Group Retreats Reviews 

512
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 91 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Visitors frequently praise the exceptionally spacious accommodations, incredible recreational facilities like swimming pools and hot tubs, and peaceful, beautiful surrounding locations. Guests also warmly appreciate the helpful property caretakers, wonderful welcome baskets, and wonderfully well-equipped kitchens that make large family gatherings truly special and memorable. Some reviewers were not happy with minor property maintenance inconveniences, noting occasional heating troubles, wear and tear, or missing everyday items upon arrival. Others also mentioned that navigating very large historic houses with multiple levels or less secure gardens required extra attention during their stay.

What people talk about most

Facilities

People report positive experiences with facilities, highlighting the incredible amount of space both indoors... See more

Location

Customers had positive experiences with location, noting that properties offer peaceful retreats while... See more

Quality

Users describe positive interactions with quality, consistently highlighting spotless cleanliness and... See more

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff and owners, highlighting friendly communication and helpful support... See more

Holidays

Customers consistently note positive experiences with holidays, describing them as wonderful and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Gardener's Cottage is a perfect weekend getaway in beautiful surroundings for peace and quiet. Great location, easy walk to the high Street for dinner or along the river. Great for watching wi... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous stay for 4 nights at Martley Hall. This is a spectacular and very comfortable base for a family holiday (we were 30). The equipment and furniture is excellent and the games, garden and swimmi... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Booked Old Lakenham for three nights to celebrate my 60th birthday with 24 friends, and loved every minute, the house exceeding all our expectations. Just 50 minutes from London, it's the perfect part... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We stayed at Abbey House for three nights, 22 of us for a 70th birthday celebration. We can absolutely recommend it. It took us a while to be able to navigate this house with its nine bedrooms, l... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Holiday Home
  2. Holiday Accommodation Service
  3. Luxury Hotel

Written by the company

Group Retreats provides large-group high-end accommodation in unique and beautiful country houses. Recognising that large groups often struggle to find appropriate accommodation and that luxury housing for such groups was in short supply, we set out to find the perfect country homes for our customers to enjoy. Our vision is not only to provide your group with a comfortable stay, but to give you an unforgettable experience of staying in a quintessential English country home. You will discover unique settings for a family break, corporate function or a milestone celebration; which you can enjoy in your own way. Typically, our properties are large historic listed buildings with extensive grounds and beautiful gardens. Swimming pools and spas are features in most of our places, along with games rooms packed with snooker, pool and other games. Our properties are generally in quiet, isolated locations, surrounded by countryside – perfect for exploring. At Group Retreats we can help you plan an unforgettable trip.


Contact info

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

512 reviews

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4.8

All reviews

(512)

93 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Family Break

Just enjoyed a great family stay at Castle Eden.
Group Retreats made the booking & check in process hassle free.
Venue was as expected, clean, tidy & well equipped with everything we needed.
I have no hesitation in recommending booking stay with Group Retreats

5 March 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Lindsay,

Thank you for your very kind review of your time at Castle Eden.

It's great to hear that the service you were priced with from the officer team ensured a seamless booking, and that you and everything you needed at the property.

I hope to be able to welcome you back to Castle Eden or another of our properties again in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Stay at Eden Castle

Myself and a large group of friends stayed at Castle Eden for the weekend. The house was beautiful. It made a fabulous venue for us to relax in and have a weekend of fun activities. The building was generous in space and character and had so many multifunctional rooms which made the stay successful. Everyone commented on the beautiful house and grounds. It would be a pleasure to return one day in the future.

14 March 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Jamie,

Many thanks for the lovely review! It was a pleasure to host you & your guests, and we look forward to welcoming you back to any of our properties in the future!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fawley Court in Hereford…

We stayed in Fawley Court in Hereford and the place was wonderful, in particular the hot tub and pool! It met our needs and we had a wonderful 2 night stay. Group Retreats were great to deal with throughout.

3 March 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Erika,

Thank you for your kind review of your time at Fawley Court.

I'm so pleased to hear that you made great use of the facilities during your stay, and found the customer service was of a good standard.

We would love to welcome you back to Fawley Court or one of our other properties again in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Golden Jubilee Weekend (Surprise 50th)

When booking such a large property for so many friends I was nervous that something would disappoint. All i can say is wow. Nothing disappointed. In fact all my expectations were exceeded in every way. It was clear that this was going to be the case from the communication from Group retreats but i was still nervous.

All the details have been thought through properly at the property and our caretaker "Stu" was exceptional answering our silly questions.

I would certainly be looking through there portfolio of properties again if i was booking another weekend for so many friends

1 March 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Mr Rooke,

We are so pleased you had a lovely time at Glentworth Manor! I will pass your thanks to Stuart, and we absolutely look forward to welcoming you back to any of our properties in the future!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Saham Grove Hall

We had a fantastic stay at Saham Grove Hall for my wife's 50th birthday weekend. Sleeping over 20 people, the house is huge and rooms and facilities were excellent that catered for all ages with the games room, hot tub and tennis court keeping the children occupied. We self-catered and the kitchen had all essentials required and we wanted for nothing.

The only gripe we had was that a local walkable pub would’ve made the experience perfect instead of the 20 minute car journey to the nearest town. First world problems I know!!

The weekend was made easy to book and I found Nicola at GR very helpful and easy to speak to. Many thanks to GR for your help.

The large group we had are already in discussions to return in future and maybe make it an annual gathering. Highly recommended!

1 March 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Mr O'Dowd,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so glad you had a wonderful time, and look forward to welcoming you and you party back to any of our venues! I will pass on your feedback to Nicola, I'm sure she will be pleased with your praise!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Ashfield Place Farm

We had the most fabulous time at Ashfield Place Farm. It was easy to book and I was kept fully informed and up to date. The caretaker on site was so helpful and supportive. I truly recommend this place and hopefully one day we'll be able to go again.

22 February 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Hi,

Thank you so much! I have passed on your message to the caretakers and our office team. We hope to see you again another time at any of our properties!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The stay was for a church retreat for 3…

The stay was for a church retreat for 3 nights 4 days. The house was big enough for 30 people adults and children. We had self catering and the kitchen was well equipped with all essentials. I am definitely coming back! Thank you to the team for their professionalism and ensuring the stay was a smooth transition from the checkin and check out.

18 February 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Rosalie,

Thank you for your lovely words! We look forward to welcoming you back at any of our properties in the future!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely sensational stay

Absolutely sensational stay, cannot recommend enough. The quality of maintenance on the property, from the pool to the bedroom and communal areas, definitely a place I have and will recommend. Great facilities for families, friends and all the above. The attention to detail and maintenance of the place is exceptional, and I really have nothing negative to say about the place apart from I wish I owned the place lol.

18 February 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Thank you for your lovely words! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay, and look forward to welcoming you back in the near future!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A Truly Magical Stay at Fawley Court

A Truly Magical Stay at Fawley Court – A Perfect Family Retreat

From the moment we arrived at Fawley Court, we knew we were in for something special. Our family of thirty—adults and children alike—spent three unforgettable days in this breathtaking country house, and it exceeded every expectation.

The house itself is nothing short of spectacular. Steeped in history yet beautifully maintained, it offered the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The rooms were spacious, elegant, and inviting, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Every detail, from the luxurious furnishings to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, made us feel instantly at home.

The facilities were simply outstanding. The grand dining room became the heart of our gatherings, where we shared delicious meals in a setting that felt like something out of a period drama. The fully equipped kitchen made it easy to cater for our large group, and the staff ensured everything was seamless.

The swimming pool and spa area were a real highlight. there was nothing better than unwinding in the heated pool or relaxing in the jacuzzi. The children were in their element, running freely through the gardens, while the adults enjoyed peaceful walks and moments of quiet reflection in the serene surroundings.

The grounds themselves are magnificent—expansive, beautifully landscaped, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether we were enjoying morning coffee on the terrace or simply taking in the fresh country air, every moment felt like a privilege.

What truly set this experience apart was the sense of togetherness Fawley Court fostered. It was more than just a stay—it was a chance for our family to reconnect, laugh, and create lifelong memories in the most perfect setting imaginable.

A huge thank you to Group Retreats for making this experience so seamless and special. If you’re looking for an extraordinary retreat for a large group, look no further. We will cherish our time here forever and can’t wait to return.

19 February 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear M,

Thank you for your lovely review! Fawley Court is a stunning place, one of the jewels in the Group Retreats crown, and we are so glad you and your family enjoyed it so much!

I have fed back your review to the team who manage the property, and they pass on their thanks as well!

We look forward to seeing you again soon at any of our properties!

Kind Regards,

Phil

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

The castle Hartlepool

The castle is very grand and the surroundings are stunning . We stayed over Christmas so had a lovely time as a family .

There are alot of positives and unfortunately a few negatives .
We were charged 3 times the price of a normal stay with a cost of £9036 for 5 days. Therefore at this price are expectations were pretty high.
The castle needs alot of TLC , whilst most of the rooms were wonderful . On arrival there were dead flies ( or dying flies ) in all the rooms on the first floor . It appears there was a issue with cluster flies . This was consistent throught the stay . Room 9 was filthy, stains on floor and walls , badly maintained and the mattresses were old and springy . Room 5 mattress sloped down and had another one underneath that was broken. Enamel on the lovely baths had peeled off and 3 of the showers weren't working . One leaked out , one never got hot and the other needed the head replacing . The downstairs was freezing but upstairs super hot . we had to buy my mum and electric blanket to stay warm downstairs !! The Microwave wasnt working
, the food in the fridges froze some if the food which was a nightmare trying to cook on Christmas day !! No washing machine as advertised and the sauna didnt work although we chopped wood to use it that way. The hot tub and sauna are outside , there is a door that leads from the conservatory which was also unuseable due to the roof falling in . This meant you had to walk outside and around to access these . Unfortunately it was pitch black as no lighting ! The caretaker was lovely and tried his best to support . He replaced the Microwave and washing machine a few days later . Although it wasn't the best as one if the kids had been sick on the first night so I had to wash the sheets in the bath. The pool table had no working cues so we had to go out and buy some . The tv and Xbox didn't have leads so the kids couldn't use those . Only one TV throughout and WiFi is terrible . We raised all of this mostly on the first day and the caretaker advised that group retreats advised us to flip the mattresses and there nothing they could do . They flatly denied this when I spoke to them . Whilst the castle has some great features and is huge , the response re a complaint was why I give them 2 stars . Whilst they acknowledged some if the issues , the response was condescending and implied that we were making it up as no guests before or after have had these issues . Customer relations needs alot of work , I don't ever complain about anything but it was duely warranted on this occasion ..I sent in videos and photos to reflect my concerns . I was worried as I have seen other reviews where they have refused to give deposits back . To be honest we left the castle cleaner than when we arrived.
We didn't have any issues with this being refunded .
In a snapshot group retreats need to work on there customer service skills and take some accountability instead of reacting it back when there are issues . Although the team leader who I spoke to about the response to the complaint was lovely and tried to be as accommodating as she could .

25 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Eleanor,

I would firstly like to apologise for the inconveniences you faced during your time at The Castle.

We regret that some areas of the property were not up to our usual high standard upon your arrival, and as a result of this we have taken steps to ensure that your points will be rectified immediately.

I am pleased that the caretaker was able to help where he could with replacing the microwave and the washing machine, I will pass on your thanks to him.

It is unfortunate that you were not notified that the palm room was inaccessible during your stay due to the maintenance needed, and we do apologise for this miscommunication. However, it was necessary to close the room off to guests until we can have the much needed repairs done.

We pride ourselves on the high standard of Customer Service we provide at Group Retreats, and you can see from previous reviews that this is usually the case. Therefore I am sorry you feel we fell short of this when dealing with your complaint. We have since looked into this, and I believe a member of our team has spoken to you about this separately.

We take all feedback seriously and appreciate your comments.

Kind Regards

Group Retreats

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Glentworth Hall - AMAZING

Sorry it’s taken so long to write my review of Glentworth Hall.

Wow what can I say? Truly amazing!

We had a late family Christmas get together 3rd Jan - 6th Jan. I was a bit anxious about what I might be missing in the kitchen to cook the Christmas dinner. I contacted Group retreats and the lady I spoke to reassured me that I did not need to worry the kitchen was fully equipped with everything you could imagine, and she had first hand experience of staying there. She was right I didn’t need to worry at all.

We were a party of 14 range of ages from 20’s to 70’s. All the facilities suited our needs from the lovely quiet lounge to the cinema and games room. The hot tub was so big it was amazing.

We hosted our own murder mystery and the dining room was the perfect setting. I cannot express how much everyone of us loved Glentworth Hall.

A special mention to Stuart who was extremely helpful and friendly. Thank you

I have since recommended group retreats to my work colleagues who loved my photos.

We felt like royalty in such a wonderful setting. Keeping up the Christmas trees was a wonderful touch. Would definitely look to book again.
Thank you

3 January 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Morris,

Thank you for your extremely kind review of you time at Glentworth Hall.

It's really lovely of you to mention the customer service you received from the office team, and the caretaker. Both work extremely hard to ensure they provide an excellent standard of customer service and so I'm glad this was noticed.

I'm glad you and your group enjoyed all aspects of the property, and it sounds like you had an amazing time.

We would love to welcome you back to Glentworth Hall or one of our other properties again in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic!

Fantastic and direct customer support. Fantastic and smooth checkin instructions. The place was wonderful clean and as advertised. Very professional!

18 January 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Tim,

Thank you for your review.

I'm really pleased to hear that you and your group enjoyed your time at the property.

We would love to host you and your group again in the near future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a weekend!

What a weekend!
We had a fantastic weekend celebrating my wife's 40th birthday at a Group Retreats location (Fawley Court) just south of Hereford. The property was exceptional - everything that it was advertised to be and worked perfectly for our large group (40 people). The swimming pool at Fawley Court was particularly great for everyone.
Group Retreats made it so easy to book and worked with us on specific details for our stay. The onsite caretaker was excellent and made us really feel at ease during check out. Thank you so much - we will definitely be using Group Retreats again!

10 January 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Mike,

Thank you so much for your lovely review.

I am so pleased you and your group had a lovely stay at Fawley Court, it truly is a fabulous property in an outstanding location.

I will pass your thanks onto our caretaker.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

amazing weekend away in Country…

We had amazing weekend away in Country side, the place was very clean, well presented and had everything we needed, having a Jacuzzi was a bonus. Would definitely stay again

10 January 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Inita,

Thank you for your lovely review.

I am so pleased you had a lovey stay!

It is so lovely you are considering returning to one of our properties in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic accommodation and fantastic…

Fantastic accommodation and fantastic service.

6 January 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Kane,

Thank you your review.

We appreciate your feedback.

Hopefully we can welcome you back as a returning guest in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Abbey House

Our extended family group had a wonderful time staying at Abbey House on the Audley End Estate. This is a beautiful historic house set in the even more historic and fascinating Audley End Estate. Everything was provided to make our stay comfortable and the house was cosy and warm despite the snowy weather. The customer service from Group Retreats was very good too so I recommend booking with them, and staying at Abbey House in particular.

3 January 2025
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your very kind review of your time at Abbey House.

It's great that you have mentioned the customer service from Group Retreats, as we pride ourselves on this in the office.

We hope to be able to welcome you back to Abbey House or one of our other properties again in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Comforting and peaceful

Our stay at Group Retreats' property has been nothing short of amazing. The entire experience was incredibly effortless and stress-free thanks to the thorough care and attention provided by the Group Retreats team. It was clear that every detail had been carefully thought out to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. The property itself was beautiful and well-maintained, making our stay even more delightful. We are extremely pleased with our experience and grateful for the exceptional service we received. We can't wait to book with Group Retreats again in the future.

31 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Galina,

Thank you for your lovely review.

I'm so pleased to hear that the experience was pleasant for you and your group, and that you felt the customer service provided was exceptional.

We can't wait to welcome you back to one of our properties again in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We booked a stay at Glentworth Manor…

We booked a stay at Glentworth Manor over new year and we had a fabulous time! Group retreats were great in their communication and customer service, Stuart the caretaker was extremely helpful and attentive during our stay. The only thing that could possibly be improved were the showers but the jacuzzi bath more than made up for it!

30 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Jen,

Thank you for your review of your time at Glentworth Hall.

I will be sure to pass on your thanks to the caretaker as he does work very hard to ensure our guests have an exceptional experience.

Whilst the water pressure can be a little bit low if more than one shower is in use, it's great to hear that this did not impact your stay in any way.

We would love to welcome you back to Glentworth Hall or one of our other properties again in the near future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good stay at Glentworth Hall

Good stay at Glentworth Hall, a couple issues like any place but were resolved immediately.

21 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Nikhil,

Thank you for your review.

I'm pleased to hear that we managed to resolve the issues you faced straight away.

We would love to welcome you back to one of our other properties again in the future.

Kind Regards

Lia

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We stayed in caer beris manor for the…

We stayed in caer beris manor for the new years celebrations with family , we all had a fabulous time and have rebooked for next year , couldn’t fault anything at all fabulous manor in beautiful grounds.
Everything was there that we needed for a Enjoyable stay , big shout out for Andy the caretaker he made sure we happy and was always on hand if we needed him , but left us to enjoy ourselves . Thank you

29 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Group Retreats

Dear Nicola,

Thank you for your review.

I'm so pleased to hear that you and your group enjoyed your time at Caer Beris Manor so much that you have booked again!

The property truly is beautiful and I'm really glad that you and your group recognised this.

I will be sure to pass your thanks onto Andy, as our caretakers work very hard and deserve the recognition.

We look forward to welcoming you back.

Kind Regards

Lia

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