50 Unusual Hen Party Ideas for Brides 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
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If you’ve been tasked with the seemingly impossible challenge of planning a 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.
- London Hen Weekend Ideas
- Manchester Hen Weekend Ideas
- Edinburgh Hen Weekend Ideas
- Brighton Hen Weekend Ideas
- Midlands Hen Weekend Ideas
- Liverpool Hen Weekend Ideas
- UK-Wide Hen Weekend Ideas
- Do It Yourself Hen Party Ideas
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
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.
2. Jamie Oliver Cookery Class
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.
READ MORE: The Best Hen Party Games for You and Your Girls
3. Duck & Dry Blow Dry Party
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...
4. Afternoon Tea at 100 Queens Gate Hotel
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.
5. Get Cultured with Takayo
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.
READ MORE: 17 Steps to Planning Your Dream Wedding Day
6. Feline Afternoon Tea
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...
7. Drink, Shop & Do in Kings Cross
A crafty hen HQ that doubles up as a bar, café, independent shop and even an occasional nightclub. Keep an eye on the calendar of creative workshops and events – past options have included indoor gardening, flatbread making and crafting decorations out of used drinks cans (which could come in handy for the wedding).
8. Cheese Tasting at Neal’s Yard
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.
9. A Bespoke Food Tour
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.
10. Glimpse of London Helicopter Tour with Fizz
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.
11. Pottery Workshop
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.
12. City of Sin Sex Tour
For a hen party idea that's a little scandalous, consider the City of Sin's Sex Tour. With a warning given ahead of the tour saying, "don't come on this tour unless you are in love with sex," expect your guide to take you through London's most sultry spots.
From discovering the place where one of the most prominent European composers asked a prostitute to cut off… the most important part of his body, to the place where in the 19th Century you could have bought condoms, this tour reveals the secret side of history.
13. At Home OPI Gel Manicure
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 blow LTD. But the pampering doesn't stop there - you and your friends will also be treated to a relaxing hand 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.
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
Calling all chocoholics! My Chocolate offers up the sweetest of hen party packages 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.
15. Bake With a Legend
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.
READ MORE: Mary Berry’s Ultimate Wedding Cake Recipe
16. Urban Axe Throwing
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.
17. Comedy Crime Club
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.
18. Go On a Secret Bar Crawl
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.
19. Step Back into Victorian Times
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...
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
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?
READ MORE: Our Favourite Wedding Candles
21. Play in the Highland Games
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.
READ MORE: The Best Romantic Getaways in Scotland To Book Now
22. Dance the Day (and Night) Away
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.
23. Whisky Tasting in Scotland’s Smallest Pub
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.
READ MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in Scotland
24. Silent Disco Adventure
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.
25. City of the Dead Tour
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.
26. Tasting Menu at Six By Nico
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.
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
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.
28. BA i360 Yoga in the Sky
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 beginning a yoga class in the clouds. We can’t think of anything more relaxing!
Once you’re feeling suitably zen, head back down to the West Beach Bar & Kitchen for brunch and breakfast cocktails. The ‘Old Spot’ Full English takes our fancy.
29. A Home Away From Home
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.
READ MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in Brighton
30. Unleash Your Inner Artist with The Paint Club
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.
31. Vegan Wine Tasting
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.
32. Beach Volleyball Lessons
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.
33. Succumb to Pier Pressure
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’.
34. Nipple Tassel Workshop
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.
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 Chase Distillery
Take to the Herefordshire countryside (an hour’s direct train from Birmingham) and embark on a day of gin tasting at the bucolic Chase Distillery.
From the home of the well-loved Pink Grapefruit Gin and Marmalade Vodka, an expert guide will talk you through the spirit making process, from traditional mashing and fermenting to distilling and bottling.
After the tour, you’ll head to the Chase Bar to enjoy a tutored tasting of all Chase blends. If there’s something that especially takes your fancy on the trip you can pick it up from the Boutique Distillery Shop and shake up a storm when you get home.
READ MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in Herefordshire
36. Host a Hen-Fest Weekender
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.
37. Peaky Blinders Night
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.
38. Explore the Lost Pubs of The Jewellery Quarter
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.
39. Dig In at Digbeth Dining Club
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.
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
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.
41. Life Drawing Class
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.
42. Go Behind The Scenes of The Beatles’ 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.
43. Cocktails and Conjuring
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?).
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 Booze Tasting Experience
Grab some flutes and glasses and enjoy a two-hour tasting led by a Waitrose drinks specialist. Drinks will be delivered direct to your door beforehand and you can choose from a ‘gin o’clock’ evening, a ‘cocktails at home’ class or a ‘simply wine’ session. The expert leading your unique session will also recommend snacks to go with your drinks beforehand so you can fill your basket in advance.
READ MORE: A Step by Step Guide to Planning the Perfect Hen Do
45. Hiking Hen Party
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.
46. Go White Water Rafting
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.
47. Take a Bow
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.
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.
What Can I Do For My Hen Party?
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.
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!
