The Definitive Guide to Alternative & Adrenaline Stag Activities
Away from the norm
As a best man, your worst nightmare is when the stag turns to you and says: “I want my stag weekend to be different from everyone else's.”
Panic sets in. How do you make a stag weekend unique without compromising on the fun? The answer is simple: Pick a unique activity.
We have compiled the ultimate bucket list of alternative activities—from smashing up cars in Amsterdam to surviving a zombie apocalypse in Birmingham.
Part 1: The "Bucket List" (Once in a Lifetime)
These are the activities you simply can't do on a normal weekend.
Tank Paintball (Nottingham)
The Heavyweight Champion.
Why play normal paintball when you can play it in a 15-tonne tank? You split into three-man crews: one drives, one aims, and one fires the cannon. It is loud, chaotic, and completely unforgettable.
Olympic Bobsleigh (Riga)
Feel the Rhythm.
If you have ever watched Cool Runnings, this is your chance to live it. Head to Riga, Latvia, and hurtle down the official Olympic training track. You can ride in a soft "vulkan" sled or, for the truly brave, sit behind a professional driver in a real bobsleigh reaching speeds of 100km/h.
Tower Jump (Bratislava)
The Leap of Faith.
This is unique to Bratislava. You jump from a 110m tower and freefall for four seconds before a controlled deceleration brings you to the ground. It offers a massive adrenaline rush without the hassle of a parachute.
Carsmash (Amsterdam)
Therapy for Stags.
Exactly what it sounds like. You get a scrap car, a selection of sledgehammers and baseball bats, and permission to destroy it. It is incredibly cathartic and a great way to blow off steam before hitting the bars.
Part 2: Competitive & Team Games
Stags love competition. Here are the best ways to earn bragging rights.
Regional Games (Various Locations)
The Funny Option.
Forget serious sports. These events involve inflatable costumes and ridiculous challenges.
West Country Games (Bristol): Features the "Cider Run" (bungee run) and "Pitchfork Duels."
Welsh Games (Cardiff): Includes "Sheep Rodeo" and "Leek Duels."
Highland Games (Scotland): Toss the caber and hurl wellies in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Escape Rooms
The Mental Challenge.
Lock the groom in a room and see if he is smart enough to get out. You have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape. It is perfect for smaller groups and a great way to sober up before the evening starts.
Disco Dodgeball
Throwing Things at Friends.
Dodgeball is a classic for a reason. It is fast, aggressive, and hilarious. We add a DJ and a soundtrack of 80s anthems to keep the energy high. Remember the 5 D's: Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge.
Part 3: The Weird & Wonderful
For the group that wants something totally different.
Zombie Apocalypse (Birmingham)
Scare the Groom.
This is an immersive theatre experience where you are the star. You are dropped into a "quarantine zone" filled with actors playing fast-moving zombies. You are armed with airsoft weapons and tasked with surviving. It is terrifying and brilliant.
Fly Boarding (Various Locations)
Iron Man Mode.
Strap a water-powered jetpack to your feet and hover above the sea. It takes a few minutes to master the balance, but once you do, you feel like a superhero. Available in beach destinations like Marbella and Benalmadena.
Freefall Simulator (Indoor Skydiving)
Falling with Style.
Experience the sensation of freefall without jumping out of a plane. A giant vertical wind tunnel blasts air upwards at 120mph, suspending you in mid-air. It is much safer (and cheaper) than a real skydive.
Bar Crawl Beauties
The Ultimate Chaperones.
If you are in a new city and don't know where to go, hire a "Bar Crawl Beauty." These local guides will take you to the best bars, organize drinking games, collect the kitty, and ensure nobody gets lost.