The Lulworth Estate on South Dorset’s UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, is experiencing an increasing number of families holidaying together as multigenerational groups who are driving particular demand for stays in their two luxurious ‘mansion’ properties– Woodside Lodge (sleeps 14) and The Lindens (sleeps up to 18).

The demand has been particularly marked from January until March, with an 83 per cent increase in ‘mansion’ bookings (when compared to October to December 2018), of which 75 per cent were for multigenerational family groups.

The estate has also experienced a 41 per cent increase in google searches for its two largest holiday properties over the same period (January to March 2019 when compared against October to December 2018).

A market for multigenerational family groups holidaying together was also a key factor in the estate’s decision to add these two, large high-end properties to its accommodation portfolio (which ranges from camping pods and holiday homes to high-end cottages) over the last 12 months.

A trend for multigenerational holidaying seems to reflect wider shifts in the way families are living today, driven largely by economic factors – rather than just a way for parents to access free babysitting during their time off.

In some cases, different family generations are living in a way that means they are closer than ever, and it seems that this is now being extended into how they holiday. Increasing numbers of families are living with different generations under one roof to save on housing costs and as a care solution for both older relatives and younger children.

Young families with high childcare costs are also relying more on grandparents to provide a practical and affordable solution which allows parents to work. Conversely, some extended families may be using a holiday as a way to come together. Generation X parents may not be able to afford to live close to where they grew up, with the result that grandchildren and grandparents may actually live further apart.

Families could also just be being more creative about how they use and enjoy their time off – going away as a large, extended family groups to pool their resources and experience some of the UK’s most incredible holiday properties.

The Lulworth Estate’s Woodside Lodge and The Lindens give families the opportunity to holiday like the aristocracy of a bygone era. Conservatories and summer houses, tennis courts and drawing rooms with sweeping staircases and grand kitchens evoke magical holiday properties which wouldn’t be out of place in the pages of Howard’s End – not to mention the fact that they are within striking distance of the iconic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

Sara Weld of the Lulworth Estate said: “Over the last few years our cottages team and the estate’s ‘rangers’, who run hugely popular outdoor adventures at Lulworth, have noticed an increasing prevalence of large family groups holidaying together.

"We became aware that we needed a solution which would allow them to stay together on the estate. Properties like Woodside Lodge and The Lindens are quite extraordinary for families, offering the space and facilities to allow different generations to both spread out independently and then come back together.

"Families also enjoy the look and feel of the properties – evocative of a grand, historical home but with modern indulgences such as cinema rooms and cashmere mattresses which guests can come back to after mountain biking, fossil hunting or even coasteering on our wonderful Jurassic Coast.”

The Lulworth Estate in South Dorset is an area of outstanding natural beauty which offers an incredibly diverse and comprehensive holiday ‘package’ for visitors. With its UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coastline and 11th century history, the estate has curated, special facilities and activities for visitors which bring alive this breathtaking destination and make it perfect for staycations.

Take-in endless views of sea and sky as you walk to the turquoise waters of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Find a fossil while enjoying locally-made ice cream and meet a Lulworth Ranger for a spot of off-road biking, before retiring to Lulworth Castle for a homemade cream tea on the castle lawns – all within the estate’s boundaries.

lulworth.com