It’s the moments you share that create a memorable holiday, from laughter-filled meals to windswept stomps across the beach or, when the mood strikes, a spirited game. Adding a spot of friendly competition to a holiday, nothing beats a well-stocked games room for jam-packed entertainment between friends and family (as long as you leave Monopoly in the box, that is).
Whether you can’t say no to a round of darts before dinner or you’re ready to hold your title during a table tennis tournament, these welcoming holiday cottages across the UK boast games rooms that are sure to grab your attention from the moment you arrive.
Duncombe
Teignmouth, Devon | Sleeps 12
Best for: Large gatherings
Duncombe is a gorgeous Victorian villa with oodles of space for the whole family (dogs included). The games room boasts a full-size ping pong table, foosball table, dartboard, piano and a giant blackboard perfect for keeping score (or a few rounds of Pictionary). There’s lots of space for storing wetsuits and bikes, inviting you to make the most of your location on Devon’s beautiful south coast, while the cosy snug invites you to wind down with a good book. Fill your days with coastal adventures before returning to Duncombe for an evening of fun-filled games and family feasts in the charming dining room or the sun-soaked lawn.
La Casita
Porthleven, Cornwall | Sleeps 8
Best for: Sports fans
With three TVs offering Sky Sports, a dartboard, and a billiards and table tennis table – not to mention your very own bar – the games room at La Casita is a total showstopper. If this isn’t enough, there are plenty of other options for entertainment throughout the stylish cottage, including a wall-mounted Scrabble board and two retro arcade games. Indulge in a spot of friendly competition or step outside to make the most of the fabulous hot tub with sprawling rural views. The pretty harbour village of Porthleven is close by too, promising a mouth-watering mix of eateries, from Michelin recommended favourites to relaxed waterside haunts.
The Swallows
Chagford, Devon | Sleep 6
Best for: Musically minded fun
A fabulous converted barn in the heart of Devon’s rolling countryside, The Swallows is the perfect family-friendly escape. Beautifully presented, the light and airy living area/games room invites you to unwind after a day exploring the moors with the pooch. A variety of books and board games ensure there’s something for everyone, while a piano promises a musical accompaniment to your activities. Dartmoor National Park is only a short drive away, providing ample opportunities to stretch your legs in between chess tournaments. Our recommendation? Pop a pack of playing cards in your pocket and head to a local pub after your walk for a cosy afternoon by a roaring fire.
Cape Wrath Lodge
Durness, Scottish Highlands | Sleep 16
Best for: Breathtaking backdrops
Not only does this incredible dog-friendly hunting lodge promise jaw-dropping views across the Scottish Highlands, it also boasts a top-notch games room (complete with a full-size snooker table), cinema room, and a children’s playroom full of games and books for the little ones to enjoy. Safe to say, Cape Wrath Lodge is a paradise you won’t want to leave – unless it’s to step outside to bask in the beauty of your surroundings. Pack up a picnic and head out into the grand landscapes surrounding you, before returning for a cosy evening by the fire.
St Brides Cottage
Dale, Pembrokeshire | Sleeps 4
Best for: Coastal adventures
St Brides Cottage takes the notion of a games room to a whole new level with the fun-filled ‘Dive Shack’, an excellent space full of favourites, like giant Jenga and table tennis – not to mention some seriously quirky maritime décor that celebrates the cottage’s coastal location. With a bubbling hot tub and Pembrokeshire’s beautiful coastline on your doorstep, this is a wonderful escape for a romantic retreat. Explore the winding coast path peppered with golden beaches and breathtaking views or head to one of the nearby fishing villages for cosy cafés and chocolate-box settings.
Hope House
Holsworthy, Devon | Sleeps 8
Best for: Multi-generational stays
Beautifully styled throughout and boasting a supremely entertaining games room, Hope House is the perfect escape for multi-generational families. Enjoy a round of snooker or table-top football in the games room or head outside for a game of table tennis on the patio. You’ll also find a lovely alfresco seating area and fire pit in the garden, promising many sun-kissed memories. If you can bear to tear yourself away from your welcoming haven, you’ll find a patchwork of rural idylls waiting for you, whether you fancy a stroll along the Granite Way or a scenic train ride to the cobbled streets of Exeter.
Bricknell Barn
York, Yorkshire | Sleeps 6
Best for: Family games nights
Challenge the family to any number of games at Bricknell Barn thanks to the well-equipped games room that features pool, table football, air hockey, and a full-size table tennis table - let the tournaments begin! With the Yorkshire Wolds on your doorstep, you can fill your days with breathtaking walks across undulating countryside and evenings with hours of fun. Or, for a quieter pace of life, visit the beautiful city of York and explore historic streets, fire-warmed pubs, and some truly fascinating attractions.
Fisherman’s Den
Lutterworth, Leicestershire | Sleeps 2
Best for: Post-game saunas
Whether you want to hunker down with a board game or go head-to-head in a round of darts with the state-of-the-art dartboard, Fisherman’s Den has everything you need for a memorable escape in Leicestershire. Alongside the games barn, complete with table football and pool, you’ll also find a decadent hot tub as well as access to the on-site sauna where you can rest and restore after your many victories. Surrounding the cottage in a leafy embrace, 30 acres of woodland promises an endless supply of dappled walks, while the nearby cottages of Lachlan’s Barn, Coach House, The Old Workshop and Caigemdar offer a wonderful opportunity to gather friends and family for a truly memorable stay.
The Homestead
Crantock, Cornwall | Sleeps 6
Best for: Lawn games
Utterly enchanting interiors promise relaxed afternoons playing board games by the fire, while the beautiful garden invites you to channel your inner Bridgerton for a game of croquet on the lawn. Play charades by the flickering fire, cook up a storm in the gorgeous kitchen, and gather around the outdoor dining table for an al fresco feast like no other. A stone’s throw from Cornwall’s wild and wonderful north coast, The Homestead is perfectly placed to continue the fun by the sea, whether you dream of hiring some kayaks and exploring the coast or playing a round of eye spy as you stroll around the granite-hewn headlands.
King John’s Palace
Burford, Cotswolds | Sleeps 12
Best for: Historic moments
A beautiful historic home in the heart of the Cotswolds, King John’s Palace is a beautifully restored Grade II* listed farmhouse full of character, charm, and - you guessed it - games! Embracing the elegance of the rest of the cottage, the games room features a gorgeous Steck piano, encouraging those with musical inclinations to flex their fingers across the keys, while the snooker table invites you to test your hand-eye coordination. You’ll find plenty of board games in the cabinet or you can simply curl up in the living room with a good book while others battle it out in the games room.
Tides Reach
Seaview, Isle of Wight | Sleeps 8
Best for: Family fun
Tides Reach is the perfect place for a family holiday by the sea, with sparkling views from the open plan living room and the beach only a short stroll away. If you fancy enjoying a bit of downtime in your cosy cottage, the games room is well-stocked with board games and table tennis. Outside, the children will love the treehouse and slide, while the adults fire up the BBQ. There’s lots to discover in Seaview, whether you fancy wandering down to the beach to enjoy an ice cream by the water or a peaceful trip to the Alan Hersey Nature Reserve to watch the wildlife come and go.
Excited to start planning your next grand adventure? Browse our beautiful holiday cottages across the UK for some holiday inspiration, from cottages with games rooms to breathtaking coastal escapes.
