team bride celebrating before wedding

How to Plan the Ultimate Hen Do

Planning a hen weekend? From your chosen destination to the activities you take part in, every detail paints the bigger picture. If your ideas suit your budget and group size, you can think outside the box to make the party memorable for all the right reasons.

Here’s how to put the pieces together and plan an unforgettable hen weekend for your special friend. 

Choosing the perfect destination

Firstly, you’ll need to decide where to take your hen party. Your destination should be one that suits the preferences and interests of your group. Just a few of your options could include:

  • City breaks: Perfect for shopping, eating out, and spending late nights in bars and nightclubs. If the bride-to-be prefers a heavy weekend, you’ll already know her favourite spots. 
  • Rural getaways: Ideal for quality time spent with your group, usually in a remote and beautiful setting. You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors and get to know the local hotspots.
  • International breaks: Think the bride-to-be would rather sip a cocktail by the pool? If so, booking a beach holiday or a quick getaway in warmer climes could be the best choice.

Here are our top 3 suggestions for memorable hen party destinations this year:

1. Spa breaks in the UK

Spa days combine relaxation and pampering for brides-to-be and their hens. If you’re looking for a hen weekend that focuses on wellbeing and steers away from late nights, a spa break could make a wonderful choice.

Luckily, the UK is teeming with high-end spa destinations to choose from, with many located in natural beauty spots like the Lake District National Park. A few of our favourites include:

  • Champneys in Henlow, Bedfordshire
  • Low Wood Bay in Windermere, Lake District
  • Middleton Lodge in Richmond, Yorkshire
  • Ragdale Hall in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
  • Rudding Park in Harrogate, Yorkshire
  • Thyme Hotel in Southrop, Cotswolds

2. Benidorm

For the ultimate hen do abroad, don’t overlook Benidorm. This classic party town makes a great choice for hen weekends, with lively venues and sunny beaches to help you strike the perfect balance.

From incredible nightlife to mouth-watering dishes on sun-soaked terraces, Benidorm offers great variety. You can take part in activities like bar crawls and rooftop terrace jacuzzi parties, perfect for securing that little bit of indulgence on such a special weekend.

What’s more, Benidorm holidays offer quality accommodation options with all-inclusive dining available too. It’s an easy way to make your trip more comfortable and convenient. 

3. Dublin

What could be better than keeping the party here in Ireland? If you’d like to keep things local, no city throws a hen party quite like Dublin. 

There’s no shortage of activities and undertakings in this wonderful spot. From classic options like escape rooms, cocktail making and life drawing classes to an authentic Irish Dance party, you can tailor this weekend to become the luckiest hen party yet. 

Why not finish the weekend by booking one of the best places for brunch in Dublin? It’s the perfect opportunity to share stories once more and nurse your hangover, if you have one!

Unconventional hen activities

Finally, no one wants a boring hen party. Once you’ve chosen the right destination for the hen and her friends, it’s time to think of some creative ideas to keep everyone laughing for the whole weekend. 

A few of our favourite creative ideas include pasta-making classes and other craft workshops, where you’ll often be able to take a souvenir home. If your group prefer adrenaline-filled adventures, why not book a treetop zip line session for something a bit different?

With time, effort and careful thought, you’ll plan the best hen party ever.