10 Essential Exeter Hen Do Ideas & Activities

Updated December 2025

Exeter is quite simply an excellent city for a hen weekend. It is often overlooked in favour of its noisier neighbours like Bristol or Cardiff, but that is a mistake. Exeter has the lively nightlife of a major University city, plenty of independent bars and restaurants, and a whole lot of historic charm.

From its birth as a Roman fortress (Legio II Augusta) to its current status as the capital of the South West, Exeter is steeped in history. But don't let the ancient walls fool you—this city knows how to party. Whether you want to paddleboard on the Jurassic Coast, make your own gin, or dance until 3 am, Exeter delivers.

If you are contemplating an Exeter Hen Weekend, here is our definitive roundup of the 10 fantastic things to do in the city, ranging from the cultural to the chaotic.

1. The Exeter Gin Distillery Tour

The Vibe: Sophisticated & Boozy.

Everyone loves a bit of gin, and the South West is famous for it. One of our favourite things to do is the Exeter Gin Experience (located nearby in Teignmouth). This isn't just a tasting; it’s a full 'Gin School' for you and your girls.

You will tour the distillery to see how the magic happens before taking charge of your own mini copper still. You’ll learn about botanicals, distillation techniques, and eventually bottle your own 35cl creation to take home. The whole experience is bookended with complimentary G&Ts, making it the perfect way to start your Saturday afternoon.

2. Paddleboarding on the Jurassic Coast

The Vibe: Chill, Scenic & Refreshing.

Because Exeter is a coastal city on the edge of the fantastic Jurassic Coast, you simply have to get out on the water. While we offer kayaking and surfing, for a hen party, we strongly recommend Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP).

It is the perfect gentle entry into water sports. Unlike surfing, where you spend half the time falling off, paddleboarding uses a nice big stable board. You can glide along the water, chat with the girls, and enjoy the stunning scenery without a care in the world. It’s a great hangover cure that doesn't require too much cardio!

3. Underground Passages Tour

The Vibe: Quirky, Historic & Unique.

Here at The Stag and Hen Experience, we love a quirky activity, and this is definitely one of them! Exeter is home to a network of medieval Underground Passages, originally built to house lead pipes transporting clean water to the city.

These vaulted tunnels are unique to Exeter—no other UK city has a similar system open to the public. You can don a hard hat and explore the subterranean history beneath the city streets. It’s fascinating, slightly spooky, and a completely different way to see the city before you hit the bars above ground.

4. Bottomless Brunch & Afternoon Tea

The Vibe: Classic Hen Indulgence.

We can’t make a list of hen do suggestions without mentioning the classics. Whether you want a hearty brunch to kickstart the day or a sophisticated Afternoon Tea later on, Exeter has you covered.

What makes it a hen do event? The Bottomless Booze. We can arrange unlimited Prosecco, beer, or cocktails for a set period (usually 90 minutes or 2 hours). It’s the most cost-effective way to get the party started, combining your meal with your pre-drinks in one stylish venue. It’s perfect for a good gossip and plenty of giggles before the night escalates.

5. Climbing at The Quay

The Vibe: Active & Adrenaline-Fuelled.

Exeter’s historic Quayside is one of the most beautiful parts of the city, but it’s also home to the Quay Climbing Centre. Housed in the city's old electricity works, this huge atrium offers the South West’s largest indoor climbing walls.

They have walls for all levels, from absolute beginners to experts. It’s a great bonding activity that gets the blood pumping. If you prefer being outdoors, there is also a Go Ape high ropes course nearby where you can tackle tree-top crossings and zip wires in a more arboreal setting.

6. Old School Sports Day

The Vibe: Nostalgic Fun & Competition.

Whenever you have a group of ladies together, a little bit of competitive spirit is bound to come out. Why not embrace it? The Old School Sports Day is one of our most popular team events.

You’ll be split into "Houses" (with bibs and headbands provided) to compete in classic games like the Egg and Spoon race, the Sack Race, and the Three-Legged Race. If you want something a bit naughtier, try the "Olympic Shames" version, which includes games like "Twerk Off" and "Is it in yet?". It’s the perfect icebreaker to get everyone laughing.

7. Dance Class Experience

The Vibe: High Energy & Fabulous.

Another great way to bond is to get up and dance! We offer expert-led dance classes in a private venue in the city centre. You can choose your theme—from ABBA and Bollywood to Dirty Dancing or Grease.

Not only is it a fun workout, but you’ll also learn a routine that you can perform on the dancefloor later that night (or even at the wedding!). The instructors are brilliant at getting everyone involved, even those with two left feet.

8. The Red Coat Guided Tour

The Vibe: Free Culture & Sightseeing.

If you have a free afternoon and want to stretch your legs, look out for the Red Coat Guided Tours. Run by Exeter City Council, these free walking tours are taken by knowledgeable volunteers in natty red coats.

They explore the Roman walls, the Cathedral Green, and the historic Quayside. It’s a great way to learn about the city's affluent wool-trade past and see the sights without spending a penny. Perfect for balancing out the more expensive activities.

9. Exeter Nightlife: Quayside to Club

The Vibe: Bustling & Student-Friendly.

As a university city, Exeter punches well above its weight for nightlife. Start your evening down at the Quayside for drinks by the water—it’s picturesque and packed with cool bars.

From there, head up into the city centre. You’ll find everything from cocktail bars to traditional pubs. For the main event, we can organize Guest List Entry to top nightclubs like Timepiece or Unit 1. We can even arrange a VIP booth with drinks packages so you don't have to queue at the bar.

Hen Tip: Want to spice it up? We can arrange a "Cheeky Butler" to serve drinks at your accommodation before you head out, or even a private stripper if you want to really surprise the bride!

10. Stay in a Private Hen House

The Vibe: Luxury & Seclusion.

While Exeter has plenty of hotels, the best way to experience the South West is by booking a private property.

We highly recommend The Lake House. This superb party house is nestled within 10 acres of land, meaning noise levels and parking are never an issue. It sleeps up to 14 people and comes with a private hot tub, making it the ultimate rural retreat just a short drive from the city nightlife.

Ready to Plan?

A hen weekend in Exeter offers the perfect mix of city buzz and country relaxation.

The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating bespoke weekends since 2009. If you want to take the stress out of planning, get in touch on 01202 566100 or browse our full range of Exeter Hen Packages to get started.