It can be really hard keeping up with friends who live scattered across the country or even the globe. When everyone has busy lives with work, children, family commitments and projects, getting together with friends can seem impossible. How to stay in touch with long distance friends is an issue for many of us, especially if certain people are hard to get hold of or too busy to organise anything themselves. Sometimes, the easiest (and one of the best things to do with friends) is to arrange a central meeting point and find group holiday accommodation for a relaxed and low stress catch up.
The Perfect Place to Meet Friends
Finding the perfect spot for a friend’s meet up can also be tricky. Many booking a group holiday with long distance friends struggle to find a halfway point that feels fair. We suggest shifting your focus from a halfway point to finding somewhere that is a retreat, somewhere to switch off and enjoy quality time together.
Cumbria, the perfect point between Scotland and the heart of England, is easily accessible by car via the M6 and train stations such as Carlisle and Penrith, from major cities like Manchester, Glasgow, Inverness, Birmingham, and even London. It’s a naturally convenient meeting point that isn’t a compromise, since everyone benefits from the stunning scenery and proximity to transport links.
While city breaks offer a buzzy atmosphere and rural spots further south are familiar, Cumbria delivers something different – an escape. With lots of untouched land, the wild beauty, rolling hills, and peaceful vibe make it ideal for meaningful time with friends. Meeting in Cumbria feels intentional and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern England.
Things to Do Together or Simply Do Nothing at All
Meeting with an old friend can feel like returning to yourself, and we kick ourselves for not making time for this more often. When you have your meet up, you’ll likely want to plan a few things to make your time together special. With plenty of things to do in the north of England, the Eden Valley and surrounding Cumbrian countryside offer the ideal setting to do as much (or maybe as little) as you like.
Explore quiet villages and wide open spaces
We probably shouldn’t shout about this, but the Eden Valley is one of Cumbria’s best-kept secrets! With one very well known national park right next to it (ahem, the Lake District), the Eden Valley often gets overlooked by people not from the area. But it’s a stunning region of verdant hills, clean rivers, and cute, historic villages. Not to mention, breathtaking views of mountains on both sides, with the Lakeland fells to the west and Pennines to the east. Spend time exploring charming spots like Armathwaite, Kirkoswald, and Lazonby, where sandstone cottages, village pubs, and independent shops invite you to slow down and amble.
You don’t need to extend yourself by climbing a fell if your focus is on catching up with friends, which can be challenging with limited time or if there’s a lot of you on a large group holiday. There are plenty of gentle walks through farmland and woodlands, as well as scenic drives. If you do fancy a touch of adventure, Ullswater and the edge of the Lake District are within easy reach for paddleboarding or steamer cruises, without the crowds you might find further west or south.
Make space for simple joys
You don’t need a packed itinerary to make the most of your time in the Eden Valley. This part of Cumbria is one of our favourite places to meet up with friends as it invites you to relax into the rhythm of the countryside. Enjoy long conversations over coffee, share moments in the fresh air and nature, unhurried meals and a delicious tipple in the evening. When you book a group holiday or weekend away, half the challenge is making it happen. So when it does, remember to relax and take a break together.
Rural, restful and surprisingly accessible
Despite its tucked-away feel, the Eden Valley is easily accessed from the M6 and the West Coast mainline railway. It’s an ideal meeting point for long distance friends who are dotted around the UK, remote enough to feel like a break, yet not so far that it becomes a hassle. It’s the ideal place to find holiday accommodation for large groups in the UK, and the journey is worth it, as is the time you’ll share once you’re here.
How to Organise a Group Holiday or Getaway with Friends
You might think it’s complicated trying to find something to suit the whole group, but we have a simple answer – group holiday bookings are super welcome at Heather Glen Country House. We know it can be hard finding accommodation that accepts group bookings, especially if you don’t fancy the cooking and cleaning that accompany a typical holiday let.
Our group accommodation comes with a slice of luxury. Comfortable, spacious rooms that ooze relaxation mean staying here ticks all the boxes for your group. Space to chill out when it’s you time, places to meet up as a group. It boasts nine stylish en‑suite boutique bedrooms, including doubles, twins, super‑king and for those with furry friends, dog‐friendly rooms. The property also includes The Retreat, a self‑catering cottage with two spacious en-suite bedrooms and sofa‑bed space for extra guests, making it perfect for friend reunions. Dinner and breakfast are sourced from local produce and beautifully served in the Eden View restaurant or cosy up with a beverage beforehand in our lovely lounges. You don’t need to lift a finger during your stay and can focus entirely on having a good time together.
Planning Your Friend Meet-Up at Heather Glen
Located in the pretty village of Ainstable, Heather Glen offers a refined alternative to typical group holiday lets, with comfort, style, and relaxation playing the key roles. For the best experience, consider booking in spring or early autumn when Cumbria’s landscapes are at their most colourful and the roads and trails are quieter. For Eden Valley holidays, these in-between seasons offer the perfect balance of beauty, calm and good weather, ideal for walking, talking, lunching and unhurried time together. Availability is often better outside peak seasons too, giving your group more flexibility and space to relax. Book early to secure the whole house for a truly personal gathering. Get in touch to discuss your group today.
