From afternoon tea to cocktail making at Balmer Lawn, step inside Ellie May’s hen weekend in the New Forest.
Why the New Forest?
I’ve never been much of a party girl and always knew I didn’t want a big hen do, or one abroad. So it felt right to have it at home in the New Forest – an area I feel lucky to live in. It has the mix of country and coast, wild ponies and open countryside, and having my hen this close to home felt fundamentally me.
Where We Stayed
We hosted the hen at Balmer Lawn, a hotel in Brockenhurst. It’s long been one of my local spots for dinner, drinks with friends or a trip to the spa. The vibe couldn’t have felt more ‘me’ – countryside luxury, without the stuffiness. An elevated but relaxed spot for a hen.
What We Did
The itinerary was completely me. We started with afternoon tea (I should say I’m a little obsessed – I’ve made it my mission to visit the best afternoon teas across the UK, and I’m past 20 so far). Then came the hen games, which had us howling – ‘Ellie Jeopardy’ and ‘Mr & Mrs’, the latter of which I vlogged, so anyone who wants the groom’s blooper reel can have a laugh. Cocktail making came next, and they were strong enough to keep the party going. After a quick pizza, we finished with glass painting – again, very me. I love anything creative, and it was fun to see the designs the girls came up with. Top tip: use glass pens rather than paints, so no dresses get ruined.
Where We Ate
The food was at Balmer Lawn – the afternoon tea, the cocktails and the pizzas. They also did the best vegan options the girls had had, which was an added bonus.
What We Packed
I couldn’t have loved my dress more – it was from Karen Millen and gave Zimmermann vibes for a fraction of the price. My girls gave me the veil, which I adored, and the shoes were Phase Eight. Top tip for your day bag: pack as many makeup top-ups as you can, because the tears, laughter and hugging take their toll.
Best Moment
My best moment was sitting down for the afternoon tea and handing the girls their bridal bags – goodie bags filled with bits to enjoy: the personalised bags themselves, twillies, face masks, lipsticks. I wanted to treat and spoil them, and seeing their reactions was so rewarding. A moment I’ll never forget.
