30 Budget Hen Do & Hen Party Ideas in the UK
Looking for fun UK hen do ideas that won’t bankrupt everyone? We’ve rounded up 30 of the best low-cost hen party activities for under £100 per person
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
There are no rules that state you have to spend a fortune on a hen party – good company, food and drink are perfectly sufficient for an enjoyable time. But, for some extra inspiration, we’ve rounded up the best budget hen do ideas across the UK so you can include activities to help it feel even more like a big occasion.
Not all of us have the budget for an all-inclusive trip to the Greek isles – but so many of us want more than a knees-up down the local. To make a hen party fun for all involved, the key is to choose activities that suit both your style and budget, and which won’t have your more introverted guests recoiling in horror (so perhaps no singing in public…).
A study conducted by Hitched* revealed that 89% of people have felt worried about the cost of a hen do, and 47% had declined the invitation to attend due to the cost. With hen parties on average costing somewhere between £150 and £300 per person, it’s easy to see why people feel anxious about them and may want to opt out.
So, where does that leave you with your hen do planning? Well, there are actually tons of low-cost hen party ideas out there, it’s just about knowing where to look. The old favourites – afternoon tea, cocktail-making, karaoke – are all classics for a reason. But if you’re after something to make your hen do stand out, we’ve found some excellent affordable ideas for a day or weekend to remember.
30 Unique & Cheap Hen Do Ideas UK: Affordable Options Under £100pp
Because you can still have a fun and unforgettable celebration without living off baked beans for the rest of the month!
Cheap Hen Do Ideas in London
Starting strong with the UK’s capital, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite hen do ideas in London so you and your pals can enjoy the best this vibrant city has to offer.
1. Paddleboarding & Prosecco
Looking for unique hen do ideas in the UK that work for a small group? If there are up to four of you, why not consider paddleboarding down the Thames, near Richmond – prosecco (or pint) stop included, of course!
The private sessions include some land-based training so you can get to grips with the technique, before taking to the water with your guide. You’ll experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the river alongside the most idyllic views – that’s if you can stay on board!
2. Manicures & Vibes
If your hen-clinations are more on the pampering side, Beauty Club London is a bright and spacious salon tucked away in Oxford Circus, with a fully licensed cocktail bar, plenty of comfortable seating and chic styling areas.
Within lies the Paint Nails London nail bar, which is available to hire for intimate groups to enjoy some pamper time together. As well as a free bottle of fizz and two-for-one cocktails on group bookings, choose from a range of treatments, including manis, pedis and nail art, and make the most of the space and the undeniable Instagram-worthy vibes (the lighting is *chef's kiss* too).
3. Escape Room Fun
Budget hen do ideas don’t have to be boring – far from it.
An escape-room-meets-live-theatre-performance, you’ll be promised an action-packed (and slightly surreal) day trying your hand at Lady Chastity’s Reserve at the Houdini Escape Room in Farringdon, where you’ll need to solve puzzles, find clues and collect items to find Chastity’s fabled aphrodisiac wine.
It’s eerie, it’s fun and it’s perfect for small hen groups of up to six people.
4. Hot Tub Party
A hot tug hot tub party… try saying that after a few margaritas! Celebrate your pal’s upcoming nuptials by sailing through London’s historic Docklands in a hot tub boat. Each one is filled with fresh water (phew!) and heated to a dreamy 38C, so you’ll be comfortable captaining your tub on its route.
Save on the price of drinks and BYOB by hiring an ice bucket to keep it cool. You can also rent towels if needed and get your hands on a sailor’s hat for the nearlywed (that she’ll get to keep!).
Each tub seats up to eight guests and you’ll get to enjoy up to 90 minutes on the water. Ahoy!
5. Themed Bottomless Brunch
Maybe her thing is Mamma Mia, she not-so-secretly loves a bit of ABBA, or she blares out Cowboy Carter on repeat… either way, it sounds like a themed bottomless brunch could be right up her street.
We love the offerings at Tonight Josephine, which regularly hosts the most iconic themed brunches with bottomless cocktails, drag artist impersonators and tasty food to boot. For all the (not-so-single) ladies, cheap hens night ideas don’t come more fun-packed and filled with laughs.
Tonight Josephine also has outposts across the UK, making them a great option for those looking for cheap hen do ideas in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Liverpool.
6. Sip & Paint
One of our favourite cheap hen do ideas in London, a sip and paint at Brush & Bubbles is just the thing for those looking for cool and unusual activities.
Enjoy a two-hour guided painting sesh with the company’s resident artist – glass of bubbly in hand, of course. The Covent Garden studio is a cute and fun place to hang out, you can customise the theme of the day based on the bride’s favourite things, and you’ll get to take home your brand new artwork to hang in the downstairs loo (or wherever you feel is its rightful spot!).
7. Taste the Film You’re Watching
Yes, you read that right! If you’re looking for unique hen do ideas in the UK, Taste Film is a cool filmic-foodie experience that will truly immerse you in the movie you’re watching by bringing the food that features in the film to your table.
Choose your pal’s favourite film and get the gang together for a luxury evening experience of watching and tasting – from Pulp Fiction to Ratatouille, Bridesmaids to The Devil Wears Prada, this place has literally thought of all our favourites. Choose from locations in West or Central London, as well as Manchester and Edinburgh.
Day Trip Hen Do Ideas
Looking for purse-friendly hen activities for a day trip to remember? These hen do ideas in the UK work for every budget
8. Spa Day
When in doubt, book a spa day.
Not an activity usually associated with budget hen do ideas, a spa is the perfect way to relax before the big day and caters to parties that include a range of age groups.
Bristol Harbour Hotel is one of our favourites for affordable spa packages for hen parties. Check out the Robed & Relaxed package which includes half a day’s use of the facilities, your robe, towel and slippers, a luxury Temple Spa gift worth £15 and glass of fizz on departure. Bliss!
9. Take a Hike
Cheap hen do ideas in the UK don’t get much more wholesome than this.
Lace up your hiking boots and get the gang together for a journey of discovery with a guided hike across sweeping fields, woodland trails and cool verdant valleys. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for dinner later on, plus you’ll get to take in the most epic views along the way. Trails can be tailored to suit all fitness levels, too.
10. Go Surfing
One for the water-lovers… with its bewitchingly pretty coastline, a thriving nightlife and foodie scene, and some great hotels to boot, how about learning to surf in Newquay, Cornwall?
Suitable for both novices and surfing pros, Fistral Beach Surf School can offer fun private lessons for up to eight at a time – and recommend some great places to extend the celebrations afterwards.
11. The Big Bake Off
Is she in her baking era? One of our favourite alternative hen do ideas in the UK, The Big Bake – which takes place across London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester – is some of the best fun you’ll have in the kitchen.
Divide yourselves into pairs and create your own bakes worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake with just 90 minutes on the clock. Hen bookings can also enjoy use of a private space with light bites and cocktails (East London only) and their very own Bride Tribe aprons.
12. Welly Wanging
Promising serious LOLs – essential to the makings of a really good hen do, if you ask us – Farm Adventure, which has outposts in Yorkshire and Shropshire, offers hen groups a range of brilliantly wild and wacky farm-style activities.
Immerse yourselves in everything from sheep gathering and tractor driving to pig herding, tug of war, welly wanging and more, before winding down with a much-deserved barbecue and the chance to put your feet up in luxury accommodation with private hot tub.
13. Zip into Action
Is your bride-to-be something of an adrenaline junkie? Take your hen activities to new heights at Zip World, where groups can enjoy everything from zip lining (ahem, the world’s fastest) and treetop safaris to quarry carts and bouncing underground on trampoline-style nets.
There’s accommodation up for grabs too at locations across the UK.
At-Home Hen Do Ideas
You can have plenty of fun with a hen do at home! Don’t forget to throw a couple of brilliant hen party games into the mix too
14. Flower Crown Making
The Parsons Wreath Co offers dried flower crown kits that are as beautiful and boho-inspired as you’d expect.
Everything you need to make your own flower crown at home is included, from the crown frame and florist tape to the flowers, ribbons and full instructions. You might even do this activity so the bridesmaids can wear theirs for the wedding!
15. Home Hen-Fest
Planning a UK hen do in the summer months? Beat the crowds by throwing your very own private festival at home.
Put up a marquee in the garden, create your own makeshift bar and glitter stations, and get a DJ set going. Space allowing, you could even ask your attendees to bring their own tents for a big festival weekender!
16. Afternoon Tea
A classic choice that you really can’t go wrong with – whether you keep it trad with champagne, tea and scones or amp it up with gin-infused cocktails in teacups.
Order in or make it yourself, just ensure there’s plenty of cake to go round…
17. Karaoke
Karaoke is a great budget hen do idea. Naturally we expect you to go full glam on this one – themed outfits, microphones, inflatable instruments, maybe even a glitter curtain backdrop…
Our personal pick would be 90s classics, but feel free to mix it up with whatever genres you love!
18. Murder Mystery
Immersive experiences remain hot on the hen circuit, so how about creating your own murder mystery at home?
You can buy kits or create your own story and characters – whichever you choose, be sure to send out themed invitations and let everyone know of your plans well ahead of time so they can arrive ‘in character’. Such fun!
19. Boob Pot Making
For guaranteed giggles and a take-home piece of hen do memorabilia, the make-your-own Boob Pot Kits from Hello Art are perfect for an at-home hen do on a budget and the most fun you'll have around a kitchen table.
Each pottery kit can make 2-3 pots and includes full instructions and video tutorials, moulds, air-drying clay and crafting tools. All you need is a rolling pin (though you could just use the wine bottle, we guess…)
Hen Do Weekend Ideas UK
Looking to make a weekend of it? From London to Brighton to Birmingham and beyond, these fun and affordable hen do ideas are the perfect way to fill your days and nights.
20. Luxury Chocolate Making
For the chocoholic bride, and those looking for cheap hen do ideas in Brighton, London or Manchester, the esteemed My Chocolate offers private events for groups of all sizes.
We can think of few finer ways to spend two hours of our time than munching our way through an assortment of gourmet chocolates, while dipping and designing our own delicious truffles to take home. You’ll also get to create your own personalised chocolate bark using pro techniques such as marbling.
21. Silent Disco Adventure
Not for wallflowers, this walking silent disco allows you and your gang to sing and dance your way through the streets wearing high-tech headsets, serenading onlookers as you go.
You won’t be able to hear yourselves, but we can’t promise those outside of the hen party won’t either! It’s guaranteed endless laughs – and super affordable.
22. Crazy, Boozy Golf
Fun hen do ideas in the UK don’t come much better than get-togethers at Junkyard Golf Club – an indoor crazy golf bar and house party thrown into one.
Choose from locations in Manchester, London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Oxford, and sip cocktails as you swing. There are packages that include food and drinks tokens, too.
Loser buys the next round!
23. Axe Throwing
Is she very much a stressed-out nearlywed? If so, it might be time to give axe-throwing a go.
Not only do we highly recommend it for mega stress relief, but it’s actually really fun and a great icebreaker for groups who perhaps don’t know each other that well.
Naturally, you’re not allowed to participate if you’ve been drinking alcohol, so this is also a great cheap hen do idea for sober groups! Check out Players Rage Rooms in Brighton…
24. Life Drawing
What could be better than sitting down with glass of fizz and your best pals to draw a naked person?
Artful Hen Parties provides a professional life model (and all the materials you’ll need) who will strip down to their birthday suit while you and the girls show off your sketching skills.
Two bottles of bubbly and some fancy dress berets will really help you to bring out the artiste in you. Oh, and did we mention the bride goes free? Enjoy at a range of city centre venues across the UK.
25. Go Camping
Looking for quirky hen do ideas across the UK? How about getting back to nature with your besties.
Hatters Meadows in Ely, Cambridgeshire, is a brilliant party campsite that comprises a mix of glamping, tents and pods – as well as the option to bring your own and park up in the wild camping fields nearby.
Enjoy everything from Mad Hatter-style afternoon teas to gin-tastings hosted by the team, as well as optional extras like glitter face paints and adult party bags.
26. Tea Blending Workshop
Are you planning a hen do for a bride who just can’t get through the day without a cuppa? Allow us to point you in the direction of Bird & Blend, which offers brilliant tea-making workshops across London, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds and more. You might even want to combine it with another classic hen activity – cocktail making – for a cocktail-tea mixology moment.
Once you’ve created your own tea blend, you’ll get to name and package it, and take it home – the perfect souvenir of a wonderful weekend away with friends. And a wholesome way to recover from your hangover!
27. Make Your Own Perfume
Whatever city you’re heading to for the weekend, you’ll find some great fragrance-making activities.
Perfume making has long been on the hen scene; it’s a great way to counterbalance some of those more hedonistic activities, plus you get to take away your very own fragrance at the end of it, one you might even choose to wear on the wedding day. You’ll be guided by experts during every step of the process – and don’t forget to think of an interesting name!
28. Tea & Arts
Afternoon tea and vintage crafting are two classic hen activities – so why not combine them into one?
Ashwell & Co in Bristol is the OG hub of all things vintage. The boutique is the perfect place for a traditional afternoon tea and can be combined with almost any activity you like – from Charleston dancing and macrame to calligraphy and fascinator making from the brilliant Able Mabel. Looking for classy hen do ideas in the UK? This is perfect and allows you to add a touch of old Hollywood glam to your event.
29. Ride a Beer Bike
This fun and outdoorsy hen do idea is great for those on a budget – plus you’ll get to see some amazing sights in the process!
The beer (or prosecco if you prefer) bike is also the best way to work up an appetite for a fun night out – you’ll even get a Bluetooth speaker for your choice of music alongside your chosen drinks.
Choose from locations including Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh and more.
30. Go to Sushi School
Those looking for different hen do ideas in the UK should definitely consider this - who wouldn't love sushi making?! Unlock a new skill on your weekend away and have lots of fun while doing so at Yakinori in Bristol – a sushi kitchen heralded for its high-quality ingredients, delicious Japanese dishes and excellent sushi-making classes.
Hen groups can learn about the history of this tasty cuisine as well as improve their knife-cutting skills and understanding of the ingredients. You’ll also get welcome drinks, a selection of Japanese starters to nibble on and – of course – you get to eat everything you make! Finish with a bubble tea and you’ll have one very happy hen.
What can you do for a hen do on a budget?
Planning a cheap hen do doesn’t mean having to compromise on fun! We’ve got some incredible hen-do ideas for under £100pp that are guaranteed to bring the laughs and be a memorable outing for all involved.
How do you plan a cheap hen party in the UK?
The first thing you should do is sense check people’s budgets – do this before you plan. If you’re making a weekend of it, it might be an idea to make some of the activities optional so people don’t feel pressured to fork out for everything if they can’t really afford it.
“There’s a lot of pressure to have the picture-perfect ‘Insta-worthy’ hen which can sometimes involve flying off to somewhere exotic for the weekend,” says Katie Gavaghan, founder of The Parsons Wreath Co. “But it’s easy to forget that actually, the best bit of any hen do is gathering your loved ones together – no matter what you choose to do.
“Pick an activity for less than £100pp and I guarantee your friends will thank you for it,” she adds.
It can be helpful to give attendees plenty of notice, so costs can be split over a period of time or they can organise a monthly hen do payment plan.
If you're travelling to somewhere else in the UK, keep things as cheap as possible by travelling off-peak. Sometimes self-catering accommodation can be cheaper than hotels, too.
And remember, there are plenty of fun and affordable hen party games you can play to keep things interesting if you're planning on having a night or two indoors!
Can you do a hen do at home?
You absolutely can have your hen do at home, or at the home of one of the bridesmaids! Deck out the space with some chic finishing touches to make it feel more special – think balloons, colourful tassels or bunting, letter-board signs for any announcements/to-dos/menus, a cake centrepiece, and customise any glassware or stationery with personalised stickers.
Lots of companies, such as The Crafty Hen, will bring activities such as ceramic painting and fascinator making to your house for hen do at home ideas in the UK. For the catering, you might call in an afternoon tea, set up a grazing table or bring in a private chef – the list is endless!
We’ve got plenty more ideas for hen dos at home.
Where are the cheapest UK destinations for a hen weekend?
You’ll find affordable UK hen do ideas across every city in the UK, but some of our favourite destinations for budget hen do ideas include Newcastle, Sheffield, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham. You’ll find a wide range of affordable accommodation in these areas, too.
Should the bride pay for her hen do?
It’s traditional for the bridesmaids and other hen party attendees to cover the cost of the hen – so the bride doesn’t usually pay for her own hen do. However, depending on what your plans are, it’s not always realistic to do this, so you might want to make it optional for people to chip in – or ask what they can afford to contribute – as well as check in with the bride to see what she thinks.
Want to go further afield with cheap hen do ideas abroad? Check out our edit of the best hen party destinations in Europe.
*Results based on an informal poll of 749 people conducted on Instagram/hitcheduk in June 2023
