The space

Set in the heart of Windermere Village, Alice Howe is a spacious and characterful hen party house for up to 14 guests, giving your group the chance to enjoy the Lake District without squeezing into separate hotel rooms or compromising on comfort. Named after the small hill behind the house, this large holiday home has the kind of layout that works brilliantly for a hen weekend: sociable rooms for everyone to gather, plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms, and standout extras including a private cinema room and a hot tub.

The house has been thoughtfully set up for mixed friendship groups, with 7 bedrooms and a strong choice of twin rooms, so guests do not need to be paired off as couples. Five bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms, with two additional bathrooms also available, giving each bedroom access to its own facilities. That means less queuing before dinner, easier getting ready time, and a much smoother start to your big night out or relaxed celebration at the house.

Alice Howe feels elegant but welcoming, with 4-star Visit England recognition, crisp white bed linen, fluffy towels and complimentary soaps and shampoos included. It is a great choice for an upmarket, well-behaved hen group looking for a Lake District base with personality, comfort and enough space for everyone to settle in properly.

Inside the house

Inside, the main lounge is made for lazy catch-ups and pre-dinner drinks, with huge leather Chesterfield sofas, a large flat screen TV and an open fire for cosy evenings. It is the natural spot for arrival drinks, hen party games, gift opening or a slower Sunday morning after a busy Saturday exploring Windermere.

The dining room is one of the real centrepieces of the house, with a huge table that seats the full group of 14. Whether you are planning a private chef-style dinner, a grazing table, a celebratory brunch or a dressed-up meal before heading into town, this room gives everyone a proper seat at the table. It also has an open fire with a striking Pugin-designed fireplace, a large Smart TV and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, so you can create a playlist, add decorations and make the space feel like your own for the weekend.

There are two kitchens, which is a big bonus for larger groups. One is designed for cooking, eating and socialising, complete with a large table and wood burning stove, while the second is ideal for prep and washing up. With two dishwashers, catering for 14 feels far more manageable, whether you are doing a big breakfast, cocktails and canapes, or a relaxed dinner at home.

For entertainment, the wow factor is the private 15-seat cinema room in the cellar. It has a 75-inch Smart TV and sound bar, so the group can log in to Netflix or Amazon Prime, bring out the popcorn and enjoy a film night, nostalgic rom-com marathon, music videos or a chilled recovery session without leaving the house.

Hen weekend highlights

Alice Howe has several features that work especially well for a hen celebration. The 7-seat hot tub is tucked away in its own building, giving your group a fun and sheltered place to relax between activities. It is ideal for a Friday night welcome soak, a Saturday morning reset or a laid-back evening after dinner.

The rear walled courtyard is another lovely social space, with views towards Orrest Head, where Alfred Wainwright famously took his first view of the Lake District. The courtyard has outdoor table and chairs for alfresco dining, plus a barbecue for easy group meals when the weather is on your side. Because the courtyard is enclosed by surrounding walls, it is usually protected from the wind, making it a useful outdoor area for drinks, photos and summer suppers.

The house also gives you plenty of options for hen party plans without needing to over-schedule the weekend. You could host a cocktail-making evening around the dining table, organise a quiz in the lounge, book a private chef, set up a pamper session, or keep things simple with bubbles, music and a long dinner by the fire. The cinema room is great for a themed movie night, while the hot tub and courtyard add that extra celebratory feeling without making the weekend feel too full-on.

With multiple bathrooms, spacious shared rooms and lots of seating, Alice Howe makes group time easy. Everyone can come together for the main moments, but there is also enough room to spread out, get ready, chat in smaller groups or take a quiet coffee in the kitchen.

Location & getting around

The property is based in Windermere Village, one of Cumbria’s best-known Lake District locations, with a lovely mix of scenery, places to eat, independent shops and classic weekend activities nearby. You are well placed for exploring Windermere and the surrounding area, from lakeside strolls and boat trips to afternoon tea, spa time, outdoor adventures and relaxed meals out.

For groups wanting a little nightlife, Windermere and nearby Bowness-on-Windermere offer pubs, bars and restaurants without needing to travel far across the county. It is a great balance for a hen group: scenic and relaxed by day, with enough going on locally for drinks and dinner in the evening. Taxis are useful for getting between villages, restaurants and activities, particularly if everyone is dressed up for the night.

Cumbria is also a brilliant setting for activity-led hen weekends. Depending on your group’s style, you could plan a lake cruise, paddleboarding, guided walks, afternoon tea, spa treatments, distillery visits, craft workshops or a long pub lunch with views. Orrest Head is close by and offers a rewarding viewpoint for those who want a manageable walk and a classic Lake District photo moment.

Alice Howe works especially well if you want the freedom of a private house with the atmosphere of Windermere close at hand. You can dip into the village when you want food, drinks or activities, then return to your own space for hot tub time, games, dinner and a cinema night.

Enquire today

If you are planning a stylish hen weekend in the Lake District for up to 14 guests, Alice Howe is a fantastic option to consider. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and the host can confirm availability and help you decide whether the house is the right fit for your celebration.