The space

Bicclescombe Grange is made for a big hen weekend with room to spread out, catch up and celebrate in serious comfort. Set at the end of a private drive on the outskirts of Ilfracombe, this period-style holiday house sleeps up to 26 guests across eight bedrooms and sits within three acres of gardens, open countryside and peaceful Devon scenery.

The setting gives you the best of both worlds: a private-feeling base where the whole group can stay together, plus easy access to Ilfracombe, North Devon beaches and classic coastal days out. Start the weekend with arrivals in the grand house, a drink in the garden and a relaxed first night in. The next day could be pool time, games, a beach trip or a meal in town before returning to the hot tub for a late-night debrief.

With accommodation arranged over three storeys, Bicclescombe Grange works especially well for mixed friendship groups, bridesmaids, sisters and family members who want communal spaces for the party atmosphere but enough bedrooms for everyone to settle in. The house has a traditional, characterful feel, balanced with the modern touches a large group needs for an easy self-catering stay.

Inside the house

The heart of the house is the large modern kitchen, custom designed for big gatherings. It has granite surfaces, marble tiles, solid oak furniture and stainless steel appliances, including a seven-burner range and a huge American-style fridge freezer. There is also an ice maker and a large-capacity wine cooler, which is ideal for keeping celebration drinks chilled and the weekend running smoothly.

The kitchen is not just for cooking; it is a proper social hub. With high and low level seating areas and a large flat screen TV with Sky Q, hens can gather around while dinner is being prepared, set out brunch spreads, chat over coffee or pour drinks while the designated chef gets to work. If you are bringing in private catering or planning a themed dinner night, this is the kind of practical, generous space that makes it feel simple.

For cosy downtime, the house includes a large screen television with Sky channels and free WiFi throughout, so playlists, group chats, films and photo sharing are all covered. The period styling gives the interiors a special-occasion feel without losing the comfort needed for a weekend where people are coming and going between activities.

The games room is a major bonus for a hen group. With a full-sized snooker table, dart board, table tennis and even a piano, it is ready for tournament-style challenges, icebreaker games or a relaxed evening when you want entertainment without leaving the house.

Hen weekend highlights

The biggest crowd-pleaser is the 40-foot indoor heated swimming pool. It means pool time is on the agenda whatever the Devon weather decides to do, whether you are planning a slow Saturday morning swim, a fun group splash session or a relaxed afternoon between activities. Add in the hot tub and you have a spa-style setup at the house, ideal for chilled pre-dinner bubbles, post-beach warming up or giving the bride-to-be a little pampering moment.

The gardens are another standout feature. Spread across several levels, the grounds include grassy areas for games, footpaths through the woods, ponds, waterfalls and plenty of corners to explore. There are even alpacas to meet, which gives the weekend a fun talking point and some very good photo opportunities.

For hen party planning, the layout lends itself to a flexible itinerary. You can host a prosecco brunch in the kitchen, set up garden games on the lawns, run a quiz in the evening, organise a fancy-dress dinner, or keep things low-key with pool, hot tub and a film night. If you are thinking about outdoor dining or a BBQ-style meal, mention it when enquiring so the host can confirm what is available and what works best in the grounds.

Because the house has so many built-in activities, it is a strong choice for groups who want to spend quality time together rather than constantly travelling between venues. There is plenty to do on site, but no pressure to over-plan every minute.

Location & getting around

Bicclescombe Grange is located on the outskirts of Ilfracombe, one of North Devon’s main coastal resorts. The setting feels tucked away thanks to the private drive and surrounding gardens, yet you are still well placed for the town’s restaurants, pubs, harbour area and seaside atmosphere. For nights out, meals or drinks in Ilfracombe, plan taxis in advance so the whole group can travel together easily.

Bicclescombe Park sits at the end of the drive, giving you green space and local amenities close by. For beach days, North Devon has some of the UK’s best-known sandy beaches within reach, including Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde. These are great options for surf lessons, coastal walks, beach games, fish and chips, or a relaxed day in the sun before heading back to the house for hot tub time.

The surrounding countryside also makes the property a good base for active hens who want more than nightlife. Think coastal paths, sea views, beach activities and scenic drives, balanced with the comfort of returning to a large private house where everyone can gather under one roof.

Enquire today

If you are planning a Devon hen weekend for a large group, Bicclescombe Grange offers space, character and plenty of on-site entertainment. Message the host with your dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, from private dining to beach days, and they can help confirm the details for your stay.