So. You’ve said yes. You’ve got a date. Now you need to make the hen do actually legendary.
Forget the same old city breaks. Forget the overpriced bars and the dodgy hen party packages. The Lake District is the UK’s adventure playground — and right in the heart of Windermere village sits a Grade II listed stunner that was built for exactly this kind of weekend.
Welcome to Bannerrigg. A Big House in the Lakes.
The House
This isn’t your average rental. Bannerrigg is a proper house. Designed by Augustus Pugin — the same bloke behind the interiors of the Houses of Parliament — it sleeps 16, which means the whole gang stays together. No splitting up across three different Premier Inns. No “see you for dinner.” Everyone, under one roof, from Friday to Monday.
And here’s the bit hen parties love. Every single bed is your own. No sharing. No awkward “do you mind if I have the side nearest the door” conversations. Sixteen guests, sixteen beds. Job done.
It’s big, it’s gorgeous, and it’s got serious character.
The Hot Tub
Let’s not waste time. There’s a private 7-seat hot tub — in its own stone-built building.
You know what that means on a hen weekend. Questionable stories about the bride-to-be. Memories that absolutely stay between you. What goes on the hen do stays on the hen do.
The Cinema Room
When you’ve finally had enough of the hot tub (does that even happen?), head down to the 18-seat cinema in the cellar. The biggest of all our houses. Stick on a classic rom-com. Or the bride’s slideshow — the more embarrassing the better. It’s her weekend.
75-inch Smart TV. Proper cinema seats. The works.
The Kitchen and Dining Room
This is the bit people genuinely can’t believe when they arrive.
The dining room seats all 16 of you around one table. Bring in a private chef through Lucy’s Inside Out or Yhangry, sit down for a proper group dinner together, then push the tables back, get the music on and see what happens. All without leaving the house.
It’s your own private venue. In a Victorian listed building. In the Lake District.
The Location
You’re a two-minute walk from Windermere village. Booths supermarket is practically on the doorstep — brilliant for the big group shop on arrival. And when you’re ready to venture out, the Lake District has everything: stunning walks, wild swimming at Miller Ground, and some genuinely great places to eat and drink.
Start the morning right at Homeground in the village. Proper breakfast. Strong coffee. Get everyone fed before the day kicks off.
Why It Works for a Hen Do
- Sleeps 16 — the whole group, together
- Every bed is a single — nobody has to share
- Private 7-seat hot tub in its own stone building
- Biggest cinema of all our houses — 18 seats
- Dining room that seats all 16 around one table
- Two-minute walk to restaurants, shops and the train station
- Pets welcome — yes, bring the dog
- Friday or Monday check-in — a proper long weekend or mid-week break
One Last Thing
There’s a reason people book a Big House in the Lakes for a hen do. Everyone together. No compromises. No taxi faff. Just your group, doing it your way, in one of the most beautiful corners of the country.
Bannerrigg is ready when you are.
Andy and Barbara (owners) The Terrace Windermere
