The space

East Thorne is a characterful glamping and cottage retreat near Bude, designed for groups who want the fun of the outdoors without giving up comfort. For hen parties, it offers a sociable, laid-back setting where everyone can spread out across cosy cottages and beautifully finished roundhouses, then come back together for shared meals, drinks, hot tub time and evenings under the stars.

The site can sleep up to 54 guests across 4 cottages and 10 glamping units, making it a great option for mixed-size hen groups, from smaller weekends to a full group takeover. There are 4 cottages sleeping 4 guests each, 2 romantic roundhouses sleeping 2, and family roundhouses with flexible layouts for adults or families. This gives the group plenty of choice: some hens can opt for a classic cottage stay, while others embrace the glamping experience in a wooden roundhouse with all the cosy extras.

The setting feels rural, relaxed and full of Cornwall charm. Think car-free gravel paths, green spaces, a garden atmosphere, animal feeding, campfires and a real sense of getting away from it all. It is particularly well suited to groups who want a weekend that mixes celebration with fresh air, beach days, outdoor activities and slower mornings.

Inside the house

Accommodation at East Thorne is split between comfortable cottages and the site’s signature wooden yurts, known as The Roundhouses. The Roundhouses are a stylish step up from traditional glamping, with en-suite facilities, internal kitchens, underfloor heating and hot tubs, so the group can enjoy the atmosphere of a glamping retreat in every season. Some roundhouses are grouped together for sociable stays, while others are standalone or set within private gardens, giving different members of the party a little space when they want it.

The cottages offer a more familiar home-from-home feel, ideal for hens who prefer solid walls, cosy interiors and easy access to everyday comforts. Each cottage sleeps 4, with space for cots where needed, and gives guests access to the wider East Thorne experience, including the outdoor spaces, campfire area and communal facilities.

For group meals and celebrations, the standout feature is The Tallet barn. This open-air, heated and undercover dining space is made for hen weekend feasts, welcome drinks and relaxed evening gatherings. Your group can cook together using the wood-burning clay oven and grill, or arrange chef-cooked pop-up dining for a special night in. It is a brilliant alternative to trying to squeeze everyone around one kitchen table, giving the party a dedicated shared space while still keeping the weekend informal and easy-going.

Hen weekend highlights

East Thorne works especially well for hen groups who want more than just a place to sleep. The hot tubs add an instant treat factor, whether you are planning fizz after a beach day, a slow morning soak or a relaxed evening before heading into Bude. With private garden areas and grouped accommodation options, it is easy to create little zones for catching up, getting ready, sharing gifts or simply enjoying some downtime.

Food and drink can be a big part of the weekend here. The BBQ-style cooking setup, wood-fired clay oven and grill make it easy to plan a big group dinner without needing a formal restaurant booking every night. The Tallet barn gives you a covered social hub for hen party games, grazing tables, cocktail making, a low-key supper club or a themed dinner. If you want to keep things effortless, the option of chef-cooked pop-up restaurants and gourmet hampers adds a more indulgent touch.

The outdoor setting also lends itself to wholesome daytime fun. You can gather around the campfire, collect eggs, explore the grounds, or plan gentle games in the garden spaces. For a mixed group with different energy levels, East Thorne is a strong choice: some guests can head off for surfing or coasteering, while others stay back for a slower afternoon in the hot tub or a cup of tea in the cottage.

There are also pet-friendly options available, which is helpful if the bride wants to bring a much-loved dog along for the weekend. The whole site can be hired exclusively too, subject to availability, giving larger hen groups extra privacy and freedom to make the space their own.

Location & getting around

East Thorne sits near Bude on the North Cornwall coast, with beaches around 3.5 miles away. That makes it easy to build a hen itinerary around sea air, coastal walks, surf lessons, paddleboarding or a relaxed beach picnic. Bude itself has a friendly seaside feel, with pubs, cafes, restaurants and casual nightlife for groups who want to head out for drinks without committing to a big-city party scene.

The local area is ideal for activity-led hen weekends. Through local partners, groups can arrange experiences such as surfing, coasteering, SUP, climbing and canoeing, so you can make the weekend as active or as chilled as the bride wants. The combination of coast and countryside means you can be in wetsuits during the day and back in the barn for a cosy group dinner by evening.

For getting around, a car or pre-booked minibus is the easiest option, especially for beach trips, activities and evenings in Bude. Taxis should be arranged in advance for nights out or larger group movements, as rural Cornwall is best enjoyed with transport planned ahead. Once you are on site, the car-free feel makes it lovely for wandering between cottages, roundhouses, gardens and communal spaces.

Enquire today

If your hen group is looking for a Cornwall stay with hot tubs, glamping charm, cosy cottages and a brilliant shared dining space, East Thorne is well worth enquiring about. Message the host with your preferred dates, group size and plans for the weekend, and they can help you explore the best mix of cottages, roundhouses and extras for your celebration.