The space

Set in the heart of Windermere Village, Alice Howe is a beautiful large-group house made for hen weekends that want the Lake District atmosphere without compromising on comfort, space or fun. Sleeping up to 14 guests in 7 bedrooms, it works especially well for mixed friendship groups thanks to a high number of twin rooms and excellent bathroom provision, meaning everyone gets the privacy and practicality they need after a big day out.

The house has a warm, sociable feel throughout, with original character, open fires, generous communal rooms and a private courtyard for drinks, BBQs and relaxed catch-ups. It is the sort of place where the weekend can flow naturally: brunch in the kitchen, a walk or activity nearby, drinks around the dining table, a film night in the cinema room, then a soak in the hot tub before bed.

Named after the small hill behind the property, Alice Howe brings together classic Lake District charm and modern hen party must-haves. It has also been awarded 4 stars by Visit England, so the group can expect a well-presented stay with thoughtful touches including fluffy towels, crisp white bed linen and complimentary soaps and shampoos.

Inside the house

Alice Howe sleeps 14 guests comfortably across 7 bedrooms, with 5 rooms enjoying en-suite shower rooms and 2 further bathrooms available. This is a huge plus for hen groups, especially when everyone is getting ready at the same time for dinner, cocktails or a night out. The flexible sleeping layout, including several twin rooms, makes it easy to allocate rooms without needing everyone to be in couples.

The main lounge is made for cosy group time, with huge leather Chesterfield sofas, a large flat-screen TV and an open fire for chilled evenings in. Whether you are gathering for pre-dinner drinks, sharing stories from the day or easing into a slower Sunday morning, it gives the whole group somewhere comfortable to come together.

For celebration meals, the dining room has a huge table that seats the full group of 14, so nobody is split across different spaces. It is a lovely setting for a private chef dinner, afternoon tea, a themed hen supper or simply a long, laughter-filled meal cooked by the group. The room also features an open fire, a striking Pugin-designed fireplace, a large Smart TV and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker for playlists, speeches or party games.

There are 2 kitchens, which is a rare and useful feature for a group weekend. One kitchen is set up for cooking, eating and socialising, with a large table and a wood-burning stove, while the second is ideal for prepping and clearing up, complete with 2 dishwashers. That means group breakfasts, grazing boards and big dinners are much easier to manage.

The standout indoor feature is the private 15-seat cinema room in the cellar, complete with a 75-inch Smart TV and sound bar. Log in to your Netflix or Amazon Prime account, bring the popcorn and settle in for a film night, hen slideshow, guilty-pleasure movie marathon or relaxed evening after a day exploring Cumbria.

Hen weekend highlights

The hot tub is a major draw for a hen stay at Alice Howe. Seating 7 guests and tucked inside its own dedicated building, it gives the group a fun, sheltered spot to unwind whatever the Lake District weather is doing. It is ideal for a post-walk soak, a chilled evening with a glass of fizz or a quieter moment before the celebrations continue indoors.

Outside, the rear walled courtyard has views towards Orrest Head, a place with a special connection to Lake District walking history. The sheltered courtyard includes outdoor table and chairs for alfresco dining, plus a BBQ for relaxed lunches or evening feasts. The surrounding walls help protect the space from the wind, making it a useful social area throughout much of the year.

While there is no need to rely on going out for every part of the weekend, the house gives you plenty of options for hosting your own hen plans. Use the dining room for games, quizzes, a private dining experience or a craft activity; use the cinema room for a cosy screening or bride-to-be presentation; and use the lounge for fireside drinks when you want the evening to feel more grown-up and relaxed.

The combination of 7 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a hot tub, BBQ courtyard, cinema room, Smart TVs, Bluetooth speaker and two kitchens makes the house very well suited to organised hen weekends. It is best matched to upmarket, well-behaved groups who want a stylish base and plenty of shared space rather than a cramped party pad.

Location & getting around

Alice Howe is located in Windermere Village, one of the Lake District’s best-loved bases, with shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants close by for easy group plans. You can keep things low-key with brunch in the village, book a celebratory dinner nearby or head towards Bowness-on-Windermere for lakeside bars, boat trips and classic Lake District scenery.

Cumbria is full of hen-friendly activities, from scenic walks and lake cruises to paddleboarding, spa-style pamper sessions, afternoon tea, cocktail stops and private chef experiences back at the house. Orrest Head is nearby for a rewarding viewpoint, while Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells offer plenty for groups who want fresh air alongside the celebrations.

For getting around, the village setting makes local plans straightforward, and taxis can be arranged for evenings out or activities further afield. If guests are travelling from different parts of the UK, Windermere is a well-known Lake District hub and a practical meeting point for a group weekend.

Enquire today

If Alice Howe sounds like the right fit for your hen weekend, send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and the kind of celebration you have in mind. The host can confirm availability, answer any questions about the layout and help you decide whether this Windermere house is the right match for your bride-to-be and her group.