There is something deeply special about getting multiple generations or lifelong friends together under one roof. Milestone birthdays, long-overdue catch-ups, and annual family traditions are the moments we remember forever.
However, anyone who has ever volunteered to organize a large group holiday knows it can quickly feel like herding cats.
From finding a large family holiday cottage in Nottinghamshire that actually fits everyone, to coordinating schedules and cooking for a small army, the logistics can get overwhelming. The biggest bottleneck? Finding the right space. Too often, “sleeps 10” properties mean squeezing onto mismatched sofas or splitting up into separate houses when it’s time to eat.
If you are looking for premium group accommodation in Sherwood Forest where your whole party can relax, celebrate, and stay together comfortably, The East Wing at Rufford Park Lodge was built for exactly this.
Designed for Groups: Space to Gather, Space to Breathe
Originally built in 1834 as a Grade II listed hunting lodge for the historic Rufford Abbey Estate, this property seamlessly blends striking historical charm with the modern luxuries a 10-person group needs.
When you are sharing a space with extended family, two design features make or break the trip: where you eat, and how long you have to queue for the shower.
The Ultimate 10-Person Dining Space
You won’t need to eat in shifts or balance plates on your knees here. The dedicated dining room features a large, extendable oak dining table that comfortably seats all 10 guests. It’s the perfect hub for long, lazy breakfasts or a celebratory multi-course dinner.
Multi-Bathroom Convenience
To keep the morning rush completely stress-free, the lodge offers three full bathrooms plus an extra ground-floor cloakroom. The setup includes:
- A convenient ground-floor double en-suite bedroom (ideal for grandparents or anyone preferring to avoid stairs).
- Two family-sized bathrooms upstairs—including one with a luxurious jacuzzi bath and a separate steam shower.
After a long day exploring the outdoors, the group can spread out across the spacious 7-seater corner sofa configuration, gather in the private courtyard, or head to the star of the show: the premium, illuminated 6-person hot tub.
The Perfect 3-Night Sherwood Forest Itinerary
To help take the pressure off planning, here is a tried-and-tested 3-night itinerary designed to keep everyone from toddlers to grandparents thoroughly entertained.
Day 1: Settle In & Stargaze
- Afternoon: Arrive from 4:00 PM. Give everyone time to unpack, explore the lodge, and claim their bedrooms (3 doubles and 2 twin rooms).
- Evening: Fire up the woodburning stove in the lounge, pour a few drinks, and head out to the secluded courtyard. Spend your first evening relaxing under the stars in the warm waters of your private hot tub.
Day 2: Legendary Woods & Historic Ruins
- Morning: Take a gentle 20-minute walk down the private country lane directly to Rufford Abbey Country Park. Explore the stunning 12th-century abbey ruins, stroll around the lake, and stop for coffee.
- Afternoon: Drive just 10 minutes down the road to Edwinstowe to visit the official Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. Walk the smooth, accessible trails to see the Major Oak—the legendary 1,100-year-old tree said to be Robin Hood’s hiding place.
- Evening: Head back to the lodge for a big family games night or stream your favorite movie on the 43-inch TV with Sky Q.
Day 3: A Historic Day Trip to Lincoln
- Morning: Fuel up with a big breakfast and take a scenic 40-minute drive across the county line to the historic city of Lincoln.
- Afternoon: Explore the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral (once the tallest building in the world) and the historic Lincoln Castle. Wander down the famous “Steep Hill” to explore the independent boutiques, fudge shops, and traditional tea rooms.
- Evening: Return to Nottinghamshire for a final celebratory farewell dinner at the lodge.
Catering for a Crowd Made Easy
Feeding 10 people doesn’t have to mean constant stress. The property features a fully equipped kitchen complete with an electric range cooker, a dishwasher (a non-negotiable for large groups!), and a separate utility room with an American-style fridge-freezer to hold all your supplies.
Pro Tip for Grocery Deliveries: Save yourself the car-packing headache by ordering a supermarket delivery straight to the lodge for the evening you arrive.
If you prefer to stock up locally or need to run out for extra supplies during your stay, you are perfectly positioned near local amenities:
- New Ollerton: Just a few minutes’ drive away, perfect for major supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies, and local takeaways if you want a night off from cooking.
- Bilsthorpe & Wellow: Very close by for local Co-op food stores (4 minutes) and excellent traditional country pubs like The Maypole at Wellow for a hearty family lunch.
What Real Guests Say
Don’t just take our word for it—here is what Tracy shared after her multi-generational family gathering:
“The East Wing was the perfect setting for our family reunion. Having a dining table where all 10 of us could sit properly and chat made our evenings so special. The hot tub was a massive hit with the younger adults, while my parents really appreciated the comfort of the ground-floor en-suite. We’ll definitely be back!”
— Tracy, Guest Review
Lock In Your Next Family Getaway
Finding a premium 10 person holiday cottage with a hot tub that checks every box for space, luxury, and location can be tough—and prime weekend dates during school holidays fill up months in advance.
Skip the third-party platforms and booking fees.
Book directly on our website today to secure the absolute best rates, enjoy priority availability, and start planning an unforgettable Sherwood Forest escape for your family.
