The space

Lower Damgate Farm is made for hen groups who want the fun of a group celebration with the breathing space of the countryside. Set near Dovedale in the Peak District National Park, this characterful farm stay brings together rustic charm, generous outdoor space and sociable extras, so your weekend can be as lively or as laid-back as the bride-to-be wants it to be.

The setting is a huge part of the appeal. You are surrounded by 22 acres of grounds, wide Peak District views and walking routes straight from the door, with the Rivers Dovedale and Manifold close by. It feels private, rural and wonderfully different from a standard city apartment, while still giving your group plenty to do on site.

This is also home to Dovedale Animal Sanctuary, so the weekend comes with a memorable farm twist. Guests may be able to meet the alpacas, goats, horses, sheep, ducks, geese and chickens, join feeding time or collect eggs for breakfast. It adds a lovely feel-good element to the stay, especially as a portion of bookings supports the sanctuary.

For hen parties, the layout works particularly well because the accommodation is designed with groups in mind. There is space for up to 16 guests, with cosy corners for catching up, larger communal areas for group meals and celebrations, and outdoor areas for sunny drinks, games and BBQs. It is the kind of place where you can arrive, unpack, pour the fizz and settle into the weekend without needing to rush anywhere.

Inside the house

Inside, the accommodation has a warm farmhouse feel, with exposed beams, characterful interiors and a relaxed, homely style. The properties around the courtyard, including Hope's Hideaway, Bremen's Barn and Reuben's Roost, offer a mix of spaces that suit a larger group gathering while still giving guests places to retreat when they want a quieter moment.

Bedrooms are arranged to sleep up to 16 guests, making it a strong choice for a medium-sized hen party that wants everyone under one roof or close together within the farm setting. The room layout is well suited to friends sharing, sisters, mums, aunties and the wider bridal party, with the atmosphere of a country house weekend rather than a formal hotel stay.

Communal space is the real strength here. There is plenty of room for the group to gather for breakfast planning, pre-dinner drinks, hen party games and late-night chats. The party barn-style social space gives you somewhere with a celebratory feel, while the cosy living areas are ideal for a film night, bride quiz or relaxed recovery morning after a big day out.

The kitchen and dining areas make self-catering simple, whether you are planning a grazing table, a homemade brunch, a private chef-style dinner or a casual buffet before heading out. Having everyone eating together is one of the best parts of a hen weekend, and this farm setting makes those shared meals feel easy and sociable.

For entertainment, there is a pool table for friendly competition, plus access to a pool, hot tub, garden and BBQ. These features mean the property works well even if you want to spend most of the weekend on site. Bring playlists, decorations, matching pyjamas and a few games, and you have the bones of a full hen itinerary without overcomplicating the plans.

Hen weekend highlights

The hot tub is an obvious hen weekend favourite. It is ideal for a chilled arrival night, a post-walk soak or a relaxed Sunday morning with the bride squad. Add robes, mocktails or a bottle of fizz and it becomes a simple but special moment in the weekend.

The garden and outdoor space give your group room to spread out, which is especially helpful for daytime plans. Think lawn games, a DIY flower crown session, a relaxed picnic-style lunch or a BBQ as the sun goes down. With 22 acres around the farm, the setting feels open and peaceful, so you can enjoy the countryside backdrop while still keeping the mood celebratory.

The BBQ is a great option for a low-pressure group meal. No taxis, no table bookings, no splitting the bill between 16 people; just an easy evening of food, drinks and music back at base. It is particularly handy for mixed-age hen groups where some guests might prefer a slower pace while others keep the party going.

The pool table adds a fun indoor option if the weather turns or you want a break between activities. It is great for casual tournaments, ice-breaker games or adding a bit of competition to the evening. Combined with the hot tub and communal spaces, it gives the group more than one way to socialise.

One of the most memorable parts of staying here is the animal sanctuary. Feeding alpacas and goats or collecting eggs is not your average hen activity, and that is exactly why it works. It gives the weekend a playful, wholesome moment that guests will talk about, especially if the bride loves animals, the outdoors or something a little different from the usual bar crawl.

Location & getting around

Lower Damgate Farm sits near Dovedale, one of the Peak District's best-loved spots, making it a brilliant base for a hen weekend with countryside activities built in. There are stunning walks straight from the door, so you can plan an easy group stroll, a photo stop in the hills or a longer walk for the more energetic members of the party.

Dovedale itself is known for its stepping stones, riverside scenery and dramatic limestone landscape. It is a lovely choice for a daytime activity before returning to the farm for hot tub time, dinner and drinks. The nearby Manifold Valley also gives you more options for fresh-air plans, from gentle walks to scenic cycle routes.

For groups who want to mix rural relaxation with a night out, nearby Peak District towns and villages offer traditional pubs, cosy restaurants and local character rather than big-city nightlife. Ashbourne is a useful nearby hub for supplies, meals out and classic market town charm, while the wider Peak District has plenty of options for afternoon teas, spa-style treats, outdoor activities and country pubs.

Because the farm is in a rural location, planning transport in advance is recommended, especially if you are arranging taxis, minibus transfers or a meal out. Many hen groups choose to make the most of the on-site facilities instead, stocking up before arrival and using the property as their main base for the weekend. With the hot tub, BBQ, pool table, pool, garden and party spaces, that approach works really well here.

Enquire today

If your hen group is looking for a countryside stay with character, sociable space and plenty to do on site, Lower Damgate Farm is a strong choice. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and the host can help you see whether the property is the right fit for your celebration.