Manchester Hen Party Ideas: 55 Essentials For Your Itinerary
From where to stay and what to do - our Manchester hen party guide covers all the latest spots, including expert tips from a hen planning professional
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Planning a hen do in Manchester and not sure where to start? Consider the hard work done as we share our ultimate guide to Manchester hen parties, including ideas on fun activities and the coolest places to stay, dine and drink.
When it comes to hen party ideas, Manchester isn't short on suggestions. No matter your hen party budget, there are fun and unique hen party ideas Manchester-wide in this lively North West destination.
To help narrow down the options whilst still giving you a full taste of what’s available, we’ve rounded up top activities for hen parties in Manchester including some spa hen do ideas and some that are a little quirky! Plus, we've enlisted help from a hen do Manchester expert to get their top tips on executing the ultimate weekend away.
Hen Party Ideas in Manchester: The Best Places to Stay, Eat, Drink and Play
Our Manchester hen party guide has got you covered with the best places to dine and drink, with suggestions for amazing hen do Airbnb experiences, bottomless brunch, secret cocktail bars and rooftop terraces.
If you're travelling from afar, we also have an incredible selection of Manchester hen party accommodation split into budget options (that are still super nice), mid range hotels and luxury accommodation.
Whether your hen party is looking for a weekend of sophistication, creativity or all-out silliness, here are our top picks of hen do activities in Manchester.
1. Perfume Making Hen Do Activity
Instagram / @theperfumestudiolondon
One of the best hen weekend ideas, Manchester and beyond, is a trip to The Perfume Studio. This experience offers a choice of three hen party experiences starting from £39pp. Perfect for those in search of sophisticated hen do activities, groups will be taken on a fabulous sensory journey as you learn all about the basics of perfumery whilst sipping on fizz.
Favourite blends selected and fragrance names picked, each unique perfume will be hand-blended, ready for you and your hens to take away.
Think you’re worthy of a Hollywood handshake? Then this unique hen party idea is for you! You and your tribe will visit Bake With A Legend’s high-quality kitchens to have a baking lesson with one of your favourite Great British Bake Off bakers.
During this two-hour class, you’ll bake something challenging yet beautiful, with prosecco, soft drinks and snacks to fuel you as you go! Hen party packages in Manchester start at £90pp. Ready. Set. Bake!
Let’s be honest, we all dreamt of our moment in The Crystal Maze dome, with a winning token-grabbing strategy in mind. Well, now you can put it to use in real life by adding The Crystal Maze Live Experience to your choice of hen do activities, Manchester or otherwise.
Just like the hit 90s TV series, you and your squad must work together to complete a series of adrenaline-pumping challenges before entering the iconic Crystal Dome.
If you fancy venturing outside Manchester city centre, this High Ropes Session at Go Ape Rivington provides a thrilling and unique hen party activity. Harness up before swinging Tarzan (or Jane!) style through the trees of historic Lever Park. Perfect for outdoor adventurers, the course will see you tackle treetop obstacles, platforms, tunnels, rope swings and zip lines.
Light-hearted, fun activities that won’t take up too much of your day are great for slotting in-between your main hen do plans. Junk Yard Golf Club Manchester is a perfect example, offering three “mashed-up” crazy golf courses - Pablo, Bozo and Gary - to choose from.
With prices starting from just £8.50pp and cocktails available to sip as you swing, it’s a cheap, cheerful and a great ice-breaker too!
Fancy a trip down memory lane? Then this Old School Sports Day hen party package is just the ticket! Competitive, fun and brimming with nostalgia, your group will be split into teams before going head to head in a series of retro-inspired races and games. Egg and spoon, sack races and relays are just part of the action.
Keen to channel your inner Beyonce or fancy transporting yourself back to those sweet Spice Girls days? Then a Manchester hen do dance class will be right up your street! The one to one-and-a-half-hour classes start with a warm-up before learning the moves to your chosen theme song and then strutting your stuff with a finished routine.
Chocoholic hens step right this way. My Chocolate offers the sweetest of all Manchester hen party packages via its indulgent workshops. Deliciously fun and treat-packed, groups can expect chocolate tasting, making, demonstrations and competitions galore.
Plus, as well as feasting on fine confectionery throughout, you’ll leave laden with your own handcrafted goodies to take away. Adult prices start from £40pp.
What’s a hen weekend without a little R&R? Whether booking a relaxing treatment ahead of a big night out or planning a full-day recovery package for the day after, there’s no shortage of stunning Manchester spas to choose from. Rena Spa at The Midland Hotel is a city centre sanctuary complete with sleep chambers, a heated relaxation pool, steam rooms and hanging pod cocoons.
Spa packages there start from £135pp and include an 80-minute treatment. Meanwhile, the super sleek Lowry’s Hotel spa is as serene as they come. Packages start from £55 and go up to £240, depending on the level of indulgence you and your hens are looking for.
Go-karting isn’t just for stags! If you and your hens love to unleash your competitive sides, then some high-speed laps around the track will be right up your street! An Indoor Karting Grand Prix session starts from £56pp and will see you progress through the qualifiers, heats and the grand final before the trophy presentation for the top three queens of speed!
Manchester hen do ideas don’t come much more cheeky than a Life Drawing class. Prepare for the heat to go up a notch as a gorgeous model rocks up to your accommodation and strips down to their birthday suit, ready for you and your hens to sketch! Better still, your buff model will even serve you some drinks while they're there.
All materials are provided; just bring along your art A-game…and a good sense of humour!
If you’re looking for fun hen do activities in Manchester, you won’t go far wrong with a Bubble Mayhen session. Your whole hen party will get into their own big, inflatable Zorb bubbles before competing in a range of wacky games.
Protected within your huge bouncy ball, you’ll be able to seriously throw yourself into the challenges, and the team that reins victorious will bag themselves a bottle of bubbly! Prices start from £27.50pp.
No hen party is complete without a cocktail masterclass, and the team at Mojo in Manchester’s city centre certainly know how to host one. During two hours of mixology magic, you’ll learn how to shake up some legendary Mojo cocktails whilst picking up some tricks of the bartender trade, and there’ll be competitions too.
Oh, and did we mention drinking? There’ll definitely be plenty of that!
Afternoon Drag Party, anyone?! This unique hen party idea will provide three hours of unforgettable fun, complete with a dazzling drag queen experience, prosecco, props, dancing and a live DJ. They’ll be prizes to be won in a series of giveaways, plus laughter and entertainment aplenty.
Hen do crowd-pleaser? Brunch, of course! Especially when it’s accompanied by booze. If it’s the bottomless variety you’re after, then check out Dirty Martini’s offering. It includes a choice of classic cocktails, Martinis, G&Ts, prosecco and beer, served for 90 minutes, plus a choice of delicious food served up in beautiful brunch birdcages.
Better still, there are standard, vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options, meaning your every hen do dietary requirement will be covered.
If karaoke is a hen do must for you, then don’t delay in booking a slot at premier Manchester nightspot, K2 Karaoke. Each of its 30 individual booths are exclusively designed, soundproofed and kitted out with the best tech, ready for you and your hens to sing your hearts out.
And you need not worry about who’s doing the bar run, with a new self-service system meaning the drinks will come flowing directly to your door all night long!
For sophisticated hen party ideas, classic afternoon tea will likely hit the spot. For the finest treats and views, Cloud 23 takes some beating, offering a delicious savoury and sweet spread accompanied by panoramic views of Manchester city centre.
Get unlimited hot drinks, plus a glass of champagne or a cocktail with your afternoon tea for £40pp or upgrade to the Free-Flowing Champagne option for £55pp.
Film-buffs will love Manchester’s Escape Reality movie-inspired escape room games. You and your team of hens will have just 60 minutes to escape one of the eight themed rooms with the likes of a bank heist, pirate ship and derelict asylum to pick from. Together you will solve puzzles and master challenges to emerge as escape room hen heroes.
Reight Escapes offers an incredible hen package in Manchester, with an overnight stay in a city centre hotel, food and drinks at the quirky Albert's Schloss, and a turn in Escape Reality from just £95pp. If you're after other ideas, there's the Manchester Gin Experience and Dog Bowl bowling, among others - get in touch to make your perfect hen package!
Whether staying just one night or several, you’ll need a hen do base to rest your weary heads. From hen do houses Manchester is proud of to affordable apartments and super plush hotels, here’s our round-up of Manchester hen do accommodation.
The beauty of booking an Airbnb for a hen party is that you and your crew can rent an entire house or apartment and make full use of open living spaces for games, meals and drinks as a group. Here we share some of the best Airbnb experiences for a Manchester hen do.
19. MILO Hen Party Airbnb in Manchester
Located just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly, MILO offers hen parties super chic and central accommodation. Sleeping up to 12 guests, hens can be sure of a restful night’s sleep thanks to its six attractive bedrooms being finished with blackout curtains and Egyptian cotton bedding.
Its stunning open plan living area is the perfect place to gather for those hen party games and pre-drinks, plus there’s an outdoor patio area too.
The Ultimate Hen Suite (the name says it all) is a highly-Instagrammable Manchester city centre accommodation and has been designed specifically with hen parties in mind.
As such, you can expect plush décor, super cool light fittings and furnishings, plus trailing florals galore. Sleeping up to 14 people in its sumptuous suites and boasting its very own cinema room and dedicated bar, this really is hen do heaven.
Bursting with cool photo opportunities, the Casa Jungle apartment can accommodate groups of up to 16 guests.
Located close to Manchester’s edgy Northern Quarter - home to numerous indie shops, bars and eateries - you’ll have everything you need for an amazing hen weekend close by. That’s if you can drag yourself away from the apartment, given that it also features a cinema room, hot tub and bar!
Did someone say roof terrace hot tub?! Book Swan Street Townhouse, an incredible city centre apartment, and you and your hens will certainly be living the high life! Located close to Manchester's cool Northern Quarter, this super spacious apartment can sleep up to 16 guests and has everything you need for a luxurious getaway.
From its seven stylish bedrooms with high headboards and exposed brick walls to its amazing communal areas, including fabulous dining space and that awesome rooftop terrace, this truly is a dream hen party pad.
A Manchester hen do need not break the bank, with a fabulous choice of budget accommodation available, starting from less than £50 per night.
23. Ibis Affordable Hen Do Hotel in Manchester
Ibis is a great choice if you want to stay in a new city on a budget but want to do it in style. The 96 Portland Street branch, located in the heart of the city, provides the perfect urban atmosphere and is surrounded by big-name bars, clubs and restaurants.
Holiday Inn Manchester is an ideal option for those wanting affordable yet central accommodation that’s within easy reach of the city’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife. The Manchester City Centre branch is situated opposite Piccadilly Station and just minutes away from the Northern Quarter.
Selina NQ1 is a hip and busy hostel right in the centre of the action. It’s full of bright, uplifting rooms that can sleep up to eight people in bunk beds, with dorm prices starting from £46.
Located five minutes out of the centre in the Salford area of the city, Albert View offers a choice of light, modern and comfortable rooms at budget-friendly prices. Select from deluxe or standard doubles with ensuite bathrooms, plus free parking, which is super handy if you have hens driving to your do.
Upping the budget a little, these Manchester hotels and apartments provide both comfortable and affordable hen do accommodation.
27. City Warehouse Affordable Apartments in Manchester
City Warehouse Apartments is great option for hens that want to be based in one of the most happening areas of the city! Located at the gateway to Manchester’s fashionable Northern Quarter, City Warehouse Manchester has a choice of fabulous, fully furnished apartments that can accommodate between two and eight people. Prices start at £75pp per night.
Motel One in Manchester is a quirky and stylish hotel just 450 yards from Deansgate. Set in the heart of the city, and therefore great for a hen do, guests have access to the on-site bar and can also enjoy Egyptian sheets in the bedrooms and rainwater showers. Prices start at just under £100 a night, depending on the time of the year.
Perfectly positioned and pretty price-friendly, Hampton By Hilton’s Northern Quarter branch is a great hen do accommodation option for those that want contemporary style and convenience. Its interiors are bright, bold and colourful, including its trendy bedrooms, bar and restaurant.
Townhouse Hotel is a gorgeous Grade II listed building that exudes history and character and provides comfortable and charming accommodation for those wanting to explore the vibrant city of Manchester. It has 85 spacious bedrooms with classic twin room rates starting from £74 a night.
If indulgence is key to your hen party, then these luxury Manchester hotels located in highly-desirable central locations will be just the ticket!
31. Lowry Hotel 5* Hotel in Manchester
The Lowry Hotel is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Manchester, and has recently been refurbished. The sleek hotel is perfect if you are looking for a luxury stay on your hen do in Manchester. It also has a swish restaurant, bar and spa - making it a perfect spot for classier hen dos.
Situated in a converted 19th-century warehouse, Malmaison has to be one of Manchester’s most stylish hotels…and it’s bang, smack in the centre of the city. Its lush rooms offer all the comforts you’ll need for a fabulous stay, plus there’s a luxurious spa where you and your hens can get pampered and preened ahead of that big night out!
What better way to start your hen do weekend than overlooking the city from an infinity pool? At the King Street Townhouse hotel, you can do just that. As well as the great views, you can have afternoon tea, book a private dinner in their wine cellar or sip on a cocktail in the mezzanine lounge. Their modern but unique rooms also have a lovely, homely feel to them.
The Midland in Manchester is one of the city’s most iconic hotels…and for good reason! Not only does this beautiful building boast beautiful interiors and elegant rooms, but it also houses incredible spaces to eat, drink and unwind - from its fine dining restaurant and famous Tea Room, to its award-winning urban spa.
Fuel is essential to keep your hens in full-party mode. Thankfully for a hen party, Manchester has no shortage of restaurants for hens to frequent, from authentic pizza joints and gastro pubs to fusion and fine dining eateries.
35. Tattu Restaurant and Bar - Chinese
Tattu is a visually striking restaurant, which serves Chinese inspired cuisine, is perfect if you’re planning a more classy hen do, or want to start the night off with a bang. The centrepiece – a pink blossom tree in the middle of the restaurant – makes the atmosphere feel serene but inviting, while the buzz of the restaurant will get your night off to a great start.
Banyan Corn Exchange is a modern bar and restaurant that's perfect for a quick bite to eat or to sip on bargain cocktails. Expect a great atmosphere with mixologists making to-die-for cocktails that are on an incredible 2-4-1 offer Sunday to Friday.
Situated in central Manchester, Grand Pacific is an atmospheric restaurant serves Pan-Asian food and is set in another amazing space. With high vaulted ceilings and gold leaf chandeliers, you’ll be as impressed with the décor as you are with the food.
Located in the historic area of Castlefield, Albert's Shed is a recently refurbished restaurant is a big hit with Manchester foodies. Its modern British menu has something to suit all tastes, including a selection of delicious seasonal dishes, grilled steaks and stone baked pizzas, perfect for a Manchester hen do meal.
Las Iguanas may be a chain, but their bottomless brunch is highly-likely to delight your hens. Dine on burritos and nachos while you sip on bottomless prosecco for 90 glorious minutes. Prices start at £29.95pp, with the option to upgrade your boozy brunch for £5pp and opt for Mojito and Caipirinha accompaniments instead.
Set out across three floors in the heart of Manchester, The Fountain House offers a range of culinary experiences, from classic British pub to premium dining. Choose from innovative gastro pub food or a hearty Sunday roast to remedy those hangovers. Alternatively, hire a private area at the venue for an evening of fine seasonal dining.
Yard and Coop is a relaxed and rustic-style restaurant is perfect for fried chicken fanatics. Great for a hen do lunch, or after a big night out, you can choose from delights such as buttermilk chicken or bourbon BBQ wings.
Pizza tends to be a crowd-pleaser, plus a great way to get some carbs on board before the drinking begins. If it’s an authentic taste sensation you’re after, then head to one of Rudy’s restaurants for fresh Neapolitan pizzas with an amazing choice of toppings.
If you love steak or seafood, then the Hawksmoor Deansgate restaurant is the best place to book. The characterful eatery features beautiful reclaimed décor and also boasts awards for its perfectly-made cocktails.
Looking for something more casual? Then head to The Dockyard Spinningfields, which offers relaxed dining in a rustic ale house setting, including a delicious selection of freshly prepared pizzas. Who wouldn't love a doughy treat after a few cocktails?
Knowing the best pubs, bars and clubs to head to is key for a well-executed Manchester hen do. Here we give you our pick of the bunch and our selection has a range of drinkeries that'll suit every style of Manchester hen party.
45. Lola Lo - Tiki Bar in Manchester
From ping pong to colourful cocktails, Lola Lo is a fun and eclectic Tiki-inspired bar in Manchester that is just perfect for hen parties. is perfect if it’s party vibes that you’re searching for. Expect the drinks to flow, the tunes to play all night, and the atmosphere to be on-point.
If secret bars are your thing, then a visit to this not-all-as-it-seems laundrette is a must. When you first walk in to Washhouse in Manchester, you’ll be mistaken for thinking that it is actually a working laundrette, but once you pass through the large tumble dryer, you’ll find a hidden bar. Just make sure you book in advance as it's super popular and you don't want to be disappointed.
Based on King Street, El Gato Negro is a modern bar and tapas restaurant styled with bright velvet seating, a sweeping bar area and quirky artwork. In the summer months, they even open the roof terrace – so you can enjoy your hen party drinks al fresco. Summer hen party in Manchester anyone?
If live performances are something you and the fellow Manchester hens love, head to Soup Kitchen for a night you'll never forget. This canteen-style bar is unique and fun in equal parts. Expect DJs, dance tunes and travelling bands while you shimmy the night away.
Based in the Principal Hotel, Refuge by Volta bar has the wow factor…and then some! The grand bar area, with leather stools, is an Instagram dream, while you can sip on cool, classic cocktails ranging from negronis to martinis and so much more.
If you happen to stumble upon a sunny weekend in the North West for your hen do, then Terrace NQ should be on your must-visit bar list. Located in the hipster Northern Quarter this relaxed bar features stripped-back décor, a cool, laid back vibe, and a roof terrace complete with an outdoor bar.
51. Behind Closed Doors - Basement Bar in Manchester
Behind Closed Doors is another secret bar in the city that sits behind what looks like a normal door on a high street. However, if you delve deeper and press the buzzer, you’ll be invited into a basement bar that has booths and drinks with cheeky names like Furry Cup and the Wet Dream.
If you’re looking for a cool hen party bar in Manchester with everything you could need rolled into one, head to Gorilla on Whitworth Street. There’s a bar and restaurant serving up awesome burgers and cocktails, as well as a club where live bands and big-name musicians play.
Got a thing for Tommy Shelby? Who hasn’t?! For fans of the hit TV series, Peaky Blinders Manchester is a must with cocktails, live music, and cabaret shows that have all been given an authentic 1920s twist. There's nothing better than a themed bar on a hen party so we'd definitely recommend this.
If pizza, fried chicken and tasty cocktails sound like a winning combination to you, then you'll love the Foundry Project in Manchester. Set in a cool industrial-themed bar, it's a go to for both bottomless brunch and evening drinks for hens after live music and good times.
55. The Alchemist - Cocktail Bar and Eatery in Manchester
For cocktails that will transport you to another time and place, head to The Alchemist on New York Street. Set within a magnificent portico library and finished with moody lighting and dark wood finishes, it's the ultimate way to elevate your hen party cocktails that change colour, burst into smoke and flash before your eyes.
Now, even with our top Manchester hen do ideas, planning a hen party, Manchester or elsewhere, can still feel like a daunting task. That's why we've enlisted the help of expert hen party planner, Luke McFarlane, GoHen's Manchester specialist. Keep reading for his professional recommendations for nailing the ultimate hen do weekend in Manchester:
“Manchester consistently ranks as one of the top destinations in the UK for a hen party because it’s pretty much the complete city,” said Luke.
“Since the pandemic, it has risen up the ranks ahead of classic hen party hotspots like York, Edinburgh and Cardiff thanks to its incredible offerings and welcoming party vibe.
“It would be great if you could guarantee sunshine all year round, but the beauty of Manchester is that whatever the weather, there’s plenty to keep the celebrations in full swing here.”
Any Tips For A Hen Party Night Out?
“Hen nights have gone up a notch. Whilst cocktail making will always be a hen party mainstay, nights out are more extravagant than ever.
“We’re talking roller discos with cocktails, wine-eoke, interactive live-action bars like the Alcotraz Prison Experience, and an infinite range of bottomless brunch options.
“Pre-drinks then clubbing? It’s not the noughties anymore.”
Any Bottomless Brunch Recommendations?
“ABBA, drag, Queen B, Whitney, Dirty Dancing, Buff Bingo – you name it, we’ll have a bottomless brunch built around it.
“Yes, bottomless brunch is now a must for almost every hen party and they are getting bigger, bolder, and more outrageous by the minute.”
What About Sober Hen Dos in Manchester?
“As well as the elevation of the boozy offerings, Manchester has plenty of teetotal options for those looking to go sober for their weekends.
“We’re talking dance classes, silent disco tours and pampering sessions – just what the doctor ordered after months of stressful wedding planning.”
When Should You Book a Manchester Hen Do?
“In 2024, hens were booking their Manchester celebrations seven months before they were due to go, on average. Be sure to book sooner than this to beat the rush and avoid missing out on the best activities, apartments, time slots, etcetera.”
When is the Best Time to go to Manchester?
“Manchester’s peak month for hen parties heading there in 2024 was May, but there was a pretty even spread of people heading there from February through until September.
“Unlike places like Brighton and Bournemouth which are most definitely better in the warmer months, Manchester is a cracking place to party all year around.”
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