For families considering group holidays in the UK, various accommodation types cater to different needs. Airbnb is a popular choice, with data indicating that 81% of UK listings are family-friendly. Many Airbnbs provide amenities such as gardens, high chairs, parking, and washing machines, and offer flexibility in choosing properties with specific equipment like cots or bottle sterilisers. While Airbnbs can help keep costs down through self-catering, they typically do not offer hotel luxuries like food service or cleaning.
Center Parcs is another option, with its six UK and Ireland sites attracting around two million families each year. Guests can rent lodges, with options to book neighbouring units for groups. While activities like swimming and exploring woodlands are free, many other activities incur additional costs, which can increase the overall price of a stay. Center Parcs allows guests to arrive from 10 am on check-in day and stay until the end of check-out day, even though lodge access is from 4 pm and departure is by 10 am.
Family-friendly hotels, such as those in the Luxury Family Hotel Group (LFH), provide facilities like kids' clubs, play areas, and dedicated meal sittings. LFH hotels offer two hours of free childcare daily and may include features like in-built baby monitor systems. These hotels aim to provide a more relaxing experience for adults compared to self-catering options.