Where To Visit For Group Retreats in the UK and Ireland  

Organising a group trip can feel like a juggling act. Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a perfect getaway, and finding somewhere that keeps everyone happy isn’t always simple. Luckily, the UK and Ireland have plenty of destinations that really do work for groups – whether it’s families catching up, friends escaping for a long weekend, or colleagues mixing a bit of team bonding with a change of scenery.

Space, variety, and a good setting usually make the difference. Here are five places that are perfect for group escapes, each with its own strengths.

Cornwall: Coastlines and Relaxed Days

Cornwall has long been the go-to for group escapes, and for good reason. The beaches alone cover all bases: you’ve got wide sandy stretches at Watergate Bay for games or sunbathing, and reliable surf at Polzeath if anyone fancies lessons. The South West Coast Path is another group-friendly option. Some can head off on a big day hike, while others take the shorter, easier sections and still end up with incredible views.

Accommodation is a highlight too. There are plenty of large houses to rent in Cornwall, ranging from old farmhouses to modern clifftop builds with sweeping sea views. They’re perfect for shared dinners, barbecues, or late-night board games after a day outdoors.

For activities, Cornwall has a good range. A few people might prefer pottering around art galleries in St Ives, while others head off to the Eden Project or just tuck into fish and chips by the harbour. It’s that mix that makes Cornwall such a crowd-pleaser.

The Lake District: Walks, Lakes, and Cosy Pubs

If your group likes the outdoors, it’s hard to beat the Lake District. Peaks like Scafell Pike challenge the more ambitious walkers, but there are also boat trips on Windermere or gentle strolls around Tarn Hows for those who’d rather keep things low-key.

A guided hike up Helvellyn gives a real sense of achievement, while paddleboarding on Ullswater or cycling through the valleys appeals to others. Not everyone needs to be in hiking boots, either. Towns like Keswick and Ambleside have shops, galleries, and tea rooms that make for easy afternoons.

Group stays usually mean cosy cottages or big stone houses with room for everyone. Evenings tend to centre around pub dinners – hearty food, good local beer, and a chance to swap stories about the day. 

The Lake District works particularly well when people want to split up during the day but come back together later.

The Scottish Highlands: Lochs and Shared Adventures

The Highlands offer drama on a big scale. Think sweeping glens, vast lochs, and mountains that make you feel very small. For active groups, climbing Ben Nevis or hiking in Glen Coe ticks the box. For others, a gentler boat trip on Loch Ness, with a bit of monster-spotting thrown in, is more their pace.

Wildlife is part of the draw, too. Red deer, golden eagles, and even seals along the coast if you’re lucky. Large lodges tucked away in the landscape give groups the space they need – the kind where evenings are about cooking together, trying local whisky, or just sitting outside under skies filled with stars.

If you’re up for a road trip, the North Coast 500 is worth adding in. It links up many of the region’s best views and gives the whole group a sense of exploring together. The Highlands work for both the energetic and the reflective, which is part of their appeal.

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: Scenery and Culture

Across the water, Ireland’s west coast is a fantastic option for groups. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for more than 1,500 miles, but even a small section delivers big scenery. Cliffs, tiny harbours, rolling hills – it’s a place that feels vast yet welcoming at the same time.

An Ireland guided tour can take the stress out of planning. Local guides know the best detours, quiet coves, and small-town pubs where live music spills out the door. The Cliffs of Moher are the obvious stop, but places like the Dingle Peninsula or Connemara offer a different kind of beauty that’s just as memorable.

Accommodation ranges from manor houses to homely cottages, often with space for big groups. Days might start with a cliff walk, move into an afternoon exploring a fishing village, and finish with traditional music and a pint. 

The Cotswolds: Countryside at a Slower Pace

For something gentler, the Cotswolds are a lovely option. Rolling hills, honey-coloured stone cottages, and villages that look like they belong on postcards make this part of England hard to resist.

Here, it’s less about ticking off big sights and more about slowing down. Walks between villages are easy and scenic, and there are plenty of stately homes, gardens, and local markets to explore. Towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are full of charm without feeling too busy.

Large converted barns or countryside houses give groups plenty of room, often with gardens for summer evenings or fireplaces for winter retreats. It’s a place that works well for groups who want time together, but in a more relaxed setting than the wilder parts of the UK.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect spot for a group retreat largely depends on what your people want. Cornwall brings beaches and surf, the Lake District offers lakes and peaks, the Highlands deliver drama, Ireland adds culture to the scenery, and the Cotswolds keep things laid-back.

Whatever you choose, the key is the same: space to relax, activities that suit different tastes, and somewhere comfortable to gather at the end of the day. Get those right, and the destination almost looks after itself!