We headed off to Caldicot in Wales to celebrate my fairytale hen party weekend! We hired the incredible 800 year old, 12th Century Medieval Llanthony Secunda Manor House, once belonging to Henry VIII!
>Note: I use the term “fairytale” not in some mushy ‘happily-ever-after-Disney-fairytale’ kinda way, but simply because there was a Castle, a banquet and a whole host of fantastical creatures from Knights, wenches and of course Princesses present oh and AHEM one Queen.<
Coming from all over the country the fabulous gang arrived at different times throughout the Friday, which meant a welcome restful evening exploring the house, having dinner on the lawn and enjoying the hot tub (thanks Gina)
The bathrooms were so beautiful with all exposed stone and roll top baths. The kitchen was every bit as impressive with beams, metal tankards and a huge swoon-worthy AGA range.
After a bite to eat on the lawn and a few laughs, the sun went down so we had a cosy drink in the hot tub.
My room had a beautiful four-poster bed with intricate carvings fit for a Queen, which I couldn’t wait to take for a spin.
Waking up on the Saturday there was a rainy spell which meant hiding out in the local pub, enjoying a few laughs and drinks before heading off to Caldicot Castle.
If you’ve been a regular reader for a while you’ll most likely recognise some of these smiley faces. From LEFT: Moi, Terry, Christianne, Helena, Hazel, Twinny, Mummy, Sarah V, Gina, Octavia, Lucy. 
As the rain cleared we hit the Castle, climbing to the tops of the turrets and looking out across the breathtaking views.With the sun bursting through the clouds we basked in the glorious midday sun.
Following our visit to Caldicot Castle we strolled back to the Manor house for a heated game of Bingo complete with prizes, including personalized temporary tattoos and games. Post Bingo we all got suitably changed and ready for a plentiful banquet in the Main Hall. Here’s my best impression of a staunch Queen…
For dinner we ate sharing dishes of sweetcorn, sweet potato fries, tacos, guacamole, salsa and beans (not exactly Medieval I know, but who doesn’t like Mexican food?)
As it was also my birthday week I was surprised with a lovely desert, singing and presents. After dinner we played a hilarious game of personalized Cards Against Humanity that Terry had designed to include jokes from our past adventures, so funny.
Before heading off back to reality we lazed around in the Sunday morning sun reading the papers and drinking coffee.
Terry had created the loveliest gift bags for everyone with fabulous pencils and personalised love heart sweets.
Feel so ridiculously fortunate to have such an incredible group of friends and family. Massive thank you to Mum, Hazel, Sarah, Christianne, Lucy, Rachael, Gina, Helena, Octavia and of course The Best Woman history has ever known AKA Terry for making my hen weekend so very special.
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. -Thomas Aquinas”
Stay fabulous
Christine
