Bath was a party town even as far back as the Roman era and although it’s got a reputation for being a little sedate and la di da nowadays, the city has so many bars, restaurants, and fun events happening that it’s a popular place for hen parties.
Add in the lure of warm spa waters, and it’s the perfect destination to get the girls together and enjoy a relaxing weekend of detoxing (and maybe retoxing, too). As well as Bath’s natural beauty and bustling vibe, there are also lots of specially designed hen party activities you can do here.
While some might be stereotypically ‘girly’ activities (and there’s no reason why these stag do ideas wouldn’t work too), here, in no particular order, are the most popular hen party themes and the best hen do activities in Bath.
1. Explore Bath’s Drinking Culture
Bath is home to a plethora of pubs and bars where you can celebrate the bride-to-be with booze, and you can even get started early with one of these bottomless brunch ideas.
If you want to combine some education with the fun, visit these gin bars to experience the top tipple and head to The Bath Gin Company for a distillery tour and tasting. Or try a cocktail class at Sub 13, Beneath (part of Botanist), or Circo for a classy evening of learning how to mix your drinks.
Novel Wines offer a wine tasting experience at home for any wine lovers who enjoy a night in and if you’d prefer a view with your booze, take a trip on the River Avon and try gin-tasting or a prosecco dinner cruise. More of a craft beer crew? Try Electric Bear Brewing for a tasting and tour on the outskirts of Bath.
Of course, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time and you can always make a more cultural night of it with plays at Theatre Royal, and shows from drag bingo to top comedians at Komedia, which has lots of hen-friendly events. If you want to make your own entertainment book a private room for karaoke in the cellar at The Cork or go upscale with Opium’s secret room (that also has a karaoke machine).
2. Take A Tour Around The City
Bath is easy to explore on foot and has lots of walking tours on offer but if you’re not a bunch of historical hens then there are (seasonal) comedy tours, ghost walks, and even a Bridgerton themed one if you like a bit of spice (or follow our guide to Bridgerton filming spots for a self-guided DIY version).
There are also free walking tours if you are on a budget but want to add a bit of culture to the party and a river cruise.
3. Get Your Groove On
Take a private dance class with Sashay Dance and choose from a huge range of themes from Disney, Grease, or Mama Mia to Burlesque or 80s hits. Bop through Bath with a Silent Disco walking tour, where you can blast tunes in your headphones without interrupting the rest of the world.
Work those abs with a quirky Laughter Yoga class, and use the power of giggles to keep your mind and body healthy. Want something sporty and spicy? Get out on the River Avon and try stand-up paddle boarding with Original Wild for a more active hen do.
4. Indoor/Outdoor Games
Give your brain a workout too and take part in a treasure hunt (ideal for fans of a whodunnit) around Bath, which include clues set to your phone and pit stops at historic pubs. Puzzle fans can put their skills to good use and try to solve BathExit escape rooms or the creepy Victor’s Lair at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
Try fun games from replica school sports day (shudder) to zorbing and even Quidditch with Active Giggles. Head 15 miles out of Bath to West Country Games where you can compete in tons of inflatable games that all have a West Country theme like welly wanging or human skittles on cider kegs– there’s also glamping on site if you want to make a night of it.
5. Feast On Bath’s Food
Foodies can have a lot of fun eating their way around Bath, but if you want a hands-on hen do, try pasta making at the Pasta Laboratory, baking at The Bertinet Kitchen, creating vegan street food at Demuths or cuisine inspired by the Silk Route at Simi’s Kitchen.
If you are staying in a house or AirBnB you can hire a personal chef to do all the hard work (or get a Butler in the Buff if you’re feeling cheeky). For a sweet treat, try chocolate making or head for an afternoon tea as sometimes you can swap out tea for gin or prosecco.
6. Visit Local Spa’s
Probably Bath’s biggest draw is the hot springs that have been bringing people here for millenia. While the Roman Baths are just for visiting, not dunking, there are lots of other places to enjoy the natural springs. Head to Thermae Bath Spa for an evening session with fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and great views of the city at night.
Splash the cash at fancy hotels with spas, or go as a day visitor to use the facilities! The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and The Gainsborough Bath Spa have relaxing pools to enjoy together. If you’d rather stay dry, book pampering treatments at Lush Spa or try a (dry) sound bath at The Soul Spa.
7. Get Crafty
Have a creative hen party with mobile activities that can come to your accommodation like Hens with Pens life drawing or flower crown workshops.
In Bath you can head to The Perfume Studio to attend a perfume making workshop and create a signature scent, or go to Sanity Studios to take a Wibbly Women class and create body-positive pottery in the central studio.
You can bring your own booze or order a round from the pub next door!
Amy is an award-winning travel writer born and bred in Bath. She has written for national newspapers and magazines from the Guardian and Mail on Sunday to Conde Nast Traveller and Good Housekeeping. Now she’s helping travellers explore Bath, one story at a time.
