50 Fun Ideas For A Hen Party in Brighton
If you're planning a hen weekend by the sea, Brighton is the place to go! Discover a full itinerary and expert tips for throwing the ultimate hen weekend
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Planning a hen party always starts with finding the perfect location, and if you're planning a Brighton hen do, you've picked a corker of a town to travel to.
There's something for everyone here, with so many hen do activities in Brighton to choose from, you could celebrate here for weeks and not get bored!
Because there's so much on offer, we've rounded up 50 of the best Brighton hen do ideas for you to choose from. Our edit includes the best hen do activities in Brighton, where to eat, places to drink and the best hen do accommodation, too.
50 Brighton Hen Do Ideas & Activities for the Ultimate Brighton Hen Weekend
There is so much to do in this vibrant seaside city, no matter what style of hen party you want or your budget. From drag brunches to stand-up paddleboarding and axe throwing to vintage afternoon tea, you'll find the best Brighton hen do ideas below, including our top tips for bottomless brunches, rooftop bars and secret speakeasy spots.
We've even included an example itinerary for those wondering what to do in Brighton on a hen weekend - how lovely of us!?
Ready to plan the best hen do in Brighton, ever, for your pal? Let's go!
- What to Do in Brighton on a Hen Do?
- Where to Eat in Brighton on a Hen Do?
- Where to Drink in Brighton on a Hen Do?
- Where to Stay in Brighton on a Hen Do?
- Brighton Hen Party Itinerary
What to Do in Brighton on a Hen Do?
As much as two days of cocktails on the beach sounds like a dreamy plan, a great Brighton hen do involves some fun activities. Here are our favourite hen party ideas, Brighton activities, and things to do during your stay with something to suit every kind of group.
1. Visit a Brighton Comedy Club
If you and the crew love a laugh, and want to add some fun hen do activities to your Brighton itinerary, we'd recommend taking a trip to Brighton Komedia, one of the town's hottest comedy clubs.
Not only can you view the newest comedic talents here, but you can eat and drink while you do it, with party packages and deals for eight or more people available, offering savings of up to £7 per person.
2. Catch a Live Show
Brighton is home to two brilliant events spaces with a huge variety of shows and acts on offer almost every night.
Between the Brighton Centre and the Brighton Dome, you can see everyone from Busted and JLS (hello throwback tunes!), to Michael McIntyre and Ricky Gervais. You can even catch variety acts like Diversity and ABBA tributes here - the options are literally endless.
Planning a Brighton hen do around an event also gives you an entire evening of entertainment readily planned, often for less than you'd each spend out in the bars!
3. Indulge in Relaxing Massages
During your Brighton hen weekend - perhaps the morning after drinks on the town - why not treat yourselves to some luxury Swedish massages at Beauty Secrets.
For just £70 per person, you can enjoy a 55 minute full body massage which is entirely tailored to your preference - you tell the team which areas you want them to focus on them, and then sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
4. Design Your Own Perfumes
We love the idea of perfume making as a hen do activity, as everyone loves wearing it and it's one of those activities where each person gets to take something home with them - what a bonus!
This Brighton hen do idea includes a group consultation with a trained perfume expert, a chance to create your own fragrance and a gift-boxed 20ml sample of your bespoke scnet.
There are 20 locations across the UK where you can do this, one of which is right in the heart of Brighton.
5. Go Under the Sea
Why not spend an afternoon at the Sea Life Centre in Brighton, which is the oldest operating aquarium in the world? You’ll find an underwater world filled with fascinating creatures – see everything from sharks to seahorses and ride the UK’s first glass bottom boat.
6. Escape from Alcotraz
Alcotraz Cell Block One Three is the coolest speakeasy in town. Hidden below the unsuspecting Brighton Seafront is a secret prison speakeasy where you'll don orange jumpsuits, smuggle liquor past the warden, and mixologist 'inmates' will create you quirky and bespoke cocktails in your own prison cell while you get pally with the guards.
It's seriously unique and serious fun, offering you and the group an immersive cocktail experience for almost two hours.
7. Rib Ride around the Pier
Adrenaline junkies will love this. Go on a 30 minute powerboat ride on a rib around Brighton Marina with Seaboat Experience Days – a bumpy ride that will have you screaming and shrieking, but loving every minute of it.
8. Party at 450ft High
Take in the amazing views of Brighton from the BA i360 Viewing Tower on the seafront. Their events team can plan you a VIP day, from a private party in a Sky Bar pod to a magical three-course dining experience with all of Brighton below you to a raucous BBQ on the beach or afternoon tea by the sea.
9. Go Wine Tasting
Did you know Sussex boasts many vineyards, meaning many of the bars and restaurants stock locally sourced wine for you to enjoy? If you know the nearlywed is partial to a tipple, why not organise a day or evening of wine tasting at Ten Green Bottles in the town centre?
10. Shake It Off
You can't do wrong with a cocktail masterclass and this Brighton cocktail making and mixology course is one of the best. This full day's cocktail making course will teach you all the skills you need to rival a top mixologist, helping you to understand the spirits and liqueurs used to make your favourite tipples.
11. Take a Sailing Cruise
Whilst hen partying it up in Brighton, it'd be borderline criminal not to head out onto the water and enjoy a private sailing cruise on the East Sussex waters. This particular boat cruise can be enjoyed by a maximum of 10 people and lasts three hours - what a great way to spend your day!
12. Enjoy Chocolate Making
Groups will a sweet tooth will love this Brighton hen do activity. For just £55 per person, up to 11 of you can enjoy a private chocolate making class where you can experience making your very own chocolate treats and taste test a range of chocolates for two whole hours.
The class caters to nut free, gluten free and dairy free participants so no one will be left out.
13. Go Kayaking Down the River
Head to the River Ouse in Brighton and take a kayaking trip from Lewes to Hamsey Weir with your very own private kayaking instructor. The team there can teach you how to use the equipment and do great value group hire packages.
The Sussex kayaking trip takes around two and a half hours and can be enjoyed by up to 11 of you.
14. Try Tea Blending
Are you the kind of group who just loves a good cuppa? If so, you'll love this Brighton hen do idea - it's tea blending. This tea blending workshop is perfect for groups of up to 10 who want to enjoy unlimited tasting and blending of their favourite brews.
You get to taste, create, name and package your own blends, and each participant will get some goodies to take home with you as well. It's a great activity to do in the daytime before a big night out, and also works as a super alternative for groups who want alcohol-free activities.
15. Sing at a Bottomless Karaoke Brunch
Is it even a Brighton hen do if you don't do a bottomless brunch at some point? And for sing-along-lovers who love belting one out, this bottomless karaoke brunch is the perfect pick.
As part of the package, you and the group will have your face done up by a glitter makeup artist before you all take part in some party games, eat and drink as much as you like, and sing your hearts out in your own private karaoke booth. Did someone say Whitney?
16. Try Cheeky Life Drawing
If you want to add a naughty twist to a creative class, why not book a life drawing session for your Brighton hen do?
Nude Life will send a model to your accommodation (or they can help you arrange a venue) who'll kick off by serving you a few drinks before stripping down for you to draw - all materials included.
It's classy, creative and a great giggle for the entire group.
17. Meet the Dreamboys
Get the Magic Mike experience in Brighton by paying a visit to the Dreamboys. After the sexy show, you can even meet the male strippers after the show and have your photo taken with them.
They perform on Saturday nights at Pryzm nightclub and there's even the option to add on a meal and activity there first, including a dance class, cocktail making or life drawing.
18. Soar Over the City
For a totally breath-taking experience, why not organise a hen party helicopter ride over Brighton and the Sussex Downs? Helifly.co.uk has a range of flights to suit all budgets, although this does suit smaller hens better as the maximum number of passengers the helicopters can hold is three or five.
No harm in the others sipping Champagne while they wait to take in the sights, though.
19. Throw an Axe
Tribe Urban Axe Throwing is calling out for a visit. Adventurous hens will love slinging at axe and even joining in the daily tournaments to win a spot in the hall of fame. They sometimes pop up all over Brighton at different spots, but you can also request a quote for a private booking, as they can travel all over the city to cater for your hen party needs.
20. Paint Some Pottery
Not everyone wants action, adventure or alcohol on their hen party, and that’s fine.
If the hen likes to get creative, what about a pottery painting section at the Painting Pottery Café?
Everyone can get together, paint their pottery and take it away as a keepsake at the end – the hen receives a larger piece which everyone can sign as a memento. Your fired pottery can also be sent on to the hen organiser if you can't take it home then and there.
21. Take on a Treasure Hunt
Get everyone outside with an organised outdoor treasure hunt or escape room from Pier Pressure. It’s basically all the fun of an escape room mixed with a sightseeing tour of Brighton - an ideal ice breaker and a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, shops and cafes of the city.
22. Enjoy Some Burlesque
Proud Cabaret in Brighton hosts some of the most jaw-dropping burlesque and cabaret dinner shows in the world! As well as a delicious meal and expert cocktails, you'll be wowed by their acrobats, fire breathers, drag beauties and burlesque performers. You can get just drinks tickets too to watch the show if you've got dinner plans elsewhere.
23. Spook Yourselves on a Creepy Ghost Walk
If you know the bride-to-be likes a thrill and enjoys creepy horror films and spooky ghost stories, why not organise a frightening ghost walk?
Led by a master storyteller in full Victorian costume, take on the Ghost Walk of the Lanes and learn the colourful and spooky history of Brighton's famous Lanes, visit 10 scary sites and hear a multitude of haunting tales. You can book onto their public walking tours or make a private booking.
Where to Eat in Brighton on a Hen Do?
An army marches on its stomach - and that's especially true for a Brighton hen party army! A good meal before you head out for the night will save you the next morning, as will a great bottomless brunch if you decide to go for hair of the dog.
The Best Bottomless Brunches for a Brighton Hen Do
24. Big Mac Bao Bottomless Brunch
Red Roaster has won awards for its boozy brunches so that should give you an idea of how good the food is here. Think Big Mac bao, crispy chilli eggs, and fish tacos, with tasty vegan options too. You get unlimited mimosas and spritzes for 90 minutes.
25. Bottomless Brunch Pubs
The Tempest Inn is one of the best pubs on the seafront and they have a fab bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday with bloody Mary's and mimosas on offer. Sister pub The Mesmerist also do a cracking one too at £23 per person.
26. Bottomless Pizza Brunch
The West Hill Tavern are an independent, family-run pub with a great vibe and some of the best pizza around. If your hen loves sourdough pizza, they'll go wild for their bottomless brunch which includes a pizza, bottomless Prosecco and seasonal mimosas.
27. Floating Bar Bottomless Brunch
The Watershed is a floating bar and restaurant at Brighton Marina Yacht Club. It's a super-fun seaside experience with two hours of bottomless bubbles.
28. Saucy Topless Bottomless Brunch
Want booze and entertainment? The Boy Toy Brunch at Przym includes topless waiters, sexy male dancers and circus performances, as well as a two-course brunch and 90 minutes of bottomless Prosecco.
29. Drag Bottomless Brunches
For drag brunches, check out Proud Cabaret and Bougie Drag Brunch.
The Best Restaurants for Dinner on a Brighton Hen Do
30. Seafood & Craft Beer
The Urchin is a fab gastropub in Hove that focuses on shellfish and craft beer. Try some of the best oysters around and go for whatever is on the specials board - it'll be delicious.
31. Asian Fusion & Sunday Roasts
No.32 is a relaxed and stylish restaurant in the iconic Laines. Think Asian fusion casual dining and an excellent Sunday roast.
32. Vegan & Veggie Dinner Spot
Vegan or veggie? Food For Friends is an award-winning vegetarian and vegan restaurant that's been around since 1981. It's got insanely good local and organic food and a whole list of natural, biodynamic wines.
33. Indian Feast Restaurant
Indian Summer are an awesome Indian restaurant with killer cocktails and an epic biryani and thali menu.
34. Authentic Italian Pizza
Fatto a Mano is a smart neighbourhood pizzeria with insanely good flavour toppings and a good vegan selection too. You'll feel like you've stepped into Naples, but you can also get it delivered straight to your hen house for a tasty treat at home.
35. Fine Dining & Tasting Menus
If your hen is a real foodie, they'll love fine dining restaurant Isaac At which is one of the coolest restaurants in the city. Splash out on their tasting menu for a real treat.
Likewise, Etch is a fancy fine dining restaurant from a former MasterChef: The Professionals winner and it has a monthly seasonal tasting menu which is sure to impress.
36. Dinner & Cocktails
The Flint House is a cool, buzzy spot with a large dining room and outdoor spaces so it's great for large groups. There's also a glamorous first-floor cocktail bar and rooftop terrace.
37. Pub Dinner Spots
Brighton is packed with great gastropubs that are great for evening meals and Sunday roasts. Look at Earth and Stars, The Tempest Inn and The Lion and Lobster.
We'll always support going to somewhere local and independent, but if you need a large group booking, sometimes chains can accommodate you easiest. Look at Las Iguanas, The Breakfast Club, Revolution and The Rum Kitchen.
38. Beachfront Eats
If you're after somewhere to grab a quick, tasty lunch, head to Shelter Hall. This seafront food market has seven different kitchens serving up everything from Neapolitan pizza to Malay curry to fried chicken to grilled meats. Book in advance or walk-in and get a delicious lunch while listening to live music.
Where to Drink in Brighton on a Hen Do?
Once your stomachs are lined, it's time to hit the bars, and luckily for you, there are dozens upon dozens of hen party ideas for bars to choose from in Brighton. From sea-front shacks and cosy pubs, to rooftop bars and cocktail spots in the lanes, you will be completely spoilt for choice in this town.
39. Rooftop Bars in Brighton
Rooftop terraces are dreamy in the summer and Brighton has some fab ones including The Mesmerist, the quirky Mrs Fitzherberts, Bohemia Brighton and No.32.
40. Speakeasy Bars
As for speakeasy spots, you're spoilt for choice. We've already mentioned Alcotraz, but try Shimmer @ The Gin Tub, Twisted Lemon (and the new Twisted Lime), and Speakeasy @ The Wick.
41. Brighton's Best Nightclub
Patterns is one of the funnest nights out in Brighton, with a cool beachfront bar, club and restaurant. There's always live music or top DJ sets so you'll get in the party spirit quickly.
42. Swanky Cocktail Bar
The Plotting Parlour on the edge of Kemptown does insanely delicious cocktails and features cool frescoed walls and a gold bar.
43. Cocktails & Entertainment
The much-loved Maggie Mae's offers fab entertainment, live shows, addictive cocktails, and a dance floor calling out for you to boogie.
44. Live Music & Drinks
The Joker is a pub/bar which has live music most nights, an upstairs club called the Devil's Disco, and a dark, sultry vibe.
45. Craft Beers & Street Food
The North Laine Brewhouse is great for hens who like craft pints, knockout food and a party vibe. Similarly, BrewDog Brighton is fab for a casual pint or two.
Where to Stay in Brighton on a Hen Do?
If you're after something really special for your Brighton hen do, check out our roundup of the best hen party houses in Brighton which cater to large groups looking to stay in luxury.
But for hotel options and some more budget-friendly picks, these are our top recs for where to stay on a Brighton hen do.
*All prices are based on prices for a two night stay (Friday - Sunday) in August 2024.
46. Square Townhouse
Enjoy the luxuries of a seafront Brighton home during your hen party stay at Square Townhouse, located in the heart of buzzing neighbourhood Kemptown. Snug double rooms and cozy king size suites are available for you to slumber in, all with glorious views over this bustling hen party town.
Price: Approx £107 per person per night
47. The Grand, Brighton
If you want a Brighton hotel that exudes elegance, grandeur and sits in one of the most prime locations in town, look to The Grand for your hen do stay. The décor in this historic hotel is classic and up-market, and each room is dressed with Egyptian cotton linen for you to recover in after a heavy night on the town.
Price: Approx £175 per person per night
48. Block-74
Block-74 is an affordable hotel perfect for hen party groups. This Brighton hen do house is easily accessible - all you need is a pin code - and is rated highly by customers for cleanliness, location, comfort and value for money.
Price: Approx £77 per person per night
49. Brighton Lanes Townhouse
For the ultimate hen weekend, Brighton Lanes Townhouse has you covered. It's a little more expensive, but this self-catered option has everything you need for a getaway of non-stop fun. Complete with karaoke, a vintage bar, and even a disco shower, this spot is also perfectly located right by the beach.
The accommodation can sleep up to 22 guests, and even has an amazing hen party package to make the entire weekend even easier!
Price: Approx £142 per person per night for the hen party package
50. Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton
Groups looking for a bit of luxury (whilst remaining on a budget) on their Brighton hen do will love the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Brighton. Located just 400 meters from Brighton's famous pier, the location of this hotel is unbeatable, putting you right at the heart of everything that's going on.
There's also a steam room, indoor swimming pool, sauna and other luxurious facilities for you to enjoy without even leaving the hotel.
Price: Approx £105 per person per night
Hen Party: Brighton Itinerary
With all these exciting hen do activities in Brighton to choose from, on top of the brunches, bars and restaurants, it can be tricky to know how to balance it all out.
So, if you're wondering what to do in Brighton on a hen weekend, and how to plan the perfect trip, our example itinerary should help.
Day 1:
3.00pm - 4.00pm: Meet at the property for arrival drinks and check in.
4.00pm - 5.00pm: Give the group time to unpack, meet their roomies and get ready.
5.00pm - 7.00pm: Pre-drinks and hen party games at your Brighton hen party house.
7.00pm - 9.00pm: Dinner at one of the town's best restaurants.
9.00pm - Late: Hit the town with the group.
Day 2:
9.00am - 10.00am: Casual coffee, breakfast and a group debrief of the night before.
10.00am - 11.00am: Get ready for the day.
11.00am - 4.00pm: Day time activities in town (tours, brunches, sports etc) including a light lunch.
4.00pm - 5.00pm: Back to the hen party accommodation to get ready for the evening.
5.00pm - 7.00pm: Early dinner as a group.
7.00pm - 9.00pm: Evening activity (show, brunch, gig etc).
9.00pm - Late: Hit the town with the group.
Day 3:
10.00am - 12.00pm: Group brunch and check out.
How to Plan a Hen Weekend in Brighton: Expert Tips
If that's not enough, we've also asked the experts over at The Foxy Hen to help us out with their top tips for planning the ultimate hen weekend in this coastal city. The team at The Foxy Hen are party planning experts, and they even have a unique feature on their website that let's you build the perfect hen do package from scratch.
We asked Joy, the team's in-house Brighton expert, for her advice on executing the ultimate hen party in this seaside city. Here's what she had to say:
Is Brighton Good for a Hen Do?
"Brighton is an absolutely fantastic spot for a hen party, it has the perfect mix of beautiful seaside, hen-friendly activities and vibrant nightlife. Whether you have one week or one night your hens will fall in love with everything that Brighton has to offer."
Where Should You Stay on a Brighton Hen Do?
"I always think a hotel is the easiest way to go for a hen party, Brighton or otherwise.
"Everyone has their own space and you don’t have to worry about tidying up when everyone’s nursing a sore head the next morning!"
What to do in Brighton on a Hen Do?
"The first day of a hen can sometimes feel a bit awkward if everyone doesn’t know each other yet, but nothing breaks the ice like some hilariously bad singing, a bit of bubbly, and loads of laughs. That’s why I’d kick things off with the Sip and Sing activity. It's two hours of hilarious karaoke and the best part is that there is plenty of prosecco to help with any stage fright!
"Plus, this is a great way to gauge the mood for the evening. Some groups might want to take it easy with a nice meal afterwards, the two-course meal in Bella Italia is a solid choice – there’s something for everyone.
"Or for those looking to get the party started the Steinbeck and Shaw package is a fantastic choice. This package includes two cocktails and a shot for each hen, plus free entry to PRYZM nightclub – perfect if the night escalates!
What to do in Brighton on a Hen Weekend?
"If the hen party extends over two days, then here's what I'd do for day two of the hen. The Alcotraz cocktail experience is a must! It’s a one-of-a-kind activity with a prison theme, where your hens dress up in orange overalls and smuggle in booze, which gets transformed into delicious cocktails by the “inmate” mixologists.
"The actors make the whole experience so immersive and fun – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
"After that, your hens will want to re-fuel, so I would head somewhere with a lively atmosphere to keep the party going. The two-course meal in the Revolution bar is ideal as it offers great food in a fun setting. And of course, no hen do is complete without a proper tour of Brighton’s best watering holes.
"The one-night club and bar pass is perfect for this, giving you access to a bunch of the top night spots with just one pass – it’s the ultimate way to wrap up the weekend!"
And there's plenty more advice where that came from! Check out our edit of the best hen party games for you to play as a group, as well as these cheeky hen do dares for those who want to spice the weekend up.
