10 Essential Manchester Hen Do Ideas & Activities

Pictured: You'd be forgiven for thinking it's Hogwarts, but it's the charismatic John Rylands Library. Definitely worth a visit.

Updated December 2025

Manchester is a vibrant, lively city that has it all for hens. From trendy bars in the Northern Quarter to world-class shopping and spa hotels, it is a top-tier destination.

However, big city weekends aren't always cheap. To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we have combined the best **Free Cultural Experiences** with the essential **Paid Activities** (like cocktails and party houses). Here is our definitive roundup of the 10 best things to do on a Manchester hen weekend.

1. Nude Life Drawing

The Vibe: Cheeky & Creative.

A classic hen do activity that never fails to get everyone giggling. We can arrange a private session where a (very brave) male model disrobes for your artistic pleasure. Our models are professionals who know how to interact with a rowdy group, making it a hilarious icebreaker before the night out.

2. Explore the Northern Quarter & Afflecks

The Vibe: Alternative Cool.

Free Activity: If you have free time, head to the **Northern Quarter**. It is Manchester’s creative heart, filled with street art, bohemian bars, and vintage shops.

No visit is complete without entering **Afflecks**, a multi-storey emporium with over 70 independent traders selling everything from K-Pop merch to vintage clothing. It’s free to browse and a perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir.

3. Bottomless Brunch

The Vibe: Day Drinking.

Start your Saturday right with a Bottomless Brunch. We partner with top city centre venues to offer delicious food accompanied by 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco or cocktails. It’s the most efficient way to fuel up and get merry before the main event.

4. Visit John Rylands Library

The Vibe: Hogwarts Realness.

Free Activity: OK, going to a library might not sound like a hen do activity, but trust us. The **John Rylands Library** is a neo-gothic masterpiece that looks exactly like Hogwarts. With its cathedral-like grandeur and historic reading rooms, it is a stunning spot for a group photo.

5. Cocktail Making Masterclass

The Vibe: Shaking & Sipping.

Get behind the bar and learn to mix your own drinks. Our masterclasses are hands-on, competitive, and very boozy. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade, play games, and drink everything you make. It’s the perfect warm-up for a night on Deansgate.

6. Sunset Drinks at Cloud 23

The Vibe:Sky-High Glamour.

Located on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower, **Cloud 23** offers panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of the city. While the drinks aren't cheap, the view is free (and spectacular). It is the ultimate spot for a sophisticated sunset cocktail and a team photo with the city skyline as your backdrop.

7. Mobile Pamper Party

The Vibe: Relaxation at Home.

If you’ve booked one of our large **Party Houses**, why leave? We can send a team of beauty therapists directly to your accommodation. You can sip fizz in your pyjamas while getting a massage, facial, or manicure. It’s the ultimate Sunday recovery session.

8. The Free Walking Tour

The Vibe: History & Steps.

Free Activity: Want to see the sights without getting lost? Join the **Free Walking Tour of Manchester**. It starts every day at 11 am from the Alan Turing Memorial. Led by local history graduates, it’s an entertaining way to see the landmarks and get recommendations from a true Mancunian.

9. Hike in the Peak District

The Vibe: Fresh Air & Escapism.

Free Activity: If you need to blow away the cobwebs, hop on a train. In just 45 minutes, you can be in the **Peak District National Park**. A hike in the hills is a great way to bond and recover from a heavy night before heading back to the city for round two.

10. Stay in a Party Apartment

The Vibe: Private HQ.

The best way to experience Manchester is by booking a private property like 36 Blues. These apartments sleep large groups and feature hot tubs and party spaces, giving you total freedom compared to a hotel.

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 Manchester Hen Packages to get started.