The space

Mark Close Farmhouse is made for hens who want fresh air, big views and proper quality time together. Set just outside Alston in the North Pennines, this characterful farmhouse gives your group the best of both worlds: peaceful countryside surroundings for relaxed mornings and cosy evenings, with the town’s pubs, cafés and shops close enough to enjoy without needing to plan every detail around taxis.

The house sleeps up to 16 guests, making it a great fit for a larger hen group that wants to stay under one roof. Outside, you’ll find a large garden bordered by mature trees, with panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. It feels private and rural without being isolated, so you can enjoy a slower pace for the weekend while still having places to eat, drink and explore nearby.

One of the loveliest touches is the paddock next door, home to five friendly alpacas. They add a fun, memorable countryside feel to the stay and make a brilliant backdrop for photos before heading out or settling in for the evening. If your hen weekend is less about club queues and more about long lunches, muddy-boot walks, fireside chats and gathering everyone together, this farmhouse sets exactly the right tone.

Inside the house

Inside, Mark Close Farmhouse has the warm, practical feel of a proper group house. With 9 bedrooms available and space for up to 16 guests, there’s flexibility for friends, sisters, cousins and mums to spread out comfortably. It works especially well for mixed-age hen groups who want sociable spaces but also enough room to retreat when they need a quieter moment.

The farmhouse kitchen is a real hub for the weekend. It’s the kind of space where everyone naturally gathers: pouring drinks, prepping a grazing table, making brunch or sharing a big evening meal before games and speeches. For hen parties who love a self-catered celebration, this is a major advantage. You can plan a relaxed first-night dinner, bring in a private chef if available locally, or keep things simple with a buffet and fizz.

The living areas are ideal for downtime after a day out in the North Pennines. Think relaxed chats in front of the fire, board games, photo slideshows, hen party quizzes or a low-key film night with snacks. The property also includes a workspace, which can be surprisingly handy for a hen weekend: use it as a planning station for itineraries, a playlist corner, a place to lay out decorations, or a quieter spot for anyone who needs to check in briefly before fully switching off.

Practical touches like the garden and BBQ make the house easy to enjoy across the whole weekend, especially in spring and summer. It’s a comfortable, unfussy base where the focus stays on the group rather than a long list of formalities.

Hen weekend highlights

The garden is one of the biggest hen weekend wins at Mark Close Farmhouse. There’s plenty of outdoor space for welcome drinks, group photos, lawn games, a relaxed BBQ or a morning coffee debrief after the night before. Surrounded by countryside views, it gives your group a scenic setting without needing to leave the property.

The BBQ is ideal for an easy celebration meal. Stock up locally, assign a few willing grill chefs and turn dinner into a laid-back event with music, salads, drinks and speeches in the garden. It’s a lovely alternative to booking a restaurant for every meal, and it gives the bride-to-be more time with everyone in one place.

While this is not a flashy city party pad, it is a brilliant choice for hens who want atmosphere, space and connection. Plan a countryside-themed hen with flower crowns, afternoon tea, a pamper session in the living room, cocktail making in the kitchen or a games night by the fire. The setting also lends itself beautifully to wholesome activities like guided walks, yoga in the garden, sketching, photography or a slow Sunday brunch before departure.

There is also additional accommodation adjacent to the farmhouse in Mark Close Milking Parlour, a small one-bedroom cottage with its own compact hot tub suitable for up to 4 people at a time. If available as part of your booking, it can be a lovely option for a couple or guest who would prefer a little extra peace and quiet, while the hot tub adds a small treat for a chilled soak. Availability and access should be confirmed when enquiring.

Location & getting around

Mark Close Farmhouse sits around a 15-minute walk from Alston, a pretty cobbled market town with public houses, cafés, gift shops, mini markets, a petrol station, butchers and bakers. For a hen group, that means you can enjoy a pub lunch, casual drinks or a wander into town without feeling cut off from everything. Alston is known as one of England’s highest market towns, and it sits in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so the surroundings feel wonderfully open and unspoiled.

The location is a great match for activity-loving hens. You can ride Alston’s narrow-gauge railway, follow sections of Isaac’s Tea Trail, explore local walking routes or head onto the Pennine Way. For more adventurous groups, Cross Fell, the highest point in the Pennines, is within reach. There’s also fishing, riding and golf nearby, plus heritage days out at Killhope and Nenthead Mining Centres.

If your group wants to venture further, the farmhouse is well placed for day trips towards the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland’s coast and castles. Water sports are available at Talkin and Kielder Water, while the Metrocentre at Gateshead is around an hour away for shopping, restaurants, cinema, bowling and indoor entertainment.

For getting around, cars are the most flexible option, especially if you plan to explore beyond Alston. If you’re arranging meals, activities or taxis, it’s worth booking in advance due to the rural location. The reward is a setting that feels peaceful and spacious, with much less traffic and bustle than better-known tourist hotspots.

Enquire today

If your ideal hen weekend involves countryside views, a sociable farmhouse kitchen, garden drinks, BBQs, cosy evenings and easy access to Alston’s pubs and cafés, Mark Close Farmhouse is a brilliant option to consider. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and the host can help confirm availability, sleeping arrangements and any extras that may suit your celebration.