Looking for the best London hen party ideas? Whether you’re planning a classy, traditional, or downright saucy hen do, these are the top things to do in London.
We feel you. Planning a hen do can be (almost) as stressful as planning a wedding.
First, there’s deciding on the venue, then you need to figure out who’s coming and what you’re going to be getting up to. All that while sticking within a budget? Yikes.
That’s where we come in – allow us to take some of the stress out of it for you. You’re welcome.
Here are 16 killer ideas for the ultimate hen do in London. Cheers to that!
London Hen Party Ideas
Enjoy a Boozy Wine Tasting Session
Multiple Locations
One of the more classic London hen do ideas is wine tasting – it’s an oldie but a goodie.
Now, we couldn’t just recommend one spot as it depends on what you and your gal gang are after. Obviously, there’s the traditional offering at Berry Bros & Rudd, or a more modern approach to wine at Renegade Winery.
But, in all honesty, we recommend that you ring up your favourite wine bar in the capital (or, more importantly, the bride’s fave spot) and it’s likely they will have a special package option perfect for hen dos.
We adore the idea of booking a wine tasting session at Skylon in South Bank – their wine tasting flights are an indulgent treat. Best keep this a sophisticated affair though, as not to impose on the other drinkers minding their own business.
Read Next: Our Guide to Wine Tasting in London
Watch Magic Mike Live… ‘Nuff Said
Leicester Square
Do we really need to say any more? Nothing quite says a hen do more than a bunch of rowdy women (who have had one too many to drink) squealing at half naked men.
Well, that’s exactly what you can expect at Magic Mike Live. Some of the raunchiest dance routines performed in 360 degree sauciness. And you better pray that the bride gets picked for the lapdance near the end.
Bring your granny, she’ll love it.
Book an Indulgent Afternoon Tea
Multiple Locations
If you’re less into Magic Mike and more into macarons, perhaps this next offering is your favourite of the many hen party ideas London affords. Book your group a gorgeous afternoon tea session at one of the fanciest spots in the capital.
Where? Well, that’s totally up to you.
The Ritz is a pretty fabulous place to start. It has been serving high tea since 1906 and has since perfected the British tradition – you’ll be able to enjoy scones, sarnies, cakes, and bubbly in the Palm Court room. Which, FYI, is totally gorgeous.
That said, the offering at Sketch London is equally as tempting (though, we are gutted that the pink room has been replaced by a yellow affair, but that’s besides the point).
It’s certainly not a cheap option for a hen do in London, but when you’re scoffing on the likes of egg brioche buns, coronation chicken sandwiches, and a slice of decadent red fruit Victoria sponge, we don’t think you’ll mind too much.
Read Next: Afternoon Tea in London
Dine at Bacchanalia
Because we all know that you and your hen party deserve a banging meal. Bacchanalia might have only recently opened in the capital, but it has quickly gathered attention as one of the most beautiful places to dine in London.
And we’re not surprised, the decor is ridiculously OTT – we’re talking about red velvet seating, marble-carved statues, and huge columns dotting the dining room. But that’s not the only reason to dine here; the food deserves high praise, too.
The menu takes inspiration from Greek and Italian dishes, so expect a masterclass in Mediterranean cuisine. Take our advice and order the Lobster Paccheri Pasta for the table, though we guarantee you won’t want to share that decadent goodness… Just let the bride have first pick, alright?
Do as the Romans and Greeks do and wash your meal down with plenty (and we mean PLENTY) of wine; Bacchanalia boasts a wine list that Bacchus himself would be proud of.
Besides, just imagine how gorgeous your Instagram photos are going to look surrounded by ancient Greek statues. Legendary.
Get Pampered at AIRE Ancient Baths
Ahhh, a spa day – one of the very best hen do ideas London has to offer.
But don’t just go to any spa in London, indulge in a spa that makes it feel as if you’re spending an afternoon tucked away in an ancient cave. Enter AIRE.
Situated inside the Adelphi Hotel, these thermal baths and treatments aim to awaken all five senses. The result? A total state of serenity. Which we guarantee any stressed out bride-to-be (or groom-to-be, for that matter) will more than appreciate.
AIRE offers an array of relaxing treatments, from an Ancient Argan Massage to an invigorating Himalayan Salt Ritual – both of which are ideal for getting everybody feeling and looking great before the big day.
Or, if your budget allows, book The Signature Wine Experience which includes use of facilities, a wine bath, a cranial massage, and a sixty minute full body massage. Pure indulgence that we’re sure the entire bridal party will love.
Take a Cocktail Workshop at Beaufort House
Fancy drinking cocktails? How about making them? Take your London hen do to the next level and learn how to mix up the finest cocktails in the capital.
From classic offerings to some rather off-piste concoctions, the masterful mixologists at Albert’s at Beaufort House will get you whipping up your favourite tipple in no time. After a quick history lesson surrounding the liquors and ingredients you’ll be using, you’ll be let loose behind the bar to show off your new skills.
Bear in mind that this option is available for groups of 8 upwards and the basic package includes 3 cocktails per person. You can check out the different rates and packages available here.
Unleash Your Wild Side at Go Ape
Battersea
Battersea Park might just be home to the best hen do activity that London has to offer – Go Ape.
Think you’ve got what it takes to make your way across the treetop obstacle course? Challenge the rest of the bridal party to an outdoor adventure like no other as you climb, scramble, and leap across the rope course in the sky. The epic views of the London skyline are just a bonus.
Even better, Go Ape has introduced sundown sessions where you can climb after hours as the sun sets over the capital.
Squeal at the Adonis Cabaret
In the same breath as Magic Mike, the Adonis Cabaret is a naughty show filled with half naked Adonis’ shaking their thang on stage.
In fact, they offer a specialised Hen Do package (they know what the ladies want, clearly). How does a free cocktail on arrival, hen sash, VIP entry, and a guarantee that the bride will be up on stage sound? Pretty good, we think.
The show claims to combine a mix of musical, circus, dramatic and comedy acts on stage – though, if we’re honest, we’re not too sure there’s much of a plot here.
Opt for a The CityDays Scavenger Hunt
Multiple Locations
One of the more unique hen do activities London has to offer is a scavenger hunt. Stick with us here.
Before you head out for late night drinks in one of London’s coolest new bars, get the gang together for a belly-laugh-inducing adventure around the city.
That’s where CityDays comes in. They’ve curated a selection of epic adventures around the big smoke that’s guaranteed to bring you closer as a group.
Our top picks? Mysterious Mews will have you wandering the streets of Kensington (and nipping into a couple of stellar pubs along the way), while Secrets of the Squares will see you hot on the tails of Dickens… And into a boozer he actually used to drink at.
Get Stuck in an Escape Room
Multiple Locations
If you’re looking for quirky hen do ideas in London, an escape room is an epic option. And luckily for you, the capital is filled with them.
But which ones are best? Well, we’ve written a guide to our top picks to make things even easier for you.
If you need a little bit more guidance, Enigma Quest’s Harry Potter offering is ideal for Potterheads, though they also have a submarine room where your mission is to diffuse a bomb. Tensions will be running high, we imagine.
And, if you’re looking for something a little bit more on-brand, Aim’s raunchy escape room is titled Deja Brew. It’s set in the aftermath of a stag night gone wrong (let’s hope it doesn’t tempt fate) and your gang will need to piece together what happened during the night to save the groom before his big day.
It’s giving Hangover vibes and we think it would make a great addition to a hen do weekend in London.
Enjoy a Boozy Brunch at the Shangri-La
Because the best time of day to start drinking is with breakfast, right? Treat your hen to a boozy brunch with impressive views of the capital at Ting, tucked away on floor 35 of the Shangri-La in the Shard.
Opt for the Full English, which comes with a whopping portion of the works, or go for something a little bit lighter like the smoked salmon brioche. Either way, the food is guaranteed to be as delicious as the views.
Wash everything down with a glass of bubbly for the ultimate experience. Though a Mimosa is just as good, we think.
Take a Choccy Workshop at MyChocolate
Haggerston
Now, we don’t know about you, but we can’t quite think of a better way to celebrate upcoming nuptials better than with chocolate.
MyChocolate agrees, and their hen party chocolate workshop is ideal. Led by an expert chocolatier, you’ll soon be whipping up the likes of truffles and creamy ganache, as well as perfecting your chocolate curl technique.
Fancy something a little more boozy? Their Choctail workshop is an indulgent experience that we guarantee you’ll love. The party starts by sipping chocolate Martinis before the chocolate-making workshop begins.
Enter Into Another World at Otherworld VR
Hackney
When it comes to the best London hen party ideas, Otherworld VR has got the downright surreal covered. Not only is the venue home to one of the coolest VR experiences in London but it’s also a brilliantly unique hen do idea.
The venue boasts 16 unique VR pods, each containing a multi-sensory VR experience. Get ready to be totally transported into another world – including those filled with a zombie apocalypse, dessert, the open sea and a wild jungle.
Oh, and you can win in-game tokens that translate to free drinks in the bar. We think the hens will love.
Get Your Dabber Ready for Bongo’s Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is a classic London event and makes for a ridiculously fun hen do. Fusing bingo with a good ol’ fashioned party, don’t think that that bingo is just for your granny – these events get pretty rowdy.
Sessions run regularly throughout the year and although you won’t be able to book private events, we guarantee that you and the party will enjoy the buzzing atmosphere at Bongo’s Bingo.
Expect dance offs, singalongs, bingo, and REAL money to be won over the course of the session.
Sip Bubbly While You Craft at Social Pottery
Kentish Town
If you and the rest of the party are particularly crafty, then Social Pottery might just offer the perfect London hen do. You can take master classes with professional potters and booze as you do so (you’ll need to bring your own bubbly, though).
Though we can’t guarantee your creations will be any good after a bottle of something strong.
Note that they actually have two locations in Kentish Town; one hosts pottery painting sessions and the other regular pottery sessions. Bear this in mind when booking your boozy pottery party.
Channel Your Inner Picasso at Sip n Stroke
Planning a wedding is hella stressful, which is why the bride-to-be will adore unleashing her stress out on a canvas. Cue Sip n Stroke, London’s most entertaining workshop that pairs artistic flair with a whole lot of booze.
Events run regularly throughout the year and guests are encouraged to delve into their own creativity and paint whatever comes to mind. Though, with the killer hip hop soundtrack blaring and a cocktail in hand, we think it might just have something to do with another drink.
Practical Tips for Planning a London Hen Do
- Obviously it depends on the party, but often the chief bridesmaid is the one in charge of hen do planning. Make sure you discuss with the bride any preferences, budget, and guest list before you get stuck in.
- It’s worth letting the venue know beforehand that you’re planning a hen do, as they may be able to help you with special touches/surprises.
