Why Hens Are Trading Wild Weekends For Weekends In The Wild
There was a time when the words hen do or stag do conjured up visions of neon sashes, dubious inflatables, and a sea of sticky Jägerbombs. It was an initiation of sorts, an unspoken rite that left you slightly broken come Monday morning and swearing never to touch sambuca again.
But the tide is turning. These days, couples are looking for something a little more elevated and a lot more meaningful. A celebration where you can actually remember the conversations, take in the surroundings, and wake up without wondering whose shoes you’re wearing.
Enter the wellness hen. Think wild swimming instead of sticky nightclubs, yoga in the woods instead of karaoke bars, fire-cooked feasts in a meadow instead of late-night takeaway. It’s a gentler, more grounding way to gather your favourite people before the big day. The focus is on connection rather than chaos, and memories rather than misdemeanours - although silliness is still encouraged.
And it’s not about being virtuous…
It’s about balance. A long walk through the countryside, followed by a soak in a hot tub with a glass of local fizz in hand. A restorative morning yoga session, followed by an unapologetically indulgent feast cooked over flames. The hangover might still exist, but this time it comes with better wine and far more comfortable bedding.
Here’s our guide for brides and MOHs in search of alternative ideas for their final fling in the UK.
Slow it down
Time is such a hot commodity, especially when you’re in wedding planning mode. Whatever your plans for your nuptials, you’re bound to feel a touch of stress at some point in the process, which is why modern brides are seeking hen weekends that aim to restore instead of deplete. Take the pressure off and give yourself time to pause, reminisce, recuperate and soak it all in before the biggest day of your life. Besides, no matter how well versed your photographer is in touching up eye-bags, embracing the shift towards a more wholesome send-off could be a far simpler solution and ultimate act of self-care.
An itinerary for the perfect weekend
Ultimately the company you keep and the memories you make are all that really matters while you celebrate, but you definitely get bonus points (or at least a pat on the back) if you nail the flow of the weekend. Here’s an example itinerary that we think would work beautifully. If it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, we’ll work with you to find something that does!
Friday
3pm: Arrive
Gather your group and check into your home for the weekend at Teybrook Orchard. Think beautiful bell tents set among rustling trees, each with proper beds, soft linens and space to unwind.
4pm: Welcome Drinks & Nibbles
Kick things off with a grazing table prepared by Stuck in a Graze – an abundance of local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh, seasonal produce.
6pm: Flower Crown Workshop
Led by Flowers by Cosmos or Dillys, this relaxed, creative session is a perfect icebreaker. Everyone can create their own crown from seasonal, locally-grown blooms to wear for the weekend for that added ethereal edge.
8pm: Dinner Under the Tipis
Enjoy a laid-back, fire-cooked feast by Kochi Kitchen. Think sharing platters of slow-roasted meats, grilled halloumi, vibrant salads, and plenty of homemade sauces.
10pm: Campfire Chats
End the evening gathered around a crackling fire pit with a supply of logs from the farm’s own woodland. Marshmallows, blankets, games and good stories encouraged.
Saturday
8am: Morning Yoga
Ease into the day with a lakeside yoga session focused on relaxation and connection.
9:30am: Breakfast in the Orchard
Think freshly baked sourdough, local jams, and steaming cafetières of coffee in the morning sun, prepped in the Orchard Kitchen.
10:30 am: Woodland Hot Tub Session
Spend some time gazing up at the canopy from the comfort of our wood-fired hot tub, hidden in the Tey Brook woodland.
1pm: Lunch at Leisure
DIY wraps and seasonal salads back at the camp kitchen.
3pm: Foraging Walk
Explore the woodland with a local expert who’ll guide you through the art of foraging, sharing knowledge about edible plants and herbs growing across the farm.
6pm: Drinks at Golden Hour
Gather in the glade with cocktails inspired by your foraged finds.
7:30pm: Supper in the Tipis
A relaxed banquet, served family-style, by Beats Catering. We’re thinking grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and buttery roasted potatoes around long tables. Pass plates, share stories.
10pm: Silent Disco
Hire a silent disco and silly-dance beneath the stars into the night with your favourite people. Wild dance moves and cheesy bangers encouraged.
Sunday
9am: Slow Breakfast
A big communal breakfast with bacon baps, fresh fruit, and endless coffee before packing up.
11am: Departures
Wellness meets celebration
In the run up to your big day, so much focus is on self-care, so why does your hen need to be the exception? Getting outdoors and slowing things down with the people who mean most to you could be the trick to unwinding and filling up your cup. We’re thinking yoga at sunrise, long-table dinners and lazy breakfasts by the fire to leave you feeling refreshed and present. A stress-free send-off to suit the people from each walk of your life, without the compromise.
Glamping with your closest friends
When it comes to accommodation, it can be really tricky to please everyone in your group. Glamping is such a happy middle-ground, combining comfort, style and affordability. We like to think of it as a bit of a Goldilocks option - not too boujee, not too simple, just right. Plus there’s no better backing track to deep chats and storytelling than the crackle of the camp fire. Stroll arm-in-arm down lantern-lit pathways at dusk, dance into the night to the soundtrack of your teens before splitting into your bell tents where proper mattresses and soft linens await. This unique take on the modern, stylish send-off will connect you with nature and each other.
how to plan your trip
Find The Right Spot: Whether it’s a secluded countryside hideaway, lakeside retreat or woodland glamping spot, be sure to pick somewhere that’s just far enough from the everyday but still easy to get to. Bonus points for wood-fired hot tubs, fire pits, or a killer view. We have the perfect set up for all of the above, here at Browning Bros.
Timing Is Key: Finding that perfect date that suits your whole group can be a challenge, so give yourself plenty of time to do so. Once you’ve got your weekend locked down in the group chat, avoid disappointment by getting your booking placed. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the foundation is laid for and can enjoy getting to work planning your itinerary and all the bells and whistles.
The Bells and Whistles: There are always countryside walks to be had, pubs to be wandered to, books to be read and hours to be wiled just seeing where the day takes you, but if a little more structure sounds appealing then here are some of our favourite suggestions of activities and suppliers.
Flower Crowns - Dilly’s / Flowers by Cosmos
Grazing tables - Stuck In A Graze
Ceramic painting - The Crafty Hen
Paddle-boarding - Bush Adventures
Ask us about…
Yoga
Foraging
Cocktail making
Water Zorbing
Massages
Why Browning Bros is perfect for Alternative Hen Weekends
Exclusive hire, peaceful surroundings, and the chance to make something truly memorable with your favourite people.
Exclusive Use: Tey Brook Orchard could be yours for the weekend, meaning no strangers, no curfews, and no compromises - just you and your gang.
Space to Breathe: Unlike traditional venues, you’ve got acres of woodland, meadows, and lakes to explore. There’s no pressure to stick to a tight schedule.
Built for Connection: With communal kitchens, firepits, and long feasting tables, these spaces are designed to bring people together. It’s about good food, great company, and plenty of fresh air.
Local, Sustainable Suppliers: Everything from flower crown workshops to wholesome meals can be put together by independent makers, chefs, and growers, many of them based just a few miles from the farm.
Accommodation: Proper beds, hot showers, and thoughtful touches mean this is glamping at its most comfortable. With numerous different options available from bell tents to shepherds huts, there’s bound to be a configuration to suit your needs.
Flexible Itineraries: Whether you want a low-key escape with yoga and walks, or something more lively with wild swimming and dancing, the team at Browning Bros can help you build a weekend that’s exactly what you want.
