The 9 Best Places for a Hen Do in the UK

Hen parties are a wonderful opportunity to commemorate an upcoming wedding, with celebrations varying from evening events to whole weeks away on holiday. Whether it’s an occasion marked with an evening of cocktails and dancing, or a chance for the bride to spend a weekend with her closest friends and family, deciding on the best places to go for a hen do is often the first step in the planning process.

Many people choose to travel abroad for their hen do, but there is a fantastic array of destinations on our doorstep here in the UK which are perfect for a celebration. From cultural cities to national parks and coastal towns, you don’t need to have your passport ready to enjoy an unforgettable hen party before the big day.

In this article, we share our recommendations for nine of the best places for a hen do in the UK, which includes suggestions from all over the country. We also discuss the best places to host a hen party, and share some of our top picks for stately homes and manor houses where you can throw the ultimate hen do.

Bristol is one of the most popular hen party locations in the UK, with a wide variety of activities and experiences on offer that make it ideal for groups of all shapes and sizes. Located on the western edge of the UK below Wales and only two hours from London, it’s a quirky and cultural city that is ideal for hens who want to enjoy fantastic food, top-class entertainment and a great collection of bars.

Another benefit of Bristol is that it’s surrounded by the Somerset countryside, so you can stay on the edge of the city and enjoy its cosmopolitan offering whilst also being close to places like Glastonbury and the Mendips. Enjoy daytime activities out in the hills or even on the coast in places like Portishead, and then enjoy Bristol’s colourful range of neighbourhoods, beautiful harbourside and lively atmosphere.

For a country house an easy 30-minute train ride away from Bristol, why not plan a hen party at the beautiful Georgian Haygrass House in Somerset?

If you’re looking for a coastal location with plenty of do then Brighton is one of the best places in the UK for hen do. Another city that is less than a two-hour train journey from London, it’s a vibrant seaside destination that is known for its art and culture as well as its nightlife.

Brighton is perfect for a hen do where you want to mix time spent outdoors on the beach with galleries, independent shops and fabulous food. You’ll find a range of luxury and contemporary accommodation options, and if you’d like to stay somewhere a little quieter then nearby Hove is a great choice in walking distance from the centre.  

Britain’s capital city is a classic choice for one of the best hen party destinations. If you can imagine it, it’s probably available somewhere in London, which makes this city an ideal place for a hen do if you’re looking for a specific experience or trying to plan a trip with a variety of activities involved. From theatre and live music to museums, galleries and luxurious dining experiences, London is a fantastic UK hen do location.

London’s sprawling size and extensive public transport also means that you don’t have to stay in the city itself to enjoy what it has to offer. A hen party in Surrey or Kent gives you easy access to the capital whilst also providing the peace of the countryside.

Another of the best places to go for a hen do in the UK is the Scottish city of Edinburgh. This historic destination is brimming with unique culture and all kinds of things to do, which makes it perfect for a hen party with a packed and varied itinerary.

Wander the cobbled streets of Edinburgh on a guided tour, enjoy its award-winning culinary offering, take a trip to some of its galleries or enjoy the excellent theatre, comedy and music on offer. Of course, Edinburgh’s nightlife is just as lively as you’d expect from one of Scotland's biggest cities, so the atmosphere is perfect for celebration.

One of our most unique houses for a hen do near Edinburgh is Carron Castle, only an hour’s drive from the city and offering a fairytale setting for groups of up to ten.

One of the best places in the UK for a hen do which merges outdoor adventures with urban culture is Leeds in West Yorkshire. This northern hen party destination is just over half an hour away from the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, making it ideal for a hen do that mixes time in the countryside with the bright lights of the city.

Leeds itself is a fun city with great options for entertainment, whether you’re a fan of music, theatre or comedy, and the nightlife caters to all tastes. From Leeds, you can also take trips to a range of charming historic towns and villages like Skipton, Saltaire, Howarth, Knaresborough and Malham, which are great if you’re after a spot of shopping and afternoon tea during your hen do weekend.

For a peaceful experience on a country estate within easy reach of Leeds, Dales Hall is set within 3,000 acres of countryside for a cosy Yorkshire hen weekend.

Bath is a UK travel destination that has always been popular because of its historic heritage and use in a variety of different famous films and TV shows. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that will be romantic, charming and elegant, Bath is one of the best hen party destinations in the UK. 

Located in the southwest of the country less than two hours from London, it’s a city that has retained its ancient charm whilst still offering a great collection of things to do.  Similarly to Bristol, staying in Bath means that you can enjoy the nearby Somerset countryside as well as the attractions of the city.

A highlight for hen parties in Bath is the natural thermal waters that feed the city’s most popular spa, offering the perfect place for an afternoon of pampering and relaxation. You can all live your best Jane Austen fantasy as you stroll the streets and enjoy the golden stone buildings; ideal for brides-to-be who like to indulge in romanticism!

Another of the best UK places for a hen do with a historic atmosphere is the northern city of York. Famed for its epic cathedral, tiny cobbled streets and beautifully preserved historic architecture, York is a wonderful place for a relaxed hen party where shopping and fine dining are high on the agenda.

Walk the city walls, enjoy afternoon tea, and visit one of the hundreds of unique local pubs and restaurants scattered around the city. York is also famous for its horse racing, which is another great idea for a hen do if the bride fancies a flutter!

Down on the southern edge of the country, Cornwall is one of the best hen do locations in the UK if you’re planning a celebration that is filled with outdoor adventure. The region is absolutely teeming with beautiful beaches and places to walk, so it’s an ideal location for a summer hen do where everyone can enjoy getting back to nature.

Cornwall is also home to plenty of quaint seaside towns that are filled with independent shops, fascinating museums and great places to eat. St Ives is a classic choice for luxury and art, Newquay, Truro and Falmouth have a lot to offer in terms of bars and restaurants, whilst places like Sennan Cove and the Lizard Peninsula offer rugged beauty and total tranquillity.

If countryside scenery and luxurious relaxation are what you have in mind, The Cotswolds is one of the best places to have a hen do in the UK. Covering six counties over 800 square miles, it’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty home to some of the loveliest towns and villages in the whole country.

You’ve got plenty of places to choose from if you decide to plan a hen party in the Cotswolds, with popular towns and villages including Chipping Norton, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold. Plan a trip to one of the outstanding restaurants and pubs in the area, enjoy the unique shopping opportunities, walk through the countryside or take a trip to a spa for the ultimate relaxing experience.

For a hen party that feels like a rural retreat, Three Hills Farm in the north Cotswolds is a stunning place to host a celebration, featuring its own sauna, steam room, gym and private outdoor swimming pool.

As well as discussing the top UK hen do destinations, we also wanted to share our recommendations on the best places to host a hen do. Choosing your location is important, but once you’ve settled on a city or a region then your next challenge is choosing where you’re going to stay.

Some hen dos are only daytime events, but if you’re making a weekend of it or spreading the celebrations out across a week, you’ll want somewhere special to stay. Here are some of the best options.

Country House

For a pre-wedding party to remember, one of the best places to go for a hen do is a country or manor house. There are plenty of luxurious and historic properties all over the UK that are ideal for a special celebration. They offer comfort and privacy and are a wonderfully unique venue for the bride and her friends to get together.

A country house is an ideal venue for a hen do that isn’t centred on a big night out, although there are plenty close to some of the best cities in the UK if you’d like to hit the town as part of the event. But staying in a stately home or historic farmhouse is perfect for a hen do where things like exceptional food, time in the outdoors and relaxation are top priorities.

Browse our collection of beautiful hen do party houses for more inspiration.

Hotel

If you’ve chosen to have a hen do in a city then staying in a hotel is a great option, as is hosting a hen party at a countryside hotel and spa. Whether you want to be close to attractions, easy to reach on public transport, or are looking for an all-inclusive pampering experience, hotels offer a huge range of options. 

Self-Catering Property

For more low-key hen parties, or hen dos where you’re organising everything yourself, a self-catering property is a great place to hold a hen do. With access to the whole holiday home, you can plan a wide range of activities and take charge of all the catering, providing a lovely setting for a celebration that gets everyone involved.

Bar or Restaurant

If your hen party is just a daytime or evening event, booking a room in a bar or a restaurant is a great idea for celebrating the occasion. Having a room, or even just a section of the establishment, to yourself creates an exclusive experience and means that you can celebrate without worrying about disturbing other customers.

Summary

Hen parties nowadays have transitioned from big nights out to carefully planned holidays that give the bride-to-be a chance to relax and spend time with the people closest to her. The UK offers plenty of hen do destinations that are ideal for special celebrations hosted in luxurious and unique properties, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.

If you’re thinking about hosting a hen do in a luxury house, Big House Experience has a fantastic portfolio of properties that are ideal for hen parties and can accommodate groups of all sizes. Take a look at our hen party collection or get in touch to speak to the team about what you’re looking for.