After two years of partying blighted by the pandemic, the hen party is back and better than ever. If you’ve been charged with the not insignificant task of planning the whole shebang, don’t fret. Take the personality of the bride-to-be as your starting point and plan an experience with her likes and loves at the centre. Whether that’s artistic or adrenalin-fuelled, bonding or boozy, we’ve picked out some brilliant activities across Cornwall to suit.
For nautical delights
SPEED BOAT ADVENTURE FROM FALMOUTH BAY TAILORED TOURS
If taking in the views of Falmouth Bay with a glass of fizz in hand and your closest pals for company sounds like the perfect way to bid farewell to single life, say hello to Falmouth Bay Tailored Tours. Seven-metre luxury skippered speed boat Carmen Rose can take groups of up to six on an exhilarating and memorable trip around the scenic waters of the Carrick Roads and the River Fal.
Stock up the fridge and spend your trip picnicking and sunbathing on the cushioned foredeck; stop off for a swim and picnic in one of the tucked-away coves or enjoy a mini nautical pub crawl at the waterside pubs. Look out for wildlife – dolphins or porpoises if you’re lucky – and boats ranging from sailing boats to super yachts and cruise ships as you relish this unforgettable experience on the water.
falmouthbaytailoredtours.co.uk
For an indulgent break
HEN PARTY SPECIAL AT POLURRIAN ON THE LIZARD
Does a blissful stay in a contemporary clifftop retreat sound like your idea of hen heaven? Boasting sweeping views across Mount’s Bay, Polurrian on the Lizard offers a heady combo of dizzyingly beautiful scenery, luxe interiors and facilities ranging from a gym and hot tub to a tennis court and indoor and outdoor pools.
The hotel’s hen party package includes chilled Prosecco or a signature cocktail on arrival, a one-night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast, either a yoga class, surf lesson or dance class, a bottomless afternoon tea and a cocktail-making class. Treatments round off the delights (a 30 minute-treatment for each hen and an hour for the bride-to-be) as well as full use of the Health Club facilities throughout the stay. Heavenly indeed.
For gin lovers
DISTILLING MASTERCLASS AT TARQUIN’S GIN SCHOOL
Gin-loving hens will delight in a visit to Tarquin’s Gin School. Located in Padstow and St Ives, combine a trip to one of these idyllic seaside towns with a distilling masterclass where you’ll learn about Tarquin’s gin-making process and make your very own gin in a mini copper still from an array of local, familiar and exotic botanicals – or you might even bring your own botanical from your garden or a favourite spice from your travels. Tarquin’s Gin and tonics, tasters, a 70cl custom-made gin to take home and a label, wax and sign for your bottle with your individual tasting notes are included.
For celebrations with soul
BRIDAL BLESSING CIRCLES FROM LOULABEL WELLNESS
If you’re drawn to the idea of a deeply meaningful experience to mark your transition into married life in the company of your favourite women, Loulabel Wellness conducts beautifully memorable bridal blessings. “A bridal blessing is a sacred gathering of your sisters to honour, bless and support you in a meaningful, beautiful and deeply nourishing ceremony as you cross the threshold into married life,” explains Lou Ord from Loulabel Wellness. “Together we’ll enjoy powerful rituals, guided meditation, share wisdom, shower love and blessings on the bride-to-be, indulge in botanical crafting, call on the wisdom of oracle cards and more.” Alongside a warm feeling of connection and love, Lou’s blessings come with transformative and healing potential for each participant. As she says: “Magick truly happens when women gather”.
For creative fun
FLOWER CROWN WORKSHOPS FROM HAYLEY SCOTT BLOOMS
Fancy gathering your hens to make a floral headpiece to wear on your hen do – or even the wedding day itself? Florist Hayley Scott offers flower crown workshops for between six and 15 people at her Newquay studio where you will craft crowns from fresh or dried florals and an abundance of ribbon finishes under her expert guidance. Gourmet grazing is also available to round off an afternoon of sensory delights!
For spa-loving hens
HAURORA AT HOME
Bask in the ultimate five-star spa experience without even leaving your home or holiday accommodation thanks to Haurora at Home. The beauty concierge service will design your day of delights entirely around your group; it might include their signature facials and massages, manicures and pedicures, a yoga or personal training session, and even a fun circuit-style workout on the beach. Round off the day with an afternoon tea to remember from Spill the Tea.
[Photography Latitude 50]
For thrill-seeking fun
ADRENALIN QUARRY
Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! Located in an abandoned, water-filled quarry in south-east Cornwall, Adrenalin Quarry is a veritable playground for hens who like their fun served alongside a heady dose of adrenalin. With bespoke packages available to suit your group, choose from a range of turbocharged activities: live out your Total Wipeout fantasies on the colossal inflatable playground, try your hand at axe-throwing, take a spin of the go-karting track, ride the giant clifftop swing or fly down the 490-metre long zipwire. Wind down from all the activity with a swim, a spot of sunbathing and a pasty and ice cream by the lake.
For dancing queens
HENBIZ
For hens who want to learn a new skill or bust some moves, a fun class with Henbiz is the perfect way to kickstart the revelry with a bang. Choose from Bollywood Dance, hula-hooping and aerial and circus skills where you’ll be introduced to silks, hoops or trapeze alongside juggling and gentle acrobatics. Award-winning circus performer Lisa Truscott is open to your fun-filled ideas and can tailor your workshop to your fancy, whether it’s cheerleading, ‘90s dance, burlesque or Dirty Dancing!
SQUAD STYLE
From games, straws, balloons and bunting to T-shirts, tote bags, sashes and socks, Team Hen is the go-to for Instagram-worthy hen party décor, gifts and bride squad wear.
HEN HOUSES
Gather your bride tribe in one of these heavenly hangouts
BOSINVER
Tucked away in a valley on the edge of St Austell, Bosinver is a tranquil retreat where woodland and wildflower meadows meet gorgeously styled cottages and facilities including an indoor pool, tennis court, gym and therapy room. Sleeping up to eight hens, we love eco retreat Lowen for its vibrant styling and sustainability credentials. Enjoy warm soaks beneath the stars in the hot tub and don’t forget your wellies for animal feeding and country walks.
POLPIER
From its ocean panoramas and bloom-filled gardens to its luxurious interiors, Polpier House is a dream setting for a hen celebration. Perched high above the fishing village of Mevagissey, while away your together-time lounging by the pool and enjoying long lazy lunches gazing across the sparkling Atlantic. Round off the day with dinner from a professional chef before dancing the night away in your own disco!
PENTILLIE CASTLE
Situated on the banks of the River Tamar, Pentillie Castle offers elegant interiors, idyllic grounds and a heady dose of grandeur for a hen weekend to remember. Activities might include anything from chocolate-making and floristry to canoeing, paddleboarding and boating on the Tamar. Or you might simply choose to spend your time enjoying country walks, dips in the outdoor pool and memorable dinners served by the on-site chefs in this incredibly special setting.
words Rebecca Matthews
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