Hen Party Devon - Hen Heaven in Devon
Article Published: Tuesday 30th July, 2019 - 12:07pm
As brides bid adieu to L-plates and dubiously shaped straws, the more discerning nearly-wed is looking to celebrate her final stages of singledom...
...and sisterhood in ultra memorable style. Here's some of Devon's top experiences for modern hens
It's time to forgo the boozy night out with strippers (have a sneaky one if you must!) in favour of something far more scintillating by tapping into your passions for a party that's as 'you' as it is enjoyable for your entourage.
We've taken a look at some ideas that'll pique hens' interests, whether it's getting creative, relishing a spot of top-notch entertainment, sampling some tantalising tipples or food that floats your pre-marital boat...
For crafty hens...
Pom Stitch Tassel
Devon-based craft company Pom Stitch Tassel offers the perfect daytime do, giving you and your gal pals the prime opportunity to craft, gossip and create ready-to-wear accessories for your hen night.
From 'Pom-Pom & Prosecco' to 'Mad Hatter's Tea Parties', Pom Stitch Tassel's fabulous range of themed events present an imaginative twist on traditional craft-based shindigs.
Sup Prosecco whilst crafting a pom-pom headband or create decorations for your wedding venue; the hassle-free parties last for one-and-a-half hours and feature a fun and creative party entertainer, quality materials and all equipment for making, handmade hangover party bags and fillers, personalised digital invitations, and whatever creations you craft on the day to take home or incorporate into your W-day decor.
What's more, Pom Stitch Tassel are mobile party planners so can bring the crafty frolics to your home, hotel or chosen venue (or can host a party at their Bovey Tracey base).
For gin-loving hens...
Salcombe Gin School
Discover the divine world of gin courtesy of a back-to-school lesson of the most delectable kind.
Salcombe Gin School's experiences cater for up to 16 people, who will be expertly guided through the process to hand make their very own 70cl bottle of gin each using mini copper pot stills.
Starting in the bar with a 'Salcombe & Tonic', guided tour and distillation talk, hens then relocate to the distilling laboratory where they're presented with more than 100 botanicals to create their own unique gin recipe.
The hands-on process involves gin tasting (and a few G&Ts along the way), culminating in bottling, naming and labelling each creation, which is placed in a beautiful presentation box to take home.
An additional measure of your gin can then be taken back to the tasting bar where mixologists will help you to taste it with a selection of garnishes and tonic waters, before you retreat to the waterside bar for as long as your time (and constitution) allows.
A 10% discount applies for four or more lessons booked. Salcombe Gin School also offers exclusive use of its Gin School for larger parties.
For foodie hens...
Exeter Cookery School
Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated hen do, Exeter Cookery School hosts some lip-smacking options, with a classic package providing a two-and-a-half-hour cookery experience at a stunning setting on Exeter's picturesque quayside.
Enjoy ladles-full of fun while learning how to cook tasty treats, which you can take home to tuck into. All ingredients and equipment are included, with tea and coffee on tap, leaving you only to muster your best culinary skills and appetite.
Pick from essential cooking skills such as bread making and cake baking to perfecting your pasta, pastry or patisserie prowess. Maximum numbers will depend on the activity chosen, but range from 10 to 30.
For more extended shenanigans, you can create a host of tasty treats such as canapes, Mexican street food or an afternoon tea before savouring the fruits of your labours over a glass of fizz.
Another option that's ideal for smaller groups (or a sneaky pre-wedding date with your fiance) is the opportunity to cook a pre-arranged two-course menu together under the expert guidance of the Exeter Cookery School chefs. Once you've hung up your aprons, the team will transform the room into a memorable private dining experience around the cookery school's bespoke dining room lit up with fairy lights and candles.
"The hen dos we have hosted have been full of fun and laughter, and of course, lots of flavoursome food!" says head chef, tutor and co-owner of Exeter Cookery School, Jim Fisher. "If you want to carry on after cooking with us, there are also a host of brilliant pubs, bars and restaurants within walking distance."
Sink into one of its indulgent Spa Experiences, where a range of treatments at the all-new 'Alchemist Spa' are available, or if you're looking to prolong your escape, take advantage of an overnight spa break. Boasting eco credentials to boot, most treatments are vegan-friendly and feature products exclusively from the Natural Spa Factory in Bath that are jam-packed with natural and uber-nourishing ingredients.
Continue the kickback vibe with a stint in the hotel's brand new Neo Cinema, where a classic dinner and film night would provide the perfect endnote to a chilled-out day. Seating 30 on comfy sofas and armchairs, you can even stake sole use of the cinema for a private screening of your favourite chick flick. Pyjama parties, themed nights and G&T table service can all be arranged.
Alternatively, if you fancy breaking a sweat as part of your hen do, a one-night Fitness Bootcamp includes dinner, stay, spa access, and two exclusive training sessions from the pros at SALT Gymnasia. Or for a mini-break experience, the hotel's self-catering accommodation includes flats and apartments that sleep up to six guests. Spend time in the spa, head out for refreshing beach walks, or perhaps hit the surf on Woolacombe Beach.
For flower-loving hens...
Darling Buds Flower Workshops
Wedding floral design specialist Ellie from Darling Buds absolutely adores flowers - and lists flower workshops for hen parties as one of the favourite strings of her business.
"Whether you would like to come to the lovely studio space in Cullompton - where we can host up to 12 people and are welcome to bring along your own treats (including fizz, of course!) - or you would like us to travel to your location, we are happy to!" she eagerly explains.
Run mid-week, Saturdays or Sundays at times to suit you and your hens, pick from the popular flower crown workshops, flower arranging and posy designing, which include all flower, foliage, accessories and equipment - and with bookings of 12 or more, the bride is free!
So whether you wish to design the blooms for your day or create something beautiful for your home or as a wedding gift for the mums or bridesmaids, Ellie's fun floristry events are just the petal-pretty ticket.
It's time to forgo the boozy night out with strippers (have a sneaky one if you must!) in favour of something far more scintillating by tapping into your passions for a party that's as 'you' as it is enjoyable for your entourage.
We've taken a look at some ideas that'll pique hens' interests, whether it's getting creative, relishing a spot of top-notch entertainment, sampling some tantalising tipples or food that floats your pre-marital boat...
For crafty hens...
Pom Stitch Tassel
Devon-based craft company Pom Stitch Tassel offers the perfect daytime do, giving you and your gal pals the prime opportunity to craft, gossip and create ready-to-wear accessories for your hen night.
From 'Pom-Pom & Prosecco' to 'Mad Hatter's Tea Parties', Pom Stitch Tassel's fabulous range of themed events present an imaginative twist on traditional craft-based shindigs.
Sup Prosecco whilst crafting a pom-pom headband or create decorations for your wedding venue; the hassle-free parties last for one-and-a-half hours and feature a fun and creative party entertainer, quality materials and all equipment for making, handmade hangover party bags and fillers, personalised digital invitations, and whatever creations you craft on the day to take home or incorporate into your W-day decor.
What's more, Pom Stitch Tassel are mobile party planners so can bring the crafty frolics to your home, hotel or chosen venue (or can host a party at their Bovey Tracey base).
For gin-loving hens...
Salcombe Gin School
Discover the divine world of gin courtesy of a back-to-school lesson of the most delectable kind.
Salcombe Gin School's experiences cater for up to 16 people, who will be expertly guided through the process to hand make their very own 70cl bottle of gin each using mini copper pot stills.
Starting in the bar with a 'Salcombe & Tonic', guided tour and distillation talk, hens then relocate to the distilling laboratory where they're presented with more than 100 botanicals to create their own unique gin recipe.
The hands-on process involves gin tasting (and a few G&Ts along the way), culminating in bottling, naming and labelling each creation, which is placed in a beautiful presentation box to take home.
An additional measure of your gin can then be taken back to the tasting bar where mixologists will help you to taste it with a selection of garnishes and tonic waters, before you retreat to the waterside bar for as long as your time (and constitution) allows.
A 10% discount applies for four or more lessons booked. Salcombe Gin School also offers exclusive use of its Gin School for larger parties.
For foodie hens...
Exeter Cookery School
Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated hen do, Exeter Cookery School hosts some lip-smacking options, with a classic package providing a two-and-a-half-hour cookery experience at a stunning setting on Exeter's picturesque quayside.
Enjoy ladles-full of fun while learning how to cook tasty treats, which you can take home to tuck into. All ingredients and equipment are included, with tea and coffee on tap, leaving you only to muster your best culinary skills and appetite.
Pick from essential cooking skills such as bread making and cake baking to perfecting your pasta, pastry or patisserie prowess. Maximum numbers will depend on the activity chosen, but range from 10 to 30.
For more extended shenanigans, you can create a host of tasty treats such as canapes, Mexican street food or an afternoon tea before savouring the fruits of your labours over a glass of fizz.
Another option that's ideal for smaller groups (or a sneaky pre-wedding date with your fiance) is the opportunity to cook a pre-arranged two-course menu together under the expert guidance of the Exeter Cookery School chefs. Once you've hung up your aprons, the team will transform the room into a memorable private dining experience around the cookery school's bespoke dining room lit up with fairy lights and candles.
"The hen dos we have hosted have been full of fun and laughter, and of course, lots of flavoursome food!" says head chef, tutor and co-owner of Exeter Cookery School, Jim Fisher. "If you want to carry on after cooking with us, there are also a host of brilliant pubs, bars and restaurants within walking distance."
For chilled out hens...
Woolacombe Bay Hotel Cinema and Spa Experiences
Offering an alluring mix of things to do, the perfectly positioned Woolacombe Bay Hotel makes a relaxing venue to enjoy some downtime with your hens.
Continue the kickback vibe with a stint in the hotel's brand new Neo Cinema, where a classic dinner and film night would provide the perfect endnote to a chilled-out day. Seating 30 on comfy sofas and armchairs, you can even stake sole use of the cinema for a private screening of your favourite chick flick. Pyjama parties, themed nights and G&T table service can all be arranged.
Alternatively, if you fancy breaking a sweat as part of your hen do, a one-night Fitness Bootcamp includes dinner, stay, spa access, and two exclusive training sessions from the pros at SALT Gymnasia. Or for a mini-break experience, the hotel's self-catering accommodation includes flats and apartments that sleep up to six guests. Spend time in the spa, head out for refreshing beach walks, or perhaps hit the surf on Woolacombe Beach.
For flower-loving hens...
Darling Buds Flower Workshops
Wedding floral design specialist Ellie from Darling Buds absolutely adores flowers - and lists flower workshops for hen parties as one of the favourite strings of her business.
"Whether you would like to come to the lovely studio space in Cullompton - where we can host up to 12 people and are welcome to bring along your own treats (including fizz, of course!) - or you would like us to travel to your location, we are happy to!" she eagerly explains.
Run mid-week, Saturdays or Sundays at times to suit you and your hens, pick from the popular flower crown workshops, flower arranging and posy designing, which include all flower, foliage, accessories and equipment - and with bookings of 12 or more, the bride is free!
So whether you wish to design the blooms for your day or create something beautiful for your home or as a wedding gift for the mums or bridesmaids, Ellie's fun floristry events are just the petal-pretty ticket.
For more hen party ideas click here
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2019
