Top 10 Towns for a Hen Party You Haven’t Considered Before

When people think “hen party,” the same cities come up again and again: London, Brighton, Manchester, maybe a cheeky trip to Ibiza. But the UK is packed with hidden gems — towns that offer charm, fun, and great nightlife without the overcrowding or high prices.

Here are 10 underrated towns you should definitely consider for your next hen party.

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1. Chester

Chester is a stunning mix of Roman walls, Tudor-style buildings, and buzzing nightlife. With its chic cocktail bars, historic charm, and the famous Chester Races, it’s a classy option for hens who want culture by day and glam by night.

Hen highlights in Chester:

• Chester Races – dress up and enjoy a glamorous day at the races.
• Storyhouse – theatre, cinema, and rooftop bars.
• River Dee Boat Parties – sip prosecco on the water.
• The Botanist – Insta-perfect cocktails and food.

2. Harrogate

Known as a Victorian spa town, Harrogate oozes elegance. It’s the perfect pick for a more refined hen do, with pampering treatments, afternoon teas, and gorgeous parks for a stroll between cocktails.

Hen highlights in Harrogate:

• Turkish Baths Harrogate – relax in luxury.
• Bettys Tea Rooms – iconic afternoon tea.
• Cold Bath Brewing Co. – craft beer for a twist on cocktails.
• Valley Gardens – perfect for group photos.

3. Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is a medieval riverside town filled with quirky shops, winding streets, and great pubs. It’s ideal for smaller hen groups who want character and cosiness without the chaos of big cities.

Hen highlights in Shrewsbury:

• Shrewsbury Prison – escape rooms and immersive tours.
• The House of the Rising Sun – pan-Asian dining in a stylish setting.
• River Severn Boat Trips – great for group fun on the water.
• Loop Bar – cocktails in the heart of town.

4. Exeter

Exeter blends lively student nightlife with gorgeous Devon countryside nearby. It’s perfect for hens who want both a buzzing night out and adventurous daytime activities.

Hen highlights in Exeter:

• Exeter Quayside – bars, restaurants, and paddleboarding.
• Exeter Cathedral – stunning backdrop for photos.
• Move – live music and clubbing.
• The Terrace – rooftop cocktails and dancing.

5. Whitstable

Whitstable is a seaside gem in Kent, famous for oysters and beach huts. It’s great for laid-back hen groups who want seafood, sea air, and photo-worthy sunsets.

Hen highlights in Whitstable:

• Whitstable Oyster Company – seafood feasts.
• The Old Neptune – a pub right on the beach.
• Whitstable Castle – afternoon tea with a view.
• The Harbour Market – quirky local stalls.

6. Durham

Durham mixes history with a lively student crowd, giving hens both cultural landmarks and great nightlife. It’s a brilliant “hidden” choice in the North East.

Hen highlights in Durham:

• Durham Cathedral – iconic setting.
• Fabio’s Bar – famous cocktails in a quirky space.
• The Boat Club – riverside bar and club.
• River Wear Rowing – fun on the water.

7. Cheltenham

Cheltenham is the epitome of Regency glamour. With stylish bars, horse racing, and luxury spas, it’s ideal for a sophisticated hen do.

Hen highlights in Cheltenham:

• Cheltenham Racecourse – a must for big days out.
• The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie – classy dining.
• Tivoli Cinema – boutique cinema experience.
• The Botanist – cocktails in style.

8. Margate

Margate has reinvented itself as a retro-chic seaside town. Perfect for creative brides, it offers vintage shopping, quirky bars, and sandy beach fun.

Hen highlights in Margate:

• Dreamland – vintage fairground and roller disco.
• Turner Contemporary – art lovers’ paradise.
• The Sun Deck – seafront cocktails.
• Margate Old Town – indie shops and bars.

9. Bath

Bath is spa heaven, perfect for pampering brides. Its Georgian architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant food scene make it an unforgettable choice.

Hen highlights in Bath:

• Thermae Bath Spa – rooftop spa pools.
• The Roman Baths – iconic attraction.
• The Raven – famous pies and pints.
• Circo Bar – cocktails and dancing.

10. Newcastle-under-Lyme

Don’t confuse this with Newcastle-upon-Tyne — Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire is smaller, cheaper, and packed with nightlife thanks to its student population.

Hen highlights in Newcastle-under-Lyme:

• New Vic Theatre – comedy, plays, and live shows.
• Bloom – vibrant cocktail bar.
• The Milehouse – chic dining spot.
• Tenpin Bowling – retro fun.

Final Thoughts

The best hen parties aren’t always in the “obvious” places. By exploring smaller towns, you get charm, affordability, and fewer crowds — without losing the fun.

At Prebride.com, we help you organise your event no matter where you’re heading.

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Written by Prebride.com – Your ultimate hen party planning companion.