Forget cocktails in a dimly-lit bar and male strip shows (they’re for later…), and embrace the great outdoors on your hen weekend. The ‘typical’ hen party is no longer a drink, dance and pizza in the early hours. It’s a chance to take part in once-in-a-lifetime activities — guaranteed to provide you with plenty of likes for Instagram. Lauren of Last Night of Freedom has rounded up the best outdoor activities for the ultimate hen weekend.
British Airways i360 Champagne Flight, Brighton
Brighton’s British Airways i360 is the newest and most exciting building on the town’s skyline. This is the world’s first vertical cable car, conceived and created by the same architects who designed our beloved London Eye. For those in the hen group with a strong stomach for heights, this glass capsule — 10 times the size of a pod on the Eye — will take you 450ft into the air, for stunning and unparalleled 360° views of Brighton.
It glides very slowly up the pole and has room for 175 visitors, along with a bar in the centre of the pod, licensed to serve all day and during the evening. Wine and views… bliss.
Water Wipeout, Bournemouth
This hugely popular activity is as challenging as it is hilarious, particularly after the bride-to-be takes a dunking. Our Water Wipeout outdoor hen weekend activity is for the brave and strong… and those who don’t mind getting wet. Reminiscent of Takeshi’s Castle, but set entirely on water, you’ll spend a couple of hours conquering two different lakes.
The ‘Action Loop’, located on the Castle Lake overlooking Corfe Castle, consists of 70 metres of inflatable obstacles and difficult crossings over the water. Your second destination, Woodland Lake, features several similar and exhilarating games. Action Tower, Gladiator Rings and Commando Rope will see you soaring above the water on trampolines and the like, ready for a well-deserved cocktail afterwards.
Geordie Games, Newcastle
You’ve a lot to thank us Geordies for; Ant and Dec, Byker Grove, Sting, and even Greggs. We can now add another string to that already impressive bow, with the creation of Geordie Games. Celebrating all things Newcastle, you’ll be ganning pure radge on various games.
These belta games include Geordie Ale Run, Kebab Shop Duel (no further information required), On Ya Bike (attempt to knock the hens over on a bike) and Geet Massive Sumo Marras (fighting in sumo suits). That’s not to mention the Geordie Racing Walking Tubes (run whilst strapped to a giant tube), Sling Ya Hook (literally), Learn Yerself Geordie (Battleship-esque game using Geordie words as ships) and Ganna Get Clarty (Mastermind on ya lad). You’ll be a fluent Geordie by the end of your hen party.
Helicopter Tour, Barcelona
There’s no outdoor hen weekend activity more glamorous than a helicopter ride over beautiful Barcelona. Sightsee in the most exclusive way possible and tour the city centre and Montserrat from above. You’ll spot the legendary La Rambla during your 35 minutes in the air, as well as Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, the palace of Montjuic and its impressive magic fountains and even Barcelona FC’s home ground, Camp Nou.
Your Spanish journey does not stop there. The helicopter also explores the picturesque and mountainous Montserrat region, with the tallest standing proud at 1,236 metres. Your Instagram just got good…
It’s a Knockout, Manchester
Inspired by one of our favourite TV shows, the It’s a Knockout hen activity is a test of your endurance. If you ever thought you could do better than the contestants on the show, it’s time to prove it. This outrageous, fun and memorable outdoor hen activity takes place in a huge field, with plenty of room for the obstacles and inflatable costumes.
There are various games to play during the day, such as Slippery Summit, Wacky Walters, Fools Gold and, our personal favourite, Penguin Pursuit. You’ll take on an opposing team and sport the original outfits worn by celebrity royalty — Keith Chegwin and the rest.
Ghost Bus Tour, Edinburgh
Step aboard the ghost bus on your Edinburgh hen party and conquer your deepest, darkest fears. This carcass coach is your window to the terrible past of Auld Reekie, telling you the tales of witches, grave robbers, the plague, ghouls and ghosts.
During the terrifying journey, you’ll visit the most famous sights of Edinburgh’s scary underbelly, stopping by Edinburgh Castle, The New Town, Grassmarket, Greyfriar’s Kirk, The Old Town, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. There’s not a stone left unturned during the tour, we hope you make it back to share the stories…
Guest post by Lauren Green of Last Night of Freedom
