The space

Howgills House is made for a hen weekend that mixes countryside calm with plenty of reasons to gather, laugh and celebrate. Set in Sedbergh, close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and within easy reach of the Lake District, this large private-hire house gives your group a scenic base with hot tubs on the terrace, sweeping field views and spacious interiors designed for social stays.

For Hen Hideaways groups of up to 16 guests, the house offers generous room to spread out without losing that all-together feel. Days can start slowly with coffee in the lounge, build into walks, activities or a long lunch in town, then end with bubbles in the hot tubs, a barbecue feast or a cosy night by the fire. Hen groups are welcome here, and all the key essentials are included in the price, including bedding, towels and use of the hot tubs, so you can focus on planning the fun rather than worrying about add-ons.

The setting is a real highlight. You are surrounded by open countryside, but not cut off from local life. Sedbergh is a lovely market town with independent shops, cafes and pubs, while the wider area offers walks, bike routes, heritage spots and beautiful drives through Yorkshire and the South Lakes. It is a great choice if the bride-to-be wants fresh air, big views and a house that feels special from the moment everyone arrives.

Inside the house

Inside, Howgills House has the scale and comfort that make group weekends run smoothly. The property has 12 en-suite bedrooms in a mix of double, twin and bunk layouts, giving your group flexibility for different sleeping arrangements. Every bedroom having its own bathroom is a big win for hen parties, especially when everyone is getting ready for dinner, drinks or a day of activities. The en-suites include a mix of shower rooms and bathrooms with roll-top baths, so there is a lovely touch of luxury alongside the practical setup.

The main lounge is bright and spacious, with large windows that bring in plenty of natural light and frame the countryside outside. Handmade leather sofas give the room a comfortable, grown-up feel, ideal for welcome drinks, gift opening, games or simply catching up with friends. Open doors lead through to the TV lounge, where an open fire adds a cosy atmosphere for quieter evenings or a post-hot-tub film night.

Food and drink are well covered here. The commercial-style kitchen is set up for self-catering, with the equipment you need to cook for a group across the weekend. If you would rather keep the hen weekend low-effort, local chefs can come to the house and cook for you, turning dinner into an occasion without anyone having to take charge of the oven. The beautiful dining room seats 24, with another table available in the TV lounge, so there is plenty of space for a celebration meal, afternoon tea, grazing table or themed dinner.

High-speed BARN Wi-Fi is available throughout, making it easy to stream playlists, organise activities, work remotely if needed, or keep everyone connected. Practical extras such as free on-site parking for up to 15 cars, lockable bike storage and a drying room are especially useful for groups planning outdoor adventures in the Dales.

Hen weekend highlights

The two hot tubs on the terrace are the headline feature for a hen celebration. With views stretching across the fields, they are ideal for a relaxed Friday night arrival, a Saturday afternoon soak after a walk, or a chilled Sunday morning debrief with the bride tribe. Towels are included, which keeps packing simple.

The barbecue den gives your group another sociable space to enjoy. Plan a relaxed BBQ dinner, set up a garden-style feast or create a casual drinks area before heading inside for games. The outdoor terrace and surrounding countryside make the house feel wonderfully open, while still giving you a private base for the weekend.

For entertainment, the pool table adds easy, low-pressure fun between activities. It works well for arrival night icebreakers, team games or a little friendly competition before dinner. The large lounge, TV lounge and dining spaces also give you plenty of room for classic hen party moments, from Mr and Mrs quizzes and cocktail making to craft sessions, pamper treatments or a private chef supper.

If the group wants a wellness feel, the house naturally lends itself to a spa-style weekend. Think slow breakfasts, countryside walks, roll-top baths, hot tub sessions and a cosy fire in the evening. If the plan is more lively, there is space for music, dining, games and group photos without everyone feeling squeezed into one room.

Location & getting around

Howgills House is in Sedbergh, a beautiful market town in Cumbria close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and on the edge of the Lake District. It is within a short drive of Junction 37 of the M6, which makes arrivals straightforward for guests travelling from different parts of the UK. Once everyone is parked up, the free on-site parking for up to 15 cars makes the logistics much easier than a city-centre stay.

Sedbergh itself has independent shops, cafes and pubs, so you can enjoy a relaxed wander, brunch, pub lunch or low-key evening out close to the house. The area is known for open walks and bike routes, making it a strong choice for active groups or brides who love the outdoors. Farfield Mill arts and heritage centre is just across from the house, adding an easy local visit if you want something gentle and cultural between celebrations.

For a bigger day out, you are well placed for scenic drives into the Yorkshire Dales and the South Lakes. The local landscape is ideal for walking, cycling, picnics, photography and fresh-air activities, while the house gives you a warm, well-equipped place to return to afterwards. This is not a nightlife-heavy city stay; it is better suited to groups who want privacy, countryside, hot tubs, great food and quality time together.

Enquire today

If Howgills House sounds like the right fit for your hen weekend, send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you already have in mind. The host can help confirm sleeping arrangements, availability and useful details so you can start shaping a celebration that suits the bride-to-be and the whole group.