Organising a family or friends gathering is a great idea until you begin searching for self-catering accommodation that offers the right combination of luxury and space that comfortably accommodates 10 or more people. Luckily in the North York Moors National Park there are plenty of options – from grand mansion houses through to converted farms. Here’s a sprinkling:

An Edwardian country house set in its own grounds on the northern edge of the National Park that really has the ‘wow’ factor. Everything about Castlegarth Estate is carefully geared towards making a group gathering of up to 15 guests a pleasurable, unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s the variety of room configurations that will satisfy a wide age range, the spacious dining and living areas where the décor includes plenty of homely touches or the outside space which is perfect for either letting the kids let off steam or staging a competitive game of croquet. The owner Marcella has a little black book brimming with contacts and can line-up anything from a private chef through to clay pigeon shooting or a company to stage a murder mystery event.
Whether it’s the variety of room configurations that will satisfy a wide age range, the spacious dining and living areas where the décor includes plenty of homely touches or the outside space which is perfect for either letting the kids let off steam or staging a competitive game of croquet. The owner Marcella has a little black book brimming with contacts and can line-up anything from a private chef through to clay pigeon shooting or a company to stage a murder mystery event.

The Long Barn, Appleton le Moors
Now this is a property where ‘what do groups need’ has been at the forefront of the design and layout.
For instance, there are two dishwashers and a pair of cookers that make catering for a group of 14 an absolute cinch, a large biomass boiler that provides unlimited hot water, and seven en-suite bedrooms making fights over the bathroom a thing of the past.
A secluded courtyard complete with an enormous table where on summer days you can easily think you’re in Provence as you enjoy a bit of al fresco dining, plus a pub just a few steps away that can cater for the whole group in a private dining area, adds to the ease of gathering at The Long Barn.
Now this is a property where ‘what do groups need’ has been at the forefront of the design and layout.
For instance, there are two dishwashers and a pair of cookers that make catering for a group of 14 an absolute cinch, a large biomass boiler that provides unlimited hot water, and seven en-suite bedrooms making fights over the bathroom a thing of the past.
A secluded courtyard complete with an enormous table where on summer days you can easily think you’re in Provence as you enjoy a bit of al fresco dining, plus a pub just a few steps away that can cater for the whole group in a private dining area, adds to the ease of gathering at The Long Barn.

Amid the chocolate box bijou cottages in the beautiful coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay is Albion Hall, a handsome stone building that was once a church hall but now offers roomy accommodation for up to 10 people. The modern interior offers a fantastic light-filled space which includes four bedrooms plus the option to add-on a self-contained one bed flat, and an open plan living space which is made for mingling.
Albion Hall is tucked away down one of the delightful snickets within Robin Hood’s Bay and yet it’s only a short stroll to the pubs, restaurants and feel the sand between your toes as you reach the beach.
Albion Hall is tucked away down one of the delightful snickets within Robin Hood’s Bay and yet it’s only a short stroll to the pubs, restaurants and feel the sand between your toes as you reach the beach.

Often the success of any large gathering depends on each member of the group having the chance to enjoy their own space amid all the mingling and socialising.
West Acre Lodge in the pretty village of Boltby offers space in spades for up to 22 guests.
The 11 en-suite rooms in the sympathetically restored and converted farmhouse and cluster of farm buildings around the courtyard each offer a luxurious retreat for guests in between gathering in the sitting room where the squishy sofas, two feature fireplaces and manor house décor all make it a great hub.
Alongside all the high quality facilities and spectacular countryside views, it’s the smaller details at West Acre Lodge that add to the delight – from the honesty bar and the board games on offer through to the bookcase filled with suggestions to fill your time in the local area as well as Yorkshire anecdotes that guests will enjoy regaling over an evening meal.
West Acre Lodge in the pretty village of Boltby offers space in spades for up to 22 guests.
The 11 en-suite rooms in the sympathetically restored and converted farmhouse and cluster of farm buildings around the courtyard each offer a luxurious retreat for guests in between gathering in the sitting room where the squishy sofas, two feature fireplaces and manor house décor all make it a great hub.
Alongside all the high quality facilities and spectacular countryside views, it’s the smaller details at West Acre Lodge that add to the delight – from the honesty bar and the board games on offer through to the bookcase filled with suggestions to fill your time in the local area as well as Yorkshire anecdotes that guests will enjoy regaling over an evening meal.