Gather Your Favourite People and Escape to Nature
August 29, 2025
Over the years Penhein has welcomed countless groups of friends looking for an experience that feels joyful, gentle and private. So, if you’ve been talking about planning a girls’ (or boys!) trip for longer than you care to admit, take this as your sign. Forget the endless messages in the group chat, it’s time to get together, in real life, in a place that feels a world apart.
The countryside, woods and fields around Penhein offer a special kind of magic. Light breezes, warm sunshine, cooling rain or sunsets glowing golden through the trees, whatever the weather Penhein offers a stunning backdrop for spending precious time in each other’s company.
Why Penhein is made for friends
Penhein is a woodland base like no other, it is peaceful and private, with spaces designed for gathering together. Chehel Sotoun, our stunning open-sided woodland marquee offers room for food, feasts and dancing, while Petro, our cosy indoor space with a woodburner for added warmth, is ideal for evenings of cards, crafts, music and conversation.
We may be in the countryside, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. After all, it’s not camping… it’s glamping! Our alachigh tents, with their comfortable beds and hotel linens, hot showers and the thrill of sleeping so close to nature, means you get the joy of camping with all the comforts of a boutique hotel.
A car-free adventure
One of the luxuries of Penhein is that you don’t have to drive anywhere once you’ve arrived. Everything you need for a full and memorable weekend is on site.
Start the morning with a stretch in the meadow, perhaps led by our wonderful yoga instructor Miranda Shaw. Take a guided forage with Chloe at Gourmet Gatherings , discovering all sorts of nature’s goodies and learning about unknown wild flavours that can be incorporated into a feast to remember. Walk your way to relaxation with some forest-bathing led by Carina Greenwood. The evenings, when the woodsmoke curls upwards from your own fires, lend themselves perfectly to sunset feasts and laughter that stretch into a star-filled night. Finish with toasted marshmallows by firelight or perhaps setting off on a torch-lit wander to spot stars and bats. You can fill your days without ever leaving the site and that, we think, is the ultimate luxury.
Exploring further afield
Of course if your group fancies venturing out, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean are on the doorstep. The best advice? Keep it fun and doable. A ramble followed by a hearty pub lunch is always a winner, as is a stroll through Puzzlewood’s ancient woodland that feels straight out of a fairytale (and actually is…lots of films are shot here!)
For the more adventurous there’s paddleboarding at Symonds Yat, caving, zip wires, castles or even a wild-ish dip for the brave. For some local lore, head to Monmouth town to browse independent shops, stop for coffee and cake, and maybe pick up some local wine for the evening, or head up to Chepstow Castle for a bit of history.
No matter what level of thrill your group is seeking, the area surrounding Penhein is packed full of choices.
Making the weekend your own
Every group has its own rhythm and at Penhein you can lean into whatever feels right. Craft something new with a pottery session with Melenie Made Mud, or simply bring your own projects for a relaxed afternoon of making and chatting. Embrace a digital detox – hammocks, birdsong and a slow brunch are all the best ingredients for forgetting about your phone without even trying. Of course, food sits at the heart of it all: choose a catered feast from the fabulous Orchard Kitchen or go for a DIY weekend with a pre-booked supermarket order delivered straight to the site. Either way, eating well is guaranteed.
A sample weekend
- Friday: Arrive from 4pm, settle into your tent and enjoy a woodland supper with marshmallows and stargazing
- Saturday: Morning yoga, a crisp walk, pub lunch, then a restful afternoon before an evening feast and craft session in Petro
- Sunday: Coffee in bed, a pancake breakfast and perhaps a wild(er) adventure in the Wye Valley
- Monday: A slow awakening, the relaxed packing to leave and one last stop at Penhein’s Pantry for local treats before heading home…..
Almost everything here can be booked through us, making it easy to shape the perfect mix of calm, connection and adventure. Whether you’re planning a celebration or simply carving out time together, Penhein offers the perfect place to make it unforgettable.
Email enquiries@penhein.co.uk or call 01633 400581 to start planning your woodland escape.