How to Organise the Perfect Hen Party in Cumbria

Written by Rose Castle

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4, August, 2023

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Landscapes, Luxury and Laughs: Cumbria Has it All

If you're searching for a wild and wonderful hen party destination, look no further than beautiful Cumbria! This charming slice of the North West, famous for the Lake District’s dramatic fells and lakes, is the ideal spot for an unforgettable hen party. So, grab your gal pals because we've got the ultimate guide to organising a magical hen party in Cumbria.

A Dreamy Getaway

Start your hen party in style by treating the bride-to-be to a fabulous weekend getaway. Choose from a range of luxurious cottages or stylish boutique hotels to pamper yourselves in true hen fashion. Whether you want a castle of your very own, an upmarket hotel in Carlisle, or a cosy Lake District retreat, Cumbria offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

If you want to treat the Bride to a touch of luxury in an extraordinary location, our Rose Castle team will be happy to oblige. Speak to our team about booking your very own castle in Cumbria, exclusively yours for the hen party to end all hen parties! Dance the night away in our State Dining Room, discover our hidden cocktail cabinet and whip up a delicious drink or two, toast marshmallows around our fire pit, indulge in a spot of outdoor cinema in our gorgeous Insta-worthy grounds, enjoy a gourmet dinner courtesy of our Head Chef. The list is endless.

For a more laidback hen do, check out Sally’s Cottages, a real Cumbrian success story with over 900 self-catering properties to suit every preference and budget. Whether you fancy a quaint secluded cottage with a hot tub or a lush apartment in the centre of Ambleside, Sally’s Cottages will help get your hen party off to a great start.

Outdoor Adventures Galore

Cumbria is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, so why not channel your inner adrenaline junkie with some hair-raising outdoor activities? You can go hiking in the hills, explore ancient woodlands, or take a leisurely boat cruise on one of our shimmering lakes. The Lake District is also a hotspot for water sports, so get your wetsuits ready for kayaking, paddle boarding, or even wild swimming – it's the perfect way to bond with your besties. Fancy a thrill ride with views to die for? Outdoor adventure company Go Ape is popular with hen parties for a reason; its Grizedale and Whinlatter locations offer a fabulous range of exhilarating activities including high ropes courses, zip wires, and segways. Giggles, mud, and personal bests guaranteed!

Tipsy Cocktail Masterclass

No hen party is complete without some fabulous cocktails, right? Head to one of many trendy bars in Carlisle or the Lake District and indulge in a cocktail masterclass. Learn how to mix, shake, and garnish like a pro while sipping on your delicious concoctions. Afterward, you and the girls can show off your newfound mixology skills at hen headquarters with a personalised cocktail competition! The Halston hotel, Carlisle, is a super swish spot that offers fun cocktail masterclasses for groups of 10 or more. If you’re leaning towards a South Lakes hen party, then Baha in Bowness is the place to mix, shake and pour to your heart’s content!

Cumbria Hen Party Cocktail Making

Luxury Afternoon Tea

What better way to celebrate the upcoming wedding than with a delightful afternoon tea? Cumbria has plenty of charming tearooms and country houses where you can savour dainty sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and an array of tempting cakes. Dress up in your finest outfits and feel like queens for the day!

For a genuine vintage afternoon tea, we highly recommend a visit to Mr Wilson’s Tea Rooms, a delightful 1940s themed tea room in Workington.

We would be delighted to arrange an exclusive Afternoon Tea for you and your hens. Rose Castle's Head Chef is renowned for his delectable delicacies which you can savour in our stunning State Drawing Room with its listed hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpaper, captivating views and plush couches. Just you, the bride and the hens in one of the North West's finest castles. Pick a playlist and we’ll stream your favourite tunes while you sip your signature hen party cocktail and nibble on crab and lemon verbena sandwiches, black pudding scotch eggs, and panna cotta Rose Castle rhubarb compote (among other delectable bites). This is a truly unique afternoon tea experience.

Rose Castle Afternoon Tea

Pampering Spa Day

Every hen deserves a little pampering, so why not treat yourselves to a relaxing spa day?

Cumbria boasts some top-notch spas with a selection of treatments and facilities to help you unwind and rejuvenate. From soothing massages to luxurious facials, it's the perfect opportunity to destress and get glammed up for a big night out.

The Low Wood Bay Hotel and Spa, Windermere, is deluxe self-care heaven and perfect for a spot of deep relaxation. Spa Day packages offer a range of treatments and a choice of 2-course lunch or wood-fired afternoon tea. You’ll leave revitalised and ready to party!

Dance the Night Away

When the sun goes down, it's time to put on your dancing shoes and hit the town! Cumbria may have a tranquil side, but its nightlife scene is buzzing and full of energy.

Easily accessible by train, the vibrant border city of Carlisle is the place to be for dancing, live music and lots of laughs. Don't forget to dress to impress! Kick the night off with carbs and cocktails at legendary Carlisle hotspot, Eaten By Monsters then head over to the Halston Hotel for your mixology class. Ready to boogie? Pop over to Botchergate, the city’s official party quarter with tons of pubs and clubs to choose from.

Craft Together, Laugh Together

If you're a creative bunch, Cumbria has plenty of craft workshops to add a unique touch to your hen party. Get hands-on with activities like pottery making, flower arranging, or even designing your own wedding favours. You'll create beautiful mementos of your special time together while having a blast!

Fancy making a hand-stitched leather handbag from scratch in a day, needle felting your very own Herdwick sheep, or crafting beautiful sterling silver jewellery? Quirky Workshops, Greystoke (outside Penrith), offers a wide range of group craft courses from its utterly charming craft garden and Swallow Barn workshop space. This is the very definition of mindful fun in a quaintly peaceful location.

The Makers Mill in Keswick is a former 19th century mill that has been transformed into a crafting wonderland. With year-round mug making, pottery throwing, stained glass making, wine tasting, and hand embroidery classes, there’s plenty to keep your hands busy! So much fun to be had, and it's in the heart of Keswick, with its array of bars, restaurants and shops.

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So, there you have it - the recipe for an unforgettable hen party in Cumbria! From outdoor escapades in the Lake District National Park to pampering spa days and epic nights out, this sensational corner of England has it all. Whether you're planning a chilled out weekend or an action-packed adventure, Cumbria promises to make your hen party an event to remember.

The most important thing is to celebrate the bride-to-be and make lifelong memories with your closest friends. So, grab your hen party sashes and head to Cumbria for a jam-packed fun fest!

Happy hen party planning!