Hen Party Houses in The Cotswolds

Picturesque rolling hills, charming countryside villages and plenty of cosy pubs – there are lots of reasons why the bride will just love a hen weekend away in the beautiful Cotswolds. Less than a two-hour drive from London, this is the ideal hen party destination, especially if she’s into nature, hiking and exploring, rather than hardcore partying.

What’s more, with an array of incredible hen party houses on offer, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for you and all the girls. Hire your very own manor house and make her feel like royalty for the weekend. Or else keep things simple with a cosy cottage or rustic barn conversion. A hot tub or swimming pool will add a very special touch to any hen party trip – the perfect spot for enjoying glasses of fizz as the sun sets over the stunning scenery. 

As well as having an array of accommodation options to suit every size of group and budget, the Cotswolds also offers a fantastic range of fun activities of hens, perfect for all tastes and styles. If she’s a keen foodie, then consider organising a food and wine tour of the local area or else pay a visit to some of the local vineyards and sample their excellent sparkling wines. If she’s a bit of a thrillseeker, then why not head to Cheltenham’s world-famous racecourse for a cheeky flutter. 

However you choose to spend your girl’s weekend away in Cheltenham, there’s one thing for sure: the bride will have the time of her life. 

Ideally located in the south-west of England, the Cotswolds is easy to reach by car, train, bus or even plane. Less than two hour’s drive from London and easily accessible from the rest of the country, the Cotswolds is a fantastic meeting point if your group live all over the UK.

What’s more, the area is easily reachable by public transport too, with mainline trains running regularly from London, the Midlands, the North and South-West straight to the Cotswolds. There are plenty of stations throughout the region too, some of the main ones being Cheltenham, Glocester, Cam and Dursley and Moreton-in-Marsh.

Once you’ve arrived in this countryside paradise, it’s pretty easy to get out and about. With a wide network of public transport routes, you’ll be able to get from A to B without forking out on taxis or having to designate a driver. Should you prefer to keep it simple and hire a minivan to drive you around, then that’s also a convenient and not too pricey alternative – especially if you’re a big group.

Although you may want to spend all your time in your amazing hen party house, it’s also well worth getting out and exploring the local landscape too. Filled with breathtaking countryside, quaint villages and country houses made out of honey-coloured stone, the Cotswolds couldn’t be a more picturesque spot. What’s more, the area is full of interesting and exciting things for hen parties to do – it’s not all just about hiking, but there is plenty of that too. 

Explore the countryside

First things first, head out and explore some of the bucolic market towns and villages for which the Cotswolds is famous. You’ve seen them on the postcards and now it’s time to see the real thing. Some of the loveliest spots include the villages of Painswick, Chipping Campden, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Burford, Broadway and Stroud. Wander the flower-lined streets, browse the local shops and stop off at a cafe or restaurant for lunch – the perfect chilled day out with the girls.

Cheltenham

You can’t visit the Cotswolds without spending an afternoon in the pretty spa town of Cheltenham. Famous for its horse racing course and healing waters, this elegant town has plenty to offer hen parties, whether you’re looking for a bit of excitement, a spot of relaxation or a mixture of the two. Time your visit with a raceday, making sure to pack your best dress and hat of course. Or else book the group into Chapel Spa for a pampering afternoon.

Woodchester Valley Vineyard

This family-owned boutique winery is the ultimate spot for a relaxing afternoon out with the girls. Situated in the south of the Cotswolds, the scenery here is stunning – the perfect backdrop for a wine tasting. They do a special sparkling wine tour which is perfect for all those fizz-fiends out there. And, what’s more, you have the option of a private group booking, meaning you and the hens can have a tour and tasting room all to yourselves if you want it.

Food & Restaurants

With an array of gastropubs, cute cafés, simple farm-to-plate eateries, fancy restaurants and local food markets, the Cotswolds caters for a range of tastes and budgets. You’ll find a focus on fresh, local produce and plenty of local artisanal products wherever you go, making this is the ideal spot for foodies.

If there’s a sweet tooth in the group, then you have to get a traditional cream tea while you’re in the Cotswolds. One of the best spots for this is Thornbury Castle, in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside. Surrounded by elegantly-manicured grounds, an afternoon tea in this ancient castle will leave the bride feeling like royalty.

If you love a good gastropub, then you’re in luck: the Cotswolds is brimming with them. Try the Wild Rabbit in Chipping Norton for some delicious dishes made from local and seasonal produce. If you’re partial to a seafood dinner, then the award-winning Purslane in Cheltenham is calling your name. Those craving a traditional Sunday roast should head to The Churchill Arms near Chipping Campden, where they’ll find the tastiest roast potatoes in town. 

If you want to keep things simple, then head to a local market and pick up some artisanal cheese, freshly baked bread and, of course, a few bottles of local vino and head off on a picnic all together. That way you’re enjoying the local food and scenery at the same time.

Nude Life drawing for an arty party

BEST FOR SCHOOL GIRL GIGGLES
Why is it that as soon as you see a naked man prancing around, we all turn into a group of giggling girls? Nude Life drawing puts the art into party with a personal and fun activity that will definitely see your bride-to-be blush when she has to pose with the model in the final shot.

Spa and champagne day

BEST FOR RELAXING BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Planning a wedding can be stressful and there’s no reason why hen do activities have to involve sweaty clubs, the cheapest vodka and a kebab at the end of the night. Instead, organise a pampering day to truly treat your bride. Whether you opt for a luxurious country spa or bring the pampering to your bride’s home, don’t forget a little bit of fizz to celebrate her special day.

Hen party wine tasting

BEST FOR THOSE WHO PRETEND THEY’RE SOPHISTICATED
Sure if you wandered into a bar at 10am and ordered a bottle of your fave shiraz you’d get a few funny looks but organise a classy wine tasting session and it’s a completely different story. There’s hundreds of venues up and down the country or if you want to get truly sozzled, why not host your very own wine tasting experience at home?

DIY cheese and wine evening

BEST FOR VARIED GROUPS
Who said you had to go out out for an unforgettable hen party? Grab all your mates, get down Tesco (other supermarkets are available) and fill your trolleys with a range of cheese and wine. A great daytime activity to have a laugh and bring all the girls together while feasting on the good old stuff.

Macaron and martini making masterclass

BEST FOR ALL THE SENSES
Tease your tastebuds, tantalise your nose and treat your eyes as this hen party experience includes unlimited martinis and macarons! Yes, that’s right. You’ll learn how to make your very own French delights in a variety of colours and flavours. Your creativity will then be put to the test as you take to the bar to shake up signature cocktails as well as creating your very own martini recipe.

Gin masterclass and a private banquet

BEST FOR PLEASING EVERYONE
Simply hire a function room, enlist the help of a gin expert and get the caterers in. This fun and unique group experience will not only teach you how to make your very own gin cocktails but you’ll also be treated to a three-course dinner. Plus it’s the perfect activity for pretending you’re posh.

Pre-theatre cocktails and a musical

BEST FOR THE WANNABE ACTRESSES
Daytime performances are not only really convenient but there’s also bundles of pre-theatre meal deals just waiting to be snapped up. A great hen party activity for when the weather’s not on your side, simply book in advance or turn up to the box office on the day and see what tickets they’ve got left.

Country house & pop-up cocktail Bar

BEST FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO STAY IN
Britain’s best-loved seaside is perfect for a hen party and has everything to suit a range of budgets, styles, ages and tastes. Plus, who needs to go out on a Friday night when you can bring the party inside. Hire a big house, arrange your very own pamper party and bring the cocktail bar to your accommodation. Looking to head somewhere else?

Have-a-go group harp lesson

BEST FOR MUSICIANS AND WANNABE MUSICIANS ALIKE     
Something a bit different to the normal hen experience, no musical knowledge needed (though if there are muso’s in your group then we can make it challenging for them too, if they want J). A chilled out session with champagne and chocolates, we can teach you the bridal march if you like or choose from a range of different folk or pop songs. Check out https://www.handsonharps.com/harp-hen-dos/ to find out more.

HEN PARTY NIGHT LIFE IN THE COTSWOLDS

While it may not be a major party destination, there’s still plenty of fun and happening spots in the Cotswolds. The town of Cheltenham is one of the major nightlife hubs, with an array of pubs, bars and nightclubs. If you want to keep things casual with a cosy pub, then head to The Railway for candlelit drinks or The Strand for rustic vibes and live music. 

If you’re into your gin then you’ll want to make a beeline for the Gin & Juice bar at No.131 which is home to over 350 types of gin (and counting…). If cocktails are your thing, then The Botanist or Lily Gin are both top spots for an expertly-crafted concoction. 

Beer lovers should make moves towards Cheltenham Brewhouse & Kitchen, which is a microbrewery and pub serving up an array of delicious pints. Finally, if wine is the one that does it for you, then The Grape Escape is where you should go. This fantastic wine bar has a weekly-changing ‘by the glass list’ and more than 250 wines on its ‘by the bottle’ menu. 

When you’re done being sophisticated, it’s time to take things up a notch and head for the clubs. The 21 Club and 2 Pigs are both great options for a fun-filled night out. With 21 Club also doing a bottomless brunch throughout the weekend, just in case you fancy getting boozy earlier on in the day. 

If you’d rather stay close by your hen party house, then you’re bound to find a cosy pub just down the road from you – the Cotswolds is absolutely full of them. Perfect if you’re looking for a couple of chilled pints or glasses of fizz, a roaring fire and a chance to rub shoulders with the locals.