WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Cliff Barns

From L Plates to Pole dancing, and scantily clad bosoms to scaring the natives in previously sleepy beauties Prague and Amsterdam, hen and stag parties have got themselves a bad name. Rarely do you ever learn or take anything away from one of the increasingly lengthy romps, besides a dazed, vague recollection that shots of Port or Jagermeister are not a good idea and something to do with lamposts.

Thank goodness then for the burgeoning trend in offbeat, but stonkingly high-rolling hen and stag parties and venues offering riotous fun, luxury and the opportunity to edify your friendship group about one another as well as potentially a cool new hobby.

Cliff Barns is like Beyonce’s ‘Who Run the World’ gone luxe: learn to deer-stalk, shoot clay pigeons, give Robin Hood a run for his money with a spot of archery, (all whilst decked out in feathers and hunting gear, you realise, for a Vogueish take on the hunting party of yore) then collapse in a hot tub, and whip out the artisan cider whilst your own private chef cooks up a rock and roll banquet.

Menfolk who consider themselves something of a real GRRR man might quite like to explore Woodlands Ways’ survival schools, learning to build and light their own blazing campfire about which they can frolic, naked if the mood so takes them, navigate using the sun and stars, wield an axe, source and prepare their own foraged feast and purify water to drink. So, if the dreaded ‘for worse’ should happen, he’ll be prepared.

I also love:

Distillery tours, game shooting, deer and eagle stalking and highland walks at The Lovat in Loch Ness.

Eco-glamping at a Featherdown farm: breathtaking countryside, your own rusticluxe tent cum lodge, new hot tubs at Billingsmoor and manor Farm and champagne delivered to your tent door whilst you learn to smoke your food, or partake of a ‘forest schooling’ or cider orchard tours.Featherdown.co.uk