There’s something special about getting away with your favourite people. Whether it’s old friends, extended family, or a curated circle of kindred spirits, group getaways offer the chance to connect and relax and enjoy each other’s company. The UK, with its eclectic mix of coastlines, countryside, and creative cities, offers some stunning options for group escapes. Whether you’re after a remote hideaway or a cultural fix, these destinations strike the right balance between relaxed and memorable. Here are five spots that are perfect for a group getaway in the UK.
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Explore the Cotswolds, one pub at a time
For countryside charm and chocolate-box villages, it’s hard to beat the Cotswolds. This is England at its most postcard-perfect: winding lanes, golden stone cottages, rolling green hills, and a pub in every village. It’s an ideal setting for slow travel, shared meals, and group stays that feel both luxurious and low-key.
The beauty of a Cotswolds getaway is that it asks very little of you. Mornings can start with a country walk or a lazy breakfast around the table. Afternoons are made for antique browsing in towns like Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water, followed by tea and cake by an open fire.
Rent a big farmhouse or a converted barn with plenty of bedrooms and a communal kitchen. You’ll have everything you need to stay in and savour the moment, but you’ll also be surrounded by history, trails, and some of the cosiest pubs in the country should the mood strike to venture out.
Gather in Glasgow for culture and craic
Glasgow has always had heart. It’s a city that thrives on creativity and community, making it a fantastic choice for groups who want a little bit of everything – art, music, food, and plenty of personality.
Start your stay with a wander through the West End, where independent coffee shops, leafy parks, and vintage stores set the pace for a laid-back day. Explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or take a group tour of the historic Glasgow School of Art. In the evenings, the city comes alive with live music, from jazz in tucked-away bars to folk sessions in traditional pubs.
What makes Glasgow perfect for groups is its warmth. It’s the kind of place where strangers become part of the night, where dinner turns into dancing. Rent a townhouse or loft-style flat and let the city unfold around you.
You can find last minute hotel deals in Glasgow, perfect for those spontaneous city breaks with friends. Whether you choose a central spot or something on the outskirts, there are prices to suit all types of budgets.
Recharge in the Lake District’s wild beauty
There’s a certain kind of silence in the Lake District that soothes the system. It’s where your group can find real stillness, where the landscape pulls you out of your head and into the present, together.
For active groups, the Lake District offers endless hikes and hill climbs, from gentle lakeside strolls to summiting peaks like Scafell Pike. Bring a picnic, layer up, and take your time; these aren’t just walks, they’re shared experiences that remind you what it feels like to be alive in nature.
Prefer to rest? You’ll still be spoiled. Spend days boating on Lake Windermere, wandering Grasmere’s tearooms, or reading by the fire in a rented stone cottage with sweeping valley views. And when it comes to group dinners, you can go rustic with a local pub or lean into luxury with one of the region’s award-winning restaurants.
The Lake District invites you to unplug from the world and focus on the people you’re with.
Coastal calm and clifftop views in Cornwall
If your group is craving open skies and salty air, Cornwall delivers. With its dramatic coastlines, surf towns, and charming fishing villages, it’s a place where you can slow down together, whether you’re hiking along the cliffs, sharing seafood by the harbour, or just watching the waves roll in.
You can find large houses to rent in Cornwall that are perfect for large groups. Base yourselves near St Ives or Padstow for easy access to beaches and charming streets filled with local galleries and bakeries. Or, if you’re craving seclusion, rent a large cottage tucked into the countryside, where mornings begin with birdsong and end with bonfires under the stars.
Cornwall is ideal for groups who like to blend activity with rest. Go for coastal walks on the South West Coast Path, try a surf lesson as a group bonding experience, or book a boat trip to explore the coves and marine life from the water. Then wind down with a seafood feast, Cornish cider, and conversations that stretch late into the night.
Find your rhythm in Brighton’s coastal quirk
Brighton is for the groups who want their getaway with a little colour and a lot of character. This seaside city is unapologetically playful, with vintage shops, beachfront bars, bold street art, and a creative spirit that runs through every street.
It’s ideal for groups looking to blend beach time with urban energy. Spend a morning walking the pebbled shore or visiting the iconic Brighton Pier, then dive into the Lanes for browsing and bites. The city’s food scene is vibrant and inclusive, with everything from vegan tasting menus to classic fish and chips on the promenade.
Brighton also knows how to do a night out. Think quirky pubs, intimate jazz clubs, drag shows, and open-air parties where your group can dance freely and feel fully yourselves. Stay in a stylish townhouse or a modern apartment near the seafront, and let the weekend unfold.
The beauty of shared time
Group getaways aren’t just about the destination, wherever in the world when travelling, actually. They’re about shared breakfasts, spontaneous adventures, long walks and longer dinners. They’re about disconnecting from routine and reconnecting with people who matter.
Whether you’re watching the sun sink over the Cornish coast, sharing a bottle of wine by a Cotswolds fireplace, or dancing into the early hours in Glasgow, these trips stay with you. Not because they’re packed with plans, but because they’re filled with presence.
So gather your people, pick your place, and carve out time for what really counts: togetherness, in all its messy, magical, unforgettable glory.
