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How to choose your hen do destination

Before you even think about booking flights you need to take a breather and really think about it. The destination you choose will become the backdrop for the entire hen weekend, and as we know, atmosphere is everything.

What Kind of Hen Are You?

The first question we need to ask is ‘what type of hen are you?’, what hen do vibe are you looking for, for this article we’ve split hens up into 5 groups

The Classy Queens

These are the girls who are looking for the finer things in life, we’re talking spa days, fine dining, wine tasting, afternoon teas and champagne breakfasts.

The Party Animals

This group is self-explanatory; these girls love to party and are probably the last ones left on the dancefloor at the end of a night out.

The Chill Seekers

These girls want to relax, we’re talking a staycation, some yoga, a spa break, some glamping and maybe even some hot tub time,

The Adventurers

These ladies are adventurous, and they do what it says on the tin. These girls want to experience life to the fullest and go wild.

The All-rounders

These girls are ready for anything and everything.

Set the Budget

To decide on where you’d like to go you’ll have to set the budget as this will significantly influence on where you can go and what you can do.

Top rules are: be upfront, be honest, be kind.

You’ll need to consider accommodation, transportation, food and drink, activities, spending money etc.

Here’s a handy way to think about it:

£- Budget Hen – If staying in the UK try driving together this can help to cut travel costs, if going abroad think budget accommodation. Also think about fun free activities or having 1 night in the accommodation with BYOB karaoke, or a cheeky games night.

££- Mid-Range Magic – Maybe a 2-night break with a spa session, cocktail workshop, and some dinner and drinks.

£££- Boujee Babe – If you’ve got the cash to splash, head abroad with all the trimmings: beach clubs, private transfers, and maybe even a yacht day (go on then).

If you’re struggling, you can always contact our team, we have many years of experience so can help you to know what you can do with the budget you’ve set.

UK vs Abroad: The Pros and Cons

Hen Party in the UK

Pros:

No passports, no airports

Shorter travel times = more time to party

Easier for hens who can’t take time off work or have little ones at home

Plenty of fabulous destinations – Nottingham (hello!), Brighton, York, Liverpool, Cardiff, and more

Lots of group accommodation and hen-friendly activities to choose from

Cons:

Weather roulette – could be sunny, could be soggy

Sometimes feels a bit “samey” if you don’t pick the right spot

Prices can still add up depending on where you go and what you do

Best For:

Low-faff planners, classy staycations, and mixed groups who want something fun but fuss-free.

Hen Party Abroad

Pros:

Sunshine! Beach days! Cocktails! Boat Parties!

Feels like a proper getaway – especially for brides who’ve been dreaming of one

Lots of budget-friendly destinations in Europe (hello, Benidorm and Albufeira)

You get more bang for your buck in many places – from spa treatments to big nights out

A chance to try something new and totally unforgettable

Cons:

Organising flights

Need passports, visas, or travel insurance

Trickier for hens with busy schedules

Not every hen wants a long flight or unfamiliar food

Best For:

Sun-lovers, party queens, and brides who want an escape with all the glam extras.

Hen Do Destinations Based On Your Vibe

For the Party Animals

Newcastle – Wild nightlife, cheap drinks, and the friendliest locals. This Geordie gem is practically built for hens.

Benidorm – Classic and chaotic in the best way. Expect pool parties, sunshine, and plenty of party.

Ibiza – Think beach party glam, iconic clubs, and daytime decadence. Luxe or lively – or both.

Liverpool – From bottomless brunches to drag shows and quirky bars.

For the Classy Queens

Bath – Elegant architecture, indulgent spas, and afternoon tea in your finest.

Paris – Chic cafés, rooftop rosé, and maybe a cheeky trip to the Moulin Rouge?

Marbella – Pool party luxury, rooftop cocktails, and a sprinkle of VIP glam.

York – Historic charm meets cocktail culture – with a touch of northern flair.

For the Chill Seekers

Nottingham – Yep, our home city! Hidden gems, great spas, and a compact centre that’s made for stress-free weekends.

Bournemouth – Coastal walks, seafood dinners, and a good old sea breeze to clear your head.

Albufeira – Scenic views, luxury villas, and enough peace and quiet to really unwind.

Malta - A Mediterranean gem with a relaxed pace, pretty harbours, and crystal-clear sea.

Budapest - Soothe your hangovers in steamy thermal baths before exploring quirky ruin bars.

Glamping Getaways – Fire pits, fairy lights, and prosecco under the stars. Perfection.

For the Adventurous Ones

Belfast – Lively energy, pub crawls, and that infectious Irish charm – plus live music. coasteering adventures and more.

Bristol- Edgy street art, cool cafés, and loads of hands-on activities like paddleboarding or pottery.

Edinburgh - Gorgeous views, whisky tastings, spooky tours – and a proper adventure around every cobbled corner.

Tenerife - Sun, sea, hikes, and beach bars – a brilliant all-rounder with plenty to explore.

Lisbon – Surfing by day, cocktails by night, and brilliant value all round.

For the All-Rounder Crew

York– Gorgeous views, good food, history, and nightlife – it ticks every box.

Albufeira – Sunshine, rooftop bars, beaches, and brilliant budget options.

Nottingham – Affordable, central, easy to get to – and loaded with activities, nightlife and style. We highly recommend it.

Benidorm –Bars, pool parties, beach, fun.

Malta- Beach vibes, cultural charm, and boat trips – all at a chilled pace.

Liverpool - Music history, buzzing bars, big laughs and hen-friendly nightlife galore.

Still Not Sure? Let the Experts Help!

Let’s face it – planning a hen do can feel a bit like herding drunk flamingos. One minute you’re all in for a glam weekend in Marbella, the next someone’s suggesting a hike in the Peak District with matching fleeces. If you’re overwhelmed by group chats, budget drama, or just too many destination options, we’ve got you.

At Hen Weekends, this is literally what we do. Whether your crew is after a wild weekend in Newcastle, a spa escape in Bath, or a sun-soaked blowout abroad, we can help you.

We’ve been planning hen parties for over 30 years and trust us – we’ve seen (and saved) every type of hen do disaster. So, tell us what kind of bride you’ve got, what your budget is, and how wild (or not) you want to go… and we’ll make magic happen.

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Date Posted: Wednesday 30th April 2025

Author: Lauren Dalrymple

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