With the wedding season completely paused for 2020 thousands of couples will be shifting their preparations to 2021. Equally, bridesmaids up and down the country are sitting down to discuss the most important part of wedding planning for 2021: the hen. The planning will almost certainly begin with the selection of a lush hen party house somewhere across the UK, so without further ado, here are 5 unique hen party destinations for 2021.
Cheltenham
If you’re spending your party weekend in Cheltenham, why not make it a spa weekend? There are numerous spas in Cheltenham (it used to be a spa town dontchaknow?) and many reviewed on TripAdvisor if you don’t know where to start. Before getting yourself all buffed-up and beautified, visit the town’s oldest and largest spa the Pittville Pump Room – it’s within walking distance of the town. This historical building offers great views and is set in some beautiful parkland. The Boathouse in the Park serves coffee and snacks right next to a very pretty boating lake with a bridge. This could be the best and most relaxing start to an afternoon getting dolled-up for your night out. Of course Regent Arcade will feature somewhere on your itinerary – shopping is a must – and you’ll find numerous bars, clubs and restaurants in this area too – try Bar Fever or MooMoo Clubrooms and Lily Gins or Aquavitae for cocktails. Tip: Book in advance if you want to go inside the Pump Room.
The Peak District
It’s all about the great outdoors when you organize a group trip to the Peak District. There are many options for staying here as it’s a vast area. You could stay in the National Park itself and there are various places to stay, including The Lamb Inn, which has a gorgeous outside seating area, and Ladybower Inn, which offers a free breakfast. If you want to give some life to your party, Sheffield, to the east, might just do the job. For extra life host a life drawing party with your girls. There are five escape rooms in Sheffield city centre, which always add a bit of ping to your party or you could spend the day at The Indie Arcade – vintage-shopping heaven, we’re told. This is in the city centre too, so booze is not far away. The Botanist is gorgeous. There’s also Revolucion de Cuba, OHM and Browns, which all come recommended as good spots for food. Tiger Works and Soyo get the thumbs up for clubbing.
Yorkshire
There’s a reason Yorkshire has earned the nickname ‘God’s Own County’. Drive 20 miles north of York and you’ll hit North York Moors National Park, an absolutely stunning area with forests, dales and a beautiful rugged coastline. There are some amazing heritage sights here and, perhaps surprisingly, some good shopping in some of the coastal resorts. It’s all about wellbeing when you’re in such a peaceful stunning place, so why not book a yoga and relaxation weekend retreat or book your group into one of the many spas. The north is not short of fine food either and you’ll find tons of cosy bars and excellent food – check out The Black Swan in Oldstead – you can stay there too. Finally we mustn’t forget to mention that the north has also been nicknamed the Capital of Cake, so don’t forget to stuff your face at every opportunity – it would be wrong not to – and you’ll find tearooms in the unlikeliest of places.
The Cotswolds
If you’re all about the scenery, one of the most popular tourist spots in the region is Bourton-on-the-Water. This beautiful village is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds as it’s situated on the River Windrush, which meanders through the town. Cirencester is the best place for shops and restaurants and Stow on the Wold is the best for foodies, with numerous restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and tearooms. Moreton in Marsh is considered one of the best market towns in the region with its famous Tuesday market where you’ll find over 200 stalls selling everything and anything. There are several pubs here too. If you’re looking for style and charm Winchcombe has lots of both. This historic town is a crowd-pleaser – great high street, weekly market, independent eateries and Michelin star dining. Finally – although this is not an exhaustive list – Gloucester is just a 30-minute drive away if you’re hankering for some nightlife.
Leicester
You won’t be short of things to do in this vibrant city. Home to the remains of Richard III, who was dug up in a car park in 2015, Leicester has a rich history and is said to be one of the oldest cities in England. I could recommend all the great shopping here – the 800 year-old market, Highcross Shopping Centre, St Martin’s Square and The Lanes – but we reckon you should try to take in a show at the spectacular Curve theatre found in the city’s Cultural Quarter. Leicester is also home to the National Space Centre and the Attenborough Arts Centre. If you love a curry, and indeed some cheese, Leicester is the former UK Curry Capital, so it has a lot to offer on this score. And it would be rude not to quaff a lovely glass of vino alongside some of that orange cheese first produced here in the 17th century. There’s a distillery here too for discerning gin-drinkers.
