The space

Set on the edge of the Cotswolds and surrounded by beautiful parkland, The Manor Cottage is a brilliant countryside base for a hen weekend with space to slow down, dress up, play games and spend proper time together. Sleeping up to 12 guests across 5 bedrooms, it works especially well for groups who want the privacy of a self-catered cottage without feeling cut off from pubs, activities and the buzz of Oxford.

The setting is a big part of the appeal. The cottage sits within 70 acres of shared parkland, with natural ponds, picnic spots and open, closely mown fields that are ideal for relaxed daytime fun. Think fizz in the garden, a homemade hen sports day, outdoor photos, lazy grazing lunches and plenty of room for everyone to spread out between activities. Back at the cottage, you have your own private garden with far-reaching views, patio furniture, BBQ and the option to add a hot tub for an extra celebratory touch.

Inside the house

The main living space is designed for sociable weekends. At the heart of the cottage is a vaulted open-plan sitting, kitchen and dining area with exposed beams and double doors leading straight out to the private garden. It is the kind of layout that keeps the group together, whether someone is mixing cocktails, someone else is laying out brunch, and the bride-to-be is opening gifts at the table.

The kitchen and dining area make self-catering simple, from big breakfasts before a day in Oxford to relaxed evening meals back at the house. The open-plan setup means no one is tucked away while cooking, and the dining space gives you a natural place for games, speeches, afternoon tea, a private chef-style dinner or a themed night in.

In the sitting area, there is an HDTV and DVD player for chilled downtime, movie moments or background music while everyone gets ready. Super fast Air Fibre broadband is also available, handy for playlists, sharing photos, streaming, planning taxis or keeping the group chat updated. With 5 bedrooms sleeping up to 12, the accommodation is well suited to hen groups who want a comfortable shared base with proper communal space rather than lots of separate hotel rooms.

Hen weekend highlights

This cottage gives you plenty of ways to shape the weekend around the bride. If the plan is a relaxed countryside celebration, the private garden is a lovely spot for welcome drinks, a BBQ, garden games or a leisurely breakfast in the fresh air. Add the optional hot tub and you can create a spa-style moment at the house, with robes, bubbles and a playlist after a day out exploring the Cotswolds or Oxford.

For groups who like a bit of friendly competition, the shared Games Barn is a standout feature. With a pool table, football table and table tennis, it is made for easy entertainment between meals, before a night out or on a rainy afternoon. You can turn it into a mini tournament, bride-versus-hens challenge or a low-key alternative for guests who prefer activities at the house.

The wider parkland also opens up lots of hen-friendly ideas. The closely mown fields are suitable for zorbing, ball sports and Hen Party Olympics, so you can plan a funny daytime activity without needing to travel far. Natural ponds and picnic areas add a softer side too, giving the group space for a scenic walk, a chilled picnic or a quiet moment after a busy evening.

The mix of indoor and outdoor options is especially useful for a UK hen weekend. If the sun is out, you have the garden, BBQ, parkland and hot tub. If the weather turns, you can move into the vaulted living space or head to the Games Barn for pool, table tennis and group challenges.

Location & getting around

The Manor Cottage is located near Bampton in Oxfordshire, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It offers a peaceful countryside feel while still keeping you within easy reach of places to eat, drink and explore. Gastro pubs are within walking distance, which is a major bonus for a hen group wanting a relaxed lunch, Sunday roast or evening meal without complicated transport plans.

Oxford is around 20 minutes away, making it a great option for a livelier day or night out. You can head into the city for cocktail bars, restaurants, sightseeing, punting, shopping or group activities, then return to the cottage for hot tub time, snacks and a slower countryside morning. Bampton itself gives you a charming village-style base, while the Cotswolds setting means scenic walks, pretty pubs and countryside photo spots are all part of the weekend.

For groups arriving from different parts of the UK, the Oxfordshire location is practical without losing that away-from-it-all feeling. We recommend planning taxis or minibus travel in advance for Oxford nights out and any activities further afield, especially for larger groups.

Enquire today

If The Manor Cottage sounds like the right fit for your hen weekend, send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you already have in mind. The host can help confirm availability, sleeping arrangements and optional extras such as the hot tub, so you can start shaping a weekend that suits the bride and the whole group.