The space

Mark Close Farmhouse is made for hen groups who want a countryside celebration with space to spread out, cook together, get ready together and spend proper time with the bride-to-be. Set in a large garden on the edge of Alston, this comfortable farmhouse brings together wide-open North Pennines scenery, sociable indoor areas and a wonderfully peaceful setting that still keeps you close to pubs, cafés and local shops.

The house sleeps up to 16 guests, making it a strong choice for larger hen parties who want everyone under one roof rather than split across separate hotel rooms. The setting feels rural and tucked away, with panoramic views across green fields and wild fells, plus the added bonus of five friendly alpacas in the neighbouring paddock. It has the feel of a genuine country house weekend: slow breakfasts, big group dinners, fresh-air walks, drinks in the garden and evenings by the fire.

Alston is around a 15-minute walk away, so you can enjoy the privacy of the farmhouse without feeling cut off. It is a great option for groups who prefer a more personal, relaxed hen weekend over a city-centre schedule, with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on your doorstep.

Inside the house

Inside, the farmhouse offers a practical and welcoming layout for a group stay. With accommodation arranged across multiple bedrooms, there is plenty of flexibility for bridesmaids, friends and family members to share comfortably. The farmhouse style keeps things warm and homely rather than overly formal, which works especially well for a hen party where the focus is on spending time together.

The kitchen is a natural gathering point and ideal for a group that loves a shared meal. Whether you are planning a relaxed Friday night supper, a big Saturday brunch, a grazing table before heading into Alston or a Sunday roast before everyone travels home, the farmhouse kitchen gives you a sociable space to cook, chat and serve everyone together. The dining areas are well suited to celebratory meals, speeches, games and those thoughtful little touches that make a hen weekend feel personal.

The living spaces are cosy and comfortable, giving the group somewhere to unwind after a day out in the Pennines or an evening in the local pubs. Think board games, bride quizzes, photo sharing, playlist planning and catching up in front of the fire. There is also a workspace, which is useful if anyone needs a quiet corner for last-minute travel admin, itinerary planning, decorations, playlists or coordinating suppliers before the weekend gets going.

The property’s listed amenities include a BBQ and garden, adding another layer to the stay during warmer months. With so much outdoor space, the group can enjoy pre-dinner drinks, relaxed photos, lawn games and an easygoing afternoon without needing to leave the house.

Hen weekend highlights

One of the biggest highlights for hen groups is the garden. It is spacious, scenic and bordered by mature trees, with views that give the whole weekend a peaceful, away-from-it-all feeling. It is a lovely setting for a low-key garden party, a BBQ feast, a prosecco picnic, flower-crown making, yoga on the lawn or simply a relaxed afternoon in the fresh air.

The BBQ is a real plus for groups who want an easy, sociable meal without booking a restaurant for every night. Set up a help-yourself spread, add a few decorations and let everyone dip in and out between drinks, music and games. It is ideal for mixed-age hen groups too, especially if you are bringing together school friends, family members and work friends in one place.

While the farmhouse itself is best suited to classic country-house socialising rather than a big spa-hotel setup, there is additional accommodation nearby known as Mark Close Milking Parlour, which has a small hot tub for up to four people at a time. If available to book alongside the farmhouse, it can be a lovely extra for a couple of guests who want quieter accommodation or for a small soak after a day of walking. Availability and access should be checked when enquiring.

There is no need for a formal games room when you have a farmhouse kitchen, a cosy lounge and a large garden to make your own. Bring your hen party games, playlists, decorations and matching pyjamas, then use the house as a flexible base for the weekend you want: wholesome, outdoorsy, food-focused, pub-friendly or a little bit of everything.

Location & getting around

Mark Close Farmhouse sits close to Alston, a pretty cobbled market town in Cumbria and one of the highest market towns in England. The town is known for its pubs, cafés, mini markets, butchers, bakers and independent shops, all within easy reach for picking up supplies or heading out for a relaxed drink. The walk into town takes around 15 minutes, making it simple to enjoy local hospitality without relying on cars for every outing.

The wider location is excellent for hen groups who enjoy activities and scenery. The North Pennines are often described as one of England’s last truly wild landscapes, with walking routes, fell views and peaceful countryside in every direction. You can follow sections of the Pennine Way, explore Isaac’s Tea Trail, visit Killhope or Nenthead Mining Centres, or take a ride on Alston’s narrow-gauge railway for something gentle and memorable.

For a more active itinerary, there is fishing, riding and golf nearby, plus water sports at Talkin Tarn and Kielder Water within travelling distance. The farmhouse is also well placed for day trips towards Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland’s coast and castles. If your group wants a contrast to the countryside, the Metrocentre in Gateshead is around an hour away for shopping, restaurants, cinema and bowling.

A car or arranged transport is recommended for exploring beyond Alston, especially if you are planning activities across the region. For the core weekend, however, you can keep things simple: arrive, stock the kitchen, enjoy the garden, wander into town and settle into the slower pace of the Pennines.

Enquire today

If you are planning a hen weekend with countryside views, shared meals, garden drinks and plenty of space for the whole group, Mark Close Farmhouse is a lovely option to consider. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and the host can confirm availability, sleeping arrangements and any extras such as the neighbouring Milking Parlour.