10 Essential Glasgow Hen Do Ideas & Activities

Updated December 2025

10 Essential Glasgow Hen Do Ideas & Activities

As the most populous city in Scotland, there is absolutely no shortage of things to do for your hen party in Glasgow. From adrenaline-fuelled white water rafting to sophisticated cocktail lounges, this city has something for everyone.

However, we know that hen do costs can add up quickly. To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we have put together a guide that mixes the best Free Cultural Experiences with the essential Paid Activities. This way, you can enjoy the luxury of a private party house and a big night out, without breaking the bank during the day.

Here is our definitive roundup of the 10 best things to do on a Glasgow hen weekend.

1. Cocktail Making Masterclass

Let's start with a hen do classic. Before you head out to explore the culture, you need to get the party started. A Cocktail Masterclass is the perfect icebreaker, especially if you have a mix of school friends and work colleagues who haven't met before.

You won't just be watching; you’ll be behind the bar learning to muddle, shake, and stir your own drinks under the guidance of a professional mixologist. It’s interactive, boozy, and gets everyone in the mood for the night ahead. We can arrange this at top venues in the city centre, often including a welcome drink and shots to keep the energy high.

2. Soak up Culture at Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Free Activity: Located in the West End of Glasgow is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Opened in 1901, it is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions, welcoming more than 2 million visitors every year. It displays over 8,000 artefacts in 22 themed galleries ranging from natural history to arms and armour to art from the Renaissance.

It sounds serious, but it's actually great fun. You can meet Sir Roger, a stuffed Asian Elephant who has been a star attraction for over 120 years, stand under a fully restored Spitfire which hangs from the ceiling, or admire the Salvador Dali masterpiece “Christ of Saint John of the Cross”. The building itself is stunningly photogenic, making it a highly recommended stop for a bit of culture on your hen weekend.

3. Visit Ashton Lane for "Social Media" Pics

Free Activity: An outing to Ashton Lane is worth it just for the Instagram photos. This charming, narrow cobbled street is hung with fairy lights and feels like a magical hidden gem away from the hectic high street.

While it costs nothing to walk down, it has an epic selection of quaint cafes, bars, and eateries. If you are hungry, you can sample local delights like **haggis pakoras** or indulge in cheese fondues. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon drink before things get rowdy later on.

4. Dance Class Experience

Taking a class with your besties is a great way to bond. We offer a huge range of dance classes in private venues across Glasgow, ranging from **Bollywood** to **Michael Jackson’s Thriller**.

We provide the private venue and the professional instructor; you provide the enthusiasm! It’s a fun way to get some gentle exercise and learn a routine for the wedding reception. Whether you want to channel your inner Spice Girl or learn the moves to *Grease*, it’s guaranteed to get everyone giggling.

5. Picnic in Kelvingrove Park

Free Activity: Adjacent to the Art Gallery is **Kelvingrove Park**, an 85-acre green space designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. It is widely renowned as a classic example of a Victorian Park and is perfect if you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Take a relaxing riverside walk by the River Kelvin and find a spot in the parklands for a picnic. It is an ideal location to chill out, recover from the night before, and enjoy some tranquil surroundings without spending a penny.

6. The Lighthouse & Mackintosh Tower

Free Activity: The Lighthouse is Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, housed in the former *Glasgow Herald* building. The star attraction here is the **Mackintosh Tower**, named after the renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who designed the building as his first public commission.

You can climb the helical staircase to the viewing platform at no cost. It gives amazing uninterrupted views across the city of Glasgow—perfect if you want some awesome panoramic photos of the cityscape to remember the weekend by.

7. Explore the Botanic Gardens

Free Activity: If you are already in the West End, the Kelvin walk connects the park to the **Glasgow Botanic Gardens**. This area is dedicated to the collection and preservation of a vast range of plants from around the world.

Foremost amongst the attractions here is the **Kibble Palace**, a stunning 2,137 square metre glasshouse with a wrought iron frame containing a vast collection of carnivorous plants, orchids, and tree ferns. If you and the girls fancy a stroll through colorful flowers and beautiful glasshouses, this is a must-visit.

8. The Hunterian Museum

Free Activity: Scotland’s oldest public museum, first opening in 1807, the **Hunterian** houses a huge collection at the University of Glasgow Campus.

It displays everything from fossils and meteorites to Egyptian and Roman artefacts, as well as housing a famous art gallery. If you and the girls are up for a healthy dose of history (perhaps to balance out the cocktails!), the Hunterian is both free and fascinating.

9. Drag Cabaret with Funny Boyz

For the evening entertainment, you can't beat a bit of drag. Glasgow regularly plays host to the **Funny Boyz**, who will have you shrieking with laughter with their Benidorm Bingo.

They provide a drag chaperone to make sure your evening is everything you want it to be. It’s big city nightlife at its best—loud, camp, and incredibly fun. It’s the perfect bridge between dinner and the club.

10. Stay in a Luxury Party House

While hotels in the city centre are convenient, the best way to experience a Scottish hen do is by booking a private property where you can all stay together. We have incredible options just outside the city.

Check out the Scottish Retreat, a meticulously renovated luxury house with a hot tub and elegant interiors. Or for something truly spectacular, look at The Jack, which features a private sauna, hot tub, and even a tennis court.

Ready to Plan?

The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating bespoke weekends since 2009. If you want to plan a package in the UK or abroad, get in touch on 01202 566100 or browse our full range of Glasgow Hen Packages to get started.