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Hen party activity ideas: the complete guide for the chief bridesmaid

The right hen party activity depends entirely on the bride, not what is trending. Here is how to choose, plan and book.

Match the activity to the bride

The single most important question: what does the bride actually enjoy? Not what looks good on Instagram, not what her loudest friend wants — what the bride herself would choose if she could design the perfect day. Some brides want cocktail masterclasses; others want a long walk and a pub lunch. Neither is wrong, but getting it backwards is a common and avoidable mistake.

Activities that work for mixed groups

Cocktail making, life drawing, spa days, pottery, cooking classes, escape rooms, and wine tasting all work well for groups with varied interests because they provide structure and conversation starters. Activities with clear objectives (completing an escape room, making a cocktail) also prevent the group from fragmenting into conversations.

The practical bit: booking

Book everything before sending the invitations — especially for popular cities or weekends. Confirming a date that does not have an available escape room or spa slots is embarrassing. Use our free hen party planning checklist and our itinerary template to stay on top of everything.

Our picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pick Cocktail masterclass experience henCocktail class Check price →
Spa Spa day hen party group bookingSpa day Check price →
Life drawing Life drawing hen party activityCreative activity Check price →
Accessories Hen party accessory set sashes badgesGroup accessories Check price →

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a typical hen party cost per person?
UK hen parties range from £50–80 for a local day to £200–400+ for a city break or destination hen. The activity itself is usually £30–60 per person. Transport, accommodation, food and drinks add up quickly for away trips.
What if guests have very different budgets?
Design the day around the activity the least wealthy person can comfortably afford. A hen party where some guests attend reluctantly because of the cost is worse than a simpler one where everyone is genuinely present.