Top 6 Hen Weekend Destinations

Published by Claire Gould on January 17, 2022January 17, 2022

by West Country Games. Photo by Amy Shamblen on Unsplash

A traditional Hen Party has seen huge growth over the last ten years.  Flocks of ‘hens’ flood the streets of many British cities up and down the land, and can often be distinguished by their pink t-shirt attire, learner driver plates and an eye-watering variety of props in hand.

Here’s a round-up of the very best that Britain has to offer for Hen (or Bachelorette) Parties.

1. Bristol

With one of the UK’s largest bar per square metre ratios, Bristol is definitely a city that should be near the top of the list for any hen party. With its cool street art and underground music scene, beautiful harbour side and some of the UK’s best bars and clubs, it’s no surprise that a Bristol hen weekend is extremely popular. There’s some great bars to grab a cocktail in, including the Milk Thistle and Bar Humbug and top pubs and restaurants such as the stylish steak house The Ox and famous world banquet and bar Za Za Bazaar. There’s also some fun packed activities to get involved in.  Within the city, why not take a trip to Bristol zoo, a stroll along the Harbourside before your night out, or hit the shops at the City’s newest shopping mall Cabot Circus and quirky vintage clothing markets at the Tobacco Factory. If you’re looking for something a bit different to try your also in luck as the city is host to the West Country Games full of crazy inflatable assault course madness! 

2. Edinburgh 

The Capital City of Scotland is one of the top destinations for hen groups. With its unique mixture of old and new the city is a perfect host for a hen weekend away. From taking in the amazing architecture of Edinburgh castle, strolling down the royal mile, or taking a hike to the peak of Arthurs Seat, to the busy centre of the Old Town, and drinks in Bow Bar and the freaky Frankenstein pub the city has something for everyone. If you’re planning your hen do for August there’s also the renowned Edinburgh Festival featuring a variety of music, theatre and comedy shows and a range of activities and events so you and your hens will never get bored! The city’s amazing mixture or beautiful architecture and scenic views, and chic, trendy atmosphere and night life will guarantee a fun packed hen do.  

3.) Cardiff

A Cardiff hen weekend is right up there with the best of them.  With 90 bars, clubs, and restaurants within walking distance of the town centre, Cardiff provides an amazing night out on the town. With music concerts at The Motorpoint Arena, sporting events at The Principality Stadium, and theatre performances at The Wales Millennium Centre, there is always something to keep you entertained. By day you can take advantage of the city’s culture from the inspiring architecture of the historical Cardiff Castle to great art and archaeology at The National Museum Cardiff. Cardiff also provides a great shopping experience with trendy modern shopping centres and quirky vintage markets to visit. By night you’ll find that the city is host to some great bars and clubs to keep you fuelled on your big night out. From chilled out cocktail bars such as Mocka lounge, Revolution de cuba, and Face11, to bustling night clubs including, Glam, Live Lounge and 10 Mill Lane.  

4.) Leeds

Recently named best night out in the UK, Leeds is rightly one of the best hen do cities. With trendy shops and hotels, fine dining and a vibrant nightlife Leeds will provide a wild weekend up North for your hen do! There are great attractions such as Tropical World and a good shopping scene to get involved in at Clarence Dock and County Arcades. The city also hosts a range of top quality bars and clubs such as Revolution, PRYZM, and the Smokestack; promising an epic night out on the town for you and your hens. 

5.) London

Where better to host your hen do than England’s capital city and one of the worlds top tourist locations. This metropolitan city is oozing with culture, style and open to party 24 hours a day providing you with a one in a kind hen do! With hundreds of activities to choose from including visiting the city’s many art galleries, theatres and museums, to taking a ride on the London eye, visiting the tower of London, houses of parliament and big ben, or taking a trip to the quirky markets in Camden you’ll definitely never be bored. When it comes to partying there’s so much to choose from including the electric atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, chilled out pubs in Covent Garden to quirky bars and curry houses in Brick Lane and trendy cocktail bars in Shoreditch guaranteeing you a hen party above the rest.

6.) Liverpool

Liverpool ticks all the boxes when it comes to planning a hen do. There’s great shopping centres with big named shops, top bars and clubs and loads of things to see and do. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the city’s night life so you won’t be disappointed! Bars not to be missed on your hen do travels include the renowned speak easy ‘Berry and Rye’ cocktail bar featuring regular live music nights, the three storied high energy club the ‘Brooklyn Mixer’, and one of the city’s biggest clubs ‘Level’ with unbeatable drink offers across 7 bars and six rooms filled with music and dancing. One thing is for sure…..Liverpool will certainly not disappoint!