There’s something quite magical about standing beneath a sky full of stars – it’s so humbling to gaze upwards, picking out the constellations, seeing the sweep of the Milky Way, and, probably, a meteor or two. It stays with you, etched on your memory, how infinite this is, how wide the universe. One of the best places in the UK for stargazing is Exmoor National Park, designated as Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in October 2011.

Who doesn’t love going out for a Sunday roast? It’s one of the great British staples and done right it’s all you need for the day, your belly filled with hale and hearty food. It’s even better when the meat and veg are all local – like at The Martlet Inn at Langford Budville, within walking distance of some of the Sleeps12 luxury group holiday houses in Somerset. This Sunday they’ll be serving lamb that’s been raised and grazed in the fields just down in the valley by Sleeps12 owners Jessica and Ashley Vellacott.

It’s that time again! Oh yes, another 4 years has gone by and it’s not long until the 2026 FIFA World Cup! If you’re into football you’ll know how exciting it gets, and while some of you might be perfectly happy to watch the big matches on your own at home, there’s nothing quite like getting together with a group of your best friends and family for prime viewing. A luxury large group holiday house is just the place for it, marking the occasion, making it so much more memorable.

Hey you (yes, you, gorgeous), what are you doing for your birthday this year? Only, you were born in 1966, right? So that means you’ve got something very special to celebrate, doesn’t it? How you do that is up to you, go as big or as small as you like, but you know what’s rising in popularity? Getting together a bunch of your besties, old friends, close family, and heading off to a luxury large group holiday house to celebrate just the way you want to.

Well here’s some good news. To celebrate 10 years of running Willowhayes, the owners are offering a very generous 10% discount on all stays booked through Sleeps12 between 25th March and 25th April 2026. Tucked away on the Somerset Levels, this luxury large group holiday house sleeps up to 14 and has an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, games room and children’s play area.

We are so happy to introduce Fern Manor to you – the latest Addition to the Sleeps12 collection of luxury large group holiday houses in the UK. Book a stay here and you’ll be lapping up the luxury with your own spa hall with a heated pool, hot tub and sauna, a games room, tennis court, putting green, croquet lawn and children’s play area. 10 individually styled bedrooms sleep 20, the setting is a hillside on the edge of a village at the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset.

When it comes to food and drink, we should all be doing what we can that’s best for us and best for the planet. We should be eating the best quality fresh foods we can, which goes hand in hand with supporting local businesses, producers and growers. No air miles, a much reduced carbon footprint, a strong community focus and nutritious food.

Deep in the twisty-turny lanes of East Devon in the beautiful Dart Valley lies Buzzards Woodland, a little-known oasis of tranquillity diverse in habitat, home to wildlife including deer, otters, dormice, rare bats, and of course the buzzards that can often be seen soaring high above the fields and woodlands searching for prey. To walk here is so good for the soul, it’s restorative, the connection with nature, the fresh air, the sense of solitude. It's just a stone's throw away from our gorgeous large group holiday properties Babblebrook and Babbling By, so a wonderful thing to do when you stay here.

So, you’ve clocked up 40 big ones and it’s time to celebrate. Congratulations! Life is to be enjoyed and we should all make the most of these opportunities, mark all the momentous occasions and make them unforgettable. If you don’t want a full-on party, spending a few days away in a luxury holiday house with close friends and family is the perfect solution. Here’s how to make it extra special.

We are so excited to share this with you! Brand new to the Sleeps12 collection of luxury large group holiday houses is Brook Barton, and boy, it’s a stunner! If you’re looking for a unique and stylish property for an upcoming holiday or celebration with friends and family, maybe a relaxing country hen weekend, read on. Within easy reach of Hay on Wye and Ludlow, this is a brilliant base for the world-famous Hay Festival and Ludlow Food Festival.