The Essential Guide to UK Hen Do Destinations (2026 Edition)
Staycations for the win
Planning a hen do is a massive responsibility. You are the architect of the bride’s final weekend of freedom, and the pressure to deliver "the best weekend ever" is real. At The Stag and Hen Experience, we have spent over fifteen years organizing thousands of legendary weekends. Whether you call it a Hen Do or a Bachelorette Party, the UK is the premier choice for 2026.
In this day and age, the options for what to do and where to go on a hen weekend are vast and exciting, but it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it down and figuring out exactly what would be the best option for you and the girls. But don’t panic! This guide is here to take the pressure off and give you lots of different options in one convenient article. No matter what your budget, your requirements or your desires, this guide will help you narrow it down and figure out just what options might be best for you!
10 Reasons to Choose a UK Hen Weekend
“Where should I go for a hen weekend? Should I have the hen do in the UK or go abroad?” These are the first two questions asked by more than 95% of all groups when they are choosing where to go and what to do for their hen weekend. While jetting off abroad is exciting, you shouldn’t discount a UK hen weekend. After all, there are several massive advantages to staying in the UK.
No Money Worries: We’ve all found ourselves confused about money abroad. One of the big advantages of the UK is simply that you know how much things cost. You’re not trying to figure out whether something is better or worse value, you’re not worried about surprise bank charges for international withdrawals and it’s just easier!
Easier to Organise: Wrangling 15 passports and ensuring everyone makes a 6 AM flight is an absolute headache (which can be made even worse if people are arriving at the airport via different groups). A UK destination allows guests to arrive via car or train at different times and all easily meet up, which is vital for friends with work or childcare commitments.
You Speak the Language: Communicating with people who speak a different language can be stressful even in the best of situations, but if you have had a few drinks and are trying to organise something essential (like booking a late night taxi or finding your way around) can be an absolute nightmare. Having a UK hen weekend eliminates this barrier altogether, making it one less thing to worry about.
See the Sights: You’d imagine that seeing the sights would be better on a European hen weekends, but the problem tends to be that you feel like you didn’t get to see enough of them! A lot of the big European cities are quite spread out, so it’s tough to fit in a lot of sight seeing alongside the other hen weekend activities. In the UK, a lot of the destinations offer a wide range of iconic sights that are much closer together on average and easy to explore in a few quiet hours between activities.
Cheaper and Simpler Travel: We’ve already touched on this, but as well as the travel being easier to organise, it’s also usually cheaper! After all, driving or taking the train is much more flexible and often cheaper than flights + airport transfers. Plus, the party can start with a playlist in the car the moment you leave your driveway.
British Food and Drink: Ironically, we often find hen weekends in the UK often enjoy a greater variety of food than those abroad. You wouldn’t think that’d be the case, but when you are a group abroad you can find that you’ll get stuck with "tourist menus” which are fine, but not exactly representative of the destination! Whereas in the UK, we have such a wide variety of food options everywhere that you can enjoy anything from high-end sushi to a traditional roast.
Low Risk of Disruptions: You know that any restrictions or rules on your hen weekend will be the same as the ones you are used to at home, which gives you peace of mind in the final weeks of planning. This may sound like a minor advantage, but trust me, disruptions can really cause problems on a weekend away.
Bigger Range of Activities: Activities are the backbone of a hen weekend, and while we offer great activities at all destinations (both UK and abroad), the UK selection we offer is easily one and a half times the size of what we can offer across all of our European hubs combined. Plus, if there’s something you want to do but we don’t offer, we can probably arrange it! Basically, if you can dream it, you can do it in the UK.
Flexibility for All Budgets: UK hen weekends give you more flexibility, scalability and options when it comes to your budgets. Whether you are looking for a basic under £80 per person package or a high-end luxury manor, the UK accommodates every bank balance. And it’s much easier to tweak packages for people as well – so if some people can only make one day or some people want to miss out an activity, that sort of customisation is easily done in the UK.
Variety of Locations: When looking at European hen weekends, it is almost always to big cities and they can be amazing, don’t get me wrong, but an advantage of a UK hen weekend is that whether you want a city break or a secluded retreat surrounded by gorgeous countryside, we have you covered.
Regional Spotlights: Finding Your Perfect Hub
The South East: Posh, Classy & Boisterous
The South East is one of the most popular areas in the country, combining coastal energy with historic sophistication, creating an amazing atmosphere for your hen weekend.
Brighton: The Classic Seaside Haven. Brighton has long been associated with amazing weekends away, and that reputation isn’t going anywhere! For 2025, we recommend our Themed Bottomless Brunches (Disney Princesses, 90s Raves, or Emo themes) or the RuPaul’s Drag Race Experience, where you learn to sashay down the catwalk before a full-on Lip Sync Battle – an experience you’ll never forget.
Oxford: The Sophisticated Choice. Oxford exudes class. It’s the home of Punting and high-end Bespoke Hen Accommodation. These private apartments allow you to host activities in the accommodation itself, ensuring everything—from massages to strippers—is at your fingertips. But don’t think just because it’s classy that you’ll be lacking in nightlife! After all, it’s the home of the most famous university in the world, so you know the bars will have plenty to offer.
Portsmouth & Southampton: The Water Hubs. These cities are big, brash, and boisterous. They are the go-to for adrenaline seekers wanting private yacht charters, powerboat driving, or jet skiing to name just a few of the options. The nightlife scene features everything from chic cocktail bars to the cheesiest clubs on the coast.
The East Midlands: The Hidden Gems
The East Midlands often provides the best "bang for your buck" in the country – with great prices and amazing vibes.
Nottingham: The Medieval Party City. Nottingham is a student-heavy city, which means the nightlife is vibrant and well-priced, with a variety of options dotted around the city. As far as activities go, it’s got everything from escape rooms to a night at the greyhounds. In short, it’s a gorgeous city that tells a story through its historic architecture and lively bars.
Derby & Northampton: These locations are fantastic for groups who want a central hub that is easy for everyone to reach yet still offers a huge selection of activities and nightlife. The activities here are often 20% cheaper than their southern counterparts, allowing you to upgrade your accommodation or add an extra cocktail session without breaking the bank.
The Budget Breakdown: Best Value Destinations
In a cost of living crisis, value is a key aspect for any hen weekend. Here are our top picks for groups looking to maximize their fun for a lower price tag in 2026.
Blackpool: The Value King. Blackpool has specialized in hen dos for generations, and it’s still at the top of the list for a reason. One-night packages (including an activity and some VIP nightlife) can start from as little as £69 per person. Blackpool also offers a massive range of accommodation, from smaller B&Bs to 5-star platinum hotels and large private houses – so whatever budget you have, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
Swansea: The Coastal Bargain. Swansea is a seaside city with stunning aquatic vistas and very affordable nightlife on Wind Street. It’s bijou and compact as well, so transit from the beach to the shopping districts is easy on foot, and you can sample traditional Welsh cuisine like cockles and laverbread without breaking the bank.
Newcastle: Geordie Shore Energy. Historically, Newcastle has always been a Northern powerhouse, and one of the reasons is that it excels in the variety of activities available. One-night packages start at £72 per person and are extremely customisable. If there’s an activity that you want to do in the UK, you can do it in Newcastle, And the nightlife offers up everything from cheesy classics on the Diamond Strip to high-end fashion at the Metro Centre.
Newquay: Affordable Surf. On a sunny day, the deep golden sands and beach clubs make Newquay feel like Portugal, without you having to get on a plane! A typical two-night stay with an activity and nightlife starts around £89 per person, which I think we can all agree is an absolute bargain.
Specialized Hen Flavours
If you know that the hen is into a particular type of hen do, why not have a look at some of these options?
The Fashionista’s Guide
The Metro Centre (Newcastle): With over 370 shops and a staggering 400,000 square meters, this is the largest shopping centre in Europe. Brands like Guess, Superdry, and Breitling share floor space with high-street favorites like Miss Selfridge and Lush – a perfect place to spend an afternoon on your Newcastle hen weekend.
Manchester: The Northern Powerhouse. Manchester’s shopping is also legendary, but its culture is even better. Don't miss the pop-up food markets or a free concert at Chetham’s School of Music—the oldest English language public library in the world.
The Posh & Classy Edit
Chester: High Fashion & The Races. Chester is an amazingly posh and classy location. We recommend a day at the races with champagne and fascinators, followed by a private chef at a luxury bespoke hen house, a perfect way to really feel like you are upper class ladies.
York: Historic Elegance. York is teeming with posh options. Beyond the beautiful architecture, you can enjoy equestrian activities like horse riding or private pampering sessions in high-end serviced apartments on The Shambles.
London: The Five-Star Experience. London is the only answer for genuine high-end luxury. Think spa hotels with on-site saunas, West End shows, and private wine-tasting sessions in exclusive bars. Plus some of the classiest nightlife you’ve ever encountered.
The Scenic & Outdoor Retreat
The Lake District: Renowned for ribbon lakes like Windermere and rugged fells. Rent a luxury cottage, try some Kendall Mint Cake, and enjoy the majesty of nature.
The Scottish Highlands (Inverness): Gorge walking is a must here. Scramble through waterfalls and mountain streams for an adrenaline rush followed by a cozy night in a highland pub.
Local UK Delicacies to Try
Obviously, when eating on a hen weekend, you will always have a huge variety of restaurants to choose from, but if you are visiting any of these locales, why not ground your hen do in local culture by trying these unique regional treats?
Newcastle: Pease Pudding (Geordie Caviar). A savoury split-pea mush served with ham hock and stottie cakes.
Newquay: The Cornish Pasty. The original working man’s lunch, perfect for a quick bite between activities.
Edinburgh: Haggis and Deep-Fried Mars Bars. The ultimate (and slightly dangerous) Scottish experience.
London: Historic Pie, Mash, and Jellied Eels. Visit a Victorian shop for a taste of the old East End.
Seasonal Planning: The Winter Hen Do
If you are planning a winter celebration, avoid the beach resorts and focus on City Breaks. Cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester are vibrant year-round. Indoor activities like cocktail masterclasses, dance classes, wine tasting, and go-karting are all weather-proof and often significantly cheaper in the winter months.
Trending for 2025/2026: Global Favourites
A lot of this article has been about UK hen weekends, mostly because of the huge variety available. However, if you and the girls are looking to fly out, these destinations are currently dominating the charts for the coming seasons:
Malta (Paceville): One of our newer additions. The Paceville area in St Julian’s is the undisputed party capital, with clubs and bars open until 4 AM and summer highs over 30°C. A perfect destination for relaxing in the sun during the day, and partying hard at night.
Albufeira: The All-Rounder. Consistently our most popular European destination. It offers the perfect mix of old town vibes during the day and the strip for wild partying at night. This, coupled with the 30°C sun and the great value, makes it an absolute must.
Prague: The Gothic Party City. Prague offers the best value nightlife in Europe. The bars are varied, friendly, and the "bargain prices" mean your budget goes significantly further on the dancefloor. This, plus the wide range of activities make it a great option for any European hen weekend.
Valencia: The Music Hub. Known for having one of the liveliest party scenes in Spain, Valencia offers 30°C temperatures and roads lined with clubs and bars offering cheap drinks and world-class music.
Lisbon: The Dark Horse. A sophisticated capital with record summer highs over 40°C (no, that’s not a typo) and a nightlife scene that caters to every possible taste, from chic cocktail bars to massive nightclubs. An amazing option for an amazing hen weekend.
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you want the posh possibilities of York, the Geordie caviar of Newcastle, or a sun-drenched weekend in Bournemouth, the perfect hen do is easily within your reach. All you have to do is reach out and give us some details, at which point we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun.