Family Stays in Exmoor
Planning a break for a family group can be a challenge. You need enough bedrooms and bathrooms, a large sociable living space, somewhere to eat together, and a location with plenty to do – without feeling crowded or overwhelmed.
Holly Lodge at Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages, on the edge of Minehead, is designed with exactly this kind of stay in mind. Set within three acres of peaceful gardens, with Exmoor National Park on the boundary, it’s a spacious, four star self catering lodge that works beautifully for family gatherings, multi-generational trips and relaxed group stays.
Why Holly Lodge works so well for family groups
Holly is one of the largest timber lodges at Woodcombe, and it’s set up to make group holidays feel easy rather than cramped.
Key benefits include:
- Generous open-plan living space
A good-sized lounge and dining area mean everyone can be together without feeling on top of each other – whether you’re sharing meals, playing games or simply catching up in the evening. - Plenty of sleeping space
Multiple bedrooms give flexibility for different mixes – parents and children, grandparents, friends with little ones, or two families sharing. - Multiple bathrooms
More than one bathroom/shower room makes mornings and post-beach clean-ups much smoother for family groups. - Well-equipped kitchen
Holly’s kitchen is set up for self catering for a crowd – proper oven and hob, good workspace and enough kit for cooking family favourites or simple batch meals. - Covered veranda with views
The lodge opens onto a covered veranda with views across the valley and towards Exmoor. It’s ideal for morning coffee, evening chats and keeping an eye on children playing outside. - Step-free style access
Holly is one of three lodges at Woodcombe (alongside Laburnum and Cherry) designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests, which can be very helpful for multi-generational stays.
All of this sits within a quiet, well-kept site that tends to attract guests who value space, comfort and calmer evenings.
Inside Holly Lodge – space to be together
Holly is arranged to make group living simple:
- An open-plan lounge and dining area so nobody is shut away while cooking or preparing food
- A large dining table where you can sit down together for meals, games and planning the next day
- Comfortable sofas and seating for relaxed evenings after time on the beach or out on the moor
- A proper, fully fitted kitchen so you can self cater easily – breakfast buffets, simple one-pot suppers or Sunday lunch style meals all work well here
- Multiple bedrooms that can be allocated to different family units, grandparents or friends
With electric heating and plenty of natural light, Holly feels welcoming in every season – from spring and Easter breaks to summer holidays and autumn walking weeks.
Using Holly as a base for family holidays
From Holly, you have easy access to both Exmoor and the coast, which makes planning for mixed ages and interests much simpler.
Nearby things to do
Within a short drive you can enjoy:
- Minehead seafront and beach – classic seaside fun, with sand, promenade, ice cream and a dog-friendly stretch beyond the golf course
- West Somerset Railway – steam trains along the coast and through the countryside, popular with all generations
- Dunster village and castle (National Trust) – history, gardens, tearooms and gentle pottering
Villages like Selworthy, Allerford and Bossington – thatched cottages, churches and walks with views - Further afield, Exmoor opens up into moorland, wooded valleys and high viewpoints, with riverside walks at places such as Tarr Steps and Watersmeet, and lakeside routes at Wimbleball.
For detailed route maps and attraction ideas across the area, Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor’s websites are excellent planning tools.
The site facilities – ideal for family groups
Staying in Holly means your group also benefits from Woodcombe’s wider facilities:
- Around three acres of gardens and lawns
- A putting green for gentle competition
- Children’s play equipment for younger guests
- An overall atmosphere that suits families and friendship groups who enjoy relaxed, low-key evenings
Because there are other guests on site, and the setting is peaceful, Holly tends to work best for groups who want quiet time together – big family get-togethers, walking groups, creative or hobby weekends, or friends’ reunions with children.
If you’re planning a larger gathering, you can also book additional lodges or cottages alongside Holly (subject to availability), so everyone has their own space while still being close together.
Planning a family group stay in Holly Lodge
A little advance organisation goes a long way when you’re bringing several people under one roof.
Think about bedroom allocation early - Decide who will sleep where – for example:
- One room for grandparents
- Rooms for each family unit
- A “kids’ room” for cousins who want to bunk together
Plan simple, flexible meals - Holly’s kitchen is set up for proper cooking, but you don’t need to make things complicated. Popular approaches include:
- Batch-cooked chilli, curry, pasta bakes or traybakes
- Big brunches after slower starts
- Barbecue-style meals and salads when the weather is kind
Mix shared activities with downtime With a larger group, it often works well to:
- Plan one or two “whole group” days, such as a steam train trip or Dunster visit
- Leave space for smaller sub-groups to peel off – some to walk on Exmoor, others to enjoy the beach or simply stay around the lodge and gardens
Book early for popular times School holidays, half terms and bank holiday weekends book up quickly. If you know you want Holly for a specific date, it’s sensible to reserve well in advance, especially if you also want to book other lodges.
If you have any particular needs – accessibility, travel timings, parking, quiet working space – the on-site owners are happy to talk things through before you commit.
FAQs – family stays in Holly Lodge
How many people can Holly Lodge accommodate?
Holly is one of the largest lodges at Woodcombe and is designed for extended families and groups. For the current recommended occupancy and bed layout, it’s best to check the Holly Lodge page on the Woodcombe website or contact the owners directly.
Is Holly suitable for multi-generational family holidays?
Yes. Holly works very well for multi-generational groups, with plenty of shared living space, multiple bedrooms, more than one bathroom and step-free style access that can help guests with reduced mobility. The wider site is also calm and spacious, which suits grandparents and younger children alike.
Can we book other lodges as well as Holly for a family group?
Often yes, subject to availability. Many groups book Holly as the main gathering space and add one or more nearby lodges or cottages so that different family units or friends have their own “base” while still being close together. The owners can advise on combinations that work well.
Is Holly Lodge accessible for guests with reduced mobility?
Holly is one of three lodges at Woodcombe (alongside Laburnum and Cherry) that are designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests. If accessibility is important, you can ask the owners for detailed information on door widths, bathroom layouts, parking and access to shared facilities to check it meets your needs.
Is Holly suitable for families who want a relaxed, quieter stay?
Yes. Holly and the wider Woodcombe site are best suited to family groups who enjoy spending time together during the day and prefer calmer evenings – shared meals, conversation, games and perhaps some stargazing – rather than late-night noise. If that matches the feel you’re aiming for, Holly is likely to be a good fit.
If you’re planning a lare family gathering, multi-generational holiday or relaxed group stay on the edge of Exmoor, you can find out more about Holly Lodge and check availability on the Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages website. For ideas on walks, days out and things to do during your stay, Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor both provide up to date information on routes, attractions and events across the area.
