Planning the perfect hen weekend? Whether your bride-to-be is all about bubbly brunches, spa serenity, or a wild night out with her closest girls, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge serve up a trio of destinations that combine historic charm with big celebration energy.
Birmingham: Glitz, Glam & Good Times
Birmingham is a city that knows how to treat your hen party right. From rooftop cocktails to street food festivals and spa days that melt away wedding stress, it’s a total vibe for stylish and sassy brides-to-be.
Where to Stay: Boutique hotels and spacious serviced apartments near Brindleyplace and the Mailbox keep you close to the action—and the prosecco.
What to Do:
- Spa Indulgence: Book your crew into a luxe spa like The Cube’s Club & Spa for thermal experiences, fizz, and fluffy robes.
- Shopping & Styling: Hit the Bullring or the Mailbox for retail therapy and maybe a personal stylist session.
- Chocolate Making: Cadbury World offers private chocolate workshops—yes, you get to eat what you make.
- Dance Classes: Channel your inner Beyoncé with a choreographed dance party or go cheeky with burlesque classes.
Nightlife: Digbeth’s street food and music scene is perfect for low-key fun, or go all-in with a glam night out on Broad Street. Think bottomless dinners, club booths, and champagne.
🔗 See our Birmingham hen weekend plans
🔗 Get ideas for a Birmingham stag night
Oxford: Timeless Elegance with a Twist
Oxford brings a more refined touch to your hen weekend without being boring. Picture punting with prosecco, afternoon tea with skyline views, and classy cocktail bars tucked in centuries-old buildings.
Where to Stay: Stay in Jericho or the city centre for access to both historic sights and buzzing bars. Outside term time, some colleges even rent out rooms in their dreamy old buildings.
What to Do:
- Afternoon Tea: Sip bubbly and nibble scones at The Grand Café or the rooftop restaurant at the Ashmolean.
- Punting on the Cherwell: Go self-punting (and laugh the whole time) or hire a guide with champagne service.
- Gin Tasting: Head to The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) for a gin masterclass and create your own bespoke bottle.
- Crafty Workshops: Try calligraphy, flower crown making, or even historical printmaking at local studios.
Nightlife: Grab cocktails at The Varsity Club with rooftop views, then dance the night away at Atik or enjoy a pub tour of Oxford’s literary watering holes.
🔗 Plan your Oxford hen party
🔗 Explore Oxford stag party experiences
Cambridge: Chic, Charming & Champagne-Soaked
Cambridge is your go-to if your bride fancies a relaxed yet classy escape. This riverside gem delivers on spa serenity, Insta-perfect moments, and just the right amount of cheeky fun.
Where to Stay: Try boutique stays near Parker’s Piece or serviced apartments around Mill Road. For a one-of-a-kind vibe, colleges offer term-break rentals in their historic halls.
What to Do:
- Champagne Punting: Pop the bubbly and float past King’s College with your girls, snapping selfies that’ll make your Insta pop.
- Gin Lab: At Cambridge Gin Laboratory, you’ll blend, taste, and take home a custom creation.
- Spa Chill: Head to The Varsity Spa or float into serenity at Cambridge Country Club for full relaxation.
- Treasure Hunts: Make your way through town with clues and challenges themed around famous female alumni and history.
Nightlife: Sip cocktails at 196 Cocktail Bar or Hidden Rooms, then laugh through a comedy show or dance until late in a riverside club.
🔗 Book your Cambridge hen do
🔗 Browse Cambridge stag weekend ideas
Hen Party Planning Tips
- Keep it Balanced: Combine activities—spa in the morning, cocktails by night.
- Get Organised: Book those punting slots, spa sessions, and brunch tables early (especially in summer).
- Brunch Like Pros: Birmingham is bottomless brunch central, Oxford has charming tea rooms, and Cambridge does luxury picnics like no other.
- Snap & Share: Bring a Polaroid or book a pro for a photoshoot—you’ll want to remember every laugh.
From Birmingham’s glam and giggles, to Oxford’s elegance, and Cambridge’s riverside chic, these cities bring your hen celebration dreams to life.
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