Top Tips for Planning a Family and Friends Break in the Cotswolds
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Whether it's a long-overdue family reunion, a special birthday, a weekend away with friends or simply an excuse to spend quality time together, there's nothing quite like escaping with the people you love.
Over the years, we've welcomed hundreds of families and friendship groups to Mount Pleasant Barns, and we've noticed something...
The guests who have the most memorable stays don't just choose a beautiful place to stay—they choose somewhere that works for everyone.
From grandparents to toddlers, couples to teenagers, dogs to dinner plans, there are lots of little details that can make the difference between a relaxing weekend and one that's unexpectedly stressful.
So, if you're planning your next gathering, here are some of the things we've learned that are worth thinking about before you book.
1. Choose somewhere that's easy for everyone to reach
One of the first questions our guests usually ask is, "Will it be easy for everyone to get here?"
When family and friends are travelling from different parts of the country, finding a central location can save hours of travelling and makes arriving much less stressful.
That's one of the reasons so many guests choose Mount Pleasant Barns. Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside, just a few miles from Stratford-upon-Avon and on the edge of the Cotswolds, we're surprisingly accessible while still feeling wonderfully rural. Plus there is plenty of free parking on site. Guests often tell us they love arriving and immediately feeling like they've escaped the pace of everyday life.
2. Think beyond the number of beds
Many people search simply by "sleeps 8" or "large holiday cottage".
However, the number of beds is only part of the story.
Ask yourself:
Is there enough seating for everyone?
Can everyone eat together?
Is there enough outdoor space?
Will people feel on top of each other?
A great group stay is about having space to spend time together, while still giving everyone room to relax.
The Big Barn at Mount Pleasant Barns was designed with exactly this in mind. By combining the Coach House and adjoining Piggery, families enjoy generous shared living areas alongside separate accommodation that's ideal for grandparents, couples, teenagers or anyone wanting a little extra privacy.
3. Give everyone a little privacy
One thing we've learned is that even the closest families appreciate having somewhere to retreat.
Grandparents may want an early night, teenagers often like their own space, and couples enjoy a little privacy after a busy day together.
Many of our returning guests choose The Big Barn or an Exclusive Barn Takeover because it gives everyone the best of both worlds—shared meals, laughter and celebrations, alongside separate accommodation where people can unwind in their own time.
It's a small detail that often makes a huge difference to everyone's stay.
4. Think about the moments you'll remember—not just where you'll sleep
When guests leave, they rarely tell us how comfortable the sofa was.
Instead, they tell us about...
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cooking homemade pizzas together
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relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub beneath the stars
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family BBQs that lasted all afternoon
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children playing in the garden while everyone caught up over a glass of wine
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morning walks through the countryside with the dogs
Those shared experiences become the stories everyone talks about long after the holiday has finished.
That's why we've created outdoor spaces that naturally bring people together, including our outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ and wood-fired hot tubs.
5. If you're celebrating, make it feel exclusive
Whether it's a milestone birthday, anniversary, family reunion or simply your annual get-together, having the place to yourselves makes the occasion feel that little bit more special.
Our Exclusive Barn Takeover is becoming increasingly popular for exactly this reason.
Booking all three luxury barns means your group enjoys complete privacy while still having separate accommodation for different families or couples. It creates a lovely balance between spending time together and having your own space when you need it.
6. Don't underestimate location
One question we're often asked is, "Will there be enough to do nearby?"
The answer is yes - probably more than you will have time to do - and that's also one of the reasons guests return.
Some spend the whole weekend relaxing at the barns. Others head into Stratford-upon-Avon, explore Warwick Castle, visit the Cotswolds, enjoy country pubs or simply discover beautiful walking routes from the doorstep.
Having so much within easy reach means everyone can enjoy the weekend their own way.
7. Make sure every member of the family is welcome
For many of our guests, that includes the dog.
Rather than worrying about kennels or finding pet sitters, we love welcoming four-legged guests too. With enclosed gardens and countryside walks straight from the doorstep, dogs settle in just as quickly as their owners.
It's often one less thing to organise—and one more family member who gets to enjoy the holiday.
Our advice? Think about how you want the weekend to feel.
After welcoming guests for many years, we've found the best group holidays aren't the ones with the busiest itineraries.
They're the ones where everyone has time to slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy being together.
Whether you're planning a family celebration in The Coach House, a larger gathering in The Big Barn, or want complete privacy with an Exclusive Barn Takeover, our aim is always the same—to help you create a stay that feels relaxed, memorable and effortless from the moment you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good holiday cottage for a large family?
Look for more than enough beds. Comfortable communal spaces, flexible sleeping arrangements, outdoor areas, parking and privacy all make a big difference to a successful group stay.
Where can families and friends stay together near Stratford-upon-Avon?
Mount Pleasant Barns offers flexible luxury accommodation in Warwickshire, including the Coach House, Big Barn and Exclusive Barn Takeover options, ideal for groups wanting to enjoy the countryside while being close to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds.
What size groups can stay at Mount Pleasant Barns?
Depending on the property you choose, Mount Pleasant Barns can accommodate everything from smaller family gatherings to exclusive barn takeovers for larger groups. We can sleep from 2 to 10 people.
📍 Book your stay today and make Mount Pleasant Barns the heart of your next Cotswold adventure.