Planning a hen weekend away? Still undecided on a city and what to do while you’re there? With a never-ending list of bridesmaid duties to get through we know you’re busy so we’ve done some asking around on your behalf.
Check out the following suggestions and find out where to party at these nine hen party hotspots:
“A fabulously friendly city, Newcastle has a great buzz to it both day and night and you can’t beat the Quayside area when the sun shines. Hens can get the party off to a sophisticated start with an afternoon tea of dainty sandwiches, sweet treats and champagne, at Six Baltic.
Located in a glass box at the top of the famous Baltic art gallery, the restaurant enjoys spectacular views of Newcastle and the River Tyne.
When it comes to dinner we suggest Jamie’s Italian in the city centre, which is big enough to cater for larger groups and has plenty of delicious options on the menu.
Finally, when the evening drinking gets underway hens should be sure to include DatBar on their list of stop-offs. Located on Market Street the independent bar is part of the listed Theatre Royal building but has a cool, stripped back, urban interior.”
Recommended by Rachel from Brides Up North
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“Manchester is a city that really does offer something for all with its varied areas, from the cool and hipster Northern Quarter, to popular Deansgate and swanky Spinningfields.
By day the city is a shopper’s paradise, but if hens are looking for something a little more action-packed we suggest a visit to Manchester’s All Star Lanes for a spot of boutique bowling.
The Deansgate venue has a private bowling room perfect for hens that comes complete with two bowling lanes, a private cocktail bar, seasonal canapé menu and even the option of karaoke.
For drinks it’s definitely worth heading to some of the city’s fab independent bars located in the Northern Quarter, such as the cosmopolitan Montpellier’s Cafe & Bar, which claims to have an ever changing cocktail menu.
For dinner meanwhile, we say book into Australasia, a sleek Spinningfields venue known for its signature cocktails and Australian cuisine with Southeast Asian influences.”
Recommended by Rachel from Brides Up North
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“A popular city with celebs, hens might be fortunate enough to spot a famous face during their visit.
For lovers of cocktails, why not get the party started early on with a cocktail master class available at a number of the city’s popular bars, including Revolution Bar, located in Albert Docks.
After building up an appetite stirring and shaking, we suggest dinner at Lucha Libre, located in a lively area of the city just off Bold Street, which provides something a little different.
The cool restaurant serves up amazing Mexican street food (without a sombrero in sight) and plays great music resulting in a really chilled vibe.
More drinks? Then it’s time to head to Alma De Cuba on Seel Street, a quirky restaurant and bar in a converted church setting. Amen.”
Recommended by Rachel from Brides Up North
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“Drink Shop & Do in King’s Cross is the ultimate spot for everything quirky and crafty. Kick back in the retro surroundings and enjoy beautifully crafted cocktails and cake.
They also have a vast selection of 'do’s' which range from fascinator and 1920s headband making to origami wedding bouquet crafting.
When hunger strikes, The Botanist, Broadgate Circle is a brand new, gorgeous looking restaurant and bar that’s the perfect venue for an indulgent yet cool dinner.
Enjoy the seasonal cocktail list to kick start the night – there’s even a hidden cocktail lounge downstairs open until 2am with DJs playing party tracks (good to know in case you’d prefer not to move between venues).
For a change of scenery, Dirty Martini, Liverpool Street is very conveniently located bang opposite Liverpool Street station.
Book yourself into a sumptuous booth for the night and sample the different Martinis on offer. As the drinks flow and the night goes on, the music gets loader and you can party with your girlies until the small hours of the morning.”
Recommended by Nick from nightlife discovery site DesignMyNight.com
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Give Riverdance a run for its money – arrange an Irish dancing lesson for your group with The Irish Dance Party.
Next, toast the bride-to-be in style with a banter-laden cocktail making class at 37 Dawson Street or clink 1920’s -style glasses in the retro surroundings of the Vintage Cocktail Club in Temple Bar.
Later, when you’re ready to hit the dance floor again, head to one of the late night bars on Dawson Street or Harcourt Street.
Alternatively, if you’re fully embracing sparkly tiaras and sashes, go on a pub crawl in the spiritual home of hen weekends, Temple Bar.
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“Brighton is a popular destination for hens looking for more than the usual L plates and strippers.
Why not start off the festivities with an all-you-can-eat chocolate and cake indulgence at Choccywoccydoodah? Located at 3 Meeting House Lane, their Empire Room can be hired for up to 20 people for two hours of sheer chocolatey heaven!
After rolling out of there, discover your inner rock star and head to Lucky Voice for a karaoke session. Finish the night off at Hotel Pelirocco, the original Rock n Roll boutique hotel.
Each room is themed and individually decorated, making it a truly one of a kind place to rest your post-party head! Their cocktail bar is the perfect spot for a nightcap too.”
Recommended by Kat from Rocknrollbride
Search flights to London Gatwick – train connections to Brighton cost around £10, journey time is under an hour.
“The bustling city of Galway on Ireland’s west coast makes the ideal destination for a hen party with lashings of options and plenty of craic.
Soak up the artistic surroundings of the G Hotel & Spa, designed by hat-maker to the stars, Philip Treacy. Exploring the city couldn’t be easier.
The centre is compact and has a welcoming village feel thanks to the labyrinth of cobbled streets and bustling café and bar culture.
Let your creativity run wild at Caithriona King Designs in Tuam who offers fascinator and headpiece making workshops. If things go well you could even wear it to the wedding!
For eats, make a stop at Ard Bia at the Spanish Arch your priority. Later, head to Eyre Square for the best nightclubs.
If traditional Irish is more your style the Latin Quarter around Quay Street is where you’ll find a good turf fire and old world bars.”
Recommended by Emma from Mrs2Be
Search flights to Shannon or Knock Ireland West, both airports are convenient to Galway.
“If you don’t fancy wandering too far in your heels, Arta in Glasgow is the ideal one-stop shop for a hen party in Glasgow.
Located in the trendy Merchant City area of Glasgow, this Mediterranean-inspired club and restaurant offers activities including Latin Fiesta dance sessions, as well as master classes in chocolate and cocktail making.
They serve delicious tapas for afters too. If you’re visiting the club on a Saturday night, don’t miss the famous 'petal drop' when fresh rose petals are scattered from the restaurant balcony onto the main bar floor.”
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Recommended by Katie from TohavetoholdScotland
“Edinburgh hens flock to The Three Sisters. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, the venue offers a number of options to help you celebrate the bride-to-be’s last night as a single lady.
One option is a cocktail masterclass after your meal or you can choose to sing the night away in one of the Karaoke pods (or do both).
If you want anything different from the packages on offer, staff are more than happy to accommodate, just kick back and let your hair down!”
Recommended by Katie from TohavetoholdScotland
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- Fiona Hilliard
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