7 Best Cities for Hen Parties in the UK

People hanging out at a bar.

One of the most challenging parts of organising a hen weekend is deciding where to have it. There are lots of entertaining hen do locations across the UK that make for memorable events, so how do you choose?

To help you out, we’ve put together what we think are the seven best cities for hen parties in the UK — including activities you can do and how much they cost to visit.

Whether you know exactly what vibe and theme your bride-to-be wants, or you’re just looking for some new ideas, we’re sure somewhere here will jump out at you.

Manchester

Modern Manchester is ideal if you’re after world-class food and shopping. Find leading high-street brands at Manchester Arndale mall, designer boutiques on King Street, and quirky shops and galleries in the bohemian Northern Quarter. The city’s also famous for its dining scene, with many restaurants run by renowned chefs (including James Martin).

Budget: You shouldn't need too much for Manchester. Shopping expenditure is obviously up to each hen and we can't emphasis enough how many central bars, hotels and restaurants there are — from cheap and cheerful to high-end and exclusive.

Newcastle

Famous, or infamous, for its dazzling and dynamic night scene; Newcastle is  regularly voted best city in the UK for a night out and a perfect hen do location for a boozy finale to single life.

Start at the Quayside for friendly pubs like Brewdog and Slug and Lettuce; have a glass of fizz on a riverboat cruise; and create your own cocktail in a luxury bar on the lively Diamond Strip. With karaoke venues, strip shows and ‘butler in the buff’ services, Newcastle is great for traditional hen party entertainment.  

Budget: Newcastle bars and restaurants are generally much cheaper than many in the south, but the tab will build up after a full day/night/or even weekend.

Bournemouth

Perhaps you’re looking for something more active? Beautiful Bournemouth is great for hen parties in summer, where it's all about the sandy beach, lively promenade and warm sea. Hire a beach hut; go kayaking and waterskiing; and head to the hilarious inflatable Aquapark floating on the water! Get all the hens to take a surfing class or try ziplining across the pier before watching the sunset together with chips and ice cream.

Budget: Weather, sand and sea are free, but the activities and attractions will obviously cost you if you want to make this a childhood-dream of a hen do.

Liverpool

Liverpool is an UNESCO World Heritage site with more galleries and museums than anywhere outside London — perfect hen do location for a cultural weekend. Start with a visit to the iconic Albert Dock to see Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story — home to John Lennon’s last piano, as well as recreations of Abbey Road Studios and The Cavern Club. Visit the city’s two cathedrals, stroll around a food festival, see lions and tigers at Knowsley Safari, and enjoy the swanky clubs and cocktail bars in the evening.

Budget: Some museums and galleries offer free entry, which can save you money. But, some of Liverpool’s chic nighttime venues are pricey.

Cardiff

Fun, friendly and down-to-earth, Cardiff is a top UK location for hen weekends. Although popular for its happy clubbers and a night scene that welcomes everyone, Cardiff is also fantastic for outdoor activities.

In and around Cardiff, you can go canoeing, laser tagging, gorge walking, raft building, quad bike racing, and Ghyll Scrambling — a fun mix of climbing, caving, and jumping into pools! Combine these hilarious team activities with a cheerful, unpretentious night scene, and you have an unforgettable hen weekend location.

Budget: Cardiff hotels and eateries are quite cheap. So, depending on the number of activities you book, we think this is an affordable place for your hens.

Edinburgh

This beautiful Scottish capital city is an incredible hen weekend location for sightseeing, shopping and supping.Visit Arthur’s seat and Edinburgh Castle before stopping off for a dram of whisky. Then head to Princes Street for top-brand stores and vintage boutiques. Edinburgh Dungeons and ghost-walking tours are fun group activities to do before heading into Edinburgh’s old town sector — bustling with merry drinkers and welcoming pubs that make it great for a relaxing, carefree hen weekend.

Budget: Visitors to Edinburgh tend to spend more money on hotels than food, shopping or transport. You’re charged to get into the castle and dungeons, but there are plenty of budget eating and drinking choices.

Bristol

Funny and friendly, Bristolians create the perfect atmosphere for a cheerful hen weekend. Bar-hop to try the variety of local cider or take a booze cruise and view Bristol’s coastline. Alongside independent music venues and off-the-wall boutiques, diverse Bristol offers every kind of activity from hot air ballooning to paddleboarding.

Make sure you take the 20-minute train ride to Bath — famous for its natural hot springs — for an indulgent spa treat, too.

Budget: Bristol was found to be a pricey place to visit according to a study that looked at accommodation and dining across the UK. However, we think it’s one of the most wide-ranging cities for activity, drinks and food, so we’re sure it’s worth the money.

Look through our range of games, decorations and accessories to take with you on your hen party.


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