Our Top 10 Hen Party Ideas

Our Top 10 Hen Party Ideas

Published on Nov 21, 2017

Long gone are the days when a hen party was a simple dinner or few drinks down your local. Now hen parties are more and more fun with a whole plethora of options available, no matter what sort of celebration you are looking for. However, all this choice means that when it comes to hen party ideas it can get a bit overwhelming with a market stuffed with so many you don’t know where to begin.

From the adventurous activities such as climbing trees with Go Ape or racing around the city on a group treasure hunt, to the more relaxed such as a spa day or afternoon tea, you are guaranteed to find something, it just helps if you know where to look. And this is why we have put together ten of our top hen party ideas so that you can plan an event that is memorable for all the right reasons and one that will have you wishing you could do it all again…

Go Ape

When it comes to hen party ideas, what could be more fun than taking your party to (quite literally) the next level, with a day at Go Ape? This is a great activity for everyone to get together and have fun, while also getting the adrenaline pumping! You can take the course at your own pace and it’s great fun for cheering each member of your group on and experiencing something a little different. If anyone doesn’t want to take part, they can still follow the course from below – putting them in prime position for watching the action and also some great photo taking! Why not spend the day at Go Ape and follow with an evening cocktail making masterclass for a fun-packed day from noon until night…

 

Cocktail Making

Let’s face it, what would a hen do be without a few drinks at least? And what better way to get there than to make your drinks yourself with the group? A cocktail making masterclass is a great way to mix your own tipples with friends whilst also indulging in a few fun bar games and challenges to really get the party started. Learn to mix and muddle the drinks, how to properly shake the ingredients and what exactly it takes to make a drink taste truly delicious (and yes, there is more to it than just alcohol!) This is a great activity to start your night on the town and get everyone in the party mood and excited for what the rest of your night has to offer…

City treasure hunt

Whilst you may regularly explore cities with friends, girlfriends or your other halves, a hen do is the perfect time to take a mundane walk and turn it right on its head, creating a game from the everyday scenes, sights and destinations around you. Introducing the city treasure hunt! It’s ideal if you’re staying in the city and don’t fancy foraying far. The day will consist of you being split into teams where you have to race to beat each other, solving clues and puzzles using skills and persuasive negotiation which will lead you all around the city. Not only is it exciting but it’s a great way to spot potential bars, clubs and restaurants for your upcoming night out on the tiles! The minimum group size for this is ten participants, so it’s ideal for those with a slightly larger group to all get-together.

Escape room

Hen dos are a great way to mingle with old friends but also to meet new ones. There’s no better way to induce friendship than to lock a group of you in a room together where you have to work as a team to get out. An ‘escape room’ is a fantastic hen do idea, not only due to this, but also as it’s super memorable and not something you’d do every day, or are likely to have done before, making your special weekend that little bit more so. If you are a larger group you are split into smaller teams and you can compete against each other to see who manages to get out the fastest! Why not do this in the morning then follow with a vintage afternoon tea to round off the day where you can compare stories and regale tales of the afternoon?

Afternoon tea and games

After a morning spent doing something competitive, it can be nice to get together and have a delicious afternoon tea. Why not hire a space in a vintage tea room and decorate it with different pictures of all the guests and the bride to be? (Be sure to call up first to check you can, of course!) During the tea you can also play games such as a Mr & Mrs quiz (testing the hen on her knowledge of her other half) or see how well all the hens all know her themselves in different team quizzes. Feast on delicious scones, sip tea and pop champagne and watch the afternoon fly by in a really fun and special way.

Spa day

Wedding planning can be stressful, so give the bride-to-be a chance to unwind and relax before the big occasion with a spa day. Whether you decide to get a treatment or just to all relax in the spa, it’s a brilliant way to gossip, catch up and discuss both the hen do antics and also the excitement of the impending big day! There are a variety of spa options all around the UK, from Center Parcs to hotels and independent ones. It’s important to do some research before you go. Some also do special offers for hen parties which can include extras such as champagne or manicures, so be sure to do your research before you go! Why not follow this with an evening of wine tasting for a classy way to finish off a more sophisticated experience?

Bar Crawl

The best hen do memories are often made (or willingly forgotten) on bar crawls, with the antics and laughs spoken about for years to come. So why not make it one really remember? Do your research before heading on the hen do and pick a number of bars you want to head to on the night. You can also turn it into a game – from bar crawl bingo (how many can you spot in each location) to bar crawl monopoly, to a drink and a shot in each one – you can be prepared for things to get a bit wild!

Wine Tasting

For a classier night of drinking why not indulge in a wine tasting evening? Wine tasting events are great for all socialising together, learning a bit more about your favourite wines and also getting a bit merry if you’re heading out to the town after. They are a great way to introduce you to understanding wine and the different varieties and with a taste of three reds and three whites you can all find your favourite. If your hen party has a preference, this can be arranged and an addition of champagne, canapes and even food can also be added if you’re really looking to make that evening a little bit more special.

Games Night

Sophisticated nights aside, there are also a number of games designed for a more wild hen night! Why not rent out a space or all get together in one of your hotel rooms (if you’re a smaller group) and spend a night in with some prosecco and hen do games? (If you have a self-catered accommodation with a lounge area or games room it is perfect for this!) From hoopla and snakes and ladders to Twister and truth or dare the world is your oyster when it comes to hen party versions of classic games! Why not order in some pizzas, gather some snacks and enjoy a chilled (or maybe not so chilled) night in together!

Chocolate Making Party

Indulge in your sweet side with a chocolate making masterclass at your hen party. Gather your group to learn all about the history of chocolate as well as sampling different flavours along the way. You will then get the chance to make your own chocolate treats such as a giant chocolate button and chocolate truffles – and there are even competitions along the way for the best design! Take home your creations in a ribbon tied box (if they make it that far without you resisting temptation!) and show them off to your family and friends. Why not indulge in this masterclass during the day and round off the hen party with a games night in where you can nibble on your creations as you play?

No matter which hen party activities you choose for your hen do, it’s important to keep the main goal in mind- making sure the bride-to-be has the best send-off possible! Plan as much as you can before you go and try to team together activities for day and night so each day of the itinerary runs smoothly and has plenty to do.