A big group weekend, not far from London

Far enough to feel away, close enough for a weekend

Getting twenty people out of London for a weekend is half the battle. Little Upton sits in Long Sutton, near Langport, on the edge of the Somerset Levels. About 2.5 hours’ drive from London, and typically around three hours from central London, depending on traffic and where you set off.

That puts a proper country weekend within reach of a Friday finish, without anyone losing a whole day to the journey.

Getting here

Most groups drive, sharing cars or a minibus. There are other options too:

• By train: direct services run from London Paddington to Castle Cary, about 20 minutes from Little Upton by taxi.
• A Berrys coach from London stops about five minutes from Little Upton.
• Yeovil Junction (about 25 minutes) and Taunton (about 30 minutes) are useful stations if your group is coming from elsewhere.

Book station taxis ahead of time, as larger groups can be hard to collect at short notice.

Why the drive is worth it

Each house is all yours for your stay, with its own hot tub and sauna and a table big enough for everyone to eat together. The Pictureworks, Upton Bourn Lodge and Vedalworks have their own heated outdoor pools in season, and the shared walled-garden pool gives each of the other houses a private daily session from May to September.

Making the most of arrival day

Check-in is from 4pm. Early check-in from 2pm can sometimes be arranged for a fee, subject to availability, which helps if half the group sets off at lunchtime.

Book a private chef or caterer for the first night so nobody is cooking after the journey. Our local suppliers page lists chefs who come to the house; they are booked and paid directly with the supplier.

Choosing your house

The Threshing Barn sleeps 18, The Pictureworks 22, Upton Bourn Lodge 23 and Vedalworks 24. Pick by head count first, then by beds, bathrooms and whether you want your own pool.

Before you make plans.