Summer Holiday Squad Goals: Group Travel Ideas for Friends & Family

With the school summer holidays starting on July 23rd, it's the perfect time to plan memorable getaways with your nearest and dearest. Group travel offers the ideal opportunity to create shared memories, split costs, and enjoy experiences that simply wouldn't be the same solo. 

Whether you're coordinating a family reunion or a long-awaited friend group holiday, the UK offers countless destinations to suit every preference and budget. 

Group travel transforms ordinary holidays into extraordinary adventures. When friends and family come together, costs become more manageable, shared experiences create lasting bonds, and the planning itself becomes part of the fun. From coastal retreats to cultural city breaks, travelling as a group opens up possibilities that might be impractical for smaller parties.

The logistics of moving multiple people can seem daunting, but with services like SMC Coach Hire's minibus hire and coach hire options, the journey becomes part of the experience rather than a headache. Professional drivers navigate while your group relaxes and enjoys quality time together from the moment you depart. 

The UK boasts numerous family-friendly destinations that cater to all ages: 

The Lake District

The Lake District provides a perfect backdrop for multi-generational holidays with its combination of gentle walks, boat trips, and literary connections. Windermere and Keswick offer accommodation options for larger groups, while the surrounding natural beauty keeps everyone from toddlers to grandparents engaged.

The Cotswolds

For families with animal enthusiasts, the Cotswolds delivers with its Wildlife Park, Cotswold Farm Park, and charming villages that seem frozen in time. The relatively compact nature of this region means families can explore multiple attractions without extensive travel between stops.

Staffordshire 

Theme park enthusiasts should consider Staffordshire, home to Alton Towers Resort and Drayton Manor Theme Park. Beyond thrilling rides, the county offers family-friendly attractions like Trentham Estate with its beautiful gardens and Monkey Forest

These diverse locations provide excitement for thrill-seekers while offering enough variety to keep all family members entertained throughout several days. 

Friend groups seeking adventure have endless options across the UK. North Wales stands out as an adventure capital with activities including:

• Zip World experiences - The Velocity 2 zipline in Penrhyn Quarry is the fastest in the world and can accommodate groups looking for an adrenaline rush together.
• Coasteering adventures - Explore the stunning coastline by combining swimming, climbing, and cliff jumping with professional guides ensuring safety while maximising thrills.
• Mountain biking trails - Coed y Brenin Forest Park offers routes for various skill levels, making it perfect for mixed-ability friend groups.

For urban adventures, Manchester and Liverpool offer fantastic nightlife, shopping, and cultural experiences. These cities are particularly well-suited to friend groups with diverse interests, as some can enjoy museums and galleries while others shop, before reconvening for evening entertainment. 

British coastal towns come alive in summer, offering that perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Cornwall's extensive coastline provides numerous options for larger groups, from surfing lessons at Fistral Beach to exploring the artistic community in St Ives. Many Cornish holiday homes cater specifically to larger parties, making accommodation easier to arrange.

Additionally, Brighton combines seaside charm with city energy, perfect for groups wanting beach days without sacrificing urban amenities. The variety of accommodation, dining options, and entertainment makes it suitable for diverse groups with varying preferences and budgets.

For something more peaceful, consider the Norfolk coast. Areas like Wells-next-the-Sea offer beautiful beaches, woodland walks, and quaint villages, providing a more relaxed pace while still offering plenty to keep groups entertained. 

Transportation logistics can make or break a group holiday. SMC Coach Hire specialises in reliable and affordable coach and minibus hire services that eliminate the stress of coordinating multiple vehicles. Professional drivers handle navigation and parking concerns, allowing everyone in your group to fully engage in the experience.

Our services are particularly valuable for a multi-destination group trip. Rather than repeatedly packing and unpacking vehicles or coordinating meeting points, the entire group stays together throughout the journey. This door-to-door service maximises time spent enjoying destinations rather than organising logistics.

For groups including elderly relatives or small children, the comfort and convenience of dedicated transport proves especially beneficial. With SMC Coach Hire handling the transportation details, your summer holiday truly begins the moment you board, not just upon arrival at your destination.

Ready to Make Your Group Holiday Plans a Reality?

Don't let transportation logistics put a damper on your summer adventure! Contact us today to enjoy stress-free group travel to any UK destination.