Bid farewell to singledom in so-you style. From surf lessons to spa sessions, gin-making to piglet cuddling, we’ve picked out our favourite ideas for gathering your pals in Devon
Gather your gal (and guy) pals for a pre-nuptial party guaranteed to be (almost) as memorable as your W-day. Whether you hanker for a gin or an afternoon tea, fancy frolicking in the surf, lavishing in a spa day, petting a piglet (yes, really!) or crafting a floral crown, we’ve picked out some unique and fun-filled activities across Devon to suit.
For a teatime to remember
AFTERNOON TEA AT LYMPSTONE MANOR
The culinary home of acclaimed chef Michael Caines – who has maintained two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years – Lympstone Manor presents Michael’s signature dishes created using local and seasonal ingredients, making the manor a top spot for hens seeking something utterly delicious.
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Treat your tastebuds to a full afternoon tea experience by devouring freshly made sandwiches, scones smeared with Devon clotted cream, local jams and preserves, and a lip-smacking selection of daily made cakes and French pâtisseries. Upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea or even opt for a group wine tasting session of Lympstone’s latest harvest fresh from their very own Exe estuary vineyard. Sup on something delectable during a bespoke experience led by head sommelier Marko Mägi as you celebrate the end of single life in inimitable style.
For fun on the farm
‘PIGGIES AND PROSECCO’ AT PENNYWELL FARM
This award-winning attraction is located one mile from Buckfastleigh in south Devon, presenting a picturesque rural locale and plenty of eco-friendly credentials including Best Sustainable Business in the South Devon Tourism and Hospitality Awards and a National Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award.
Pig lovers will delight in the opportunity to combine a spot of Prosecco quaffing and pig petting during Pennywell’s unique ‘Piggies and Prosecco’ evenings. Settle in for a two-hour stint of blanket-clad cuddles with the adorable resident piglets along with stone-baked pizza and a dessert of your choice as you receive regular top-ups of bubbly and admire the sunset for the most heart-warming of Devon hen parties.
For spa-loving hens
SPA DAY AT WEAR PARK SPA, EXETER GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Take a break from the planning in favour of some pampering at Exeter Golf & Country Club’s Wear Park Spa, whose sumptuous retreat is just the ticket for brides desiring some quality downtime with their besties.
Conveniently located between Exeter and Topsham, relish a day of beautifying self-indulgence from the moment you step inside the award-winning Elemis spa and beauty salon, where you can relax with a massage, facial or beauty treatment (or two) before tucking into a mouth-watering afternoon tea or three-course lunch in the newly refurbished Wear Park Restaurant.
exetergcc.co.uk
For gin fans
SALCOMBE GIN SCHOOL
Gin-loving hens will delight in a visit to Salcombe Gin School. Offering exclusive use of the school with private sessions tailored to the individual requirements of the group, you’ll disappear into the distilling laboratory to take charge of your own mini copper pot still and develop and distil your very own 70cl bottle of gin.
Learn all about the production process while enjoying a classic ‘Salcombe & Tonic’ and, once your creation is complete, it’ll be bottled and placed in a presentation box with a personalised label. Your experience will conclude in the beautiful waterside bar as you sink another shot of your signature gin topped with garnishes and tonics hand-picked to complement your recipe.
Gin school sessions are typically available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday afternoons at 2pm, and Saturday mornings at 10am. Sessions are available year-round but vary during seasonal periods.
Email customerservice@salcombedistilling.com or call 01548 288180 for more information.
salcombegin.com
‘THE ULTIMATE AFTERNOON’ AT WOOLACOMBE BAY HOTEL
Enjoy the best of Woolacombe Bay Hotel with their magnificent mash-up of a day out, ‘The Ultimate Afternoon’ package, which promises the most crowd-pleasing of parties at one fabulous venue.
Hens will lavish in some quality downtime at The Alchemist Spa and receive a blissful Head in the Clouds treatment before tucking into afternoon tea and a movie in the hotel’s NEO Cinema: the plushest of private screening pads that seats up to 30 complete with table service (or you can hire the cocktail lounge and bar for an extra special party experience).
Available until 21st December 2022 (excluding July – September) at £95 per person (maximum of six guests).
woolacombe-bay-hotel.co.uk
For creative hens
FLOWER CROWN WORKSHOP WITH DARLING BUDS
Fancy gathering your hens to make a floral crown to wear on your hen do – or even the wedding day itself? Florist Ellie Price of Darling Buds offers customised flower crown workshops for up to 12 people either at her Cullompton studio or a venue of your choice. Bring your own snacks and bubbly or Ellie can curate a bag of goodies on your behalf to enjoy while handmaking your very own wearable piece of floral art. As an alternative, Ellie also offers seasonal flower arranging workshops, so however you wish to hone your floristry – she’ll be on expert hand to help.
Darling Buds flower crown workshop is £40 per person (bookings of 12 or more and the bride attends for free), which includes all materials, tutoring, accessories and tool use.
darlingbudsofel.com
For mindful moments
MODERN CALLIGRAPHY WITH WILD SEA CALLIGRAPHY
Learn the art of modern calligraphy while enjoying some mindful moments with your gal pals at this beginners' workshop.
Lyndsey Gribble of Wild Sea Calligraphy offers 1-2-1 tuition to groups in her contemporary Plymouth studio, together with locally baked treats, hot and cold refreshments and delicious lunch platters for full-day workshops. What's more, attendees receive their own calligraphy kit to take home so they can hone their skills - and maybe even produce some paper goods for the wedding!
wildseacalligraphy.com
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.
Main image istock/jacoblund
words Hannah May
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