The space

Set in the New Forest, just a few minutes from Ringwood, Forest Drove is a gorgeous thatched country cottage with all the ingredients for a sociable hen weekend: beautiful interiors, plenty of sleeping space, a private garden, a hot tub, games room and room to gather without feeling on top of each other. Sleeping up to 12 guests across 6 bedrooms, it works brilliantly for hens who want a countryside base with easy access to pubs, activities, beaches and relaxed nights in.

The setting feels wonderfully tucked away, with the charm of a traditional forest cottage and the comfort of a modern group stay. Think original beams, an inglenook fireplace, elegant bedrooms, contemporary bathrooms and a newer kitchen extension opening straight onto the deck. It is the kind of place where your weekend can be as chilled or as lively as you like: slow breakfasts in the garden, prosecco in the hot tub, a private chef-style dinner around the table, or a cosy film night after a day out in the New Forest.

For hen groups who want more than just somewhere to sleep, Forest Drove gives you lots of different zones for the weekend. There is space to get ready together, space to cook and dine, space to play games, and space to sneak off for a quieter cup of tea in the morning. The garden adds another big social area, with the deck, lawn, BBQ and hot tub all helping the celebrations flow naturally from day to night.

Inside the house

The heart of the cottage is the spacious lounge, full of original character with exposed beams and a beautiful inglenook fireplace. It is a lovely spot for the whole group to pile in for a catch-up, games, TV, or a low-key night with snacks and drinks. The style is warm and homely rather than overly formal, so it feels easy to settle in from the moment you arrive.

The kitchen extension is a standout feature for a group weekend. Opening onto the deck, it creates a sociable space for preparing brunch, grazing boards, cocktails or a celebratory dinner. You can eat indoors or take everything outside for al fresco dining when the weather is kind. The deck is also ideal for morning coffee, pre-dinner drinks and keeping the group connected while some people cook and others relax outside.

Across the 6 bedrooms, the cottage sleeps up to 12 guests. The master bedroom has zip and link beds, so it can be arranged as either a double or a twin depending on your group. The bedrooms are designed with soft, elegant furnishings and a comfortable country feel, giving everyone a proper place to recharge after a full day of plans. A ground floor double with an adjoining wet room, plus another single room, can be especially useful if anyone in the party prefers fewer stairs or needs a more accessible sleeping option. With bathrooms across the floors and contemporary fixtures and fittings, the morning getting-ready routine is much easier for a group.

A thoughtful welcome hamper and fresh locally sourced flowers add a lovely arrival touch, especially if you are planning surprises for the bride-to-be.

Hen weekend highlights

Forest Drove is made for hen weekends that mix celebration with comfort. The luxury 5-seater hot tub is positioned in the garden, ready for afternoon bubbles, evening soaks under the stars, or a relaxed spa-style moment before getting ready for dinner. It is a brilliant focal point for the group and a great way to turn a country cottage stay into something that feels more special.

The garden gives you loads of scope for hen party plans. Fire up the BBQ for an easy summer supper, set up lawn games, decorate the deck for a themed brunch, or arrange a relaxed picnic-style lunch at the property. The front lawned area leads to a garden games room with darts and a multi-games table, giving everyone something fun to do between activities or while drinks are being poured.

The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces also makes it easy to plan around the weather. Sunny weekend? Hot tub, BBQ, deck dining and New Forest walks. Cosier season? Lounge by the fire, games night, long dinners, films and hot tub dips with towels at the ready. There is also workspace available, handy if anyone needs to check in briefly before switching fully into weekend mode.

For brides who prefer meaningful time with their favourite people over a packed city schedule, this cottage is a lovely choice. You can bring in your own decorations, plan a pamper evening, host a cocktail-making session in the kitchen, or simply use the house as a comfortable base for adventures nearby.

Location & getting around

Forest Drove sits in the New Forest near the picture-postcard village of Linford Shobley, around 5 minutes from the market town of Ringwood. That gives you the best of both worlds: a peaceful countryside setting, but with shops, places to eat and useful amenities close by. Nearby Poulner has pubs within easy reach, so the group can head out for a casual drink, or pick up fish and chips for an easy supper back at the cottage.

The New Forest location is ideal for daytime hen activities. You can walk or cycle from the door, book outdoor adventures, explore pretty villages, or spend a slower day discovering forest trails and local cafés. Moors Valley Country Park is nearby for active groups, while Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre offers something a bit different. If your group wants a classic seaside day, Bournemouth and the coast are within reach, with beaches, bars and restaurants for a livelier change of scene. The Solent Way Coastal Path is another great option for fresh air and sea views.

Ringwood is a convenient base for arrivals too, with good road access for guests travelling from across the South, Dorset, Hampshire and beyond. Once you are at the cottage, you can keep things relaxed with local taxis for evenings out, or plan most of the weekend around the house and the nearby countryside.

Enquire today

If Forest Drove sounds like the right setting 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 such as the seasonal camper van option, so you can start shaping a weekend that suits your bride-to-be and the whole group.