One minute you're talking about making plans, the next you're wondering where the sunshine went and promising everyone, "We'll definitely do something next year."
But if your family WhatsApp is still full of "We really should all get together...", there's still time.
Big House Holiday Lets has just released some fantastic offers for the last remaining availability during the summer holidays, with arrivals on 21st August. Once these dates are gone, that's it until autumn.
Whether you're planning a family celebration, a long-overdue reunion with friends or simply fancy escaping somewhere beautiful for a couple of nights, these offers make gathering everyone together surprisingly affordable.
More importantly, they offer something that's becoming harder to find...
Time together.
Summer Isn't About the House... It's About What Happens Inside It
When people look back on family holidays, they rarely remember how many bedrooms there were.
They remember the late-night conversations around the dining table.
The children disappearing off to invent games.
The morning coffees before everyone wakes up.
The BBQ that somehow lasted until after dark.
The grandparents teaching card games.
The dog deciding everyone is their favourite human.
Those are the moments that become family stories.
The house simply gives everyone enough space to enjoy them without feeling on top of one another.
And that's exactly what these properties are designed for.
Monnow Valley Studio – A Holiday Home Like No Other
If you're looking for somewhere that's guaranteed to get everyone talking, Monnow Valley Studio is in a league of its own.
Sleeping 24 guests across 11 bedrooms, this isn't just a beautiful countryside retreat—it also happens to be a world-famous recording studio.
Music lovers will spend hours exploring the memorabilia, while everyone else will appreciate the huge kitchen, stunning dining room, cinema room, games room and dedicated party space.
Outside, the peaceful gardens stretch down to the River Monnow, where guests can fish or even enjoy a swim.
With virtually no passing traffic, it's wonderfully quiet, making it ideal for families wanting children to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Planning something extra special?
The property is also licensed for weddings of up to 50 guests.
Special Offer
Arriving Friday 21st August
2 nights: Was £4,250 – Now £3,250
3 nights: Was £4,500 – Now £3,450
Holly Tree House – Riverside Adventures for Every Generation
If your perfect weekend involves riverside walks, cosy pubs and spending as much time outdoors as possible, Holly Tree House could be exactly what you're looking for.
Overlooking the beautiful River Wye near Symonds Yat, this welcoming property sleeps 22 guests in 9 bedrooms, making it ideal for larger family gatherings.
There's something wonderfully easy about staying here.
You can stroll to local pubs, wander down to the river, hop on the famous hand-pulled ferry or enjoy one of the area's flat riverside walks suitable for almost every age.
Fancy something more adventurous?
The Wye Valley is famous for canoeing and paddleboarding, with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
Back at the house, you'll find two lounges, a spacious dining room, a covered hot tub and games room waiting for everyone after a day exploring.
Better still, it's incredibly dog-friendly, so nobody has to miss out on the holiday.
Special Offer
Arriving Friday 21st August
2 nights: Was £3,750 – Now £3,150
3 nights: Was £4,050 – Now £3,250
The Anchor – Character, Comfort and Great Value
Originally a 15th-century village pub, The Anchor has been transformed into one of the Forest of Dean's most characterful large holiday cottages.
Sleeping 22 guests in 7/8 ensuite bedrooms, it's perfect for families and groups wanting plenty of communal space without losing its cosy atmosphere.
The former pub layout works brilliantly for socialising, with everyone naturally gathering together after days spent exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
There's a covered hot tub, games room, enclosed garden and the huge advantage of being able to walk to village pubs, the local shop and even the fish and chip shop.
No designated driver required.
It's also pet friendly, meaning four-legged family members are very welcome.
Special Offer
Summer Holiday Weekend
21st August – 3 nights
Was £3,750 – Now £3,250
There's also an excellent September offer available if you're happy to wait a few weeks.
Why August Is Such a Brilliant Time to Escape
Late August often turns out to be one of the loveliest times of year.
The weather is usually still warm, evenings are long enough for outdoor dining, rivers remain inviting and many attractions are a little quieter as families begin preparing for the new school term.
There's something wonderfully relaxed about squeezing one final adventure out of the summer.
No pressure.
No huge itinerary.
Just good food, fresh air and the people you enjoy spending time with.
Sometimes that's exactly what's needed before life returns to normal.
Don't Leave It Too Late
These really are the final remaining opportunities for a summer holiday in some of Big House Holiday Lets' most popular properties.
Once these dates are booked, the school holidays are effectively sold out.
So if you've spent all summer saying:
"We really must organise something..."
...this is your chance.
Round up the family.
Message the friends.
Pack the walking boots, swimming costumes and board games.
Then spend a couple of days creating the sort of memories that people are still laughing about next Christmas.
Because the best holidays aren't always the ones planned months in advance.
Sometimes they're the ones where someone finally says...
"Shall we just book it?"
