10 Essential Nottingham Hen Do Ideas & Activities
5 Free and cheap things to do
Updated December 2025
Nottingham has long been a popular destination for hen weekends. It’s centrally located, packed with history (hello, Robin Hood!), and has a reputation for being one of the friendliest cities in the UK.
But what is there to do beyond the bars? From underground caves to hilarious courtroom dramas, Nottingham is full of unique activities. We have combined the best Paid Experiences with our top Free & Cheap Gems to create the ultimate itinerary for your bride-to-be.
1. Courtroom Comedy
The Vibe: Hilarious Roast.
For something completely different, put the bride on trial! Courtroom Comedy is a brilliant interactive activity where you submit "accusations" about the hen's crimes against fashion or dating before the weekend. Professional actors then play the judge and prosecution, while you act as the jury. It’s the perfect way to roast the bride in style.
2. Visit the "City of Caves"
The Vibe: Underground History.
Nottingham sits on a sandstone ridge, meaning there is a whole world beneath your feet. The City of Caves is a network of over 800 man-made caves used for over 1,000 years as tanneries, pub cellars, and air raid shelters. It’s fascinating, slightly spooky, and a totally unique way to spend an hour underground.
3. Cocktail Making Masterclass
The Vibe: Classic Hen Party Fun.
A staple for a reason. We can arrange a masterclass where you learn to mix, muddle, and shake your own drinks. Whether you prefer a Gin Masterclass or classic vodka cocktails, it’s the perfect icebreaker. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade and, most importantly, drink everything you make!
4. Explore Wollaton Hall (Wayne Manor)
The Vibe: Batman & Bambi.
Free Activity: Wollaton Hall is a stunning Elizabethan mansion that you might recognize as **Wayne Manor** from *The Dark Knight Rises*. It sits in 500 acres of parkland where herds of wild deer roam freely. It’s a beautiful spot for a walk, a picnic, or even a bit of Geocaching if your group loves a treasure hunt.
5. Olympic Shames
The Vibe: Ridiculous Competition.
If your group is competitive, skip the spa and hit the pitch. Olympic Shames is a hilarious twist on sports day. You’ll compete in games like "Twerk Off," "Limbo," and the infamous "Is it in yet?" challenge. It’s silly, energetic, and guaranteed to produce some embarrassing photos for the wedding slideshow.
6. The Nottingham Trail
The Vibe: Sightseeing Sorted.
Free Activity: Want to see the city without a guide? Pick up a free map for the **Nottingham Trail**. It takes you past the iconic Old Market Square, the statue of Brian Clough, and the Castle. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and find the best pubs along the way.
7. Board Games at Ludorati
The Vibe: Chilled & Cheap.
If it rains (it is the UK, after all), head to **Ludorati**. It is one of the country's best board game cafes, with over 1,000 games to choose from. For less than the price of a cocktail, you can spend a few hours playing classics or discovering new games with coffee and cake. It’s a great low-energy activity for the Sunday morning recovery.
8. Bottomless Brunch
The Vibe: Day Drinking.
No hen do is complete without a Bottomless Brunch. We can book you into top venues where you’ll get a delicious meal accompanied by 90 minutes of unlimited Prosecco. It’s the most efficient way to get the party started early!
9. Independent Shopping Trail
The Vibe: Retail Therapy.
Free Activity: Nottingham is famous for its independent shopping scene, particularly in the **Hockley** and **Lace Market** areas. Wander the hidden side streets to find vintage stores, quirky boutiques, and record shops. It’s a world away from the standard High Street chains.
10. Stay in a Party Lodge
The Vibe: Private Festival.
Forget hotels. The best way to experience Nottingham is by booking our Nottingham Lodges. Located just outside the city, these log cabins sleep up to 60 people and feature fire pits and outdoor space. It’s like having your own mini-festival.
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 Nottingham Hen Packages to get started.