Brides-to-be, maids of honour, bridesmaids, and best friends: if you’re organising a hen party, then we are here to help you find a hen do destination that will tick all the right boxes for you and the girls. We know that in recent years hen dos have evolved, and while city breaks and a night on the town might suit some hens, we also know that there’s a huge demand for something a little different too!
So, we have done our research and handpicked 8 hen do destinations in the UK that might not have come to mind straight away, but we’re here to tell you why they make the perfect destination for your hen party.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Best for: thrill-seekers, hiking and exploring
Snowdonia National Park is an epic hen do destination for thrill-seeking groups! As well as incredible scenery that’s free for hikers to explore, there is an abundance of extreme attractions and entertaining days out. You could glide down the fastest zip line in the world, abseil through the mines, and embrace your inner child at a huge underground trampoline park! Another opportunity to mark this special event with a memorable milestone is to challenge yourselves to walk up Mount Snowdon and capture that special hen do selfie right at the summit! There are several routes to the top, but the easiest is the Llanberis Path which only takes a few hours and is suitable for all kinds of abilities.
Where to stay: Bodweni Hall | Bala, North Wales - sleeps 27
We’ve written about the most extreme things to do in Wales to inspire your hen do activities >>
Cornwall
Best for: beach babes, foodies and wine lovers
There could be many dimensions to a hen weekend in Cornwall, from catching some waves at Fistral Beach to quaffing a few bubbles at one of the region’s top vineyards, like Camel Valley or Knightor Winery! Foodies will be in their element in Cornwall too, with several fine dining and celebrity chef restaurants to choose from such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in Watergate Bay, or Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac. Padstow is THE foodie destination in Cornwall though, where you can choose from a multitude of local restaurants including Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, and Paul Ainsworth's restaurant No 6. Surf, wine and seafood: what more could you want for a classy hen do?
Where to stay: Riverbank House | Marazion, Cornwall – sleeps 12
Discover more of Cornwall as a group destination in our guide >>
The New Forest
Best for: horse riding, water sports and leisurely walks
Unlikely to be one of the first places that come to mind when choosing hen party destinations, but that’s why it has made the list! Idyllic cottages crowd around pretty village greens and ponies roam free; there’s a very English feel about the New Forest, and that’s what we love about it. While it’s not a destination for cocktail parties and dancing, it is somewhere groups can get outdoors, go horse riding, try their hand at archery, canoe down the river Beaulieu, and embrace their inner child at New Forest Water Park which is basically a giant inflatable assault course! The more refined hen party can then wind down their day with elegance in a cosy pub or a classy wine bar.
Where to stay: Hope Cottage | Redlynch, Hampshire – sleeps 8
The Highlands, Scotland
Best for: outdoor adventure, whisky and fun and games
Perhaps one of the most remote hen do destinations, the Scottish Highlands are perfectly suited to hardcore adventurers and lovers of the outdoors, so if you’re planning a hen do that’s more high heels and expensive cocktails, it’s probably not the place for you. If you’re planning a winter hen do, you could head to Aviemore where you can ski by day and relax in a private hot tub by night! In summer, you may prefer to enjoy some extreme activities like white water rafting, paragliding, windsurfing or mountain biking, to name a few. For a bit of fun, some venues also offer traditional Highland Games activities geared towards light-hearted hen groups. Don’t forget, you’ll be right in the middle of whisky country, so why not book a tour and tasting?
Where to stay: Highland Hall | Evanton, The Highlands – sleeps 14
The Forest of Dean
Best for: kayaking, high ropes and outdoor pursuits
With a real taste of adventure, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is the ideal hen party destination for the active hens. Outdoor pursuits are in abundance, and with the River Wye running right through the middle, there are plenty of opportunities for fun on the water. Back on dry land, you could tackle the heady heights of Go Ape, challenge yourselves with abseiling or run riot at laser tag! Away from the activities, the beautiful Forest of Dean offers a stunning backdrop to a hen party, with luxury accommodation you’ll love, and magnificent scenery that will complete the celebrations. We’re thinking rural walks and afternoon tea in the countryside to wind down after all the adventure.
Where to stay: Alvington Manor | Lydney, Forest of Dean – sleeps 16
York
Best for: culture, shopping, and cocktails
One of the top hen do destinations for combining culture, cocktails and relaxation, in our opinion, has to be the ancient walled city of York. Discover the dramatic story of York Dungeon; visit one of the ‘greatest cathedrals in the world’, York Minster; and head to the world-famous Jorvik Viking Centre. For a spot of retail therapy, take a stroll down The Shambles, one of the most famous streets in Britain. Marvel at its old-fashioned, timber-framed buildings, ducking into boutique shops and enjoying lunch in a trendy restaurant. If you find yourself central, no visit to York would be complete without a fancy afternoon tea at the iconic Bettys. When the cocktails are calling, you’ll find plenty of cool bars and restaurants serving up the tastiest tipples to round off your hen party in York.
Where to stay: Brinkworth Park House | Elvington – sleeps 8
Venturing further afield? Peruse our groups guide to Yorkshire >>
The Lake District
Best for: water sports, arts, and gin lovers
Picture misty mountains, shimmering lakes and views that never seem to end; it’s no wonder the mesmerising Lake District scenery has inspired authors and artists for centuries. This spectacular landscape is the perfect destination for hen parties who want to try their hand at writing or painting with a range of unique workshops and activities. Or why not step back in time and indulge your inner child with a visit to Beatrix Potter’s former home? You may even fancy some light entertainment at Theatre by the Lake on the edge of Derwent Water or The Old Laundry Theatre. Combine a love for the arts, with water sports, and a gin experience at The Lakes Distillery.
Where to stay: Fairsnape | Coniston, Lake District – sleeps 12
Read our group’s guide to the Lake District for more ideas on luxury hen parties in the Lakes >>
Norfolk
Best for: relaxation, boat trips and sea air
This alternative hen do destination not only offers the bright lights and cultural appeal of stunning Norwich but, away from the hustle and bustle, you will find nostalgic seaside resorts, wild and wonderful beaches, lavender fields and the magic of the Broads waterways. It’s perfect for lovers of the royal family who may wish to visit Sandringham Estate, beach babes and those who are well versed in simply sitting back and relaxing! Why not hire a party boat, and have a skipper navigate the peaceful waterways while you chat beneath the sun and sip champagne? If you can tear yourself away from life on your own private boat, head to Norfolk Lavender and capture beautiful hen party photos among the purple landscaped meadows.
Where to stay: Pantile Barn | Holt, Norfolk – sleeps 10
Gain an insight into group holidays on the Norfolk coast >>
Have we helped inspire your perfect hen do destination?
We hope this has helped you to choose a hen do destination for your big celebration. While the destinations we have chosen may not be what comes to mind first, that’s why we love them. No matter where you go, though, as long as you have your best girls, a few bottles of prosecco and some good food, the laughs, fun and memories will all come easily. Take a look at our hen party guides to help plan a celebration that’s just the right balance of elegance and fun:
And finally, our collection of hen party houses may also help you to pin down a hen party destination that will be perfect for this special occasion.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.