The space

Gather the girls for a Derbyshire hen weekend with space to spread out, celebrate and slow the pace whenever you fancy. The Gate House sits in its own grounds in Milford, close to Belper, giving your group the best of both worlds: a private-feeling country setting with pubs, walks and local towns within easy reach. Sleeping up to 16 guests across 6 bedrooms, this is a roomy house designed for groups who want more than just somewhere to sleep.

From the moment you arrive, the house feels made for a weekend of shared meals, pool dips, prosecco in the hot tub and cosy evenings by the fire. Oak flooring and underfloor heating add a lovely sense of comfort throughout, while the large communal spaces mean the bride-to-be can be at the centre of the celebrations without everyone feeling squeezed in.

This is a particularly strong choice for hens who want a stay that can be as chilled or as active as they like. Spend Saturday morning in the indoor pool, book a local activity, head out to Belper or Derby for drinks, then return for a BBQ in the garden and films in the lounge. It is stylish, practical and full of group-friendly extras.

Inside the house

The Gate House has been set up with sociable weekends in mind. On the ground floor, an impressive reception hallway with an oak staircase creates a grand arrival point for the group, ideal for welcome drinks, photos and getting everyone together before the weekend plans begin. The ground-floor lounge is a warm, relaxed space with comfortable sofas, a piano and an open fireplace, so it works beautifully for a quieter catch-up, games, a pamper evening or simply winding down after a day out.

One of the biggest draws is just off this area: a magnificent indoor swimming pool measuring 7.5m x 5m, complete with a changing room. It gives your hen weekend a built-in activity whatever the weather, whether you are planning a morning swim, poolside fun or a laid-back afternoon between bigger plans. The six-person hot tub adds another feel-good feature and is ideal for taking turns with a glass of fizz while the rest of the group relaxes nearby.

Upstairs, the open-plan kitchen, dining area and second lounge form the main social hub of the house. The kitchen is well equipped for feeding a big group, with a double sink, two double inset electric ovens, an electric hob, microwave, American-style fridge freezer and an additional fridge. That extra chilled storage is especially handy for weekend supplies, breakfast bits, celebration drinks and BBQ food.

The dining space can seat up to 18 guests, giving you a proper setting for a hen dinner, afternoon tea, private chef experience or a big homemade brunch before heading out. The adjoining lounge has a wood burner and a TV with live TV and films, while bedroom TVs include Netflix, so there are plenty of options for relaxed downtime. Across the 6 bedrooms and shared facilities, the layout suits mixed sleeping arrangements and gives a large hen group the flexibility it needs.

Hen weekend highlights

The Gate House is packed with features that make hen planning easier. The indoor pool means you do not have to rely on sunshine to create that spa-style weekend feeling, and the hot tub is made for relaxed group moments between activities. Start the day with a swim, book in a mobile beauty therapist or yoga session, then spend the afternoon soaking, chatting and celebrating the bride-to-be.

Outside, the private grounds, garden and BBQ give you even more room to enjoy the weekend your way. In warmer months, it is easy to plan a garden lunch, BBQ dinner or low-key drinks before taxis into town. The setting also works well for classic hen activities such as garden games, Mr and Mrs quizzes, cocktail making, flower crown workshops or a themed dinner night.

The two lounges are another real bonus. One group can settle in for films and fireside chats while others gather around the kitchen island, prep drinks or play games at the dining table. This flexibility is useful for larger parties, especially when some guests want a lively evening and others prefer a calmer corner. With comfortable sofas, a piano, fireplaces, streaming in bedrooms and generous dining space, the house gives you plenty of ways to keep everyone included.

For a bride who loves the countryside, The Gate House also offers easy access to walking trails from the door. For a bride who wants a little indulgence, the pool and hot tub do the heavy lifting. And for groups who simply want a beautiful base where everyone can stay together, cook together and celebrate without splitting across hotels, this property has all the essentials covered.

Location & getting around

The house is located in Milford, near Belper in Derbyshire, a lovely base for a hen weekend with character pubs, countryside and market-town charm close by. Within easy walking distance are two traditional real ale pubs with beams and open fires, plus other nearby pubs serving food, so you can enjoy a relaxed first night without needing a major journey.

Belper is a short drive or taxi ride away for independent cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, while Derby offers a wider choice of nightlife if your group wants a bigger night out. The surrounding Derwent Valley is rich in heritage, with mills, canals, museums and scenic riverside routes nearby, making it easy to build a weekend that mixes celebration with fresh air.

If you want to add activities, there is plenty in the area. Local options include walking routes from the door, riding and trekking stables, golf, tennis, fishing and canoeing on the Derwent. For day trips, the Peak District, Matlock Bath, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Buxton, Ashbourne and Carsington Water are all within reach by car, giving you lots of choice for a Saturday outing before returning to the pool and hot tub.

For groups travelling from different parts of the UK, Milford and Belper are well placed within Derbyshire, with road links to Derby, Nottingham and the wider Midlands. Taxis are recommended for nights out, restaurant bookings and activity transfers, especially with a larger group, so it is worth planning journeys in advance.

Enquire today

If The Gate House sounds like the right fit for your hen weekend, send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you already have in mind. The host can confirm availability, sleeping arrangements and details for your stay, so you can start shaping a celebration that suits the bride and the whole group.