The space

Howgills Barn is made for hen groups who want room to gather, celebrate and breathe in a bit of countryside air without being cut off from places to eat, drink and explore. Set within 5 acres near Sedbergh in Cumbria, the barn sits beneath the green rolling Howgill Fells, with the Lake District in one direction and the Yorkshire Dales in the other. It is a scenic, sociable setting for a weekend that can be as lively or as laid-back as the bride-to-be wants.

For hen parties of up to 16 guests, the layout gives you the best of both worlds: big shared spaces for group meals, games and pre-dinner drinks, plus en-suite bedrooms so everyone has their own comfortable base at the end of the night. The south-facing terrace, glazed gazebo and hot tub create a natural party hub, while the 2-acre games field and garden give you loads of space for daytime fun.

This is a great choice if your group wants a self-contained countryside house with more than just beds. You can plan a classic hot tub and prosecco weekend, bring in relaxed pamper treatments, organise a wine tasting, get competitive with games, or head out into Sedbergh for pubs, cafes and local shops. Bedding, towels and use of the hot tub are included, making the stay feel easy from the moment you arrive.

Inside the house

Inside, Howgills Barn has been renovated with groups in mind. There are 8 en-suite bedrooms, with a mix of room styles including bunk rooms, so the group can split up comfortably while still staying under one roof. En-suites are a real bonus for hen weekends, especially when everyone is getting ready at the same time before dinner, drinks or a night in the hot tub.

The main open-plan lounge and dining area is the heart of the barn. It is spacious enough for everyone to come together for breakfast briefings, grazing boards, hen party games, speeches, gift-opening or a big celebratory dinner. There are 2 kitchens, which makes catering for a group much simpler, whether you are cooking together, arranging a private chef, prepping a BBQ or keeping drinks and snacks ready for the weekend.

For downtime, there is a quiet TV lounge with Sky, ideal for anyone who wants a calmer corner, a film night or a recovery morning after a late one. The games room adds another easy entertainment option without needing to leave the property, and the drying room is handy if your group heads out walking, biking or exploring the fells. Free Wi-Fi is included, and the workspace is useful for organising playlists, itineraries, shared photo albums or any last-minute planning.

On-site parking keeps arrivals straightforward, especially for groups travelling from different parts of the UK. Dogs are welcome too, so if the bride has a four-legged VIP, they may be able to join the celebrations by arrangement.

Hen weekend highlights

The hot tub is one of the biggest draws for a hen stay here. Tucked within a glazed gazebo off the main terrace, it works beautifully for an afternoon soak, a post-walk warm-up or a relaxed evening under the Cumbrian sky with a glass of fizz. Because it sits just off the lounge area, the group can move easily between indoor drinks, music, food and hot tub time.

The south-facing terrace is ideal for a BBQ, especially in warmer months. You can set up a casual feast, pour the prosecco, play your favourite playlist and keep the whole afternoon centred around the house. The garden and 2-acre games field are great for classic hen activities too, from rounders and lawn games to team challenges, fancy dress relays or a chilled picnic-style celebration.

If you want activities without the hassle of arranging lots of taxis, Howgills Barn offers on-site options that suit hen groups well. Wine tasting is a lovely choice for a stylish afternoon, while prosecco picnics bring a relaxed celebratory feel. Pamper sessions are ideal if the bride wants a slower, spa-inspired weekend, and archery or geo-caching give the group something active and playful to do together.

The games room means the fun can continue even if the weather turns, and the TV lounge gives the weekend some balance for anyone who wants a quieter moment. It is a flexible house: you can make it lively, cosy, outdoorsy, indulgent or a mix of everything.

Location & getting around

Howgills Barn is located in Sedbergh, an old market town in Cumbria known for its cobbled yards, independent shops, cafes and friendly pubs. It is a lovely place for a relaxed wander, a pub lunch or a low-key evening out without needing to travel far. The barn is also just a short walk from the fells, so you can build in a scenic stroll, a proper hike or a fresh-air recovery walk after your main celebration night.

The setting is especially good for groups who want countryside without choosing between national parks. You are well placed for both the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, as well as the Eden and Lune Valley areas. That opens up options for walking routes, viewpoints, country pubs, waterside days out and activity providers across the region.

For groups arriving by car, on-site parking makes logistics easier. Once you are settled in, you can keep the weekend simple with on-site activities and time at the barn, or use Sedbergh and the surrounding Cumbria countryside as your base for exploring.

Enquire today

If you are planning a hen weekend in Cumbria and want a spacious barn with a hot tub, BBQ terrace, games room, garden and beautiful fell views, Howgills Barn is a brilliant option to consider. Message the host with your dates, group size and any ideas for the weekend, and they can help you check availability and plan a stay that suits your bride-to-be.