Planning a hen party and tired of the same old spa day suggestions? You're not alone. While there's nothing wrong with a relaxing spa treatment, today's hen parties are all about creating unique memories that reflect the bride's personality.
1. Cocktail Making Masterclass
Learn to shake, stir, and muddle like a pro. A cocktail making class is interactive, fun, and gives everyone new skills to show off at future parties. Plus, you get to drink your creations. Available at most of our hen party houses, this activity works brilliantly in Brighton or Bath.
2. Life Drawing with a Twist
Whether it's a professional model or one of the classic 'butler in the buff' sessions, life drawing adds a cheeky edge to your hen party. It's surprisingly relaxing and guaranteed to create some hilarious moments. This is one of our most popular hen party experiences.
3. Dance Workshop
From burlesque to street dance, learning a routine together is a brilliant bonding experience. Many instructors can even choreograph something special for the bride. Check our experiences page for available dance workshops in your chosen destination.
4. Private Chef Experience
Why go out when you can bring a Michelin-trained chef to your holiday house? Enjoy restaurant-quality food without leaving your pyjamas. Our private chef service is perfect for groups who want to enjoy fine dining in the comfort of their own space.
5. Outdoor Adventures
For the active bride, consider coasteering, paddleboarding, or even a wild swimming session followed by hot chocolate and cake. Our properties in Bournemouth and Cornwall are perfect for outdoor activities.
6. Perfume Making Workshop
Create a signature scent that will forever remind you of this special weekend. It's creative, luxurious, and everyone leaves with a unique gift. This activity works particularly well in cities like Bath with its spa heritage.
7. Food Tours
Explore a new city through its food scene. From Brighton's indie cafes to Bath's historic tea rooms, a guided food tour combines sightseeing with eating. Read our Brighton guide for the best food spots.
8. Glamping Experience
Luxury camping with proper beds, hot tubs, and fire pits. It's the perfect middle ground between adventure and comfort. Browse our unusual and quirky properties for unique glamping options.
9. Pottery or Art Class
Channel your inner artist. Whether it's throwing pots or painting canvases, creative activities are wonderfully therapeutic and you'll have keepsakes to take home. Many of our group houses can arrange art workshops.
10. Murder Mystery Evening
Turn your hen party into an interactive whodunnit. Professional companies will come to your holiday house and transform your evening into an immersive theatre experience. Perfect for houses with games rooms.
The best hen parties are the ones that reflect who the bride really is. Don't feel pressured to follow trends – pick activities that will make your group laugh, bond, and create memories that last long after the wedding. Need help planning? Check out our complete hen party planning checklist or learn about how to book your perfect house.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best alternative hen party ideas include cocktail making masterclasses, life drawing classes, private chef experiences, dance workshops, perfume making, outdoor adventures like paddleboarding, pottery classes, food tours, glamping, and murder mystery evenings. The key is choosing activities that match the bride's personality.
Choose activities with broad appeal — cocktail masterclasses and private chef experiences work for almost everyone. Avoid anything overly physical or niche. Get a feel for the group by asking the bride what her friends enjoy, and offer a mix of active and relaxed options across the weekend.
A butler in the buff is a charming, professionally trained male host who serves drinks, canapés, and helps with activities at your hen party — typically wearing nothing but an apron. It's a popular and tasteful addition to hen party weekends, adding fun and a memorable talking point.
Costs vary by activity. Cocktail masterclasses typically run £30–£50 per person, life drawing classes £25–£40, private chef experiences £60–£120 per person depending on menu, and dance workshops £25–£45. Many can be arranged to come to your holiday house, saving on travel costs.
Book popular activities at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially for weekends in spring and summer. Private chefs and specialist workshops often have limited availability. If your hen party is over a bank holiday weekend like Easter or August, book 3–4 months ahead.
Related Posts
Stay Inspired
Get the latest hen party ideas, destination guides, and luxury house reveals straight to your inbox.
