Whimsical Locations for a Hen Party

10 Whimsical Locations for a Hen Party before the Wedding

When it comes to hen parties, putting on your skyscraper heels and downing shot after shot isn’t everyone’s idea of heaven. In fact, some bride-to-be’s simply want a relaxed celebration that’s classy, elegant and something she’ll actually remember.

You see, some brides want a whimsical hen party location – somewhere that’s quaint, fun and utterly fantastic. So, whether you’re an organised bride or one of her hens in charge of the ultimate do, you’ll be pleased to know that the UK has some fantastic hen do destinations exactly like that. In fact, there’s something for all ages, tastes, hen group sizes and budgets.

So if you’re searching for something a little different for your hen party before the wedding, why not take a look at these 10 whimsical locations? Not only are they guaranteed to impress but there’s plenty to do and see in all of them. And that’s a fact…

1. Bath

Best for: a classy and elegant celebration

Must see: The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the landscaped gardens

Head South West and you’ll find Bath – a vibrant and bustling city that’s packed with traditional charm and historical character. A hen party here isn’t complete without a trip to the public baths either. Unlike the UK’s other cities, Bath is much smaller so you don’t need to worry about a mad party atmosphere in the evening. Although, if you are looking for something lively, you’ll find it here. Bath’s nightlife scene has everything from independent wine bars, comedy clubs, intimate dinner settings and clubs open until late.

2. Cotswolds

Best for: a relaxing retreat with a little luxury

Must see: Cotswolds Distillery, The Roman Baths and Cheltenham Racecourse

If you’re after a low-key weekend with days spent walking, exploring and relaxing, this registered Area of National Beauty is a great place to start. Home to miles of luscious green countryside, picturesque villages and stunning country houses, the Cotswolds really does have something for everyone. Plus, if you are after some lively celebrations, opt for a house closer to the city of Cheltenham which has lots of bars, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene. For something super special, a hen weekend at the races is a great excuse to invest in a brand new dress and colourful heels too.

3. Scotland

Best for: a hen party for all interests and tastes

Must see: Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and Edinburgh

Okay, so when we say Scotland, we know we’re being vague but hear us out. You see, a hen party in Scotland offers you and your girlies everything you could want – endless countryside to explore, vibrant cities to let your hair down in and quaint towns to relax in. Around 98% of the area is rural land too and with places like Loch Lomond, the Wild East Coast and plenty of national parks, you won’t go bored either. There’s also lots of Scottish cuisine to fill up on after a day taking in the fresh air from the Highlands. Double up on the Haggis, please!

4. York

Best for: a combination of city and country celebrations

Summer sunrise at Staithes from Cowbar Nab.

Must see: York Minster, The Shambles and York’s Chocolate Story

Looking for a happy medium for your hen do break? York, just outside of Leeds, offers a lively city trip with everything you need for a relaxing country retreat too. In the centre, there’s plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and spas to fill your days with. Close by, and within easy reach, you’ll also find lots of green space to explore, relax in or use as a base for your hen party activities. That’s not all either as come nighttime, you can choose from large clubs and smaller bars, as well as comedy venues, live music shows and the theatre.

5. Norfolk

Best for: a coastal hen weekend in the UK

Must see: Norwich, Norfolk Coast Path and all of the landscaped gardens

Combining gorgeous beaches and rural countryside, Norfolk is a fantastic UK hen party destination for all ages. Boasting great pubs, cute cafes and lots of bars to refuel in, there’s also lots of things to do and see here – including bridal craft workshops, alcohol tasting, cookery classes and outdoor activities for those brides who like to feel the wind in their hair. With beaches like this too, a hen weekend isn’t complete without a sunset picnic surrounded by all your besties. Don’t forget to pack the fizz though. For a truly special memory, you could even set up camp early in the morning to watch the sunrise. This is one weekend away that your bride will never forget…

6. Cambridge

Best for: an elegant hen party for all ages

Must see: The River Cam, the University Gardens and The Backs

One of the UK’s classiest hen do destinations has to be Cambridge. Think lots of shopping, delicious food, green open spaces and traditional cobbled streets. Start your day off with a boozy – yet classy – brunch, before exploring the city centre. In the afternoon, why not set up a picnic alongside the River Cam, with fizz of course. Plus, you could even get all the girls on a punting boat for the ultimate hen do memory. Just go easy on the Prosecco beforehand though – we don’t want any accidents…

7. New Forest

Best for: those looking to explore and adventure in the great outdoors

Must see: Calshot Beach, Nature Reserves and the New Forest Wildlife Park

Nestled in between Bournemouth and Southampton, and close enough to areas like Portsmouth, sits the New Forest. Boasting incredible scenery and groups of wild ponies that call this area home, the New Forest is ideal for those who love the countryside but want to venture into a lively city for a night or two. Here, days are best spent exploring the local area with plenty of activities to choose from. Come evening, enjoy a night in with a private chef or venture to one of the many gastro pubs for a delicious dinner with your besties.

8. Lake District

Best for: getting those Instagram-worthy shots

Must see: Windermere, Scafell Pike and Ullswater

Home to some of the most incredible landscapes in the UK, the Lake District certainly won’t disappoint your bride-to-be and her hens. Adventure along nature trails, take in the impressive views (with your camera in hand, obvs), pitch up beside a lake for a self-packed Prosecco picnic and, afterwards, cheers your bride’s last weekend of freedom in one of the local restaurants and pubs. If relaxation is more your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a large selection of luxury spas and cute cafes selling afternoon tea too. We know which activity we’d choose…

9. Cornwall

Best for: those brides and hens who are into their food

Must see: Saint Michael’s Mount, The Minack Theatre and Land’s End

With over 1540 hours of sunshine every year, Cornwall is one of the UK’s sunniest destinations. In fact, if you close your eyes and listen to the waves, you might just be in Marbella. So if you’re looking for a holiday feel, without those long airport queues, it’s a great choice for your hen party to base their celebrations here. From stunning beaches and rolling hills to inland exploration and activities in the countryside, there’s always something going on in Cornwall too. Not to mention, lots of hen party activities to keep you entertained.

10. Wales

Best for: a variety of hen party activities

Must see: Snowdon, Abersoch and Cardiff

As well as being a great location for a traditional lively hen party, Wales is a great rural hen party location for all budgets and tastes. Cities like Swansea and Cardiff offer fantastic nightlife, lively daytime scenes and lots of bars, restaurants and hen party activities. In the countryside, you’ll find even more things to do as well as some incredible beaches like the Three Cliffs Bay. For an exhilarating hen party day, why not head to Snowdon and really blow last night’s cobwebs away. You’ll be pleased to know there’s plenty of local pubs along the way for those who don’t quite fancy it either…

There you have it. 10 of our favourite whimsical hen party destinations that are ideal for celebrating in with all your besties before the big day. As well as being fantastic locations, there’s plenty of hen party houses to choose from too. From country manor houses and city centre accommodation to luxury homes and traditional staycation cottages, you’ll find party pads complete with hot tubs, swimming pools, tennis courts and more.

Plus, if you’re looking for some hen party ideas, each of the above locations have plenty of hen party activities that are guaranteed to get a laugh. All are ideal for hen groups of all sizes and ages, making it a wise choice for varied groups who might not know each other that well either.

So, what are you waiting for? Kick-start the celebration you’ve been waiting to plan for ages and start looking for your dream hen party destination now.

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