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10 of the best places to stay for a weekend away with friends
Long weekends are the quiet champion of the holiday world
Long weekend breaks don't get the credit they deserve; minimal annual leave time, maximal holiday vibes, the cost-benefit ratio on this is pretty sublime. Which is why we're becoming weekend-away people, and committing ourselves to making the most of Saturdays and Sundays. The good news is you can have unbelievably dreamy mini-breaks right here in the UK (that cost-benefit ratio is getting even better), and there's nothing we like more than spending our weekends with our mates. So, here are our favourite places for a weekend away with your pals. Happy holidays!
Marston Park, Somerset
Glamping has had a glow up at this hot spot near Frome. Take a swan pedalo for a spin on the lake, sip local ciders at sunset, tuck into pizzas made in a converted horse box, dance beneath a mirrorball and then crash in a canvas suite - an enormous belle tent for four, with wood-burner, double bed (two futons for extra beds) a guitar and paints (yep, you’re encouraged to get creative here).
From £120pn.
Candyland Studios, Devon
Deep in the heart of north Devon, this bohemian escape for eight is surrounded by fields and a dream for music-lovers, with a huge, light-filled communal room with comfy leather sofas, a grand piano and guitars on the walls. There’s an on-site recording studio so if you want to fulfil your Little Mix dreams and lay down a track with owner Alex’s assistance (he can be hired by the hour for tech support), you can create a group vacation single *scream*. When you’re not jamming, light a campfire, toast marshmallows and drink wine into the night.
From £198pn (that’s £24pp based on eight sharing).
Court Barn, Suffolk
Converted barn for six with a seriously impressive open-plan living space divided into a huge rustic kitchen with exposed brick, two ovens and long dining table, plus a lounge area with decadently big sofa opposite a large, flatscreen TV and stacks of books. Want more? Well there’s also a swimming pool with a decent supply of inflatable doughnuts and unicorns for Instagram updates, all-weather tennis court, great pub down the road and private yoga lessons.
Four nights from £600 (that’s £150pp based on 4 sharing).
Angelrocks Farmhouse, Wales
Hilltop hideaway for ten on the edge of Brecon Beacon National Park, with a hot tub overlooking miles of rolling countryside by day and a star-filled sky at night. Inside there’s a large lounge with a cosy fire and massive kitchen complete with an island for sitting around drinking wine while pretending to help cook. Loads to do locally too, from visiting Hay-On-Wye to kayaking on the River Wye.
Three nights from £1043, that’s £116pp based on ten sharing.
Edge 14, Newquay
You and up to 19 friends can Netflix & thrill at this contemporary house in the heart of party town Newquay. Standout features include a hot tub on the terrace, giant corner sofa, eight bedrooms (some en suite) and loads of technology, from a 42-inch 3D TV to speakers in the ceiling and a touch screen to control everything from. Learn to surf, hit the bars, watch sunsets, have a beach party. Sold.
From £1500 for a mid-week break (that’s £75pp based on 20 sharing).
Eco Retreat, Scotland
Fancy a three-bedroom eco lodge for your next get together? Well it’s Highland heaven at this John O’Groats cabin, where bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling glass windows to spy the sea, your feet feel toasty thanks to underfloor heating and log burners and tartan rugs keep you cosy after windswept walks across Dunnet Head or seal and dolphin-spotting on a day trip to Orkney.
From £108pn (that’s £18pp based on six sharing).
Chert, Isle of Wight
This cool 70s house for four is a a funky place to book with friends thanks to pleasingly symmetrical architecture and retro furnishings; record player, anglepoise lamps, circular wood coffee tables and Eames-style chairs. You’ll want to wrap up and gather on the large balcony with sea views and when it’s time to explore, Ventnor town, stunning beaches, surf spots and restaurants are right on your doorstep.
Three nights from £357 (that’s £89pp based on four sharing).
Vennlane House, Devon
You and up to 19 mates will feel like you’ve won the lottery hanging out here in the heated indoor pool or (slightly more chilly) outdoor pool, playing a match on the grass tennis court, scoffing pop corn while watching movies in the cinema room or relaxing in the hot tub. Bonus points for all the interesting extras like a Moroccan Hammam spa room, blue pool table and silver bath tubs.
Weekend break exclusive hire from £6875 (that’s £343pp based on 20 sharing)
The Five Turrets, Scotland
Feel like the Qweens you are in this fairy-tale miniature castle on the Scottish Borders. If we're being honest, it’s not technically a castle, it’s a former coach house, but all the turrets and brick work give it a Disney castle vibe that we’re into. Prepare to be blown away by the inside too: white piano, double-storey open-plan lounge and kitchen with eight-seater table, mezzanine library lined with books and a large screen and four bedrooms (sleeps eight). It’s a three-night minimum stay and if you can’t be bothered to cook every evening, the owners can arrange a chef to come in and cater for you one night, or it’s a two-minute walk to Selkirk’s restaurants.
From £366pn for three nights (that’s £61pp based on eight sharing).
Apple Camping, Pembrokeshire
This is way more than a few nights under canvas with friends, it’s an experience. First off, there’s an actual UFO you can stay in on the campsite, which lies near the old harbour town of Tenby. In addition, there are two converted aeroplanes, a bright yellow PacMan geodesic dome, wooden witch’s hat and three yurts. The space craft is our most-wanted though, because it’s a flying saucer that sleeps four with a futuristic 50s Barbarella vibe including circular windows, round white table with clear perspex chairs, silver bedspread and monitor for playing retro space invader games.
Two nights in the UFO from £338 (that’s £97pp based on four sharing).
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