Shared adventures create lasting memories that strengthen family bonds; a unique opportunity to bring generations together over quality time. Wolsey Lodges B&Bs have the character and flexibility to fit seamlessly in with your timetables and requirements – and many also offer self-catering units to allow even more privacy when required. B&B’s free you from the tyranny of  the weekly let, allowing you to grab a few days for an intense experience, and often provide evening meals as well if required.

Often it’s the older generations who have the disposable income to make travel dreams come true: this summer could be your chance to bring the whole family together for an unforgettable sunfilled break.

To get an idea of the flexibility that Wolsey B&Bs can offer, take a look, for example, at Burnhopeside Hall.

Burnhopeside Hall B&B

Burnhopeside Hall is something of a palace, set in 18 acres of gardens and woodland in a wider estate of 475 acres – including a mile of river. Accommodation in the main house in four large and comfortable bedrooms, all with superking beds and modern en-suite bathrooms. Two further bedrooms, both en-suite, are in a self-contained cottage at one end of the house. This has its own entrance and the rooms can be rented individually on a B&B bais, or together as a self-catering unit: the cottage has a lovely sitting room and well-equipped kitchen. then there’s further accommodation on the top floor, which can be rented as a two-bedroom self-catered apartment sleeping six. This means it’s effortlessly easy to fit 12 guests in the main house, and up to 18 if you extend upwards to the top floor.

The property itself is warm and comfortable. In the cooler months open log fires in all downstairs rooms make the full-sized snooker table and grand piano irresistible temptations, while in summer the grounds take centre stage, with extensive terraces, a croquet-ready lawn, a walled kitchen garden and fields hosting free range pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. This is somewhere you can stable your horses, kennel your dogs (or bed them down in your room), and generally settle in to life on the estate. Hunting and clay pigeons are on your doorstep, with winter shooting on request.

There’s total flexibility here. Have a dog? No problem. Three are two resident spaniels that are sure to make your dog welcome, and they can stay in your room or out in the kennels. Want a packed lunch or an evening meal? Just ask.  Evening meals can be arranged in the main house for B&B guests or those staying in the self-catering properties, but advance notice is needed as all ingredients will be fresh and locally-sourced: there are no frozen meals here.

And if that doesn’t suit your needs there’s further self-catering accommodation for 10 in a detached farmhouse villa, with five elegantly appointed en-suite double rooms, its own kitchen, dining and sitting rooms, terrace and lawn.

Burnville House B&B

Burnville House is a wonderful Georgian farmhbouse in Dartmoor National Park. The main property has three guest bedrooms so accommodates six with ease, and apart from the delicious breakfasts evening meals can be arranged if required. Its easy to keep everybody entertained: there’s a heated swimming pool and tennis court.

Views from the garden are of Dartmoor National Park, which is easy to explore on foot or mountain bike; Tavistock’s nearby and it’s an easy drive to reach the Eden Project or the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Children will love the daily life of Burnville House’s 250-acre organic farm, with sheep (feeding lambs is a highlight) and suckler cows.

But if numbers swell to more than six – and be warned, none of your family is likely to turn down an invitation here – there are also three converted farm buildings that offer self-contained alternatives. The Red Barn sleeps six in three guest bedrooms and has it’s own heated swimming pool, the Farmhouse sleeps ten in four bedrooms and has an indoor plunge pool, and the Coach House has five guest bedrooms, sleeps 11, and also has a plunge pool. All guests here also have use of a games room, with pool and table football, and there’s even a skittle alley. Whatever the size of your family group you’re likely to find something suitable at Burnville House.

North Walls House B&B

Technically, North Walls House in Chichester only caters for six B&B guests – but for private groups it often accommodates many more: a recent booking included eleven adult guests and two children, including a silver service dinner.

Your hosts here are grandparents, so they’re well used to all ages, and there are any number of toys and games to occuply all tastes. They’re more than happy to clip on stair gates or bed bars and put up travel cots.

The drawing room is an elegant space to relax, complete with its own grand piano, and the cellar dates back to the time of James the First. French windows lead out to a delightful walled garden which is a haven of peace in a busy city centre. Off-street parking makes access easy and  North Walls House is in the heart of the walled city of Chichester: a stroll from your door reaches any number of shops and restaurants. Within a few miles you’ll find  the Goodwood estate, the South Downs National Park and the countless sandy beaches of England’s sheltered south coast.

Make this summer the year you get the whole family together. Whether you arrange a few days, a week, or longer, the presence of different age groups bring a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and varied life experiences together, contributing to a holistic and well-rounded journey. Wait too long and you’ll miss this fleeting chance: book this summer now.