Ideal for groups looking for something fun and wholesome.
Hen party planner; who’d want to be one? It’s one of the finest juggling acts outside of the circus, make no mistake.
Come to think of it, things can be a little circus like. Firstly, there are so many conflicting, competing preferences at play, from those intent on binge drinking to those who’d like a more wholesome affair, it can be tough to please everyone. Secondly, there are hugely divergent opinions on what’s a suitable budget for a hen party event, and just how much organised fun is actually welcome. And finally, let’s be honest; most hen parties are simply various delay tactics until the tequila shots and dancing begin.
Traditionally, no one cares about the wholesome virtuous part you’ve got planned for the day time. But things seem to be changing, with industry insiders pointing to a growing trend in daytime hen parties and a decrease in the desire for unrestrained drinking later on.
So, perhaps it’s time to banish those bride-to-be badges, personalised t-shirts and L plates, and go for something more civilised. With that in mind, here are 5 alternative London hen party activity ideas, IDEAL for those parties looking for something fun and wholesome.
CRAZY GOLF
Fore! Call us crazy, but we think a spot of golf on a sunny afternoon is a really fun, unique idea for a hen party. Because why should a largely male dominated sport be the preserve of the gents?
The professionals at TheLeftRough.com state that ‘learning golf can be really hard’, with equipment expensive and clubs still infuriatingly exclusive. As such, perhaps crazy golf is a better option for your light hearted hen do day out?
London boasts some excellent courses. Perhaps the pick of the bunch is Plonk Crazy Golf, which has four sites across London, in London Fields, Camden Market, Shoreditch and Forest Hill. You could make a proper day of it and go to all four? Once again; fore!
AFTERNOON TEA PARTY
If you’re looking to keep things truly sophisticated and civilised, then enjoying a ceremony of tea, cakes, scones, sandwiches and bubbles in the world’s capital of afternoon tea could be just the ticket.
London has afternoon tea celebrations to suit all budgets. If you’re up for the most traditional affair out there, then look no further than afternoon tea at the Ritz, which will set you back £61 but comes with a selection of 18 premium loose leaf teas and food fresh from their Michelin starred kitchen, all enjoyed under the glittering chandeliers of this most famous London establishment.
For something more unique, try the afternoon tea bus tour by B Bakery, which is held on a vintage double-decker bus and takes in the sights of the famous city while you eat, drink and make merry.
That, or you could try your hand at hosting your own. Check out our tips on throwing the perfect afternoon tea party for some inspiration.
LONDON EYE HOTEL CHOCOLAT TASTING EXPERIENCE
This one does exactly what it says on the glass capsule, but let’s be honest; what sounds more perfect than a group of girlfriends gathered on the London Eye enjoying top quality chocolate?
For £55 each, you’re given two rotations on the iconic big wheel with panoramic views throughout, and whilst inside your very own pod, the famous Hotel Chocolat will provide a truffle tasting session of a selection of their bespoke chocolates, along with two glasses of bubbly and a goodie bag to take home! Lovely stuff.
RECORDING STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Is the bride-to-be a budding Beyonce or aspiring Alicia Keys? Do they think they’ve got a voice to match Taylor Swift or a unique style which could land them a role in the rumoured Girls Aloud reunion? Well, a London based professional recording studio experience could be the perfect way to make the hen feel special at their party.
The offer here usually involves anything from one to eight hours (though three hours is standard) of studio time, using a producer with years of professional experience and a shiny CD gift of the hen’s singing to take away at the end of it. Red Letter Days are one of the best studios in London for such an experience, and offer 3 hours in the booth for a wholly reasonable £160. Perhaps you could join forces to record a group hit?
A DAY AT THE RACES
A day out at the races in London could just be the ideal hen party activity, allowing guests to get dressed up but also a little wild, too. If you’re going to go big here, then consider Ascot, an hour from Waterloo, and the most famous spectacle of its kind.
The Royal Ascot racing meet takes place each June, and is one of the key events for sports and fashion loving socialites each calendar year. The five day festival of fun happens each June and sees Ladies Day fall on the middle day of the run.
The Royal Ascot dress code is strict – in the words of the official decree; ‘formal daywear when inside the Royal Enclosure…dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer. Tops and dresses should have straps of one inch or greater’ – but the vibe is still frivolous and fun.
Perhaps lady luck will shine on your bride-to-be?
