UK hen weekend | 8 ways to spend a unique hen party in West Kent
If you’ve ever planned a hen weekend, you’ll know that it’s no mean feat. Often with large groups and a variety of ages to cater for, it’s tough to come up with something memorable and special for your Bride-To-Be that everyone will enjoy.
Offering beautiful scenery, vibrant towns and a plethora of hen party activities that break the mould, West Kent is a fantastic location for a truly unique UK hen weekend that will stand out from the crowd.
From wine tasting to escape rooms, here are some great ideas for a classy hen weekend in West Kent that the whole bridal party will enjoy – without a penis straw or ‘L’ plate in sight!
Plan your own diamond heist
For something a little different that will see your whole group work as a team (and certainly break the ice!), try one of West Kent’s brilliant escape rooms for your UK hen weekend. Clue Cracker in Tunbridge Wells offers three immersive experiences for groups of up to 6 players, including a room which sees your gang become high-end jewellery thieves, The Diamond Dogs!
Bigger groups can play against each other to beat the clock, and games can be personalised to offer fun, bespoke touches to make your time locked up extra special. Find clues, solve puzzles and get caught up in the story before relaxing with some cocktails and tapas at the adjoining bar, The Shuffle House.
When we visited, our team managed to get out in 57 minutes, cutting it a little fine but definitely adding to the excitement! Other popular escape rooms in West Kent include TimeQuest in Paddock Wood, Escape Kent in Canterbury and Pressure Point in Ashford.
Tour West Kent’s award-winning vineyards
What better way to spend a hen weekend than sampling delicious wine in the beautiful English countryside? Exploring some of the most highly acclaimed vineyards and breweries in the South East, Wine Tours Of Kent offers full day private tours visiting three local sites for tastings and guided tours. And the best part is that – with transport all included – there are no designated drivers required, so your whole party can relax and sip away to their heart’s content!
Abi Ireland, Founder of Wine Tours Of Kent says, “We love creating bespoke days out for special occasions! Our hen party wine tours transport you to the Kent vineyards for a day wine tasting, it’s a great way to celebrate in style right here in the UK.”
All tours stop at a lovely country pub for lunch and wineries to visit include the likes of Chapel Down, Balfour Winery, Biddenden, Woodchurch Wine and Gusbourne. Ideal for a relaxed and sophisticated UK hen weekend!
Create your own floral crowns and bouquets
For bridal parties planning a DIY wedding, a bespoke flower arranging workshop together can both provide great inspiration and teach you valuable skills which can be applied to making show-stopping centrepieces and bouquets.
At Blooming Green near Maidstone, hen parties can learn to create hand-tied bouquets and floral crowns in a morning or afternoon workshop run by professional florists against the backdrop of their pretty flower plot. With the opportunity to pick your own flowers, enjoy a rural picnic and learn from some amazing local talent, this is a brilliant activity that a wide range of ages can enjoy.
Host a VIP movie night
If your Bride-To-Be has ever dreamed of having her own private cinema, treat her to an extra special night in courtesy of The Roaming Cinema. Offering bespoke packages including a projector screen, fairy lights and extras such as a popcorn machine, bar and seating, it’s the perfect way to create the ultimate movie night. It can also be an alternative way of hosting your Mr & Mrs quiz, karaoke party or sharing photo or video memories on screen.
Amy Achwal-Donnelly, Co-Founder of The Roaming Cinema Co says, “At TRC we feel really privileged when people choose us to play a part in their celebrations. To repay that faith, we will always do our utmost to make sure everything is as bespoke and beautifully presented as possible. It is not only our stunning Enchanted Garden screen which makes us unique, we are also set apart by our commitment, passion and pride in what we do.”
Whether you’re planning a themed night or low-key slumber party, get the fizz out, curl up and enjoy something really unique for your hen weekend.
Learn to cook like a pro
Nothing brings people together quite like food and drink, so why not create the ultimate hen party feast together? The Kent Cookery School in Ashford offers 3-hour sessions for private parties to learn how to cook some mouth-watering dishes, before enjoying the fruits of your labour with a sit-down meal.
From whipping up an array of tapas accompanied by Prosecco to creating a Mexican fiesta or reinventing your favourite takeaway with an Indian curry night, The Kent Cookery School provides packages to suit your group and tastes. Masterchef, eat your heart out!
Sleep under the stars
Pop your wellies on and get back to nature with a luxury glamping weekend with the girls! Gooseberry Field Glamping in the rural village of Pluckley offers a stylish and comfortable alternative to camping that won’t break the bank.
Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, Gooseberry Field provides a selection of beautiful bell tents, all kitted out with cosy duvets and cushions, Egyptian cotton linen and atmospheric fairlights.
With a hot tub and wood-fired pizza oven on site, hen packages also include a Prosecco pack, bathrobe and toiletries, allowing you to feel spoiled whilst spending the weekend gazing at the stars and enjoying the peaceful outdoors. Additional extras can include yoga classes, pampering sessions and craft activities.
Update: The campsite is closed for the 2022 season to allow for building works and upgrades to take place. It is due to re-open for 2023.
Hire a private dining experience
For a more traditional route towards a sophisticated hen weekend, try one of West Kent’s decadent dining experiences at The Secret Garden in Ashford. Offering sophisticated brunches, indulgent afternoon teas and celebratory lunches served in an array of unique dining areas, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Set in the natural beauty of the garden of England, private dining areas include a stylish Victorian glasshouse, chandelier-clad chapel and rustic coach house, all surrounded by gorgeous formal gardens. All can be booked for a three-hour period (timings dependant on time the of year and space) with food pre-ordered in advance.
Get creative with pottery
Pottery painting can be both relaxing and fun, providing the perfect chilled activity for your group of girls. Both The Pottery Box in Tonbridge and Art Of Mine in Maidstone offer studio hire, with the option to bring your own food, drink and decorations to make the occasion truly personal.
From making a personalised “Mrs” mug for the Bride-To-Be to creating bespoke favours to be given out on the big day, unleash your inner artist and get creative!
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