Why exclusive-use accommodation is better than a holiday park for groups
- Sarah Spottiswoode
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Planning a trip for a large group can be exciting, but finding the right accommodation can quickly become one of the biggest challenges.
Many people automatically start by looking at holiday parks, assuming they’re the easiest option for groups. While holiday parks certainly have their advantages, they aren’t always the best choice when you’re organising a family reunion, a birthday celebration, a school residential, a sports club weekend or a gathering of friends.
If you’re bringing together 16–56 people, exclusive-use group accommodation in Somerset such as Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & Lodges can offer a completely different experience.
Here’s why more and more groups are choosing to have an entire venue to themselves.
You Don’t Have to Share Your Weekend With Hundreds of Other People
Holiday parks are designed to accommodate lots of guests at the same time.
That often means sharing facilities, communal areas, entertainment spaces, parking, restaurants and outdoor areas with people you’ve never met.
Exclusive-use accommodation gives your group complete privacy.
You don’t have to compete for space, queue for facilities or worry about disturbing other guests.
The entire site becomes your space for the weekend.
Whether you’re gathering around a campfire, enjoying a barbecue or simply catching up with friends late into the evening, you can relax knowing that you’re surrounded only by the people you came with.
Everyone Stays Together
One of the biggest frustrations of staying at a holiday park is that people often end up scattered across different cabins, lodges or caravans.
Instead of spending time together, people spend half the weekend walking between different accommodation blocks trying to find one another.
Exclusive-use accommodation creates a shared experience.
Meals happen together.
Activities happen together.
Even the quieter moments happen together.
For family reunions, this can be especially important. Grandparents can spend time with grandchildren, cousins can reconnect and friends can gather in one central location instead of constantly coordinating where everyone is.
You Can Create Your Own Schedule
Holiday parks often work around fixed timetables.
Breakfast ends at a certain time.
Entertainment starts at a certain time.
Activities have to be booked into specific slots.
When you have exclusive use of a venue, you create your own timetable.
Want a leisurely breakfast followed by a countryside walk?
No problem.
Want to spend the afternoon playing outdoor games before gathering around a campfire in the evening?
You can.
Large groups rarely move according to a strict schedule, so flexibility quickly becomes one of the biggest advantages of having your own space.
It’s Often Better Value Than People Expect
Many people assume that exclusive-use accommodation will automatically be more expensive.
In reality, that’s not always the case.
When the total cost is divided between 20, 30 or even 50 guests, the price per person can often compare very favourably with booking multiple hotel rooms, holiday cottages or holiday park lodges. Check out our prices and see for yourself. Prices for group lodge accommodation in Somerset starts from £32 per person per night. The larger the group the lower the nightly fee.
It’s also easier to control other costs.
Cooking your own meals, organising your own activities and sharing facilities can significantly reduce your overall budget.
When comparing accommodation options, it’s always worth calculating the cost per person rather than simply looking at the total price.
There’s More Space for Group Activities
Large groups need room.
Children want somewhere to run around.
Adults want space to relax and socialise.
Teachers and group leaders need somewhere to organise activities.
Holiday parks can sometimes feel busy, particularly during peak season.
Exclusive-use accommodation often provides larger communal spaces and more freedom to organise activities that suit your group.
Popular activities include:
Campfires
Barbecues
Team games
Bushcraft activities
Archery & Air Rifle Shooting.
Wildlife walks
Outdoor dining
Group challenges
Having the freedom to shape your own experience creates a much more personal and memorable weekend. You can even bring in your own activities.
It’s Perfect for Celebrations
Celebrations and holiday parks don’t always go hand in hand. Some holiday parks also don't accept some groups.
If you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary, engagement or retirement, you’ll probably want a little more privacy. At Lydeard Farm Bush Camp and Lodges we also welcome stag parties in Somerset, and in fact these are one of our most popular booking types
Exclusive-use accommodation allows you to decorate, organise your own entertainment and celebrate without worrying about disturbing neighbouring guests.
You can create the atmosphere you want rather than trying to fit into someone else’s.
It’s Better for School and Youth Groups
Schools, youth organisations and sports clubs often need more than just somewhere to sleep.
They need space for learning, team-building and outdoor activities.
Exclusive-use accommodation allows leaders and teachers to create a more structured environment while keeping the entire group together in one location. Somer residential centres have muiltple schools at once. Why share with other school groups when you can have all the space to yourselves?
Plus the added reassurance of knowing exactly who is on site at all times.
children group activity group bush craft activity group of children exploring Somerset countryside
You Get a More Authentic Countryside Experience
Many holiday parks offer a similar experience wherever you go.
Exclusive-use accommodation in the countryside offers something different.
Instead of crowded entertainment venues and busy communal facilities, you can slow down and reconnect with nature.
You can spend your evenings sitting around a campfire, wake up to birdsong and explore beautiful walking routes straight from your accommodation.
It’s a chance to step away from everyday routines and enjoy time together in a much more meaningful way.
The Best Memories Usually Come From Shared Experiences
The accommodation you choose can shape your entire weekend.
For large groups, the best memories rarely come from organised entertainment or crowded facilities.
They come from sharing meals, laughing around a campfire, exploring the countryside together and enjoying uninterrupted time with the people who matter most.
If you’re planning a group getaway in Somerset, choosing exclusive-use accommodation could transform your weekend from a simple trip into an unforgettable shared experience.
Included in all group accommodation bookings at Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & Lodges in Somerset
Private exclusive use - your group is the only group here.
Cooking facilities in the Bush Camp Kitchen including a 5-ring gas cooker with large oven, basic kitchen utensils and cutlery. Toasters, electric kettles, small microwave, 1 large fridge, small deepfreeze.
Exclusive use of the Bush Camp
Shelter indoor social space with tables and wood burner.
Outside BBQ & camp fire (basic implements) with bag of charcoal and box of firelighters.£25.00 worth of logs for the fires.
Cleaning sprays, mop and bucket, broom for sweeping, squeegee for the lodge bathrooms; paper towels and toilet paper.
Re-cycling of all waste.
Sole use and the access to Lydeard Farm.
Grass Football/ Games pitch with footballs.
Free easy car parking.
Free games subject to a small deposit (indoor skittles and large jenga) outdoor rounders kit.
Book direct with the owner, here to answer your queries and onsite during your stay.
Local recommendations of things to do, transport contacts, catering.
Family Celebrations, Reuinions, Family Groups, Youth Groups, Stag/ Hen Party, Wedding Reception, Retreats, School Residential, Corporate Away Days, Activity Weekends. Church Groups, Nudeist Groups.
Enquire now for a personalised quote.
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