The space

Set in the peaceful hamlet of Fordwells near Witney, The Cotswold Manor Wychwood gives your hen group the best kind of countryside base: roomy, sociable, and packed with things to do without needing to leave the house. This converted Cotswold barn sits in 3 acres of parkland, so there is plenty of space for slow mornings, garden games, pre-dinner drinks and those all-important group photos against a rural backdrop.

Sleeping up to 16 guests, it works beautifully for hens who want a house that feels private and special, but still practical for a full weekend of celebrating. You can plan a laid-back itinerary with brunches, pamper time, hot tub sessions and games nights, or use it as a stylish base for exploring Witney, Oxford and the wider Cotswolds. The atmosphere is country house comfort rather than formal venue, which makes it easy for everyone to settle in quickly.

The layout is ideal for a group that wants to spend proper time together. There are big communal spaces for the whole party, cosy corners for catching up, and outdoor space for fresh air between activities. Whether the bride-to-be is dreaming of a relaxed countryside celebration or a weekend full of laughter, fizz and friendly competition, this house gives you lots to build your plans around.

Inside the house

The property has 10 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, giving your group a flexible setup for friends, sisters, cousins and mums all staying under one roof. With a maximum hen group size of 16, there is a generous amount of sleeping and bathroom space, helping the weekend run smoothly when everyone is getting ready for dinner or heading out for the day.

At the heart of the house is the vaulted and beamed sitting room, complete with a large inglenook fireplace and stove. It is a brilliant spot for welcome drinks, hen party games, opening gifts for the bride, or winding down after an evening in the hot tub. The 55 inch HDTV is handy for a film night, a photo slideshow, a music playlist backdrop, or a relaxed Sunday morning on the sofas.

The kitchen and dining area are made for group hosting. Everyone can dine together around the table, which is a real bonus for a hen weekend where meals are part of the celebration. The newly installed kitchen includes an electric range cooker, American style fridge-freezer, an additional drinks fridge with bar, dishwasher, washer-dryer and microwave. That means plenty of space for brunch ingredients, celebration drinks, grazing boards and a special dinner in, whether you are cooking yourselves or arranging a private chef.

Ultra fast WiFi helps with playlists, streaming, travel planning and keeping the group chat updated, while digital electric radiators throughout make the house comfortable in every season. Bath and hand towels are provided for each guest, so packing is a little easier. Pets are welcome too, subject to a surcharge, which is useful if the bride cannot imagine the weekend without a four-legged guest of honour.

Hen weekend highlights

The optional private hot tub is a standout feature for hen groups. It is ideal for a chilled Friday night after everyone arrives, a lazy Saturday afternoon with robes and prosecco, or a final Sunday soak before heading home. Pair it with a pamper session, a beauty therapist visit, or simply a playlist and plenty of bubbles for a relaxed spa-style feel in the countryside.

The games barn adds another layer of fun, especially for groups who want entertainment on site. With a pool table, table tennis, table football, air hockey and sports equipment, it is made for tournaments, team challenges and ice-breaker games if not everyone knows each other yet. It also gives the group options if the weather changes, so the weekend never has to revolve around complicated travel plans.

Outside, the 3 acres of parkland give you room to enjoy the setting at your own pace. Think welcome drinks on the lawn, garden games, a relaxed picnic-style lunch, or time outdoors between activities. The BBQ is great for an easy Saturday feast, especially if you want a casual meal where everyone can help themselves and the focus stays on chatting, laughing and celebrating the bride.

For hens who like a balance of cosy and lively, the house works especially well. You can spend the afternoon outdoors or in the hot tub, move into the kitchen-diner for a celebratory meal, then finish with games in the barn or drinks by the fire. Everything is close at hand, which keeps the weekend simple for the organiser and enjoyable for the whole group.

Location & getting around

The Manor Wychwood is located near Witney, a lovely Cotswold market town with pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops for anything you need during the weekend. It is a great choice if your group wants countryside charm without feeling too remote. Witney is a natural option for meals out, cocktail stops or a relaxed wander during the day.

The wider area is packed with classic Cotswold scenery, pretty villages and walking routes, so you can easily add a countryside activity to the itinerary. A long lunch in a local pub, a scenic walk, or a visit to nearby towns can give the weekend a slower, more grown-up feel if that suits the bride. For groups wanting more culture, shopping or nightlife, Oxford is within reach for a day trip or evening out, while Cheltenham is also accessible for festivals, restaurants and events.

Because the property is in a rural hamlet, it is worth planning transport in advance, especially for nights out or group activities. Pre-booked taxis or a minibus are usually the easiest option for hen groups, particularly if you are heading into Witney, Oxford or Cheltenham. Once you are back at the house, there is more than enough on site to keep the celebrations going in a relaxed and private setting.

Enquire today

If you are planning a Cotswold hen weekend with space to celebrate, cook, relax, play games and enjoy the countryside together, The Cotswold Manor Wychwood is a strong choice for up to 16 guests. Send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and the host can help confirm availability, hot tub details and anything else you need before booking.