Wedding season is fast approaching, which means one thing: it is time to plan all of the hen and stag dos (bachelorette and bachelor parties in the USA)! Of course, if you are reading this, the chances are that you are planning to be in the UK for the occasion. Amongst choosing your bridal party’s wedding guest dresses and finding your wedding location, hen do party planning can be confusing. Whether you’re from the UK or are flying in from across the world, there are so many cities and activities to take advantage of for UK Hen dos.
With iconic cities and buzzing nightlife, choosing the right location and events can be tricky. But, we are here to help you move along with your decision-making and highlight some of the best areas of the UK to start your planning, of course, with some added inspiration. Take a look at the following suggestions.
Choose your city
First things first, you can’t plan your UK hen do without choosing the right city. We have compiled a list of some of the top-rated cities for hen dos, aligned with their advantages and disadvantages.
London
Advantages: As the capital city of the UK, you will be spoiled for choice with activities to do. With endless restaurant choices, activities and nightlife, everything you need can be experienced in London.
Disadvantage: London is very costly, especially for bridal parties looking to stick to a budget.
Activities to consider
- Floating hot tub down the themes
- Paint and sip classes
- Dine at Jacuzzi restaurant
- Watch a show on the west end
- Magic Mike Live (look away under 18’s)
- Rooftop bottomless brunches
- Wireless Festival
Manchester
Advantages: Manchester is known for its friendly people and buzzing nightlife. There are several group activity spots, alongside stunning Airbnbs for you and all of your girls to spend the night in for pampering.
Disadvantages: The drinking scene is no joke in Manchester, so you should expect a hangover from hell the next day! Manchester is also creeping up in terms of cost.
Activities to consider
- Drinks in Cloud 23
- Cocktail making masterclass
- Bottomless brunch
- Drag shows
- Spa treatments at King Street TownHouse
- Luxury Airbnb stays
- Parklife Festival
Newcastle
Advantages: One of the best cities for a party weekend, one that you might not even remember. The city is also beautiful but has a tonne of brunch and dinner spots.
Disavstanges: It can get intense, and you might even see the Geordie Shore crew!
Activities to consider
- Life drawing
- Cocktail making at Howlers
- Prosecco bike ride through the city
- Go Ape Newcastle
- Paintballing
Edinburgh
Advantages: Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities with stunning architecture to take in, not to mention it hosts some of the most gorgeous brunch spots for delicious food and people-watching.
Disavstanges: Understandably, it can get busy here, with so many hen and stag parties wanting to venture out of their hometowns and up north to see the best scenery.
Activities to consider
- Edinburgh pub crawl
- Escape rooms
- Ghost tours
- Gin tasting
- Holistic healing classes
Cardiff
Advantages: The people of Wales know how to have a good time. There are some brilliant independent bars and businesses.
Disadvantages: The city centre is pretty small in comparison to other UK cities, but for one night to remember it certainly has everything you will need!
Activities to consider
- Alcatraz bar
- Bingo Lingo
- Parkgate Hotel Spa
- Salsa dance classes
- Whitewater rafting
- Welsh challenge
Liverpool
Advantages: If you and your bridesmaids are known for being party starters wherever you go, Liverpool is the place to be. Most bars and clubs accept large groups of hen party girls and boys, even if the most eccentric dress up! Liverpool also has a collection of luxury hotels and spas renowned for their experiences. The Titanic Hotel is a great example of the hotels Liverpool has to offer.
Disadvantages: There is quite a large student scene in Liverpool, so if you are looking to avoid the gen’zers you might want to avoid certain locations if you are going for a night out.
Activities to consider
- Cave trampolining
- River surfing
- Albert dock cruise
- Pole dancing classes
- Shop Liverpool One
Oxford
Advantages: Oxford is a stunning city with the perfect balance between scenery and lively bars. With the surrounding countryside, there are some huge ‘hen party houses’ to rent for you and all of your friends to play house, drink wine, and laugh the night away.
Disadvantages: There isn’t a lot to do during the daytime unless you are into exploring architecture!
Activities to consider
- Chocolate making
- Pimms cruise
- Escape room
- Burlesque dance classes
- Clay pigeon shooting
- Axe throwing
Dublin
Advantages: If you and your hens are worthy enough to ride with the top drinkers, Dublin is the place for you. It is filled to the brim with life and interesting people. You will not be disappointed if you choose Dublin for your hen party, as there is so much opportunity for shopping, exploring, and, most importantly, drinking.
Disadvantages: As with all major cities, the prices in Dublin have increased; therefore you might expect to pay anything close to the London prices for your food and drinks.
Activities to consider
- Dublin bar crawl
- Comedy club night
- Irish dancing classes
- The Market Bar Group
The Cotswolds
Advantages: If you have dreamed of experiencing quaint village life as shown in the movie “The Holiday’, you simply need to consider The Cotswolds for your hen do. This is a more suitable option for hens and soon-to-be brides looking for a cottage and hot tub stay, but they can often be some of the best hens to experience. Just you and all of your favourite people enjoying stunning landscapes and delicious foods and drinks. Plus, who doesn’t love a drunk dip into a jacuzzi?
Activities to consider
- Party cottages
- Country walks
- Wine tasting
- Yoga retreats
- Cycling tours
Bottom line
We hope you have enjoyed the ultimate guide to the UK Hen dos! Be sure to choose the city that offers everything you are looking for in a hen do, invite all of your friends, and make memories that last a lifetime!
