Hooray for today’s hens! Long gone are the days of dodgy strippers, tasteless fancy dress (L-plate, anyone?) and novelty male genitalia. The modern hen do – much like the wedding day itself – is a masterclass in tailor-made and ultra-personalised celebrations, minus the cringe factor.
Spending quality time doing as much (or as little) as you like with your favourite people is the aim of today’s hen party. Whether it’s a long weekend packed with activities, a group trip to a music festival, a series of smaller gatherings or a simple, pared-back affair with a few of your besties and a meal out, spa day, beach barbecue or afternoon tea in the park – it’s all about what feels good for you.
The brilliance is that there’s no ‘done thing’ – just the thing (or things) you want to do, within everyone’s budget and availability. And remember: planning duties are no longer the sole preserve of the maid of honour or bridal party – if you even have one. With many brides now compiling a list of preferred options or organising the whole event themselves, today’s hen dos are laidback, fun and seriously anticipated.
Here are some fresh ideas to get you started…
YSELLA GLAMPING
Presenting exclusive ‘Hen Fest’ packages, Ysella Glamping offers a unique and unforgettable experience in their festival-inspired luxury bell tent villages. The spacious bell tents come furnished with comfy beds, elegant décor and soft ambient lighting, available in a range of suite options from Essential to Luxury and Elite. Complete with festoon lighting, lanterns, fairy lights, flowers and boho-chic touches, you and your guests can unwind in stylish communal chill-out areas, gather around firepits and toast the weekend with a welcome glass of bubbly.
Flexible packages can be customised and include group cooking equipment, hampers, barbecues and a rustic wooden bar – everything you need for a laid-back, luxe celebration. Based in St Agnes but fully mobile across the South-west, Ysella Glamping can pitch your dream hen weekend anywhere, - whether it’s a clifftop campsite of your choice or your own back garden. What’s more, the team takes care of all setup and takedown, so you can relax and soak up every moment.
ysellacornwall.co.uk/hen-party-bell-tent-hire-uk
AZU SPIRITS
Shake things up with a mixology masterclass from Devon-based drinks connoisseurs Azu Spirits. Led by founder and spirited host Ellie Asthana Gibson, this hands-on cocktail experience is fully tailored to your tastes – whether you’re dreaming up your own signature sips or letting the experts guide the way. Everything you need will be provided, from shakers and glassware to premium spirits, liqueurs, garnishes and fruit. Think flamed orange oils dancing over a Cosmopolitan made with Edmond Briottet Cranberry Liqueur or a velvety Espresso Martini featuring Mr Black Coffee Liqueur.
Whether you're mastering your favourite classics, discovering the secrets of cocktail craft or simply shaking things up to your favourite playlist, this immersive session is all about laughter, connection and memory-making – with your inner circle in the highest of spirits.
azuspirits.co.uk
ALCOTRAZ BRISTOL
If a prison-themed cocktail bar sounds like your idea of hen heaven, make a beeline for Alcotraz Bristol. Deliciously different, this immersive experience serves up expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish speakeasy-style setting – with a hilarious twist. Step into a story as you don an orange jumpsuit and get ‘locked up’ in the underground jail cells, where a cast of inmates, mixologists and the ever-watchful warden will create a night of drinking and entertainment you’ll never forget.
Available for private hire, the entire penitentiary can house up to 60 inmates, with flexible packages ranging from one hour 45 minutes to four hours. Opt to smuggle in your own alcohol, enjoy bespoke cocktails and pizza or even assign someone in your party their own unique character including ‘the janitor’, ‘the mole’ or ‘the escape artist’!
alcotraz.co.uk/locations/bristol/
SAUNTON SANDS
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic like a glamorous ocean liner, the iconic Saunton Sands Hotel cuts a striking silhouette with its clean Art Deco lines, neat balconies and sweeping sea views. Below, sun loungers and deckchairs gather around the heated outdoor pool, while manicured lawns slip down to three miles of golden sand – backdropped by the dramatic dunes of Braunton Burrows and the wild coastline beyond. 
A sublime setting for a stylish seaside hen celebration, the hotel blends nostalgic charm with contemporary luxury. At the heart of its modern offering is the award-winning Source Spa & Wellness – a sanctuary spanning three floors of rejuvenation. Indulge in the marine-inspired Thermal Suite, unwind in the indoor pool, book in for sumptuous treatments or simply soak up the view from the rooftop terrace, where the sea stretches endlessly toward the horizon. Beyond the sunbeds, the wild coastline beckons. Take the coastal path to Woolacombe or Croyde or ride the waves with a surf lesson. For adrenaline seekers, there’s wakeboarding, quad biking and kitesurfing. As golden hour sets in, toast the day with cocktails on the terrace, enjoy relaxed flavours at the Beachside Grill or dress up for an elegant evening of fine dining at the AA rosette-awarded Dining Room, where sea views meet sparkling service and timeless glamour.
BUBBLY AND BRUSH CORNWALL
Combine great company with creativity – and bubbles on tap – for a hen party with a difference. Led by owner and instructor Mollie Hughes, Bubbly & Brush takes your group on a joyful, artistic adventure that’s as unforgettable as it is full of laughs.
Specialising in relaxed, step-by-step painting workshops, Mollie creates a space where everyone – from complete beginners to experienced artists – can enjoy picking up a brush. The easy-to-follow sessions ensure you and your guests each create your very own masterpiece. “The beauty of our sessions lies in how effortlessly everyone can join in and create something to be proud of – even if you've never picked up a paintbrush before!” says Mollie. “No stress, no pressure, just a laid-back and creative atmosphere.” The result? A day packed with laughter and creativity – and an arty keepsake to take home and treasure.
SIMPLY SOULFUL HEN PARTY
For a serene and soulful send-off, Simply Soulful Yoga offers a truly unique way to celebrate your hen in the heart of South Devon. Set amidst the tranquil beauty of Kingsbridge, this wellness-focused experience blends yoga, nature and joyful connection – perfect for brides-to-be seeking something meaningful. From beach yoga and forest bathing to wild swimming and SUP yoga, every activity is designed to soothe, uplift and inspire. Whether it’s a mindful afternoon or a full weekend retreat, sessions are tailored to your group’s preferences and budget, with the option to stay at the peaceful Merrifield House – an adult-only haven with yoga-inspired rooms and sweeping views of Dartmoor.
Led by holistic therapist and advanced yoga teacher Donna McCheyne, experiences are delivered with warmth and intuitive care, and can be enriched with massage, reiki or creative workshops. Add a traditional Devon cream tea, stargazing under dark skies or a coastal walk, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable celebration. Rooted in nature and filled with heartfelt moments, Simply Soulful promises a celebration that’s as calming as it is connected – wellness, wonder and a little bit of wild, wrapped into one beautifully bespoke hen party.
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Boasting a stunning beachside location in the heart of Falmouth on Cornwall’s picturesque south coast, St Michaels Resort feels blissfully removed from everyday life – yet it’s just moments from the vibrant buzz of the maritime town.
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Gather your gals for the ultimate spa hen do with a two-hour hydrothermal experience. Sip fizz in the bubbling sea-view hot tub and unwind in the outdoor barrel sauna, all while taking in the resort’s lush sub-tropical gardens. You might prefer to pick a Spa & Dine day package, such as Detox Retox – a two-hour spa session followed by a two-course lunch at the in-house eatery, Nourish - or the Twilight Spa, which includes a two-hour evening hydro session and a fine-dining two-course feast at Brasserie on the Bay. 
Extend your stay with a lavish afternoon tea, explore the Wellness Centre (offering everything from nutritional therapy and osteopathy to sunbeds, wellness consultations and experiences like beach yoga, bootcamp classes, Pilates and dance), or book in for a luxurious overnight stay. Guests also enjoy access to the Health Club’s indoor pool and gym facilities – the perfect balance of R&R and indulgence. 
stmichaelsresort.com
MILLY MAUNDER HEN PARTIES
Combining a love of silversmithing with the ancient art of granulation, Devon-based jewellery designer Milly Maunder creates organic, beautifully imperfect pieces that feel both timeless and unmistakably modern. Milly is now bringing her signature style to the hen do scene with her new Permanent Bracelet Experience.
Designed for brides who want a meaningful moment with their closest circle, it’s a celebration of connection, style and forever kind of memories. The party begins with a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by the fitting of your custom, clasp-free bracelet – delicate, minimal and made to last a lifetime. Pick from four sterling silver bracelets or upgrade to solid gold with 10% off. Each guest also receives a silver charm, along with 10% off in-studio purchases on the day.
Whether hosted at your home, a chosen venue or Milly’s Devon studio, this hen experience offers the ultimate bonding moment – infused with love, laughter and a keepsake to treasure forever.
CORNISH WAVE
Searching for a weekend of outdoor action in one of Cornwall’s party hotspots? Cornish Wave delivers the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation. Based in the heart of Newquay – the north coast’s buzzing surf capital – this spot is renowned for its dramatic scenery and vibrant nightlife.
Select their Surf & Yoga Package to blend beach vibes with a dose of feel-good energy. You’ll enjoy a private group beach yoga session, a two-hour surf lesson with expert instructors and wild camping in style thanks to a luxury bell tent village nestled in private woodland.
There’s a choice of add-ons like the ever-popular giant SUPzilla giant paddleboard tour, coasteering, bellyboarding or kayaking tours along the stunning coastline. Fully hosted and designed to be laid-back, stress-free and full of unforgettable moments, a Cornish Wave hen weekend is perfect for brides-to-be who want adventure, nature and a whole lot of fun by the sea.
THE CARY ARMS AND SPA
Anchored within pebble-hurling distance of the water’s edge on Babbacombe Bay, The Cary Arms & Spa serves up a heady blend of coastal calm, boutique indulgence and relaxed English charm. It’s where the soul of a traditional inn meets the spoiling comforts of a luxury hideaway.
Ideal for a stylish hen celebration by the sea, the spa is practically brushing the ocean – offering panoramic views across the glittering water and the rust-red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Picture this: soaking in views from the waterfall hydrotherapy pool, then drifting between the sauna, steam room and a lounger on the terrace. With treatments by Temple Spa, the experience is elevated by award-winning Mediterranean-inspired skincare and bespoke therapies that melt away stress and leave your skin – and spirit – glowing.
Choose a day package complete with a glass of chilled prosecco and decadent afternoon tea served in the inn – or book one of the cliff-hugging cottages for the weekend. Each one is a private sanctuary, with lush gardens, al fresco dining terraces and barbecues for golden-hour feasts. Some even come with their own hot tub, perfect for post-spa lounging. Fill your days with cliff walks on the South West Coast Path, SUP adventures on the bay, lazy lunches at the inn and starry-eyed nights making memories by the sea.
THE INK ALCHEMIST
Bringing a thoroughly modern twist to the traditional hen do, The Ink Alchemist offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience: ‘a shared journey of connection and transformation’ through group tattoo ceremonies. Artist and guide Alice Boydell creates and holds a space for ‘reflection, creativity and togetherness’ as you embark upon a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Circle Tattoo Ceremony unfolds in four meaningful stages: Setting the Intention, Designing Your Tattoos, The Tattooing Process and Closing the Ceremony. “Group tattoo ceremonies go beyond the physical tattoo,” says Alice. “They create a shared experience that deepens relationships, celebrates connection and leaves each participant with a lasting reminder of the journey.” Whether you come to mark a moment, honour your sisterhood or simply do something extraordinary together, Ink Alchemy promises a meaningful experience – and a permanent, beautiful symbol of your shared story to lovingly look back on.
theinkalchemist.co.uk/group-tattoo-ceremonies
POLURRIAN ON THE LIZARD
Perched on the most southerly peninsula of the UK, Polurrian on the Lizard offers an irresistibly magical setting for hens dreaming of a serene seaside escape. Their dedicated hen party package presents all the pampering and indulgence you need for a spoilsome stay by the sea.
Kick things off in style with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a signature cocktail on arrival, before settling in for a one-night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. Expect fresh, seasonal menus packed with locally sourced ingredients and flavour, alongside a luscious drinks list with a Cornish twist.
You’ll also enjoy a cocktail-making session and access to the Health Club facilities, including an indoor heated pool, hot tub and fully equipped gym. Then, unwind with a 30-minute Elemis treatment of your choice – and a full hour of bliss for the bride-to-be. With sublime sea views and a luxurious vibe, Polurrian on the Lizard is the ultimate coastal retreat for a truly memorable celebration.
polurrianhotel.com
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