Planning the perfect group getaway

The Farm & Cottage Holiday collection

At Farm & Cottage Holidays we have just the right selection of properties for big get-togethers. Our wide variety, dotted throughout Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, includes large cottages, spacious barn conversions, traditional farm houses and even mansions! What’s more they offer facilities to suit all tastes; while all offer plenty of space to accommodate larger parties, most also include good outdoor space and some have extra special features such as games rooms, swimming pools and tennis courts.

With so many properties to choose from, a good way to narrow your search is to think about what you want on your doorstep. Do you want to be in the open countryside? Would you prefer to have a beach or a bustling town nearby? Perhaps you would like to stay on a working farm? Our search facility allows you to filter your search with many useful options. We’re also on hand to help with any questions you may have about your holiday, just contact a member of our team.

Top tips for a great group holiday

Be aware of your budget and make sure you have a rough idea of how much people are prepared to pay for the holiday; this will make it a lot easier when you start searching for holidays and will heavily influence the kind of accommodation you can stay in.

Larger groups mean more people to organise and cater for, so it’s best to have someone in charge of all the arrangements to avoid confusion. Social networking sites like Facebook can be a good way of keeping everyone posted on plans. Alternatively, group emails offer a lively source for debate.

Nominate an organiser. It’s best to have one designated spokesperson for the party as it avoids unnecessary confusion e.g. when confirming time of arrival, amount of deposit paid etc.

Setting up a separate bank account can be useful and if you work out costs of accommodation at the offset, all parties can transfer the money ahead of paying the balance. This relieves one person paying out a lot of money up-front.

Create a kitty for all the basics e.g. milk and bread and if there’s any funds left over at the end of the holiday, you can buy a treat for yourselves!

Allow enough space for your group – not just bedrooms, but living areas, bathrooms and outdoor space too.

Check there’s enough parking spaces for those taking cars, as some properties may be located in areas where spaces are limited.

If possible, book early to avoid disappointment. A property that’s just the right size and in just the right location is more likely to be available on your chosen dates the earlier you book.

Decide who gets the biggest bedroom beforehand (the organiser perhaps?) or draw straws upon arrival. This will avoid en-suite envy.

Do your research on the area before you go so that you have a list of things to see and do, to refer to during your stay. This can also be useful when making plans for dinner – perhaps ask everyone to nominate a favourite place to visit.

Do a food shop for the basics before you arrive so as not to waste any valuable holiday time. An internet shop, arranged for delivery on your first day, is a good option. Alternatively, if you decide to stock up on arrival you can not only pick up some great local produce, but get tips from the locals on where to eat and good attractions to visit.

Share chores, either by rota or by chore, so that everyone pitches in to keep the place clean and put food on the table. If possible it’s also nice to give each person a day off from chores.

Ensure all of the party has directions, the address and a contact phone number for the property, as there's nothing worse than someone getting lost and arriving to discover everyone else has settled in with drink in hand!

Have a wonderful holiday!