, moorland (Dartmoor), and charming market towns. It is slightly more accessible than Cornwall while offering similar natural beauty.

Typical Property Types

Devon features converted barns, coastal villas with sea views, and country estates. Properties with swimming pools and extensive gardens are common, particularly in South Devon.

Activities Suited to Groups

Beach days at Woolacombe or Croyde, cream teas in Dartmouth, Dartmoor hiking, surf lessons, coastal walks, and exploring historic Exeter. Devon suits groups seeking a mix of relaxation and gentle activity.

Travel and Accessibility

Devon is 3–4 hours from London by car, with train services to Exeter and Torquay. A car is recommended for reaching coastal properties and exploring the county.

York: Historic Splendour

Why It Works for Groups

York delivers history, charm, and excellent dining within a compact, walkable city. The medieval streets, York Minster, and atmospheric pubs create a unique setting for group celebrations—particularly those seeking culture alongside socialising.

Typical Property Types

York offers Georgian townhouses within the city walls and larger properties in the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. City-centre houses sleeping 10–14 guests are available, with larger rural options nearby.

Activities Suited to Groups

Ghost walks through the Shambles, York Minster visits, afternoon tea at Betty's, gin distillery tours, river cruises, and evenings exploring York's famous pub scene. The city particularly suits history enthusiasts and foodie groups.

Travel and Accessibility

York is on the East Coast Main Line—just 2 hours from London and 1 hour from Edinburgh by train. The city centre is car-free and entirely walkable.

Additional Destinations Worth Considering

Beyond our featured eight, several other UK destinations deserve mention for group weekends:

• Bath: Georgian elegance, thermal spas, and refined dining—ideal for sophisticated hen parties and milestone birthdays. The Bath Spa Retreat exemplifies the city's luxury offerings.
• Norfolk: Vast beaches, nature reserves, and a slower pace—perfect for family reunions and groups seeking tranquillity.
• Peak District: Central location with excellent walking and cycling—suits active groups from across the country.
• Sussex: Rolling South Downs, vineyard visits, and proximity to Brighton—a refined alternative to the city.

How to Choose Your Destination

When selecting a destination for your group weekend, consider these factors:

1. Group interests: Active groups suit the Lake District or Cornwall; nightlife lovers prefer Brighton or Manchester; relaxation seekers love the Cotswolds.
2. Travel logistics: If guests are scattered across the UK, central destinations like the Peak District or Cotswolds minimise everyone's journey.
3. Budget: London and the Cotswolds command premium prices; Devon, Yorkshire, and Manchester offer better value.
4. Season: Coastal destinations shine in summer; countryside and city destinations work year-round.

Start Planning Your Group Weekend

Whatever destination calls to your group, the UK delivers exceptional options for large party getaways. Explore our large group accommodation collection to find properties across all featured destinations, or browse specific regions like the Cotswolds, Brighton, or Lake District.

For personalised recommendations based on your group size, interests, and budget, contact our team—we help groups find their perfect UK weekend every day.