Big hurrah

When you need to mark a special occasion, you need a really special place. Maybe that’s a giant dining table where you can gather the gang to swap all the old stories, or a jaw-dropping view to wake up to on the morning of an anniversary. We’ve teamed up with Trish and Lorraine, from the Postcards From Midlife podcast, and created collections and inspiration tailored to different types of holiday. Here are some great ideas and places for a Big Hurrah, whether it’s a lively reunion or a milestone moment.        

Inspiration for your next big hurrah

Where to stay

Picture windows and pools, lounges that seem to have a sofa for every guest, cottages on English riverbanks, French terraces draped in bougainvillea and mountaintop retreats in Spain that look down on misty valleys. Whatever you need to wow the lucky few (or many) who get to go away with you, you’ll find it here. 

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What to see

Take all the stress out of the big occasion by heading to the city and having everything taken care of by a team of professionals in a beautiful hotel. Then you’re free to stroll to cafés and galleries, catching up, connecting and celebrating however you like. Here’s our pick of towns to paint red, from lively Dublin to the warm streets of Madeira. 

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What to eat 

Sometimes, it’s great fun to get everyone working in the kitchen, chopping and chatting as dinner comes together. At other times, what you really want is to sit back with a drink and be summoned to the table when it’s all ready. These places, where you can have a chef take care of all the food for you, are for the latter.  

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What to do 

A group activity on one day of your big hurrah can make great memories and even souvenirs too! You could do a little yoga in the morning, get expert tuition in painting or photography, then whittle, spin or shape yourself something to take home. Here are a few places with space and entertainment for everyone.

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The inside track from Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart is the host, chief storyteller, car restorer, forester and farmer, among other things, at West Compton Manor, a bizarre and beautiful B&B in Dorset. We caught up with him about some of his favourite guests, how to support the local community when you’re out on a big hurrah, and the importance of a good welcome cocktail.    

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