Is there anything that makes women more irrationally angry than hen parties? Surely not. No one appreciates being forced to spend money on flights to a destination they had no previous interest in visiting. And surely no one really enjoys an itinerary of organised fun that includes male life drawing and questionably shaped straws.
Instead, keep it classy and organise a staycation. Gather your best friends, pick up as many bottles of Prosecco as you can carry, and head away for a weekend to a house where no one has to play host. Whether you’re looking for a rural retreat or an urban escape, the wonder that is Airbnb has got you covered. To save you trawling the site in search of the perfect abode, we’ve rounded up a selection of suitable properties - click through to find yours.
Spend your hen weekend living the Jane Austen-dream at this beautiful Manor house dating back from 1670. Just a stones throw from the Cotswolds, you'll be spoilt with luscious green countryside, chocolate box villages and an excellent selection of pubs. Not that you’ll need to leave the house. This property has entertainment aplenty including an outdoor pool, table tennis and a croquet lawn. Plus, you can forget having any awkward guest list issues thanks to the additional accommodation available in the accompanying cottage.
Sleeps: Up to 16
Cost: From £750 a night
Glastonbury Gothic Church Conversion
Not getting married in a church? You could stay in one for your hen celebrations instead. This stunningly restored property comes complete with a plethora of Instagram-worthy features including original stain glass windows, a huge wood-burning stove and immense vaulted atrium. The impressive banqueting hall seats 20, making it ideal for dinner parties, and the host can arrange spa treatments at the house with therapists from Bath’s celebrated Thermae Bath Spa.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: From £1080 a night
If a country escape isn’t your thing, how about a hen weekend to Brighton? Located bang in the centre of town near the pier, Laines and buzzing Kemptown, the house makes an ideal base for exploring the shopping, eating and drinking on offer. Sleeping up to 18, the decor is a Pinterest dream complete with an antique copper bath, sparkling chandeliers and quirky furniture. The large dining area is ideal for boozy brunches or long dinners and with the sea on your doorstep, popping for hangover curing dip couldn't be easier.
Sleeps: 18
Cost: From £725 a night
If you’re looking to organise a hen to impress, this is just the ticket. This charming windmill has been refurbished to provide seven floors of cutting edge design – the highlight definitely being the amazing panoramic views seen from the top of the 70ft tower. The games room will keep your fellow hens busy, and if it all gets too much you can kick back in one of many roll top baths. If the weather is kind, make like Taylor Swift and get hold of this summer’s must have accessory, the pool inflatable, and enjoy snapping many a selfie in the large outdoor pool.
Sleeps: 16
Cost: From £690 a night
Spend the weekend amongst the trees at this magical property. Set among two acres of woodland this luxury treehouse allows you to feel like you’ve got away from it all without actually having to slum it. Think modern interiors, beautiful decking and facilities such as a cinema room, a fancy Webber BBQ and an outdoor hot tub. Located in an area of national beauty and close to some of the UK’s best beaches, you couldn’t ask much more from a rural retreat.
Sleeps: 6
Cost: From £300 per night
Set in the tranquil Snowdonia National Park, this traditional long house is ideal for a large hen party wanting to escape to the country. Spend the weekend cooking up a feast in the outdoor pizza oven, put the world to rights over gin and tonics in the wood fired hot tub, and clear your fuzzy head with numerous walks in the surrounding countryside.
Sleeps: 14
Cost: From £250 per night
Wedding planning is stressful enough without having to worry about the hen, and if you’re really after a worry-free weekend then this place is just the thing. With a chef on site there will be no fighting over who has to do the cooking (or washing-up) and forget having to organise an itinerary of non-stop fun, the hosts at this property take this stress off your hands sorting horse riding or golf trips in the local area. Plus, the picturesque lakeside setting is only actually 20 miles from Edinburgh making the caste really accessible.
Sleeps: 12
Cost: From £1081 per night
Find new ways to bond with your fellow hen party guests on a camping trip to Somerset. Fear not, this isn’t like being back on Duke of Edinburgh but is a luxury camping trip. Each tepee style tent feels akin to a fancy hotel room, and there’s a communal area complete with open fire, dining space and hot showers. If you're looking for a digital detox this place is ideal. However, if it gets too much you’ll be pleased to hear the local shop and, more importantly, pub are just a half a mile away.
Sleeps: 12
Cost: From £540 per night
If you need a crash pad while on a city break in Bristol this place couldn't be better located. The cosy haven is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city and offers bed space for up to 14 hens. The pretty little garden would also make a great spot for a BBQ or an afternoon Aperol.
Sleeps: 14
Costs: From £70 a night
If you're after a more modern interior style then this barn conversion might be what you're after. Offering panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding countryside, there's no chance of being disturbed at this rural property. With multiple entertaining spaces this place is ideal for large dinner parties and playing those dreaded hen games.
Sleeps: 12
Costs: From £250 a night
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