The space

Set in the heart of the Peak District, Rowdale Barns gives your hen group the freedom to celebrate together while still having plenty of room to spread out. This former dairy farm has been thoughtfully converted into four characterful barns, sleeping up to 16 guests across 8 individually decorated bedrooms. It is a lovely choice for a hen weekend that balances relaxed countryside time with sociable evenings, scenic walks, pub lunches and a short hop into Bakewell.

The layout works especially well for mixed-age hen groups, bridesmaids travelling from different places, or friends who like the idea of having their own little retreat at the end of the night. You can all come together in The Old Dairy for dinner, drinks, games and speeches, then peel off to separate living spaces in The Coach House or The Byre when people want a quieter moment. With mature garden space, picnic benches and a charcoal BBQ, there is also an easy outdoor hub for sunny afternoons, pre-dinner fizz or a laid-back Sunday brunch.

Inside the house

Accommodation is spread across four converted barns, giving the weekend a village-style feel while keeping everyone close. The Milking Shed sleeps 6 in 3 en suite bedrooms, The Old Dairy sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms with 1 en suite and 1 private bathroom, The Coach House sleeps 4 in 2 en suite bedrooms, and The Byre sleeps 2 in an open gallery bedroom with a private bathroom. All bedrooms can be made up as doubles or twins, which is ideal for hen groups where friends may be sharing, couples may be joining, or the bride wants flexibility around the rooming plan.

The real social heart of the property is The Old Dairy, where the whole group can gather to dine together. It is the place for a big arrival meal, a grazing table, a homemade brunch, or an evening of games before heading out to the local pubs. Having separate living and dining spaces in The Coach House and The Byre is a bonus for groups who want a bit of choice: one space can become the chilled coffee corner, another can be used for getting ready, and the main barn can stay set up for group celebrations.

For entertainment, the listed table tennis is a great addition for easygoing competition between bridesmaids, family and friends. There is also workspace available, handy if someone needs to check in on travel plans, playlists, restaurant bookings or a surprise itinerary for the bride. The barns are practical as well as charming, with multiple bathrooms helping the whole group get ready without the usual queue drama.

Hen weekend highlights

Rowdale Barns is made for hens who want a sociable countryside stay rather than a city-centre crash pad. Start the weekend with a welcome drink in the garden, fire up the BBQ for a relaxed evening meal, and let the table tennis tournament become the ice-breaker for guests who have not met before. The outdoor picnic benches are ideal for a decorated brunch setup, hen party favours, afternoon nibbles or a low-key toast to the bride.

The games room feel, helped by the table tennis setup, gives the group something fun to dip in and out of between activities. It is especially useful if the weather turns or if you want an easy at-home evening after a day exploring the Peak District. While hot tub and spa facilities are not listed at the property, the setting lends itself beautifully to wellness-style plans: countryside walks, yoga-style stretching in the garden, slow breakfasts, local café stops and cosy nights in with the whole group around the table.

For brides who love the outdoors, the direct access to the Monsal Trail is a real highlight. You can plan a gentle walk, hire bikes from nearby Hassop Station, or make a pub stop part of the route. It is a lovely way to bring everyone together without needing complicated transport, and it gives the weekend a proper Peak District feel.

Location & getting around

Rowdale Barns sits near Ashford in the Water, just 3 miles from Bakewell, one of the Peak District’s prettiest market towns. Bakewell is a great option for daytime browsing, lunch, coffee, cocktails, local pubs and, of course, a Bakewell pudding stop for the group. It is close enough for easy plans but far enough away that the barns feel peaceful once you are back together in the countryside.

From the doorstep, you can walk across fields or along the Monsal Trail to Ashford in the Water and Great Longstone, both with traditional village pubs for local ales and hearty food. Hassop Station is less than a mile away and is a popular base for bike hire, lunch and access to the trail. If your hen itinerary includes classic Peak District sightseeing, Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are both within reach, adding options for a stylish day out, gardens, afternoon tea or group photos in a beautiful setting.

The location is best suited to groups travelling by car or arranging taxis in advance, especially for evenings out in Bakewell or nearby villages. Once you arrive, though, there is plenty to enjoy without constant driving: walks, cycling, garden time, BBQs and cosy group meals can all be part of the weekend from the barns.

Enquire today

If you are planning a Peak District hen weekend for up to 16 guests, Rowdale Barns offers a flexible and sociable base with the rare bonus of private space across four charming barns. Message the host with your dates, group size and preferred bedroom setup, and start shaping a relaxed countryside celebration around the bride.