There’s nothing better than getting together with old friends or bringing together the whole family for a getaway. But that doesn’t have to mean the palaver of getting on a plane – especially when there are so many amazing places right here in the North.
If you’re looking to get away from it all and explore somewhere new on your next adventure, check out some of these hidden gems in the North of England, all easily accessible using a Northern train. And did you know, by swapping your journey from car to train you could reduce your carbon footprint by a whopping 78%*!
1. Discover Hebden Bridge
Main station: Hebden Bridge
There’s nowhere quite like Hebden Bridge. Renowned for its inclusivity, the town in West Yorkshire has become a mecca for the arts community, making it a unique and vibrant place for your next group get together.
Love shopping? Check. Love live music? Check. Love great food? Check check! With so much on offer, it’s ideal for catering to every taste in your group, giving you plenty to do and explore.
It’s also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts – so if a hike is on the cards, you can take in stunning scenery with hills, woods and the Calder River or, if you’ve got kids in tow or just fancy a gentle leg stretch, then a stroll along the picturesque Rochdale Canal is ideal.
Want to feel the wind in your hair? For cycling enthusiasts, there’s the Calder Valley Greenway which can be made as short or long as you want. Mainly traffic-free (so also ideal for kids), this scenic route goes directly from Hebden Bridge along the waterside following the canal towpaths and along quiet country lanes all the way to Brighouse. And if your legs are struggling, you can always hop on the train back again.
Before you visit, definitely check out what events and festivals are on to make the most of your trip!
2. Indulge in Ilkley
Main station: Ilkley
Ilkley in West Yorkshire is another must-visit if you want a group get together that takes you off the beaten track to discover somewhere a bit different.
Hopping off the train in Ilkley, you’ll be spoilt for choice with its array of boutique shops and independent eateries, all overlooked by the awe-inspiring Ilkley Moor.
For friends who are literature lovers, try and time your trip to coincide with Ilkley Literature Festival or, if you’re kindred spirits when it comes to critiquing the latest movies, there’s also the annual Ilkley Film Festival.
Absolutely one for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Ilkley offers outstanding hiking, rock climbing and picnic-with-a-view spots – all easily accessible without the need for a car.
If you need a little R&R after scaling rock faces or clambering up the moor, Ilkley’s also home to one of England’s last remaining outdoor pools. The Ilkley Pool & Lido is open all year round and is a short walk from the town centre. It boasts both an open-air pool and a heated indoor pool, ideal for stretching out sore muscles. And if that’s not enough Ilkley’s also home to a famous Betty’s Tea Rooms. Fat Rascal anyone?
Big savings when you travel in a big group
Explore the North with your friends and family and save up to 76% with Northern! Contact our group travel specialists to get started.
Find out more about group tickets3. Spend a weekend in Whaley Bridge
Main station: Whaley Bridge
If you’re looking for somewhere for your next group trip that helps you escape it all and get back to nature, then Whaley Bridge could be the perfect option for you. Easily accessible using a Northern train, this lovely town in the Peak District boasts stunning scenery, cosy cafes, traditional pubs and outdoor activities abound.
Whether you want to get out as a group for gentle leg stretches and capture snaps of your favourite people in stunning settings, or are more adrenaline-filled, looking for challenging hiking terrain, Whaley Bridge has it all.
And, whether your group are keen mountain bikers, or just fancy a gentle pedal and time to catch up, it really is the perfect destination for cyclists.
Fancy something a bit different? Ideal for a special occasion, how about hiring a narrow boat for a day directly from Whaley Bridge? Cruise up the Upper Peak Forest canal before stopping for a bite to eat in a pub and then meandering your way back – a great way to catch up, take in the scenery and make amazing memories.
4. Beeline for St. Bees
Main station: St. Bees
Fancy a coastal retreat for your next group get away? Then what about St. Bees in Cumbria? Perfect for family get togethers and for beach-lovers, hop on a Northern train and maybe make this your next meeting point.
With a mile of sandy beach to enjoy and the obvious appeal of a dip in the sea, St. Bees is also ideal if you’re looking for an active get together.
From canoeing to kite surfing, paragliding and rock climbing, St. Bees with its dramatic headland, expanse of beach and handy promenade, offers it all.
Keen walkers? St. Bees is on the English Coast Path – and a regular starting point for Coast-to-Coast walkers. Prefer two wheels? St. Bees is also on the Hadrian’s Cycleway and offers an array of exhilarating routes to tackle.
5. All aboard for Alnmouth
Main station: Alnmouth
Looking for somewhere that offers the perfect combination of scenery, seaside, history and Hogwarts then look no further than Alnmouth in Northumberland. Getting off the train, your group will be faced with a plethora of options for what to do.
Fancy a beach day? Alnmouth is blessed with a wide sandy bay perfect for building sandcastles and soaking up some rays (although swimming here is not recommended due to rip tides).
Fancy exploring? As well as being a great base for coastal, countryside and woodland walks, Alnmouth itself dates back to the medieval period and retains much of its history. If that's not enough, just a three-mile walk from the station lies the famous Alnwick Castle, AKA Hogwarts!
Dating back to the 11th century, the castle is a history-buffs dream and, as the backdrop to shows including Downton Abbey and movies including Harry Potter, Robin Hood and even Transformers, it can’t help but appeal to every member of your party. The gardens alone are well worth the visit.
If your group get togethers centre on catching up over good meals, Alnmouth is blessed with an array of pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy local produce, including the catch of the day, as fresh as you’re likely to experience it.
More group activities to enjoy in the North
*Data from https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint – comparing one person driving in a medium petrol car vs. taking a train. Further information available at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/sustainable-public-transport.
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.