The space

Set in the pretty New Forest village of Linford Shobley, just 5 minutes from Ringwood, Forest Drove is a beautiful thatched country cottage made for a sociable hen weekend. Sleeping up to 12 guests across 6 bedrooms, it has that special mix hens love: old beams, a cosy inglenook fireplace, a big garden, a deck for drinks, and modern comforts that make group stays feel easy.

This is the kind of place where the weekend can move at your pace. Start with a welcome drink in the garden, spend the afternoon in the hot tub, set up a relaxed BBQ on the deck, then gather everyone around the dining table for a celebratory meal. If the bride prefers countryside charm over city crowds, Forest Drove gives you a private-feeling base with plenty of room to spread out, dress up, lounge around and catch up properly.

The cottage works especially well for mixed plans: some guests can head out for New Forest walks or a cycle route from the door, while others stay back for garden games, hot tub time or a slow morning coffee outside. With a games room, generous living spaces and pubs nearby, there is enough to keep the group entertained without needing to over-plan every hour.

Inside the house

Inside, Forest Drove is full of traditional cottage character, but the layout is practical for a group of hens. The lounge is a spacious and welcoming room with original beams and an inglenook fireplace, giving everyone a comfortable spot to gather for prosecco, present opening, films, games or a relaxed night in. It is a lovely space for those low-key moments between activities, whether you are recovering from a night out or getting ready together before dinner.

The kitchen extension opens onto the deck, making it a brilliant hub for the weekend. It is well suited to shared breakfasts, grazing boards, cocktail prep and group meals, with the outside area close by for easy indoor-outdoor hosting. You can dine inside if the weather is cooler or take things al fresco on the deck for long summer evenings under the New Forest sky.

There are 6 bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests. The master bedroom has zip and link beds, so it can be arranged as a double or twin depending on what suits your group. The bedrooms have been designed with soft, elegant furnishings, giving everyone a comfortable place to sleep after a busy day. A ground-floor double bedroom with an adjoining wet room, plus an additional single room, can be helpful for guests who prefer fewer stairs. With bathrooms across the floors, the morning getting-ready routine is much smoother for a group.

There is also a workspace if anyone needs to log on briefly before the celebrations begin, though we suspect the garden, hot tub and games room will be far more tempting.

Hen weekend highlights

The 5-seater hot tub is a real highlight for hen groups. Tucked into the garden, it is ideal for a chilled afternoon soak, a post-walk warm-up, or a glass of fizz under the stars. It gives the weekend that spa-style feel without needing to leave the house, especially if you pair it with pamper treatments, face masks or a relaxed robe-and-slippers morning.

The garden gives you loads of space for classic hen activities. Set up lawn games, enjoy a BBQ, decorate the deck for the bride-to-be, or create a casual photo spot with the thatched cottage as the backdrop. The garden games room adds another easy entertainment option, with darts and a multi-games table for a little friendly competition between the hens.

For foodie groups, the combination of kitchen, deck and BBQ makes hosting at home simple. You could plan a private chef-style dinner, a DIY pizza or taco night, a grazing brunch, or a relaxed supper before heading to the pub. The cottage also provides a complimentary welcome hamper and fresh locally sourced flowers, adding a thoughtful arrival touch that feels great for a celebration weekend.

Because the property is spacious without feeling formal, it suits a wide range of hen styles. It can be a calm countryside retreat with walks and hot tub time, a fun house-party weekend with games and BBQs, or a base for exploring the coast and nearby towns. The bride gets the charm of a New Forest cottage, while the group gets practical spaces for cooking, socialising and sleeping comfortably.

Location & getting around

Forest Drove is located in Linford Shobley, close to Ringwood in Hampshire, putting you right on the edge of the New Forest. Ringwood is around 5 minutes away by car and offers shops, cafés, restaurants and market-town charm, making it easy to pick up supplies or head out for a casual meal. Nearby Poulner has a couple of pubs and fish and chips, ideal for a relaxed evening when nobody wants to cook.

For daytime plans, the New Forest is a huge part of the appeal. There are walks and cycle routes from the door, so you can build in fresh air without arranging complicated transport. If your group wants more activity, Moors Valley Country Park and Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre are within reach, while the wider New Forest area offers plenty of options for outdoor adventures and country pubs.

Beach time is also doable from here. Bournemouth and the Solent Way Coastal Path are good options for a seaside day out, whether you want sandy beach photos, cocktails by the coast or a breezy walk before heading back to the hot tub. The setting gives you a lovely balance: quiet countryside for the stay itself, with Ringwood, pubs, coastal trips and activities all accessible for a varied hen itinerary.

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 have in mind. The host can confirm availability, sleeping arrangements and any seasonal extras, so you can start shaping a relaxed, fun New Forest celebration for the bride-to-be.