The space

Set within the peaceful Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton, this exclusive glamping retreat gives your hen group a gorgeous countryside base with a proper sense of privacy. Think handmade yurts, a safari tent made for socialising, oak woodland nearby, wide open grass, a campfire area and the kind of off-grid atmosphere that encourages everyone to slow down, pour a drink and settle into the weekend.

The Withybed Yurt Site is designed for group stays, with sleeping yurts arranged around a raised decking platform and communal spaces close by so the whole party can stay connected. It is a great choice for hens who want something more characterful than a standard cottage or hotel, without giving up the little luxuries that make a weekend feel special. You get the fun of camping, but with proper beds, hot showers, flushing loos, a fully equipped kitchen and a warm, covered living area for evening drinks and group meals.

All sites on the estate are exclusive, so there are no shared facilities with other guests. That means your group can enjoy a peaceful, undisturbed stay, whether you are planning a chilled wellness-style weekend, a food-and-drinks celebration, or a countryside base for exploring Dorset.

Inside the house

Accommodation is provided in three handmade sleeping yurts, each set up with a king-size bed, two singles and a futon if needed. This flexible layout works well for hen groups because friends can share comfortably without everyone feeling packed into one room. The yurts have a cosy, rustic-luxury feel, giving the weekend a festival-inspired atmosphere while still offering proper sleeping space after a full day of celebrations.

The safari tent acts as the main living room for the group. Inside, there are two sofas, a coffee table, a dining table and chairs, plus a dresser, creating a relaxed hub for grazing boards, pre-dinner drinks, hen party games and morning catch-ups over coffee. It is a handy covered space if the weather turns, and it keeps the social side of the weekend centred in one warm and welcoming spot.

The kitchen is fully equipped for group catering, with a gas cooker and full-size fridge/freezer, so you can plan big breakfasts, BBQ prep, picnic lunches or a relaxed dinner on site. There are also two gas-heated showers and two flushing loos, which is a real bonus for a group glamping weekend. Electricity is very limited, so the stay suits hens who are happy to embrace an off-grid break; portable chargers are recommended for phones and speakers.

Hen weekend highlights

This is a brilliant setting for a hen weekend that is more about connection, fresh air and shared experiences than queueing at busy bars. The wood-fired outdoor bath is a standout feature and a guest favourite, offering a hot-tub-style soak under the sky after a countryside walk or a day out exploring Dorset. Add robes, fizz and a playlist and it becomes a lovely low-key spa moment for the bride-to-be.

Outside, the raised decking platform gives the site a natural gathering point, while the grassed area in front is ideal for daytime games, welcome drinks or a relaxed picnic. Two large picnic benches mean everyone has a place to sit together, and the BBQ setup makes group dining simple and sociable. In the evening, the campfire area comes into its own for toasted marshmallows, stories, acoustic music or a cosy final drink before bed.

The garden and woodland-edge setting also make it easy to personalise the weekend. Bring your own hen party games, yoga mats, flower-crown kits, cocktail ingredients or a private caterer-style feast and the site becomes your own little countryside camp. Dogs are welcome too, which is a lovely touch if the bride wants her four-legged best friend included in the celebrations.

Location & getting around

The estate sits near Sturminster Newton in rural Dorset, giving your group a calm countryside base while still keeping you connected to local villages, pubs, walks and day-out options. Sturminster Newton is a charming market town for supplies, casual meals and a gentle wander, while the surrounding Blackmore Vale countryside is ideal for walking, cycling and fresh-air activities.

For hens wanting a bigger day trip, the wider Dorset area offers plenty of choice, from country pubs and farm shops to coastal adventures towards the Jurassic Coast. The coast is a great option for beach walks, sea-view lunches, paddleboarding or simply a change of scenery before returning to your private camp for the evening. Because the sites are set within a rural estate and the individual camps are spread out, taxis and transport should be planned in advance, especially for restaurant bookings or nights out.

This location suits groups who want to arrive, settle in and make the most of the site rather than rely on constant travel. Stock up on food, drinks and decorations before arrival, bring portable chargers, and embrace the slower pace of an off-grid weekend in the Dorset countryside.

Enquire today

If your hen group is looking for exclusive glamping with character, comfort and plenty of outdoor space, Stock Gaylard Estate is a lovely choice. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and plans for the weekend, and the host can help confirm the best camp option for your celebration.