If you and the girls are strapped for cash and the probability of throwing a destination hen party is dwindling away by the second, this blog is here to save you. Sure a UK hen do doesn't sound quite as glamorous as a Parisian bachelorette party, but in this blog, we're going to tell you exactly why you should choose a UK hen do instead of chasing rainbows in Ibiza. So, grab your feather boas and tiaras because we're about to unveil 10 of the best hen do locations in the UK where you can throw the best UK hen do for your bride-to-be including:

But first, let's uncover the history and unique hen-do traditions that continue to be popular within in the UK.

The History of UK Hen Dos

Why is it called a Hen Night?

a hen party having fun at one of the best UK hen do locations
The term 'hen night actually has an interesting history. The word "hen" originally referred to the female of any bird species, but it was specifically used to describe female chickens. In the 1800s, "hen party" began to be used in the context of gatherings for women, and it eventually evolved into "hen night" in the early 20th century. The use of "hen" in this context likely comes from the idea of women gathering together, much like hens in a flock.

What's the Point of a Hen Night?

Why have a hen night, you ask? Well, why not? Hen nights are a chance for the bride-to-be to celebrate her upcoming marriage with her closest female friends. It's also a chance for the bride's friends to show their love to the bride-to-be by planning this once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) event. Plus, who doesn't love an excuse to wear a tiara and dance like nobody's watching?

What Happens on a Hen Do?

Now, onto the most critical question: What do you even do on a hen do? A hen do typically involves a mix of fun hen do activities, a lot of drinking, and bonding between close family and friends. From spa days and dance classes to cocktail making and saucy challenges, every hen do is different with some preferring a classy UK hen do, and some preferring a downright wild hen party.

How Much Should You Spend on a Hen Do?

a hen do in the UK watching a show
Just as every UK hen night is different, so is the price spent on them. A rough estimate for a UK hen do weekend can range from £100 to £300 per person but if you're on a budget, you can still have a whole lot of fun on the cheap. If you're the maid of honour and in charge of organising the UK hen do, make sure you discuss the budget with the bride-to-be and her friends beforehand to ensure everyone is comfortable because a recent study found that 32% of people have declined a hen do invitation because they couldn't afford it.

Why Choose a UK Hen Do?

a hen party in their bedroom during a UK hen do
Why choose a UK hen do when you could be sipping cocktails on a tropical island, right? Wrong! Hen dos, as many of us know, can be costly, not to mention the difficulty in finding a location and date that suits everyone! But that's why choosing a UK hen do is such a game changer. Going for a UK hen do not only saves you a heap of money but also offers the convenience of staying close to home. No need to worry about taking time off work and some of your hen party missing out. It's a great choice for busy brides and their friends who want to keep the party closer to home. Plus, you might discover that the UK has more hen-friendly fun than you ever imagined.

The 10 Best Hen Do Locations in the UK

1. London

watch magic mike on your UK hen do
Kicking off our list of the best hen do locations in the UK is of course London - an unrivalled choice for an unforgettable UK hen-do. Here, you can party like royalty, shop 'til you drop, and eat at the country's best restaurants - perfect if you're looking for a more classy UK hen do and aren't worried about your budget. London is also extremely easy to reach wherever you're based in the UK.

Where to Stay for your London Hen Do:

  • The Standard: A trendy hotel in King’s Cross with a rooftop bar and lively atmosphere, perfect for hens looking to socialise on their classy UK hen do.
  • Mama Shelter London: A vibrant and quirky hotel in East London, offering stylish rooms and a lively bar with regular DJ sets.
  • The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A chic and social hotel in a trendy area, ideal for access to nightlife and cool hangouts - great for more alternative hens
  • Generator London: A fun and budget-friendly hen do hotel in London with a bar and events, great for socialising with other groups.

The 5 Best Hen Do Ideas in London:

  1. Bottomless Brunch: Start the day of right with endless mimosas or prosecco while enjoying a decadent brunch.
  2. Dreamboys Show: Catch this sizzling male revue show that promises a night of fun and laughter.
  3. Cocktail Making Masterclass: Learn to mix your favourite drinks while enjoying a fun and interactive session.
  4. Magic Mike Live: Experience the excitement and energy of this world-famous performance.
  5. West End Show: Treat yourselves to a dazzling musical or play in London’s famous theatre district.

2. Edinburgh

drink champagne with your hen party in edinburgh
Next on our list of the best UK hen do destinations is Edinburgh. A great UK hen do location for those who live higher up the country or those living in England who want a burst of another culture without having to travel far. Edinburgh is up there with London in terms of cost, however, so this is another UK hen do location for the hens seeking a more classy UK hen weekend.

Where to Stay with Your Hen Do in Edinburgh:

  • Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge: A trendy and affordable hen do hotel in Edinburgh with a rooftop bar, great for pre-party drinks.
  • Stay Central Hotel: Located near the Cowgate area, this hotel offers a youthful vibe and a popular courtyard bar, great for socialising before your hen night out.
  • Grassmarket Hotel: You can't get a much better location than this! If you're planning an Edinburgh hen party with a lot of pub hopping, this is the hotel for you!
  • Fingal: Take you and your hens to the seas (kind of) at this luxury floating hotel in Leith.

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Edinburgh:

  1. Champagne Breakfast at The Lookout: Start your day with bubbles and breathtaking city views.
  2. George Street Bar Crawl: Explore the upmarket bars and clubs on this famous Edinburgh street - if you fancy a more rough and ready pub crawl, head to the Cowgate instead.
  3. Whisky Tasting on the Royal Mile: Discover Scotland’s finest whiskies with a guided tasting experience.
  4. Ceilidh Dancing: Enjoy a lively traditional Scottish dance session in the Scottish capital, perfect for big groups of hens.
  5. Sing City: Sing your hearts out to cheesy tunes in one of this Edinburgh karaoke venue's private rooms.

3. Manchester

girls on a manchester hen do - one of the best hen do locations in the uk
Known for its buzzing nightlife, Manchester is a fun and central hen do location in the UK for party-loving hens. Manchester locals are famously friendly and love a booze up, so what better place to host your wild UK hen party?

Where to Stay on Your UK Hen Do in Manchester:

  • The Cow Hollow Hotel: A boutique hotel in the Northern Quarter, perfect for accessing Manchester’s best bars and clubs.
  • ABode Manchester: A trendy hotel offering contemporary rooms and a lively bar, ideal for social hens.
  • Malmaison Manchester: A modern Manchester hotel with a vibrant atmosphere and stylish bar, great for pre-party drinks.
  • YOTEL Manchester: Located in Manchester's city centre, this hotel offers a cool social space and compact rooms, perfect for hens.
  • The Midland Hotel: A luxurious hotel for classy UK hen parties with a lively champagne bar, ideal for a touch of class before hitting the town.

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Manchester:

  1. Northern Quarter Night Out: Dance the night away in this trendy district’s eclectic bars and clubs.
  2. Cocktail Masterclass: Start your evening with some delicious cocktail-making fun.
  3. Live Music at O2 Apollo or Albert Hall: Catch a gig at one of Manchester’s iconic music venues.
  4. Karaoke at Boom Box: Sing your heart out with your hens in a private karaoke room.
  5. Afternoon Tea at Cloud 23: Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea with stunning views from Manchester’s highest bar.

4. Liverpool

For music-loving hens in the UK, Liverpool is a must-visit hen do destination - especially if they're Beatles fans. Begin your musical journey at the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles first found fame, and enjoy live performances and nostalgia-filled memorabilia. Take a Beatles-themed tour to discover the band's roots and iconic landmarks. Mathew Street is the epi-centre of Liverpool's nightlife, offering a variety of bars and clubs for dancing and live music including:

For a twist of culture (if you're not too hungover), visit the Tate Liverpool or the Walker Art Gallery. Once you've absorbed all the culture with your hens, head to the vibrant Albert Dock area where you can stroll by plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.

5. Brighton

visit brighton as one of the best hen do destinations in the uk
Brighton's evenings are legendary, and there's no shortage of exciting options. Begin your night with a pre-dinner cocktail at a chic cocktail bar like The Plotting Parlour or The Cocktail Shack. Sip on expertly crafted drinks while you and your hens soak up the stylish atmosphere. As the night unfolds, head to the Lanes, a bustling maze of narrow streets filled with pubs, clubs, and live music venues. Dance the night away at clubs like Horizon or Pryzm, where you can groove to the latest tunes with your beloved girl squad.

For something a bit more alternative, explore Brighton's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Kemptown. Dive into inclusive bars, quirky cafes, and beachfront hangouts, all while celebrating love in its many forms. You'll find plenty of opportunities to dance, mingle, and have a fantastic time.

6. Leeds
go to leeds for a uk hen do idea

Leeds is the ultimate UK party capital, perfect for hens ready to dance the night away. When visiting Leeds with your hens, you should head to the vibrant Call Lane, home to numerous bars and clubs with music ranging from hip-hop to indie rock. Consider booking a themed karaoke room at Mix for you and the girls to belt out your favourite tunes while sipping cocktails. If you're looking for something unique, Leeds offers escape rooms and immersive experiences like Gin Journey Leeds, where you can explore the city while sipping on gin cocktails. Don't forget to explore the street food scene at Trinity Kitchen and grab a bite between dance-offs. At the Trinity, you can find street food from all corners of the world that's sure to please a group with diverse food tastes.

Where to Stay with Your Hen Do in Leeds:

  • The Queens Hotel: A stylish and centrally located hotel with excellent amenities and a chic bar, perfect for a fun and social stay.
  • The Headrow House: A modern hotel with a lively atmosphere and an on-site bar, great for easy access to nightlife.
  • Malmaison Leeds: A trendy hotel offering a vibrant bar scene and comfortable rooms, ideal for a hen do.
  • The Dakota Leeds: A luxury hotel with a sophisticated vibe and a popular bar, perfect for a more upscale experience.
  • YOTEL Leeds: A contemporary and budget-friendly option with a lively lounge area, ideal for a social and stylish stay.

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Leeds:

  • Call Lane Night Out: Explore this vibrant street known for its eclectic mix of bars and clubs, offering music from hip-hop to indie rock.
  • Themed Karaoke at Mix: Book a private karaoke room to sing your favorite tunes while enjoying cocktails with your hens.
  • Gin Journey Leeds: A popular hen party idea in Leeds is going on a gin-tasting adventure, exploring the city while sampling a variety of gin cocktails.
  • Street Food at Trinity Kitchen: It can be tricky deciding where to eat on a hen night and finding somewhere that pleases everyone - food courts solve this problem!
  • Escape Rooms: Test your team’s problem-solving skills with an immersive escape room experience, adding a unique twist to your hen do.

7. Newcastle
one of the best uk hen do ideas is to go to newcastle for your uk hen weekend

Another great UK hen do destination is The Toon aka Newcastle. If you thought Manchester was lively, wait till you see Newcastle that's renowned for its wild nightlife (Geordie Shore anyone?). Newcastle is great for hens looking to let loose and enjoy drinks at reasonable prices, at least in comparison to the likes of Edinburgh and London. Enjoy a night out on the town at the legendary Bigg Market, where you can find tons of pubs and clubs. To nurse off the hangover the next day, you and the hens could even take a day trip to Tyneside's beautiful beaches or the stunning Northumberland coast where the fresh air will nurse you all back to health in time for the wedding.

Where to Stay with Your Hen Do in Newcastle:

  • Jesmond Dene House: A charming and stylish hotel located in the picturesque Jesmond Dene Park, ideal for a relaxing stay.
  • Grey Street Hotel: A boutique hotel in the heart of the city, offering a trendy atmosphere and easy access to Newcastle’s nightlife.
  • The Malmaison Newcastle: A chic and modern hotel with a lively bar, perfect for a fun and social hen do.
  • Crowne Plaza Newcastle: A luxurious option with excellent amenities and a central location for exploring the city.
  • Hampton by Hilton Newcastle: A comfortable and budget-friendly hen do hotel with a great location near popular nightlife spots.

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Newcastle:

  • Geordie Shore-Style Dance Class: Get the party started with a hilarious dance class inspired by the popular TV show.
  • Explore Quayside: Discover the bustling Quayside area with its stunning views, bars, and restaurants.
  • Night Out at the Bigg Market: Enjoy a lively night out with a variety of pubs and clubs in this famous area.
  • Day Trip to Tyneside’s Beaches or Northumberland Coast: Recover from the night before with a refreshing trip to the beautiful coastlines nearby.
  • Party Bus Experience: Consider hiring a party bus to transport your hen group in style from one exciting venue to the next.

8. Bristol

bristol is one of the best hen do locations in the uk
Bristol may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a great UK hen do location, but it's actually a dark horse when it comes to nightlife and much like Newcastle, it avoids the hefty drink prices on more popular UK hen do locations like Edinburgh and London.

Where to Stay with Your Hen Do in Bristol:

  • The Bristol Hotel: A stylish and central hotel with a vibrant bar scene, perfect for accessing the city's nightlife.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol: A modern hotel with a lively bar and great amenities, ideal for a social hen do experience.
  • Hotel du Vin & Bistro: A chic hotel offering stylish rooms and a trendy bistro bar, perfect for pre-party drinks.
  • The Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa: A luxurious option with a spa and a stylish bar, ideal for pampering and partying.
  • Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel: A grand hotel with a central location and excellent facilities for a memorable hen do.

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Bristol:

  • Cocktail-Making Class: Start your evening with a fun and interactive cocktail-making session.
  • Prosecco Pong: Perfect your aim with this cheeky game, adding a playful twist to your hen do.
  • Nightlife at Thekla, SWX, or Pryzm: Dive into Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at these popular venues.
  • Butler in the buff: Get waited on by a scantily clad butler from the comfort of your accommodation.
  • Nude Life Drawing Class: Enjoy a giggle-filled artistic experience with a playful nude life drawing session.

9. Essex

a hen party in essex getting a makeover
Essex, known for its lively atmosphere and glamorous nightlife, is a fabulous addition to our list of UK hen do destinations. This UK county offers a blend of bougie fun and sophistication, making it the perfect choice for hens looking to celebrate in style.

Where to Stay with Your Hen Do in Essex:

  • The Bell Hotel, Halstead: A charming and historic hotel with a lively atmosphere, ideal for a more intimate hen do experience.
  • The White Hart Hotel, Colchester: A boutique hotel with a vibrant bar scene, offering a chic stay close to the town’s nightlife.
  • The Essex Golf & Country Club: A relaxing option with golf facilities and a spa, perfect for a mix of pampering and social activities.
  • The Roslin Hotel, Brentwood: A stylish hotel with a trendy bar, providing a great base for exploring Brentwood’s nightlife.

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Essex:

  • Brentwood Beauty Makeover: Treat yourselves to a glam makeover with brows, facials, and even permanent make-up to get wedding-ready.
  • Brunch at Sheesh: Enjoy a delicious brunch with a glass of prosecco at this charming and trendy eatery.
  • Night Out at Faces: Dance the night away in this exclusive club in Essex, known for its lively atmosphere and celebrity sightings.
  • Sugar Hut Club: Experience the glitz and glamour of this renowned nightclub, famous for its vibrant nightlife.
  • TOWIE-Themed Night Out: Embrace Essex’s famous reality TV culture with a night out in hotspots like Faces or Sugar Hut where TOWIE stars are often seen.

10. Glasgow

a hen do in a limo on their way to a club
Glasgow is famous for its unrivalled energy, amazing night outs and friendly locals (you know it was actually named the UK's friendliest city?) making it one of the best UK hen-do destinations.

Where to Stay with Your Hen Do in Glasgow:

The 5 Best Hen Do Activities in Glasgow:

  • ForePlay Crazy Golf: Start your day with a fun round of crazy golf, navigating through famous Glasgow landmarks.
  • Cocktail-Making Class at Revolucion De Cuba: Get hands-on with a fun cocktail-making session, perfect for getting the party started.
  • Dinner at SUGO: Satisfy your appetite with delicious and affordable pasta in the city centre, ideal for large groups in Glasgow for a cheap hen do.
  • Night Out at The Garage: Dance the night away in this legendary nightclub, which offers a mix of musical styles to suit every taste.
  • Party Bus Experience: Hire a party bus to transport your hen party in style, making each venue hop a fun and memorable journey.

Will you go to one of these UK hen do locations?

a hen party on a uk hen do with a stripper

That wraps up our list of the best hen-do locations in the UK that cover:

  • Budget UK hen do options
  • Classy UK hen do locations
  • Party destinations for a UK hen do

With these 10 wild UK hen do destinations, you're ready to celebrate the bride's last days of singledom in style! From glamorous London to rowdy Glasgow, each UK city offers its own unique charm and fun hen do activities.

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