The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Stag Do on a Budget
Great value is never wrong!
We all know that times are tight. But having a tighter budget doesn't mean you have to settle for a substandard stag do. It just means you have to be smarter about where you go and what you do.
Whether you are looking for £1 pints in Eastern Europe or a cost-effective weekend right here in the UK, we have crunched the numbers to bring you the ultimate guide to the best budget destinations, activities, and beer prices.
Part 1: The Stag Do Beer Index
Let's be honest. One of the biggest costs on any stag weekend is the liquid refreshment. Choosing a destination with cheap beer can save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a weekend.
Based on our research across Europe, here is where your money goes the furthest (prices are average estimates for a local beer):
The "Bargain Bucket" (Under £2.00)
Sofia, Bulgaria: The undisputed champion. You can find beers for around £1.30 in bars.
Budapest, Hungary: A pint of "amber nectar" can cost as little as £1.50.
Prague, Czech Republic: A classic for a reason. Expect to pay around £1.60 for some of the best lager in the world.
Bratislava, Slovakia: Excellent value at approx. £1.70 per beer.
Krakow, Poland: Vodka is the speciality, but beer hovers around the £1.80 mark.
The "Middle Ground" (£2.00 - £3.50)
Benidorm & Spanish Resorts: Spain offers great value, with beers usually between £2.00 and £2.50.
Riga, Latvia: A trendy spot where a beer will cost you around £3.00.
Germany (Berlin/Hamburg): You pay for quality here. Expect to pay around £3.40 for a premium stein.
The "Premium" Choice (£4.50+)
Amsterdam & Dublin: You don't go here for a cheap night out. Prices are comparable to (or higher than) the UK, often hitting £5.00+ for a pint.
Part 2: The Best Cheap Stag Do Destinations Abroad
If you are willing to hop on a flight, Eastern Europe and Southern Spain offer incredible value for money. Here are our top picks for a budget trip abroad.
1. Benidorm (Spain)
Best For: Sun, Sea, and huge nights out.
Benidorm knows exactly what it is. It isn't a place for a quiet cultural trip; it's a place to slam down Sangrias and party until sunrise. Accommodation is plentiful and cheap, and a package including bar crawls and club entry can cost less than you think.
2. Prague (Czech Republic)
Best For: The classic stag experience.
Prague combines cheap flights, cheap accommodation, and legendary nightlife. It is one of the few capitals where you can stay in the city centre without breaking the bank.
3. Krakow (Poland)
Best For: Vodka tasting and shooting ranges.
Poland’s prices for food and drink are famously low, which leaves you with extra cash to spend on activities. It is the perfect place to try a Vodka Tasting session or fire AK-47s at a shooting range.
4. Albufeira (Portugal)
Best For: A beach holiday on a budget.
If you want guaranteed sun without the heavy price tag of Ibiza, Albufeira is the answer. The "Strip" is legendary for nightlife, and a beer on the beach won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Part 3: The Best Cheap UK Stag Destinations
Staying in the UK saves you the hassle of airports and the cost of flights. Here are the cities where your pound stretches further.
1. Blackpool
The Granddaddy of Budget Stags.
Blackpool is built for fun. It has an abundance of budget hotels and B&Bs, and the cost of a night out is significantly cheaper than London or the South East. From the Pleasure Beach to the piers, you can fill a weekend here for very little.
2. Newcastle
The Party Capital of the North.
Newcastle is famous for its friendly atmosphere and high-energy nightlife. Because the city is compact, you save money on taxis, and the competition between bars means there are always drinks offers to be found.
3. Bournemouth
The Student Favourite.
You might think the South Coast is expensive, but Bournemouth is a university town. This means plenty of budget-friendly bars and burger joints catering to students. If you visit outside of August, you can grab a bargain by the beach.
4. Manchester & Liverpool
The Northern Powerhouses.
Both cities offer incredible value. Liverpool is walkable and packed with culture, while Manchester has a massive range of activities right in the city centre, saving you transport costs.
Part 4: 5 Great Value Stag Do Activities
Activities don't have to cost the earth. Here are 5 options that give you maximum entertainment for a low price per person.
1. Bubble Football (Zorb Football)
Why it's great value: It’s high energy, hilarious, and usually costs between £20-£30pp. It’s the perfect ice-breaker to start the weekend.
2. Paintball
Why it's great value: Paintball takes up a good chunk of the day (often a whole afternoon). For the price of entry and equipment, you get hours of adrenaline-fuelled fun running around the woods.
3. Organised Bar Crawls
Why it's great value: You might think you can do it yourself, but an organised crawl often includes free shots, discounted drinks, and free club entry. It saves you queuing and paying cover charges.
4. Brewery Tours
Why it's great value: You learn something, you see something cool, and most importantly, you get to drink the product! It's often cheaper than buying the same amount of beer in a pub.
5. Bingo Lingo
Why it's great value: This isn't your Nan's bingo. It’s a party with prizes, raves, and dance-offs. It serves as your evening entertainment and your pre-drinks all in one venue.
Ready to Plan Your Budget Weekend?
You don't have to navigate the prices alone. We know exactly which hotels offer the best rates and which activities offer the best bang for your buck.
If you want to build a legendary weekend that keeps the bank manager happy, Get in touch with our team for a no-obligation quote tailored to your budget or check out our fantastic selection of accommodation, activities, nightlife and packages. Your experience starts here