The space

Howgills Barn is a beautifully renovated countryside barn in Sedbergh, Cumbria, surrounded by 5 acres of green space and the rolling Howgill Fells. It is a brilliant choice for a hen weekend where you want room to gather, celebrate and slow down without feeling squeezed into a standard holiday cottage. With space for up to 16 guests, the barn gives your group the privacy of a rural hideaway while still keeping local pubs, cafés and shops within easy reach.

The setting is a big part of the appeal. You are tucked between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, so the backdrop feels peaceful and dramatic, with walking routes almost from the door. Days can be as active or as laid-back as you like: head out for a fell walk, book an on-site experience, fire up the BBQ, or spend the afternoon hopping between the hot tub, terrace and games room.

This is the kind of place that works well for mixed hen groups too. There is enough communal space for the whole party to come together, but also quieter corners for anyone who wants a breather. Bedding and towels are included, the hot tub is part of the stay, and there is on-site parking, making the planning side that little bit easier.

Inside the house

Inside, Howgills Barn is designed for groups. The accommodation is arranged across 8 en-suite bedrooms, with a mixture of bunk-style rooms that suit sociable weekends and friends sharing. Having en-suites is a huge bonus for hen parties, especially when everyone is getting ready for dinner, drinks or a day out in Cumbria.

The main living space is open plan, with a spacious lounge and dining area where the group can gather for fizz, games, grazing boards or a big celebratory meal. There are two kitchens, which makes group catering far more practical, whether you are cooking together, bringing in a private chef, or prepping brunch after a late night. The dining area gives you a proper place to sit down as a group, so you do not have to split off into smaller spaces.

For entertainment, the barn has a games room and a separate quiet room with a TV lounge and Sky. That means part of the group can keep the music and games going while others curl up with a film or enjoy a slower morning. There is also free Wi-Fi and a workspace, useful if someone needs to check in on plans, organise playlists, coordinate taxis or keep the weekend itinerary running smoothly.

A drying room adds practical value for outdoorsy groups, especially if you are planning walks, activities or a countryside adventure before the celebrations begin. The whole setup feels relaxed, spacious and well thought out for groups who want comfort as well as atmosphere.

Hen weekend highlights

The south-facing terrace is one of the standout spaces for a hen celebration. The lounge opens straight out onto this outdoor area, where you will find barbecues and a glazed gazebo with a hot tub. It is ideal for a chilled first evening: drinks on the terrace, food sizzling on the BBQ, then a soak in the bubbles under the Cumbrian sky.

The hot tub is included in the accommodation price, which is a lovely bonus for groups looking to add a spa-style feel without organising lots of extras. It works just as well for a post-walk warm-up as it does for a late-night catch-up with a glass of something chilled.

There is also plenty of outdoor space for classic hen party fun. The barn has access to an outdoor 2-acre games field, so you can plan garden games, mini sports day challenges, photo moments or relaxed picnics without needing to leave the property. The wider 5-acre countryside setting gives the weekend a private, away-from-it-all feel.

If you would rather keep activities close to home, the on-site options are a real advantage. Available experiences include wine tasting, archery, geo-caching, prosecco picnics and pamper sessions, giving you plenty of ways to tailor the weekend around the bride. You could build a full itinerary without worrying about transport between activities: prosecco picnic in the afternoon, pamper time before dinner, then hot tub and games in the evening.

The mix of hot tub, BBQ, games room, garden space and bookable activities makes Howgills Barn especially good for groups who want more than just a place to sleep. It gives you a ready-made base for the whole weekend, with easy options for both lively celebrations and slower, cosy moments.

Location & getting around

Howgills Barn is located in Sedbergh, an old market town in Cumbria known for its cobbled yards, independent shops, pubs and cafés. It is a lovely spot for a low-key wander, a pub lunch, coffee stops or picking up local treats for the house. While this is not a city-centre nightlife location, it suits hen groups who want countryside charm, private group space and the option to enjoy local pubs rather than a packed clubbing strip.

The barn is brilliantly placed for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park, as well as the Eden and Lune Valley areas. If your group loves the outdoors, the Howgill Fells are just a short walk away, with routes for gentle ambles, hiking and mountain biking. For a day trip, you can head towards Lake District towns, scenic viewpoints or activity centres, then return to the barn for hot tub time and dinner together.

Because the property has on-site parking, it works well for groups arriving by car. If you are planning meals out, drinks in town or activities further afield, it is worth organising taxis or transport in advance, especially for larger hen groups. The rural location is part of the charm, so a little planning will help the weekend run smoothly.

Enquire today

If your bride-to-be would love a spacious Cumbrian barn with a hot tub, BBQ terrace, games room and countryside views, Howgills Barn is a fantastic option to consider. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any activity ideas, and the host can help you check availability and start shaping the weekend.