10 Essential Newcastle Hen Do Ideas & Activities

Updated December 2025

A Newcastle hen weekend is one of the great pleasures in life. This northern city is famous for being party central, keeping you both entertained and excited. But the flip side to all of this is that you also need things to do during the day rather than suffering hangovers in your hotel.

Whether you want pre-planned activities, a relaxing walk, or just some retail therapy, we are here to help. We have combined the best Free Cultural Sights with the essential Hen Party Activities to create the ultimate guide for your Geordie weekend.

1. The "Local Heroes" Quayside Walk

Free Activity: One of the best free things to do is to follow the "Local Heroes Trail." Newcastle has its very own Hollywood-style walk of fame dedicated to local legends who receive a bronze plaque beside the River Tyne.

The trail runs between the Swing Bridge and the Millennium Bridge on both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides. You can spot plaques for Bobby Robson, Ant and Dec, Sting, and even the band Lindisfarne. It’s a great excuse for a stroll along the Quayside to clear the cobwebs.

2. Cocktail Making Masterclass

A classic hen do staple. We offer expert-led Cocktail Making classes right in the city centre. You’ll learn to mix, muddle, and shake your own creations (and drink them, of course!). It’s the perfect icebreaker to get everyone laughing before the big night out on the Diamond Strip.

3. Visit the Grainger Market

Free Activity: We hens love to shop, so why not pass some time at one of Newcastle’s historic markets? The Grainger Market is housed in a stunning Grade I listed building, originally opened in 1835.

It is home to over 100 small businesses selling everything from vintage clothes to jewellery and artisan food. It’s free to browse and the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or a bite to eat. On Sundays, check out the Quayside Sunday Market for handmade crafts and street performers.

4. It's a Knockout

For groups who want to burn off some energy, our It's a Knockout Package is legendary. You’ll compete in hilarious inflatable games, foam parties, and costume challenges. It’s messy, competitive, and guaranteed to get the whole group bonding (and laughing at each other).

5. The Seven Bridges Walk

Free Activity: Newcastle is famous for its seven bridges which cross the River Tyne, all within the space of two kilometres. Criss-crossing these bridges provides some amazing views to photograph and is a great way to explore the city.

The bridges range from the Grade 1 listed High Level Bridge (constructed in 1849) to the ultra-modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge. If you want picture-perfect views of the river and the city, this walk is a must.

6. Retail Therapy at Metrocentre

Shopping is a vital part of many hen weekends. If you want to hit the big brands, head to the Metrocentre in Gateshead. As one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, it will keep your eyes busy and your purses light for quite some time! It’s a great option if a couple of the group need a little more recovery time indoors after a heavy night out.

7. Visit the Angel of the North

Free Activity: This requires a short 15-minute drive, but it is worth it. The world-famous Angel of the North is a statue of staggering scale—it is taller than four double-decker buses stacked on top of each other! Standing at its feet is a humbling experience and provides the ultimate group photo opportunity to prove you were really there.

8. Picnic in Jesmond Dene

Free Activity: If you are lucky enough to have nice weather, head to **Jesmond Dene**. It’s a narrow wooded valley stretching three kilometres, providing a wildlife corridor right into the city centre. You can explore, spot kingfishers and red squirrels, or just find a quiet spot for a picnic with the girls to recover from the night before.

9. The Geordie Bar Crawl

Newcastle nightlife is world-famous. Rather than wandering aimlessly, we recommend a structured bar crawl. Our 4 Star Geordie Girls Package includes the famous "Geordie Bar Crawl," ensuring you hit the best spots without queuing in the cold. From the Bigg Market to the sophisticated bars of the Quayside, we’ll make sure you get VIP treatment.

10. Stay in a Private Party House

While there are plenty of hotels, the best way to experience the North East is by booking a private property. We have incredible options just outside the city.

For a massive celebration, check out Country Fortress, a stunning manor house sleeping up to 32 guests with a hot tub and sauna. Or for a touch of luxury, the Plush Party House features two state-of-the-art hot tubs and stylish interiors.

Ready to Plan?

A hen weekend in Newcastle has something for everyone—nightlife, history, shopping, and luxury accommodation.

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 Newcastle Hen Packages to get started.