Among the oh-so salacious details of Prince William’s stag party, perhaps the most intriguing was the venue: Hartland Abbey, a 12th century stately home in North Devon. But you don’t need to be a prince to celebrate your single life in luxurious surroundings, and many historic houses will open their exclusive doors to a discerning stag party.
Here are five country retreats that will indulge a you on a sophisticated stag weekend.
Bath Lodge Castle, Bath
Towers? Check. Battlements? Yes. Portcullis? Uh-huh. It’s a castle alright! Situated just six miles from Bath, this Grade II listed building will give your party a degree of ‘wow’ that will be difficult to beat. While arguing over who gets to be king for a day, guests can also enjoy the outdoor hot tub, sauna and bar. As an additional touch, why not take advantage of the catering services? A regal banquet is just the thing for the stag and his loyal men.
http://thebeautifulhousecompany.com/bath-lodge-castle/
Ridge Farm, Surrey
Dating back to Medieval times, this farmhouse in Surrey is historic in more ways than one. Once a residential recording studio, Ridge Farm boasts an illustrious roll call of former residents, from Queen and Ozzy Osbourne to The Three Tenors. Stags can channel some of rock’s finest legends and sample their exclusive rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle by partying in the pool house or relaxing in the Jacuzzi.
http://www.adventureconnections.co.uk/hotels/surrey-farmhouse-self-catering.jsp
Cotswold Manor, Cotswolds
We all know the feeling. You’re trying to book a place that pleases everyone but you can’t find anywhere that will let you land your helicopter. Well, look no further: Cotswold Manor can accommodate your chopper on its manicured croquet lawn. After touching down, stags can relax by the pool, get competitive in the games room or explore a wealth of pubs in the nearby village. Just make sure you’re under the limit by the time you hop back into your ‘copter and fly home.
http://www.housepartysolutions.co.uk/Cotswold_manor.html
Spitbank Fort
For a truly unique blend of exclusivity and luxury, stags can enjoy absolute privacy on this island fort in the Solent. With boat shuttles available from the mainland for the exclusive use of guests, you can keep the riff-raff out and keep tabs on the best man too. Meanwhile, you and your guests can call on the services of an attendant crew, including personal Chef and Sommellier, to sate the inevitable appetites for fine food and wine. The Fort also boasts a roof top Champagne bar and fire pit where stags can relax and keep look out for errant brides.
http://thebeautifulhousecompany.com/spitbank-fort/
Highlander House, Inverness-shire
There can be only one! One stag, that is. Sample the life of a true Scottish Laird (without the swordplay) at this opulent country retreat. The wild Highland coastal setting is perfect for adventurous stags who want to pit their wits against nature: how about mountain climbing, power boating, trout and salmon fishing and even highland games? All that activity is bound to give you a lordly appetite, so a personal chef is on hand to produce a hearty feast for the stag and his hungry companions. Only the bravest of the brave will round off the weekend with a bowl of salty porridge.
http://www.uniquehomestays.com/unique/details.asp?id=1156
Claire Broadley writes for Wish.co.uk an experience days site that includes exciting activities such as Vinopolis wine tasting.
