Hen Party Planning Checklist for Somerset | 2026 Guide

Set potential dates

Pick dates avoiding Glastonbury Festival week in late June - availability and prices are much better outside it.

Check the official Glastonbury Festival website for exact dates before you lock anything in.

Set a budget per person

Agree a per-head budget with the core group so house and activity choices stay realistic.

Compile initial guest list & send out 'save the date' communications

Lock rough numbers early so you book a house that actually fits your group.

Discuss hen party theme ideas

Pick a loose theme like Glastonbury boho, Exmoor adventurer or cider farm chic to guide the weekend.

Research large rural house rentals

Look for houses with hot tubs or big gardens for 8 to 16 guests and book early.

Try Unique Homestays, Somerset Cottages or Sykes in Wedmore, Chew Magna or near Exmoor.

Investigate group transport options

Plan car hire or a minibus with driver - Somerset's best houses sit far from train lines.

Contact minibus firms in Taunton or Yeovil, or hire from Bristol Airport if mates are flying in.

Brainstorm initial activity preferences

Shortlist cider tasting, Glastonbury walks, horse riding on Exmoor or glamping-style fun.

Delegate planning tasks amongst bridesmaids/organisers

Split house, activities and payments so one person is not doing everything.

Set up a shared document for budget tracking and guest communication

Keep budget, guest list and timings in one Google Sheet everyone can see.

Research local catering options for a 'dine-in' night

Look for private chefs or farm-to-table caterers using Somerset produce.

Try The French Kitchen for bespoke catering, or ask Teals near South Cadbury for local produce.

Explore glamping or tipi hen party options

Consider tipi or bell tent sites with hot tubs if you want a festival feel without a house.

The Orchard at Knowle Farm and Honeycombe House Glamping both do luxury tipi weekends with hot tubs.

Check Exmoor National Park Authority events calendar

See if guided walks or park events line up with your dates.

Check the official Exmoor National Park website for certified guides and seasonal events.

Identify a 'lead' contact person for the weekend

Pick one mate to handle on-the-day logistics and emergency calls.

Start a Pinterest board for Somerset hen party inspiration

Collect decoration, outfit and activity ideas that fit Somerset's countryside vibe.

Gauge interest in wild swimming spots

If the group is adventurous, research safe river swimming spots on Exmoor.

The River Barle in Exmoor is picturesque but cold - always check local safety advice first.

Preliminary research on axe throwing venues

Shortlist axe throwing as a fun group activity if the bride likes something competitive.

Axed Global in Bristol is reachable from much of Somerset if nothing local suits your dates.

Consider local craft workshops

Pottery or flower crown workshops work well as a calmer group activity.

Search craft workshops in Frome or Wells - Rook Lane Chapel in Frome hosts group events.

Book the large rural house/glamping site

Confirm headcount and book your house or glamping site as soon as dates are firm.

Book via Somerset Cottages or direct with the owner - ask about Visit Somerset verified properties.

Secure group car hire or minibus with driver

Book transport sized for your group and luggage, especially from Bristol Airport or Taunton station.

Pre-book Yeovil Minibuses or Taunton Taxis well ahead of peak summer weekends.

Book a Glastonbury spiritual experience

Reserve a guided walk around Glastonbury Tor and nearby mystical sites.

Book a Visit Somerset verified guide for Glastonbury Tor and Chalice Well.

Confirm a cider tasting tour

Book a private tour and tasting at a Somerset cider farm for the group.

Sheppy's Cider near Taunton and Burrow Hill Cider Farm both run engaging group tastings.

Book horse riding on Exmoor

Reserve a guided group trek through Exmoor if the bride loves the outdoors.

Periton Park Riding Stables and Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre are Exmoor National Park certified.

Reserve glamping/tipi pitches with hot tubs

Confirm hot tub access and site rules if you chose glamping over a house.

Confirm details with Longlands Glamping or The Bell Tent Company before you pay deposits.

Book a private chef or local caterer for one evening

Arrange one special dinner at the house using local Somerset ingredients.

Exmoor Feasting delivers a full local dining experience to your accommodation.

Finalise wild swimming location and consider a local guide

Book a guide for wild swimming if the group is inexperienced - Exmoor rivers need respect.

Ask adventure companies in Dulverton or Exford about guided River Barle swims.

Book an axe throwing session

Reserve a group slot for axe throwing if it made your shortlist.

Check Somerset Activities & Events for group packages or nearby larger venues.

Arrange a welcome hamper with local Somerset produce

Order a hamper with local cider, cheese and treats for arrival day.

Order from Pyne's of Somerset or Kilver Court Farm Shop in Shepton Mallet.

Confirm any desired spa treatments or mobile beauty services

Book mobile therapists for the house or plan a spa trip if you want pampering.

Search mobile therapists covering Somerset, or day-trip to The Gainsborough Bath Spa in Bath.

Collect deposits and final payments from guests

Set payment deadlines so house and activity deposits are covered on time.

Create a detailed itinerary draft for the weekend

Draft timings, addresses and contact numbers for every booking.

Research local pubs or restaurants for group meals

Book pub or restaurant tables for at least one group meal out.

The Talbot Inn in Mells and The New Inn at Priddy are classic Somerset pub picks.

Book any local walking tours or guides

Book a certified guide for Exmoor or Mendip walks if you want more than a self-led hike.

Contact Exmoor National Park Centre in Dulverton for certified walking guide recommendations.

Confirm final dietary requirements and allergies with all providers

Send updated dietary info to caterers, restaurants and activity providers.

Consider booking a local photographer

Hire a local photographer for an hour if you want proper group shots.

Search Somerset hen party photographer or Glastonbury wedding photographer for local talent.

Final check all bookings and confirm payments

Reconfirm house, activities and transport by phone or email.

Share the detailed itinerary with the entire group

Send the full plan with GPS coordinates for rural meet points.

Create a WhatsApp group for immediate communication

Set up WhatsApp for real-time updates during the weekend.

Assign car share groups for internal Somerset travel

Plan who rides with whom if you are running multiple cars.

Prepare welcome packs/goodie bags for each guest

Pack mini ciders, fudge and a printed itinerary for each guest.

Source treats from Fudge Kitchen in Bath or Somerset Cider Brandy Company.

Shop for food and drinks for the house/glamping site

Stock breakfast, snacks and self-catering ingredients before you travel.

Use larger supermarkets in Taunton or Yeovil, or order Waitrose or Tesco delivery to the house.

Check the weather forecast for Somerset

Check the forecast so the group packs for Exmoor walks and outdoor glamping.

Use the Met Office forecast for your specific Somerset region, not a generic UK report.

Remind guests about limited mobile signal

Tell the group signal drops on Exmoor and in some Mendip villages.

Download offline maps of Somerset villages and routes

Download offline maps before you drive into patchy-signal areas.

Use Google Maps offline for Exmoor National Park and the Mendip Hills.

Pack essentials: walking boots, waterproofs, swimwear, festival outfits

Remind everyone to pack for cider tours, walks and evening outfits.

Charge all phones and power banks

Fully charge phones and power banks before rural Somerset travel.

Confirm any last-minute special requests with activity providers

Confirm birthday cakes, music requests or other extras with providers.

Arrange key collection for the rural house/glamping site

Confirm key safe codes, owner meet-ups or local collection points.

Finalise emergency contact list for all guests

Share medical notes, allergies and emergency numbers with the group.

Prepare a festival-themed music playlist for the weekend

Build a playlist for pre-drinks and hot tub evenings at the house.

Double-check car hire details and driver assignments

Confirm pick-up times, locations and designated drivers.

Purchase any last-minute decorations or party accessories

Grab final decorations to match your theme before you travel.

Independent shops in Frome or Clark's Village in Street stock party bits.

Print out all important booking confirmations and directions

Print confirmations and directions as backup if phones die or signal fails.

Plan for any specific gifts or surprises for the bride-to-be

Coordinate bride surprises among the group so nothing clashes.

Travel to Somerset and meet at designated pick-up point/accommodation

Confirm everyone reaches the agreed meet point or house safely.

Collect keys for the rural house/glamping site

Follow key collection instructions from the owner or agency.

Unpack, settle in, and delegate room assignments

Get bags unpacked and rooms sorted so the group can relax.

Decorate the accommodation with personal touches

Add banners and theme touches if you planned decorations.

Enjoy welcome drinks, ideally with local Somerset cider

Kick off with Somerset cider or something from your welcome hamper.

Pour Thatchers Cider or Somerset Cider Brandy Company from your welcome hamper.

Conduct a brief itinerary overview with the group

Walk everyone through the day and weekend plan on arrival.

Embark on the first planned activity

Start with your first booked activity or a local walk if nothing is timed yet.

Check National Trust opening times before you head up Glastonbury Tor.

Ensure everyone has contact numbers and emergency information

Make sure everyone has the plan, key numbers and house address.

Have a designated sober driver for any excursions involving alcohol

Confirm designated drivers before cider tastings or pub trips.

Start the festival-themed playlist

Get your pre-downloaded playlist going for the house or glamping site.

Take plenty of group photos

Encourage group shots with Somerset backdrops like Glastonbury Tor.

Prepare the hot tub if available at glamping/accommodation

Allow time for the hot tub to heat up before evening plans.

Enjoy the planned evening meal

Relax into your catered dinner, pub meal or self-cooked feast.

Play hen party games or organised activities

Run games or icebreakers if you want structure beyond free time.

Ensure all guests are comfortable and have what they need

Check in with quieter mates so nobody feels lost in a big group.

Confirm next day's plans and timings before bed

Quick recap of tomorrow's plan avoids a chaotic morning.

Split clear-up jobs for shared spaces in the rural house

Split basic tidy-up jobs so the house stays liveable all weekend.

Enjoy a campfire if allowed at the glamping site

Check fire rules before you light anything, especially on Exmoor.