Hen Party Ideas in the UK

We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in the UK. We don't sell inflatable anything, so this is a plain guide with our own bits only where they genuinely fit.

A hen do only has to do one thing: give the bride a weekend she'd have chosen herself. Everything else - the theme, the sashes, the itinerary - is optional.

Start with what she actually enjoys and what the quietest person in the group can afford, then pick from below.

Cities that work

• Edinburgh and York for a weekend with good food, walking and no obligation to go clubbing.
• Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds for a big night out at a sensible price and easy trains.
• Bath, Brighton and Bristol for spa, seafront and a slower pace.
• Anywhere within two hours of most of the group - travel time is what kills attendance.

Daytime activities

• Afternoon tea, a cocktail-making class or a wine tasting - structured, sociable and easy to book for twelve.
• Spa day or a hot tub cottage, which suits mixed ages better than almost anything else.
• Pottery, life drawing, a dance class or a cook-along, all of which get a group talking fast.
• A walk, a beach or a National Trust day if the bride would genuinely rather be outdoors.

Weekend formats

• Cottage or Airbnb with a big kitchen, split between everyone - by far the cheapest way to do two nights.
• One night in a city with a nice dinner, which keeps costs down and attendance up.
• A day-only hen do: lunch, an activity, home by nine. Increasingly common and nobody minds.
• Two-tier: a daytime bit for family and older guests, an evening bit for the rest.

Planning rules

• Ask the bride for three things she'd hate, and rule all three out first.
• Publish the total per-head cost before anyone commits, including travel and the outfit.
• Book the accommodation first; everything else fits around it.
• One organiser, one group chat, one spreadsheet. Two organisers is how hen dos go wrong.

Browse wedding cards

How to write it so it lands

• Rule out her three dislikes first.
• Publish the full cost early.
• One organiser, not three.

Where to shop next

• Hen party games
• Hen party gift ideas
• Stag do ideas in the UK
• Stag do games
• How much a hen or stag do costs
• How to be a good bridesmaid or best man
• Hen party at home
• Stag and hen planning checklist
• Stag do gift ideas
• Hen party bag ideas
• Hen party fancy dress themes
• Wedding gift ideas
• Wedding speech one-liners
• Party supplies
• All guides
• Hen party decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?
• Pin badges

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hen party destinations in the UK?

Edinburgh, York, Manchester, Liverpool, Bath and Brighton all work well - pick for travel time from the group rather than the nightlife rankings.

How long should a hen do be?

One night away or a single day suits most groups. Two nights doubles the cost and halves the attendance.

Who plans the hen party?

Usually the maid of honour, with the bridesmaids helping. One person should hold the budget and the bookings.