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50 Unusual Hen Party Ideas for Nearlyweds Who Want Something Different

If you're trying to plan a hen party but have no idea what to do, this list of unusual hen weekend ideas will be sure to help you out

Group of white women clinking glasses containing pink and pale white cocktails

If you’ve been tasked with the seemingly impossible challenge of planning an unusual hen party for a bride who hates all the typical hen stuff, we reckon that you’re probably feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. 

You’re going to be avoiding butlers in the buff at all costs, but what options does that leave you with and where to begin when plotting an original hen itinerary without a penis straw in sight? 

That’s where we come in. Leave the L plates at the door and scroll on down to discover some of the best unusual hen weekend ideas to make your bride’s day unforgettable and your hen party planning as slick and stress-free as possible. We've included everything from budget hen party ideas to hen do ideas at home so everyone can get involved. 

Put the kettle on, take a breath and get booking one of these ingenious hen party ideas that are anything but average (just like the gal herself). Oh, and don't forget to get the party off to a great start with a hen party bag filled with fun treats. 

Unusual London Hen Weekend Ideas

There’s so much on offer if you’re booking a hen party in London so we’ve narrowed it down – whether she’s into crafts or cats, we’ve got it covered. 

1. Hot Tug Hot Tub Party

Three women in sailor hats and black swimming costumes laughing in a blue hot tub boat sailing down the Thames

Try saying that after a few margaritas. Celebrate your pal’s upcoming wedding by bobbing town the Thames in a hot tub. You’ll be relieved to know that each tub is filled with fresh hot water and you’ve got the option to either captain your tub through the hustle and bustle of Canary Wharf or choose a more sedate route in Lakeside, Essex. 

BYOB, hire an ice bucket to keep your drinks cool, rent towels and robes and get your hands on a sailor’s hat for the bride. She can keep it as a memento of all the fun you’ve had because it’s not every day you get to steer a jacuzzi through the capital’s business district. 

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2. Jamie Oliver Cookery Class

Close-up of white woman in a black jumper making fresh pasta on a floured surface

Whether your bride is a culinary pro or a total cookery novice, heading to a Jamie Oliver cookery class is a fun and unique hen do idea.

Jamie’s classes are especially brilliant because there are so many cuisines options to choose from – you can learn everything from how to rustle up the ultimate Vietnamese street food feast to how to create unbeatable filled pasta. You’ll all go home with an extra string to your bow and the classes are great value for money too. They all take place in Islington – you’ll find heaps of cool bars and cosy pubs in the area to relax post-feast. 

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3. Duck & Dry Blow Dry Party

White and green hair salon with wooden floors, hanging foliage and flowers and exposed brick walls

For those of you wanting to arrange something indulgent but not ordinary, celebrating the hen at Duck & Dry could be just the ticket.

Duck & Dry is a blow dry bar with outposts in some of London’s most sought-after locations. Whether you choose Oxford Circus, Spitalfields, Chelsea or Carnaby Street, you’ll be pampered to the nines and each enjoy a blow dry of your choice. Hang out with your friends in some seriously Instagrammable surroundings, sip fizz and leave with a do to die for. You never know, the bride might even be tempted to switch up her wedding hair plans after a trip here...

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4. Afternoon Tea at 100 Queens Gate Hotel

Smiling white brunette woman in a black and white spotted wrap dress standing in the middle of a mirrored dining room with white tables, light blue chairs and palm leaf decoration

We’ve enjoyed lots of afternoon teas in our time, but the spread at 100 Queens Gate Hotel in South Kensington was up there with the best. Any bride with a sweet tooth (and a penchant for picture perfect settings) is sure to love it.

You can hire out the luxurious atrium space, Botanica, and feast on everything from chocolate roulade to summer fruit macaroons, lemon and lavender gateaux and blackberry rhapsody scones.

Oh, and if you don’t want to venture far for Champagne and cakes, you could choose to stay here overnight too. It’s a brilliant base for exploring London and handily close to the museums, Notting Hill and Harrods, plus it boasts its own on-site cocktail bar. The staff will have you all feeling like royalty, whether you’re just dropping in or lingering longer. 

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5. Get Cultured with Takayo

Japanese woman holding a fan above her head wearing a rich green kimono with a light pink belt standing on a red carpet

Fancy injecting a little culture into your upcoming hen do? Takayo offers something completely different to your average hen party activity by way of their Japanese Kimono-inspired parties.

You’ll be immersed in the delights of Japanese culture as you learn your name and its meaning in Kanji, the rituals of dressing and practise the traditional art of calligraphy on the paper fan (which every guest will get to take home at the end of the day).

The workshops can take place at a venue of your choice or from home, and you can even add in additional extras such as a sushi-making class or reserve a private photographer to capture your day. Your hens will never have experienced a party like this before.

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6. Feline Afternoon Tea

Grey and white cat lying on a grey pouff beside a black stool underneath a window

If the bride is a bonafide ‘cat person’, a trip to Whiskers & Cream in Islington will be a dream come true. Book an opulent afternoon tea (there are vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options aplenty) and then relax while cuddling cats. Just be sure to double check that no hens have pet allergies before you book...

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7. Get Creative with The Crafty Hen

a crafty hen do, women sitting at a table drinking wine and making things

A crafty hen party that doubles up as a bar, café, independent shop and even a creative workshop. Keep an eye on the calendar of creative classes and events – or book them for a hen party and prepare for ceramic making, bunting crafting, a chance to make wreaths and macrame, and so much more!

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8. Cheese Tasting at Neal’s Yard

Stack of three different sized wheels of cheese on a cake stand with a vase of flowers to the left and glass of white wine on the right

Whether you book a ‘cheese of the month’ tasting or a full cheese masterclass, if the bride is considering a wedding cheesecake you know that this unusual hen party activity will be just to her taste. Be sure to let the team know if any pregnant hens will be in attendance so that they can tailor a selection to their needs. 

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9. A Bespoke Food Tour

A white tray filled with sugar dusted meringue donuts

More ideas for a foodie bride, Walk Eat Talk Eat offers food tours that will not only unearth the capital’s culinary delights but can also be tailored to your time schedule, budget and the bride’s whims. 

You could begin at Tower Hill with a cronut and glass of fizz, head on down to the  jostling stalls of Maltby Street Market, pop by a gin distillery, sample slow roasted brisket with margaritas, discover hidden foodie havens under east London’s railway arches and end with a final sweet treat in Borough Market. Hen quests don’t get more delicious than this.

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10. Glimpse of London Helicopter Tour with Fizz

Aerial photo of Tower Bridge and the Thames in London on a sunny evening

Just celebrating with a small 'I do' crew? Go all out with a helicopter tour over London and a glass of bubbles on landing. Up to four of you can get on board and tours come in at just under £100 per person so it’s not quite as extortionate as you might assume. If you’re looking for one ‘blow her out of the water’ event, this is it. 

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11. Pottery Workshop

Pottery workshop class

If you're looking for a relaxing hen party idea, this pottery workshop will give you and your crew a crash course introduction to the skill. You'll learn all the basics, from hand-building clay to throwing on the wheel techniques and create something that is completely unique. 

The three-hour course has a maximum group size of 10 and you are welcome to experiment all you like so you might want to warn everyone it could get a little messy. 

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12. City of Sin Sex Tour

Wonders of London city of sin walking tour

For those with a taste for the gory, they'll love this City of Sin walking tour through the city of London. From bear fights and methods of torture to prostitution and gruesome murders, it's not for the faint-hearted! 

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13. At Home Massage and Manicure 

Woman receiving a massage at home with a practitioner

On the hunt for hen do ideas at home? Sit back on the sofa while sipping a glass of fizz and enjoy an at home manicure with The Pamper Company. But the pampering doesn't stop there - you and your friends will also be treated to a relaxing massage too. 

We love the idea of having this hen party treat as a pre-night out plan so everyone will look and feel their best. 

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Unusual Manchester Hen Weekend Ideas

Hen parties in Manchester are arguably up there with the best, so choose from this selection of unique ideas to give your bride a weekend to remember.

14. Luxury Chocolate Making

White woman in brown and pink apron making nut and berry scattered dark chocolate truffles on a wooden table

Calling all chocoholics! My Chocolate offers up the sweetest of workshops from its Manchester location and also from a luxury mobile chocolate van for even more flexibility. 

Ideal for groups of all sizes, you’ll get stuck into chocolate making and tasting in no time, perfecting your ganache and leaving with a heaving box of truffles to take home. There’s really nothing not to love about this particular hen activity idea and it'll give the bride some great ideas for chocolate wedding favours

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15. Bake With a Legend

Close up of white hand adding a blueberry to the top of a white roughly iced cake

If the bride’s a lover of The Great British Bake Off, you can’t go wrong with one. Get your wedding party together at one of Bake With a Legend’s high quality kitchens and have a baking lesson with one of your favourite chosen Bake Off stars. You’ll bake something challenging yet beautiful, with recipes reflecting the specialities and talents of the star baker of your choosing. From there, as if decreed by Prue and Paul Hollywood themselves, you’ll have three hours to whip up your masterpiece. 

All fizz, soft drinks and snacks to keep you going are included, and if you don’t fancy leaving the comfort of your own home, one of the baking stars can even come to you.

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16. Urban Axe Throwing

Smiling Asian woman in a white t-shirt and jeans holding two axes aloft with wooden targets behind her

Well, you were on the lookout for unusual hen party ideas, right? Learn how to sling axes to an awesome soundtrack, then enter a hen party tournament by competing to hit targets. A winner will be crowned at the end when you can head off to celebrate and commiserate with drinks and snacks at the bar. Never fear, there’s a safety briefing before you get let loose on the axe box. 

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17. Comedy Crime Club

Orange neon laugh sign against a black brick wall

Combining improv, intrigue and a good old murder mystery format, Murder Inc makes for a fun night out and when all of that laughing and guessing starts to sap your energy you’ll be quickly revived thanks to rounds of pizza and drinks.  

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18. Go On a Secret Bar Crawl

Frozen green cocktail with a sprig of dill held in front of a navy launderette shopfront

From bijou bars in backstreets to a bar moonlighting as a newsagents and a drinking den fronting as a launderette, Manchester excels when it comes to ‘secret’ bar concepts. Get intrepid and see how many of the following 13 underground locations you can tick off over the course of your hen weekend.

Just don’t forget to allocate water breaks otherwise you may not be finding them at all.

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19. Step Back into Victorian Times

Victorian general store on a cobbled street at nightfall

Travelling back in time is a pretty impressive hen do feat. Visit this Victorian street in Salford to immerse yourselves in the atmosphere of a gaslit winter evening in 1918. Poke your head around the printers, toy makers, general store and pub and perhaps finish with a trip to the dressmakers and haberdasher for wedding fashion ideas. They do say that trends come back around...

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Unusual Edinburgh Hen Weekend Ideas

Got a hen break planned in the Scottish capital? These unusual ideas in and around Edinburgh are sure to get you excited.

20. Make Your Own Perfume

Chunky crystal flacons of amber coloured perfume

Taking place at the Sleeping Beauty Salons in Scotland, the Perfume Studio Experience is the perfect hen activity choice if you’re a small hen party looking for something different.

Enjoy a 90 minute to two hour consultation with an expert perfumer, during which you’ll learn about 21 different blends before combining your favourites to make your own unique scent which you can take away. You’ll also get a Fragrance Registration Certificate so you can order more. Why not invent your own unique wedding perfume?

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21. Play in the Highland Games

White woman in a light green parka, black leggings and red wellies standing on a rocky hillside in the rain

If you fancy treating a sporty bride to an exhilarating Scottish experience, it’s heard to beat playing in the Highland Games. Compete for points in a variety of unique games including tossing the caber, throwing a sheaf over a pitchfork, rolling haggis, welly hurling and the classic tug o’ war. You may not all prove to be naturals but we can guarantee that you’ll have a whole lot of fun trying. 

The day takes place at Whitemoss Farm which is situated just 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and just a 10 minute drive from the airport, which could be handy if your hens are flying in from afar. There’s nothing like lobbing a welly as soon as you get off a flight to get your feet back on the ground. 

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22. Dance the Day (and Night) Away

White woman with blonde hair dancing in a grey top facing a white brick wall

Go full Strictly on the hen night out and the wedding night itself by taking part in a dance lesson at one of two amazing Edinburgh locations.

A professional choreographer will tailor the lesson to the group’s ability and preferences – you’ll begin with the basics before mastering a short routine. Now all that’s left is to do is choose a theme before you book so have a think about what gets the bride on her feet and go from there.

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23. Whisky Tasting in Scotland’s Smallest Pub

Mirrored bar lined with spirits and tea in kilner jars

Fancy getting to grips with some of Scotland’s finest whiskies? Now you can, from inside Scotland’s smallest and frankly most charming pub. Your own personal whisky expert will take you on a tour of the tipples of the nation with a tasting session, after which you can all tuck into a selection of breads, dips and mini desserts.

For a real trip around the isles your party can continue long after the tasting is over if you head on over to Biddy Mulligans, the authentic Irish pub next door which hosts live music and sits in the heart of the historic Grassmarket. For a right old Scottish/Irish knees up, look no further. 

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24. Silent Disco Adventure 

White woman with blonde hair wearing a pair of silent disco headphones

An affordable hour long tour through Edinburgh that’ll be just the ticket for an exhibitionist bride. Sing and dance through the streets wearing high tech headsets and take in local landmarks as you serenade onlookers – you won’t be able to hear yourself so that might melt away some anxiety. Or not. This may not be a hen activity for everyone but it certainly fulfils the ‘unique’ brief. 

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25. City of the Dead Tour

Misty graveyard at nightfall

Haunted hen do anyone? The acclaimed City of the Dead tour crew offer all sorts of spooky Scottish experiences, including roaming through Edinburgh’s creepy historic underground city to graveyard tours and a ‘double dead’ route that takes in haunted vaults and a prison famed for its paranormal happenings. Expect storytelling, entertainment, a history lesson and a fright night all in one. 

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26. Tasting Menu at Six By Nico 

White plate on a blue tablecloth with a fried fillet of fish, potato and greens

With inventive rotating themes and a surprisingly affordable six course tasting menu (including a vegetarian option), a trip to Six by Nico is a decadent, tasty thrill that will delight foodie brides and hungry hens. Add on tailored wine flights for an even more boujis evening. 

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Unusual Brighton Hen Weekend Ideas

Brighton offers up a bit of everything, from sand and sea air to brilliant shopping and a multitude of hen weekend options. Here are our top picks…

27. Flower Crown Making

Brunette woman in a bright pink top wearing a pink, red and cream flower crown in front of a crafting table with leaves and flowers

Give your queens the crowns they deserve with this super-cute arts and crafts experience. A professionally trained florist will come to your hen accommodation and you’ll use fresh flowers to create magical crowns to be worn that evening and add a bit of flower power to your celebrations!

The 90 minute session is the ideal activity if your bride is planning a rustic wedding too.

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28. BA i360 in the Sky

Two white blonde women in yoga kit doing tree pose on mats in a bubble above Brighton

Experience Brighton like you’ve never experienced it before with a day at the BA i360 centre.

Glide up 450ft above the coast and take in stunning views of the sea and city before enjoying one of the structure's many exciting events, from yoga and cocktails to even meeting Santa Claus - the choices are endless!

Once you’ve had your thrill-fix, head back down to the West Beach Bar & Kitchen for brunch and breakfast cocktails. The ‘Old Spot’ Full English takes our fancy.

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29. A Home Away From Home

Bay window with two orange chairs facing a Brighton square

Who says you even have to do anything on your hen do? If you’re considering splashing the cash on a seriously swish hotel room for the night, you may as well enjoy it to the full and make R&R priority number one. 

We love the Artist Residence Hotel in Brighton for its creative, non-stuff vibes. It’s the brainchild of Justin Salisbury who left university to take over the family B&B in 2006. He had no budget to revamp the place, so he invited hundreds of local artists to decorate the 23-bedroom townhouse in return for board.

The result? The most contemporary and sumptuous family-run seafront hotel complete with on-site cocktail bar and an elegant restaurant. You’re going to struggle to come to terms with checking out of this place. 

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30. Unleash Your Inner Artist with The Paint Club

Canvas painting of London Bridge on a wooden table with a paintbrush and pot and a succulent

Run by husband and wife duo John and Alice, The Paint Club teaches hen parties to paint whilst they enjoy cocktails and afternoon tea.

The arty duo can host your party in one of the venues they regularly work with or travel to a location of your choice within 80 miles of Sussex, which is pretty flexi as hen activities go. They’ll also consult you beforehand to plan a painting project that fits in with your chosen theme or reflects the bride’s vibe. 

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31. Vegan Wine Tasting

Three white people drinking different wines and eating from a slate cheeseboard

Head on down to the much loved Ten Green Bottles for a niche wine tasting session that promises to be anything but snooty and formal. A private vegan and vegetarian wine masterclass will explain the processes involved in wine production, including tastings of six wines that your sommelier especially rates accompanied with nibbles. 

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32. Beach Volleyball Lessons

Aerial view of people playing on a beach volleyball court on the sand

If the bride has a competitive streak, a private beach volleyball taster is sure to tick her boxes. Make like you’re on a beach in LA with a warm-up, drills and match play on the beach led by a qualified coach. Then catch your breath and reward your hard work with sundowners by the seashore afterwards. 

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33. Succumb to Pier Pressure 

White man and a woman walking along the street on a puzzle finding mission

Crystal Maze fans will adore this Brighton hen weekend activity. Solve puzzles and riddles against the clock, navigate your way around different escape room settings and put your communication and teamwork skills to the test as you decode key clues. There are multiple options and difficulty levels to tickle your group’s fancy and you’ll get a taste of the local atmosphere too with challenges such as ‘loot the Lanes’ and ‘Pavilion perplex’.

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34. Nipple Tassel Workshop 

Women crafting and drinking fizz

Learn how to make spectacular nipple tassels by an experienced teacher on this fun workshop based in Brighton. You'll be taught step by step how to make these sparkly burlesque accessories which you can then take back to your boudoir.

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Unusual Hen Weekend Ideas in the Midlands

Birmingham and its surrounding areas have some unique hen weekend prospects to offer. Take your pick from these amazing options…

35. Gin Tasting at West Midlands Distillery

barrels from west midlands distillery behind a cage

Take to the countryside and embark on a day of gin tasting at the West Midlands Distillery.

Book in for a guided tour and tasting, and allow an expert guide will talk you through the spirit making process, from traditional mashing and fermenting to distilling and bottling.

An entertaining day out for everyone, and you'll even be able to sample a tipple on the way too!

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36. Host a Hen-Fest Weekender

Blonde woman in a denim jacket dancing in the sun in a field full of coloured tents

Ensure the hen do is the best weekend of your bride’s life by planning your own private music festival. Courtesy of Go Hen, you can organise a weekend of festival-inspired fun in the Cotswold countryside. You’ll enjoy two nights of starlight glamping, a butler in the buff, hot tub hire, a private performance from an acoustic band, a private BBQ chef and many more outdoorsy surprises. Hen breaks don’t get more extra than this. 

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37. Peaky Blinders Night

Recreation of an industrial yard scene in the midlands next to a canal with narrowboats

Would the bride secretly like to join the Shelby family? This Peaky Blinders themed night is made for her. Take a trip to the Black Country Living Museum near Birmingham (where the hit BBC show is filmed) for an immersive evening of Peaky fun. 

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38. Explore the Lost Pubs of The Jewellery Quarter

Traditional pub interior with wooden walls, tables and chairs and old drinks signs as decoration

You’ll begin your ‘lost pub’ crawl at the aptly named Jeweller’s Arms before touring historic former pubs and stopping for a drink at the atmospheric Gunmakers Arms. Expect Gothic detail aplenty. 

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39. Dig In at Digbeth Dining Club

Food market with benches and fairy lit stalls in the ruins of Coventry cathedral on a clear evening

Held in scenic locations all over the midlands, from the grounds of Warwick Castle to the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, Digbeth Dining Club has evolved beyond its original home to combine Michelin starred cuisine with authentic street food, unforgettable drinks and live music from local bands and DJs. If you’re craving a delicious hen weekend with a real sense of place, DDC has it covered. 

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Unusual Liverpool Hen Weekend Ideas

Take to the city famed for wild nights out for your bride’s upcoming hen do. One of these unusual Liverpool hen party ideas should kickstart proceedings...

40. Go Old-Skool Bowling

Different coloured cocktails in a variety of glasses lined up in a bowling alley with pins in the background

Pins Social Club is a hub of stylish retro themed fun. There’s traditional ten pin bowling, shuffleboard, karaoke, a rooftop bar and an American-style pizzeria to keep you sustained and entertained. You could spend all evening here and still not feel boredom creeping in, which is just the ticket when you’re chief hen organiser. 

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41. Life Drawing Class

Blonde white woman in a white shirt laughing in front of a sketchpad

Never done a life drawing class? They’re quite the experience and a hen do provides the perfect opportunity to flex your pencil and give it a go. 

Try your hand at portraiture as you sketch a handsome model who’ll be striking a pose for your private group. Relax with a few drinks throughout your class while you brush up on your artistry skills – you’ll be glad to hear that a tutor will be on hand to offer professional tips.

The class is sure to induce a few giggles, and will be a fantastic ice breaker if your hens don’t all know each other. 

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42. Go Behind The Scenes of The Beatles’ Club

Bearded white man in a black coat giving a tour of The Cavern Club

Considered one of the most famous music venues in the world, The Cavern Club hosted The Beatles’ first gigs among many other famous musician’s sets. Take a Behind The Scenes Tour to discover the history of the club and the origins of Liverpool’s vibrant music scene before sitting back with a drink to enjoy a live gig.

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43. Cocktails and Conjuring

A dark teal door with a gas lamp above it on a brick street at dusk with a gold bar sign

A trip to The Oracle is not what it seems. This mysterious, stylish bar is hidden away in Liverpool city centre and will see you sipping cocktails as different magicians visit your table to delight and deceive you. It’s sure to make for a night to remember (or...perhaps not?). 

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Unusual UK-Wide Hen Weekend Ideas

Some hen weekend ideas are just so good that they can be done the whole country over. Peruse some options that are sure to work wherever you are…

44. At-Home Wine Tasting Experience

remote virtual wine tasting with a laptop, glass of wine and a menu

Grab some flutes and glasses and enjoy an on-demand wine tasting led by a fine wine specialist.

Drinks will be delivered direct to your door beforehand and you can choose from different regions, countries and flavours. The expert leading your unique session will also recommend snacks to go with your drinks beforehand so you can fill your basket in advance. 

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45. Hiking Hen Party

White woman with short dark hair in French plaits with a yellow backpack hiking through a green valley

Be even more at one with nature by hosting a hiking hen party. Get away to a gorgeous hotel in the British countryside and use it as a base for your day of walking. It’ll be a refreshing and unique change from the usual hen weekend.

Once you return, all fresh faced and rosy, arrange for a cosy dinner and cocktails as the perfect end to your day.

Our pick of mini-moon hotels in the UK would double up as a great guide to inspire your weekend of walking. 

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46. Go White Water Rafting

Two yellow white water rafts on a river surrounded by green hills

If your bride’s a bit more of a daredevil, get fast and furious with a white water rafting hen party. Into The Blue arranges a wide range of white water rafting packages up and down the country which are both great value for money and all include a substantial amount of time on the water. 

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47. Take a Bow

White woman with long dark hair in a plait over her shoulder balanced in a tree drawing back a bow and arrow wearing a dark blue anorak and dark blue trousers

More adrenaline fuelled activities, this time in the form of a more focused but no less exciting archery lesson. Choose from several UK locations and book some luxe hen accommodation alongside your archery through The Sophisticated Hen

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Do It Yourself Hen Party Ideas

48. Garden Party 

A hen do garden party is a great idea if you are looking for something sophisticated, affordable and easy to set up. Deck out the garden with stylish hen party decorations, make sure you have lots of hen party games to play and ensure there tons of drinks and nibbles! You could even incorporate a fun hen party theme and get everyone to dress up.

49. Movie Night 

Who says you can't have a slumber party as an adult? You'll need to put on all the best wedding films (watching 'Bridesmaids' is a must), plus ensure a constant supply of popcorn and prosecco. Take a look at these gorgeous bride and bridesmaid pyjama sets for the ultimate finishing touch. 

50. Crafting 

If the bride and hens are a crafty bunch, getting everyone together for an afternoon or evening of creativity is a brilliant idea. You could make crafts for the wedding itself, such as DIY flower bouquets, wedding favours and table decorations, or you could get stuck into painting, pottery and embroidery. 

How to Plan an Unusual Hen Do: Expert Tips

There are endless hen do ideas to fill your itinerary with for a hen party but the most important factor when planning the event is to consider is what the bride will enjoy - it is a day to celebrate her after all! Consider whether she is a low-key bride who would appreciate an at home hen do or a relaxing activity like afternoon tea, or if she has hopes of a big weekend with plenty of drinks and dancing. 

If you are still unsure, the style of the wedding in question is likely to give you some direction as to what hen party ideas to go for, be that a festival wedding or a sophisticated country house soiree. 

Fortunately, we've enlisted the advice of Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen, to give us some suggestions for planning an unusual hen do. 

"Why follow the flock with a hen weekend that’s been done a million times over when you could plan something totally unique?", says Ellie. "There’s no ‘rule book’ for hen dos – it’s your chance to create something as unique as the bride herself.

"That being said, always make sure the vibe matches what she loves – it’s her big send-off after all!”

We asked Ellie for her top suggestions for what to do on an unusual hen do - here's what she said: 

1. Ditch the Big City

“Sure, Liverpool, Bristol, and our hometown Bath are fabulous, but why not swap the city buzz for the bliss of a rural escape?

“From dreamy countryside retreats to our signature Hen-Fest weekends – a mini festival dedicated to the bride – the options are endless. Think starry skies, toasty fire pits, fizz in hand, a hot tub bubbling away, and a sprinkle of fun mobile activities. It’s hen partying reimagined – idyllic!”

2. Zen Weekends

“Wedding planning is stressful enough, so why not skip the big nights out and opt for some R&R? A zen hen could be just the thing!

“Whether it’s yoga retreats, spa days, indulgent pampering sessions, or a wedding makeover, it’s a chance to unwind with the girls and recharge. And hey, a little wine can totally be part of the plan – balance is key!”

3. Theme Your Weekend

“Instead of picking a destination and activities, why not let them pick you? Choose a theme for your weekend and build your celebration around that.

“We’ve just dropped our favourite hen do theme predictions for 2025 and they are a vibe. From Mars & Matrimony and Floral Era to Say Yes to the Mess and Last Toast on the Coast, they’re a must for any trendsetting bride!”

4. Winter Hen Weekends

“Peak hen season may be spring and summer, but winter weekends have their own magical charm. Picture Christmas markets, steaming mugs of mulled wine, luxurious spa escapes, or cosy movie nights around the fire.

“With the festive vibes and fewer crowds, a winter hen do is a world of untapped potential – just don’t forget the matching pyjamas!”

What Can I Do For My Hen Party? FAQs

If you're still stuck for ideas, here are some final words of advice for those planning a hen do - from nailing a classy affair to sorting out the budget, follow this advice and you'll be fine!

How Do You Throw a Classy Hen Do?

Speaking of sophisticated, you can totally throw a classy hen do - it doesn't have to be a Magic Mike fuelled evening if you don't want it to be. There are lots of lovely hen party ideas that are chic and glamorous, such as Champagne tasting and chocolate making. You can discover our edit of the best classy hen party decorations here.

Who Pays For the Hen on Her Hen Do?

While there are no strict rules, typically, the best way to cover the cost of the hen do is for the attendees to split the cost equally between them. The bride may offer to chip in but it is a nice gesture to have the hen do expenses paid for her. 

What Do You Do With a Small Hen Party?

If you are planning a small hen party, Virgin Experience Days has tons of deals for fun activities for groups of three or four such as escape rooms, spa days and craft workshops. Take a look at these hen party ideas for small groups for even more inspiration. 

Now you've got the perfect hen party idea sorted, you need to shop for the best hen party outfits!