Multi Generational Holidays in the UK: Going Away in Groups Without It Costing a Fortune

Getting the whole family together for a holiday is something special. Grandparents, parents, children, cousins and even the family dog can enjoy a change of scenery, make memories and spend proper time together. The tricky bit? Finding somewhere that suits everyone without the cost spiralling.

A brilliant multi-generational holiday doesn’t have to mean travelling abroad or renting one enormous house. From cosy self-catering lodges to luxury safari tents immersed in nature, UK holiday parks offer a different way to bring everyone together: your own space, shared surroundings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy time as a family. Think quirky, memorable stays with all the comforts of home.

Key takeaways:

• Stay in the UK: Keep travel simpler and explore beaches, countryside and family attractions closer to home.
• Think beyond hotels and huge houses: Separate holiday homes, lodges and glamping accommodation on the same park can give each household its own space.
• Book ahead: Planning early gives you a better chance of finding suitable accommodation close together and choosing dates that work for everyone.
  

Where Are the Best Places for Multi-Generational Holidays in the UK?

The best destination depends on what your family enjoys. Some groups are happiest beside the sea, while others would rather explore woodland trails, discover new villages or spend lazy afternoons together outdoors.

Here are four ideas to get everyone thinking.

Cornwall: Coastal adventures and seaside treats

Cornwall is a lovely choice for families who enjoy a mixture of beach days, harbour towns, coastal walks and ice creams by the sea. There’s plenty to explore, whether you’re building sandcastles with little ones, enjoying a scenic stroll with grandparents or discovering somewhere new for a family lunch.

Lovat Parks has several holiday parks in Cornwall, including Padstow Holiday Village, which makes a useful base for exploring the surrounding area.

The New Forest: Nature on your doorstep

For families who prefer fresh air and open spaces, the New Forest offers woodland walks, wildlife spotting and picturesque villages. It’s a good option for a holiday with a relaxed pace, where a simple walk, picnic or afternoon watching the ponies can be just as memorable as a big day out.

Norfolk: Beaches and traditional seaside fun

Norfolk’s wide sandy beaches, coastal villages and famous nature reserves offer plenty of variety for different ages. You can enjoy a beach day, explore local attractions or simply find a quiet spot to take in the sea air.

The Lake District: Scenery and outdoor adventures

With beautiful lakes, walking routes and charming towns, the Lake District is ideal for families who enjoy the outdoors. Choose activities to suit everyone’s energy levels, from gentle lakeside strolls to more adventurous days exploring the countryside. Cosy evening meals in warm pubs and stays with your own private hot tub, for example, suit all abilities.

Group activities for all the family, like easy-going walks in untouched nature.

How to Plan an affordable multi-generational holiday in the UK

When you’re organising a holiday for several households, the cost of accommodation is only one part of the picture. Travel, food, activities and the practicalities of keeping everyone happy all matter, too.

Here are four ways to make your budget go further.

1. Stay in the UK to keep travel simple

You don’t have to travel overseas for a memorable family escape. A UK holiday can mean less time travelling, fewer transport arrangements and more time enjoying the people you’ve come away with.

Start by choosing somewhere that feels manageable for everyone to reach. If grandparents prefer shorter journeys or the family is travelling with babies and toddlers, a destination within a comfortable driving distance could make the start of the holiday much easier.

2. Choose a holiday park for togetherness without giving up your own space

One of the biggest challenges is finding accommodation that works for everyone. Do you all stay in one big house? Or book several rooms in a hotel?

Down the line, this can mean trying to get everyone to eat at the same time, huge shopping trips or online orders where one person does the brunt of the organising. A huge holiday rental may give everyone a shared living area, but it can be expensive and leave different households with less privacy depending on how the bedrooms are divvied up.

An alternative is to book several self-catering holiday homes or lodges on the same holiday park.

Everyone can have their own kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and living space, while remaining close enough to meet for breakfast, share a barbecue or head out for the day together. You get the feeling of being on holiday as one big family without needing to share every moment.

It’s also worth comparing the total cost. Self-catering makes it easier to prepare meals, keep snacks on hand for little ones and avoid eating out for every meal. Depending on your group size, dates and accommodation choices, this could offer better value than booking multiple hotel rooms or one large rental.

At Lovat Parks, accommodation ranges from comfortable holiday homes and spacious lodges to more unusual glamping options. The exact choice varies by park, so you can look for something that suits each household rather than expecting everyone to want the same kind of stay.

Self-catering your holiday? What to bring and what’s typically already at your holiday home.

3. Book early to keep everyone close together

When several households are travelling together, booking ahead is especially useful.

Rather than searching for one property big enough for everyone, look for several homes or lodges at the same park. You can then request accommodation close together, making it easier to pop round for a morning coffee or get everyone together for a game night.

It’s worth contacting the park directly as early as possible to discuss your group’s requirements. Nearby accommodation can’t always be guaranteed, and availability will depend on the dates and properties remaining, so a little forward planning goes a long way.

Booking early can also give you more choice of dates, accommodation layouts and prices. If your family has some flexibility, compare different weeks and consider travelling outside the busiest school holiday periods where possible.

4. Make the most of self-catering and free activities

Food can become a surprisingly big expense when you’re feeding several generations.

Self-catering gives each group the chance to buy the shopping they usually would, preparing picnics and lunches at your lodge before you set off for a day out takes away the hassle of finding somewhere to all sit down for lunch (and the cost of eating out at every meal time). 

You could take turns cooking some nights or arrange a family barbecue where you all bring a different dish.

The same goes for activities. Mix a few special paid-for experiences with free days at the beach, woodland walks, picnics and games back at your accommodation. Time outdoors – with loads of space for active children to run around – is free and means you can take up as much space as you like.

You don’t need a packed itinerary to make a holiday memorable. Often, it’s the relaxed moments together that everyone remembers most.

From cosy lodges to safari tents: Accommodation for every generation

One of the joys of a multi-generational holiday is that everyone can have a slightly different experience while still sharing the same trip.

Rather than choosing one type of accommodation to suit the entire family, consider what would make each household most comfortable.

Comfortable lodges for grandparents and growing families

A spacious lodge can be a great option for grandparents who appreciate a proper bed, a well-equipped kitchen and somewhere comfortable to relax after a day out. Larger layouts may also offer multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, giving different generations room to settle into their own routines.

For parents with babies or toddlers, having a kitchen, bathroom and living area can make everyday life much easier. There’s room to prepare food, manage naps and enjoy a quieter evening without needing to leave your accommodation. See our guide to the best holiday parks for parents with toddlers.

It’s always worth checking the individual layout, access arrangements and facilities before booking, particularly if anyone has mobility requirements.

Safari tents for a little extra adventure

Fancy something a little different? Safari-tent glamping can bring a sense of adventure to the family holiday without giving up every home comfort.

At selected Lovat Parks locations, safari tents feature separate sleeping areas, a kitchen, a bathroom and a wood burner. Some also have a hot tub on the decking.

“We stayed in one of the new Safari Tents which were immaculate and included everything you’d need.”

“I like the fact you can just go on holiday without worrying about little things like toilet roll, washing up equipment, towels, it’s all there provided for you.” (Even if you stay somewhere a little quirky…)

Explore Lovat Parks’ accommodation guide to see the options available.

Safari tents can be a fun choice for families with children who love the idea of sleeping somewhere a little different. However, they don’t have the same heating arrangements as standard lodges, so check the facilities and suitability for your travel dates and family needs.

Unusual stays for smaller households or couples

Not everyone needs a large lodge. A distinctive glamping stay, such as a shepherd’s hut, can offer couples or smaller households a cosy retreat of their own, depending on the accommodation’s occupancy limits.

This can be a lovely way to add variety to the group holiday: grandparents might prefer a spacious lodge, one family might opt for a holiday home… while another household might fancy trying glamping.

The important thing is to check the sleeping arrangements and facilities for each property. Some unusual accommodation has raised beds, steps or layouts that may not suit very young children or anyone with mobility needs.

A little reassurance for families with babies and toddlers

Travelling with very young children often means bringing more equipment than you’d like. It’s worth checking what’s already provided before packing the car.

Lovat Parks offers items such as travel cots, highchairs, bed guards and baby baths on request, subject to availability. Contact your chosen park before travelling to confirm what’s available and what you need to bring yourself.

Lovat Parks’ Safarie Tent Accomodation

What makes a great multi-generational holiday for all ages?

The secret to a successful family holiday isn’t finding activities that absolutely everyone loves. It’s creating enough flexibility for everyone to enjoy the break in their own way.

Here are a few things to consider when planning:

• Different energy levels: Plan a mixture of outings and quieter days, so nobody feels rushed.
• Comfort and accessibility: Check steps, bathroom layouts, sleeping arrangements and walking distances before booking.
• Time together: Leave space for shared meals, board games, picnics and relaxed evenings.
• Room to recharge: Separate accommodation gives different households the chance to do what they please (and when).
• A flexible schedule: It’s fine if some people head out exploring while others stay behind to relax.

The idea is to make spending time together easy, not compulsory every minute of the day.

You multi-generational holiday planning checklist

Before booking, run through this simple checklist:

• Agree on a budget that works for each household.
• Choose a UK destination everyone can travel to comfortably.
• Decide which accommodation styles suit each generation.
• Check bedroom layouts, bathrooms, accessibility and baby equipment.
• Book early and request nearby holiday homes or lodges.
• Plan a mixture of shared activities, free days and downtime.
• Arrange food shopping and a few easy self-catering meals.
• Confirm the final costs, booking terms and arrival details with the park.

Ready to plan your next family escape?

From spacious lodges to characterful glamping stays, a UK holiday park can give your family the best of both worlds: your own space when you want it and everyone close by when it’s time to make memories together.

Explore Lovat Parks’ family-friendly holidays to discover accommodation and destinations for your next family get-together.

FAQs about multi-generational holidays

What are the best multi-generational holidays in the UK?

The best multi-generational holidays offer something for different ages, comfortable accommodation and a mixture of activities and downtime. Coastal breaks, countryside escapes and holiday parks with self-catering lodges or holiday homes are all popular options in the UK. Ask yourself when deciding: what does your family enjoy doing the most?

How do you choose a holiday resort for all ages?

Look for accommodation that suits everyone’s needs, including bedroom layouts, accessible facilities and space to relax. Check the activities and attractions nearby, too. A holiday park with separate self-catering homes can give different households their own space while keeping the group close together.

Where is good to go on holiday with elderly grandparents?

The best destination depends on your grandparents’ interests and mobility. Coastal towns, accessible countryside attractions and relaxed holiday parks can all work well, offering short strolls and easy entertainment all within reach of a cosy tea room or your own private lodge. Check walking distances, steps, bathroom arrangements and transport options before booking.

What are some unique family holidays in the UK?

For something a little different, consider safari-tent glamping, shepherd’s huts or a lodge stay surrounded by nature. These options can make a family break feel special while offering varying levels of comfort and facilities. The best part is that not everyone needs to stay in the same accommodation type on a holiday park.

How can you make a multi-generational holiday more affordable?

Stay in the UK, compare the total cost of accommodation for your group, book early and consider separate self-catering lodges or holiday homes on one park. Preparing snacks and lunches ahead of time, choosing free activities and travelling outside peak periods where possible can also help.

You might also like…

• Discover family-friendly holiday destinations with Lovat Parks 
• How to choose the best holiday park for children 
• The best UK holiday parks for toddlers 
• Explore family-friendly days out near Herdwick Croft