The space

Set within the peaceful Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton, this luxury glamping set-up gives your hen group the feeling of having your own private corner of the Dorset countryside. Rather than a standard cottage stay, the estate offers exclusive off-grid camps with handmade yurts, safari-style living spaces, garden areas and outdoor bathing options, creating a laid-back setting for bridesmaids, close friends and family to gather without shared facilities or passing guests.

For a sociable hen weekend, the Withybed Yurt Site is the main group option, with three sleeping yurts and a safari tent used as the central living and dining space. The wider estate also includes Brickles Yurt Site, Parsons Camp and Sawpits Camp, so there are different styles of stays depending on group size and the atmosphere you want. Each camp is deliberately set apart, which means your group can settle in, play music at a respectful countryside level, light the campfire and enjoy slow mornings without feeling overlooked.

This is a great choice for hens who love the idea of camping but still want comfort, proper beds, hot showers and somewhere cosy to gather in the evening. Expect fresh air, oak woodland, raised decking, picnic benches, a lawned outdoor area and that rare feeling of switching off. Electricity is limited, so this stay suits groups who want to lean into the off-grid mood: bring portable chargers, pack your favourite games and enjoy a weekend that is more about conversation, food, drinks and atmosphere than screens.

Inside the house

This is not a traditional house, and that is exactly the charm. The sleeping accommodation is arranged across handmade yurts, creating a fun festival-style layout while still giving everyone a comfortable base. Each yurt is fitted with a king-size bed, two single beds and a futon if needed, making the set-up flexible for mixed friendship groups, bridesmaids and family members. It works especially well for hens who are happy to share rooms and enjoy a relaxed, communal weekend.

The safari tent acts as the main living room, giving the group a warm and welcoming space to come together between outdoor adventures. Inside, there are two sofas for lounging, a coffee table for snacks and drinks, a dining table with chairs for group meals, and a dresser for storage and serving. It is the natural hub for welcome drinks, hen party games, planning the day ahead or winding down after a trip to the coast.

The kitchen is properly equipped for group cooking, with a gas cooker and a full-size fridge freezer, so you can bring supplies for breakfasts, grazing boards, BBQ ingredients and easy one-pot dinners. There are two gas-heated showers and two flushing loos, which makes the site far more comfortable than basic camping. The whole camp sits on raised decking with the outdoor social space just below, so the layout feels connected and easy for everyone to use.

Hen weekend highlights

Outdoor living is where this Dorset hen stay really shines. The campfire area on the grass in front of the decking is made for late-night chats, marshmallows, acoustic playlists and those slower moments that often become the best part of a hen weekend. Two large picnic benches mean everyone has somewhere to sit for brunches, casual dinners and drinks in the garden.

A BBQ-style feast works beautifully here, whether you keep it low-key with burgers and salads or organise a more special pre-wedding supper. The garden and woodland-edge setting also gives you space for daytime activities: hen party quizzes, flower crown making, yoga on the grass, prosecco picnics, Mr and Mrs games or a relaxed afternoon of sunbathing and grazing boards.

One of the standout features is the outdoor bathing experience. At Withybed, guests love the wood-fired outdoor bath, while other estate options include a hot tub-style soak, depending on the camp booked. It is ideal for the bride-to-be to unwind with a glass of fizz after a country walk, coastal day trip or long lunch. The combination of hot water, fresh air and starry skies gives the weekend a spa-like feel without needing a formal spa venue.

The exclusive nature of the sites is a real bonus for hen groups. There are no shared communal areas, so you can enjoy privacy, your own facilities and a sense of retreat. It is dog friendly too, which may be helpful if the bride wants to bring a much-loved four-legged guest along for the celebrations.

Location & getting around

The estate is close to Sturminster Newton, a traditional Dorset market town with useful local shops, pubs and countryside charm. It is a good base for a hen group that wants a rural setting rather than a busy city-centre stay. You can stock up locally, head out for a pub lunch, or keep the whole weekend on site with food, drinks and activities brought in.

For daytime adventures, the Jurassic Coast is within reach for a memorable group outing. Plan a beach walk, sea-view lunch, paddleboarding session, fossil-hunting stroll or scenic photos with the bride tribe before returning to your private camp for the evening. Dorset also offers country walks, cycling routes, farm shops, vineyards, activity providers and pretty villages for slower-paced exploring.

Because the camps are on a rural estate and deliberately spaced apart, driving is the easiest way to arrive and get around. It is worth organising lifts, designated drivers or pre-booked taxis for any meals or nights out away from the site. The setting is best suited to hens who want countryside privacy first, with the option to dip into Sturminster Newton, surrounding pubs and the coast when it suits.

Enquire today

If your hen group is looking for a private Dorset glamping stay with comfort, character and plenty of outdoor space, this estate is a lovely match. Message the host with your preferred dates, group size and the style of weekend you have in mind, and they can help guide you towards the most suitable camp option for your celebration.