My Bath Stag Weekend: A Real Groom's Review

Editor's Note (December 2025): While this legendary stag do took place a few years ago, we have updated this post to ensure all venues, activities, and prices are accurate for the 2026 season.

I wanted my stag do to be somewhere unique. Not London (too busy), not Blackpool (been there, done that). I wanted character, atmosphere, and a proper lads' weekend away.

We decided on York. It might not be the first place you think of for a stag, but let me tell you—it was immense. Here are the diaries from two different stag groups who took on the historic city.

Review 1: The "Action Hero" Stag

The Vibe: Zorb Football, Chinese Buffet & Go Karts.

Friday: Bouncing & Buffets

We arrived on Friday and dumped the cars at our hotel. Before we could even check in, we were off to our first activity: Zorb Football.

I’d never played it before, but it turns out skill doesn't matter. The guys who thought they were Ronaldo found themselves bouncing around like pinballs. Those of us who were cautious ended up being the MVPs! It was the perfect way to burn off the drive.

For dinner, my best man Pete had booked a Chinese Buffet. We stuffed our faces before hitting the town. The plan was to have a "quiet one," but York’s pubs had other ideas. We found a place with a live band and didn't leave the dancefloor until the early hours.

Saturday: The Grand Prix

Saturday was all about speed. We had a Go-Karting Grand Prix booked. The competition was nail-biting, but (obviously) I won. We followed this up with Quad Biking, which was less competitive and more about enjoying the mud and the power of the machines.

We finished the weekend with a trip to a Casino (didn't win a penny!) and a Gentlemen's Club. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline and partying.

Review 2: The "North vs. South" Stag

The Vibe: Cocktails, Electric Shocks & Rock Clubs.

Friday: Breaking Tradition

I’m in my mid-thirties and a bit of a control freak, so I helped plan my own stag. We wanted somewhere with atmosphere, so we picked York.

For our Friday activity, we did something controversial for a stag do: a Cocktail Making Class. Honestly? It was brilliant. We got to try loads of drinks, had a laugh with the barman, and enjoyed a two-course dinner. It was the perfect warm-up.

We spent the rest of the night bouncing from pub to pub. York’s bars are welcoming and surprisingly cheap! We found a pub with late-night live music and stayed there until closing.

Saturday: Shocking Football

Saturday morning was a struggle, but we had Electric Shock Football booked. I couldn't resist this one. Playing football is fun; electrocuting your mates is *more* fun. Every time someone got the ball, zap!

We followed this with Quad Biking (a childhood dream of mine). Racing around the track was an absolute dream.

For the final night, we found a venue hosting a Rock Night. We were headbanging, singing until we lost our voices, and drinking until 4 am.

The Verdict

Both weekends proved that York is a top-tier stag destination. The activities are close by, the nightlife is varied (from rock clubs to casinos), and the atmosphere is unbeatable.

The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating bespoke weekends since 2009. If you want to replicate this itinerary, get in touch on 01202 566100 or browse our York Stag Packages to start planning.