Unique hen weekend ideas (and the houses to match)
Date published: 13 Nov 2026
Forget the predictable hen party itinerary of cocktail bars, clubbing and novelty sashes. If you're planning a celebration for a bride-to-be who fancies something a little different, why not turn the whole weekend into an experience? From murder mysteries to countryside Olympics, there's plenty of fun to be had.
And the best bit? You don't even need to leave your accommodation. With the right group of friends, a few creative ideas and a fabulous big cottage, you can put together a hen weekend that's full of laughs, memorable moments and perhaps a little friendly competition.
We've even picked out some lovely cottages to match each idea, making planning that bit easier. Just bear in mind that hen party policies can change, so it's always worth checking with the owner before booking to make sure your chosen celebrations are permitted.
Host a murder mystery weekend
There's been a murder! And naturally, the entire hen party is under suspicion. Turn your cottage into a crime scene (minus the actual crime, obviously) with a murder mystery game where everyone gets a character, a costume and a suspicious backstory.
Set the scene with a candlelit dinner, encourage some outrageously dramatic acting and see who's first to crack the case. A cottage with a big dining room is perfect for gathering all your suspects around the table.
We recommend: 17 Cliff Edge - Newquay, Cornwall
Sleeps: 6
With three luxurious en-suite bedrooms, a spacious dining area and a gorgeous sea-view balcony, this stylish apartment makes a fabulous setting for a murder mystery night with a coastal twist.
Get crafty with a creative hen weekend
Fancy making something other than questionable decisions? A crafty hen weekend is a brilliant excuse to get everyone together for a spot of creativity, whether that's painting pottery, arranging flowers or making friendship bracelets.
Order some DIY kits, lay everything out on the cottage's biggest table and let the masterpieces (and hilarious disasters) begin. Add a few drinks and a playlist, and you've got an afternoon of entertainment. Better yet, everyone goes home with a little reminder of the weekend too!
We recommend: Dairy Cottage - Weymouth, Dorset
Sleeps: 6
With its farmhouse-style kitchen, bright dining space and peaceful countryside setting, this charming thatched cottage is ideal for a crafty afternoon, followed by drinks around the cosy woodburning stove.
Stage your own countryside Olympics
Who says hen parties can't get competitive? Divide everyone into teams, invent some ridiculous challenges and prepare for the most hotly contested sporting event since the actual Olympics. Think egg-and-spoon races, three-legged sprints and a fiercely competitive round of welly wanging.
All you need is a cottage with a decent-sized garden, a few homemade medals and someone willing to referee. Just make sure there's a prize for last place too. Nobody wants to go home empty-handed.
We recommend: Beech Nook - Keswick, Cumbria
Sleeps: 7
With a spacious garden, stunning mountain views and plenty of room for seven guests, this Lake District cottage is a brilliant base for your very own countryside Olympics.
Bring the Italian Riviera to the UK
No flights, no passports and absolutely no airport queues. Bring a little la dolce vita to your hen weekend with an Italian-themed celebration, complete with Aperol spritzes, homemade pizzas and plenty of pasta.
Dress the cottage's dining table with flowers, candles and colourful tableware, then challenge everyone to make their own pizza or pasta dish. A spacious kitchen and an outdoor dining area would be ideal. And if the British weather refuses to cooperate? Just pour another spritz.
We recommend: Mor Glas - Abersoch, Gwynedd
Sleeps: 7
With its sociable open-plan kitchen and dining area, plus a balcony for enjoying a spritz or two, this stylish coastal retreat is ideal for your Italian-inspired hen weekend.
Plan a nostalgic summer camp
Remember the excitement of summer camp, school trips and staying up far too late with your friends? Recreate it for the hen weekend, only this time with considerably better snacks and no teachers telling you to be quiet.
Spend the afternoon making friendship bracelets, playing garden games and taking part in silly team challenges. Come evening, gather around a fire pit if the cottage allows, toast some marshmallows and swap stories about the bride. Embarrassing ones, preferably.
We recommend: Hebridean View - Isle of Skye, Scotland
Sleeps: 7
With a large garden, cosy woodburning stove and spectacular sea views, this peaceful cottage is perfect for a nostalgic summer camp weekend, complete with games, crafts and late-night storytelling.
Enjoy the ultimate grown-up sleepover
Dig out the matching pyjamas, stock up on face masks and prepare for the sleepover to end all sleepovers. We're talking nostalgic chick flicks, takeaway feasts, midnight snacks and enough gossip to last until breakfast.
A big cottage with a cosy lounge, squishy sofas and room for everyone to spread out is all you need. Throw in a few homemade cocktails, a karaoke session or some hilariously bad childhood photos of the bride, and you've got a brilliant night in.
We recommend: Lakeside View VIP - Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire
Sleeps: 6
With a bubbling outdoor hot tub, peaceful lakeside views and a spacious open-plan lounge, this stylish lodge is made for the ultimate grown-up sleepover, complete with cocktails and plenty of gossip.
Host your own hen party Bake Off
On your marks, get set, bake! Turn the cottage kitchen into your very own version of the Bake Off tent, complete with competitive contestants, questionable creations and a bride who gets to play judge.
Split into teams for a cupcake-decorating challenge, a biscuit-building competition or an ambitious showstopper round. A well-equipped kitchen and a big dining table will come in handy. Award prizes for the best bake, the biggest disaster and, of course, the most creative interpretation of the brief.
We recommend: Garden House - Osea Island, Essex
Sleeps: 10
Set on an exclusive private island, this stylish retreat has access to a swimming pool, cinema and games room. There's plenty to enjoy once the Bake Off judging is over!
Go on a countryside adventure
If the bride prefers muddy boots to high heels, why not make the most of having the countryside on your doorstep? Choose a cottage surrounded by beautiful walking routes, pack a picnic and head out for a day of fresh air and spectacular scenery.
You could even organise a countryside scavenger hunt or a nature-themed photo challenge along the way. Then it's back to the cottage for a hearty dinner, a few celebratory drinks and some well-earned time with your feet up.
We recommend: Silva Cottage - Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Sleeps: 10
With private woodland, walking trails straight from the doorstep and a hot tub for post-adventure relaxation, this spacious New Forest cottage is perfect for an outdoorsy hen weekend.
Struggling to narrow down your hen weekend theme? Choosing somewhere to stay might be just as tricky, with so many fabulous big cottages for hen parties to choose from. Gather the hens, share your favourite ideas and make the planning part of the fun!
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
