We're all going on a summer holiday

It’s a trend we have noticed at Forest Holidays. We are increasingly seeing three generations of the same family, or groups of families holidaying together. We also accommodate more groups of friends, often its mums having a weekend off together or shared interest groups such as walkers or cyclists.

Think it could work for you?

How to make a success of your group holiday

A group holiday works for so many reasons; you can share costs, share the childcare and chores and, most importantly, share precious time together.

It can have its challenges though. Compromises must be made at the moment you feel you should be doing exactly as you please. To help smooth the potential bumps try our 6 top tips for a great group holiday, based on the advice and experience of our guests.

1. Make space. Many guests book larger four bedroom cabins and, for multi-generational families in particular the Treehouse, which sleeps 10, is popular. Or if your group is larger still, book two or three family hot tub cabins together. All our cabins have spacious open plan living areas where everyone can gather together whenever you wish. 

2. Agree the catering arrangements. Who’s bringing what? Who’s cooking when? Are you eating out? Are you eating together, every meal? Once you have agreed, it’s an easy structure around which your holiday can settle.

3. Consider a central event. A highlight for the hot tub forest holiday. This is easy if you are getting together for a celebration, such as a wedding or birthday. But it’s also worth having a main meal or event whatever your reasons for getting away – it brings everybody together and makes your holiday memorable.

4. Plan time apart. If you are staying with us in the forest, allow for the fact that not everyone will be up for canoeing or a ten mile hike, some might prefer the hot tub and champagne option. Don’t insist that anyone does something they don’t want to do. Time together is a richer experience when it’s balanced by time apart.

5. Talk about your expectations before you go. If you think the grandparents are coming as babysitters, make sure that’s what they think too (hint: it probably isn’t). Or if you are going with friends, make sure you are all looking forward to a broadly similar holiday so that you are not pulling in different directions.

6. Consider a kitty. Many a carefree holiday with friends has ended with a bitter disagreement over who owes what to whom. A kitty means shared expenses and no analysis of who ordered an extra beer or side order every time you eat out.

Oh, and one last thing for parents…..remember grandparents spoil grandchildren so chill out and let it happen, it’s only for a few days.

Book your group holiday at Forest Holidays or to book three or more cabins contact our events team on 03330 143 370

Hire our Pavilion Function Rooms

If you are considering where to hold a celebration so that all the family or your friends can be a part of it, this may make up your mind. The Forest Pavilions at the Forest of Dean and Cropton are fabulous function rooms, with their own kitchen facilities. You can hire them for exclusive use for a full day and evening! What a perfect way to bring that central event of your holiday to life.