Hen party/weekend ideas for women in their 30's

[Sparkly]

My sister is shortly getting married and I have the job of organising the hen weekend. We are talking about a group of 8-10 women in late twenties/30's and don't want a nightclub with a stripper or anything like that. I suggested a weekend away in a cottage and my sister thought that would be a great idea, but the cost would be a bit high for some people (likely to cost £100+ each for just the accomodation). I went on a similar do where we stayed in a cottage with a pool, did a party on the friday night and then had a pamper weekend with a beautician and it was really good.

I think she would still like a night away if possible.

Anyone got any good ideas?

[Sparkly]

[emmy1978]

Sounds good Sparkly but it will be expensive. The last hen do I went on cost me nearly £200!  :o Don't go for anything tailored to hen nights as it's a sure fire way to get ripped off.  ;D

[cocopops]

When are you thinking of going on away?  The Lakes would be a good place to go from Manchester.  I was looking there recently and there were cottages from £11 pppn.

[Sparkly]

The wedding is the beginning of Aug 2010, so ideally late May or July. That is half the problem really, hence the cost. Cocopops where did you see the cheaper cottages? Most people would be coming from Nottingham (only me up in Manchester) so somewhere central UK is important.

[elvis2003]

a night in a cottage would be brill,you can buy your own drinks and food,keep the cost down. when my lil sis had hers,it worked out about 400 quid all told,and i just couldnt afford it at the time,we had to buy a little black dress,tiara etc plus two nights away,6 meals out etc etc,ive always terrible since,even though she got married abroad and none of us were invited!

[Sparkly]

Yeah. I would be happy to do all the catering and could probably do all the food for the weekend at £20pp. I think it is very misleading when you start going out in terms of the total cost. You could pay £100 each for a cottage then £20 for food. You can go out and spend £30 for a meal, £30 on booze, then £50 for some activity in the day etc. This is not counting that lots of them would probably buy an outfit for the occassion.

The other idea is a murder mystery night?

I don't think it has to be very low cost, maybe up to £60 per person. Just not well over £100 basic cost with all the additional things.

[cocopops]

I would look at www.superbreaks.com.  Or Google for deals.  At the moment it is unlikely that you will get a private cottage for a weekend.  They will understandably be holding out for a week booking.  I am visiting London in Feb and will take a chance on a late booking room.  Maybe if you all set a date you can use something like laterooms.com to find somewhere.  

In any event pampering with friends and enjoying a good girly time is much better organised together, in a room, with cosmetics and alcohol provided.  Done the spa thing, not for me, and too expensive now.

[cocopops]

"The other idea is a murder mystery night?"

Go onto ebay and buy a murder mystery game, all dress up, food and instructions included.

[grotbag]

i will send wife away for the weekend ,and you can all stay with me . ;D :P ;D :D :)