7 Brighton Hen Do Ideas to Make Your Celebration Stand Out

A hen do is not just any celebration – it is a milestone, marking the shift from one life chapter to the next, surrounded by your best friends. And what better way to celebrate than with a Brighton hen do, where the city’s quirky, free-spirited nature and love for the unconventional create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Brighton’s ‘Never Normal’ reputation sets the stage for a hen party that’s anything but ordinary. From its colourful culture to its unexpected experiences, the city invites you to break from the ordinary and embrace something different. This is the city where anything goes, making it the perfect setting for a celebration like no other. To help you plan this unique celebration, we have curated a list of the seven best activities.
4 August 2023 7 min read
Exciting Ideas for a Brighton Hen-do

7 Amazing Hen Do Brighton Ideas for the Ultimate Bash

Finding hen ideas in Brighton that feel fresh and exciting can be a challenge. The following seven activities promise to deliver a celebration that’s far from the typical.

1. Experience the Magic of Brighton’s Open-Air Theatre

The open-air theatre can be an excellent addition to Brighton hen party activities

An evening at the open-air theatre in Brighton is an excellent choice for a hen party that combines culture and entertainment. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Dyke Road Park, the theatre offers a range of performances, from Shakespearean plays to live music and comedy shows.

Imagine watching a captivating performance with your best friends while enjoying the fresh air and laid-back atmosphere. It’s an ideal way to inject a little culture into the celebrations without compromising on the fun.

You can also prepare a picnic basket and bring along blankets to create a cosy spot for your group or opt for a pre-show drink at a nearby bar. It’s a refreshing alternative to the traditional Brighton hen do activities, where anything from a summer breeze to a starlit sky can add to the magic of the night.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Brighton Open Air Theatre (Dyke Road Park).
  • Duration: 2-3 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £10 per person.

2.  Make a Splash with Watersports at Hove Lagoon

Watersports at Hove Lagoon is one of the top Brighton hen party activities

For hen parties in Brighton that are a mix of fun and adventure, Hove Lagoon is the perfect spot. Located just outside the city centre, Hove Lagoon offers exciting watersports like paddleboarding, windsurfing, and wakeboarding, suitable for all skill levels. Getting there is easy, and with parking available on-site, it is convenient for groups travelling by car.

If you are looking for high-energy fun, try wakeboarding, which is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. For a more relaxed pace, paddleboarding or kayaking allows you to take in the scenic coastal views while bonding with your group. 

After a few hours of watersports, your group can relax at the café or take a stroll along the beachfront. It’s the ideal activity to add a splash of adventure to your hen party. Hove Lagoon opening times are 9 am to 6 pm every day. However, it is worth checking before planning your trip to confirm seasonal changes.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Hove Lagoon Watersports Centre.
  • Duration: 3-5 hours.
  • Price: Watersports start from £15-£30 per person.

3. Celebrate Your Hen Do by the Sea with a BBQ on Brighton Beach

BBQ on Brighton Beach can be a memorable hen party idea

For a more laid-back and relaxed hen do, a BBQ on Brighton beach is the perfect way to enjoy the seaside atmosphere while spending quality time with your closest friends. Brighton’s famous pebbled beach offers a picturesque setting for a fun and informal evening, where you can set up your own BBQ grill or use one of the public BBQ areas.

Gather your group, fire up the grill, and enjoy a casual meal by the sea while taking in the sights and sounds of the lively waterfront. If you’re looking to keep things extra special, you could even consider hiring a BBQ chef, allowing you to focus on soaking in the moment. 

Throw in some music, drinks, and beach games, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect evening. Whether you’re grilling up some classics or adding your own creative twist to the BBQ menu, this is one of the best hen-do activities Brighton has to offer. 

Highlights

  • Where to go: Brighton Beach (near the West Pier or Hove).
  • Duration: 3-4 hours.
  • Price: Variable.

4. Relax and Recharge with a Spa Day in Brighton

Explore Brighton hen do packages offered by various spas

When it comes to hen-do ideas in Brighton, few things top the luxury of a relaxing spa day. It provides a much-needed escape from the excitement of planning a wedding and is a great way to bond with your friends. 

Brighton is home to several luxury spas that offer a range of treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate. From soothing massages to calming facials, there’s something for every bride-to-be and her hens to enjoy.

Many spas also offer private group areas where you can unwind with a drink and catch up with your friends. Whether you’re soaking in a heated pool or unwinding in the sauna, a spa day in Brighton is a great way to pamper yourself before the big day. 

Highlights

  • Where to go: Harbour Hotel Spa, The Grand Brighton and Little Jasmine Therapies.
  • Duration: 3-6 hours.
  • Price: Spa packages start from £50 per person.

5. Add the Charm of The Lanes to Your Hen Do activities in Brighton

The Lanes are great for late-night shopping in Brighton

One of the top hen activities in Brighton that you should consider adding to your list is exploring the Lanes. Famous for its narrow, winding streets and unique selection of independent boutiques, the Lanes offers a shopping experience like no other.

Whether you’re looking for vintage finds, bespoke jewellery, or quirky home decor, this area is a treasure trove for unique gifts and stylish pieces. It’s a perfect opportunity to treat yourselves to something special or pick up matching keepsakes for the group.

For those who want to extend the fun, The Lanes and Churchill Square Shopping Centre nearby offer a variety of popular brands that stay open for late-night shopping in Brighton.

After browsing the shops, you can pop into one of the many quaint cafes or restaurants that line the streets for a delightful end to the day.

Highlights

  • Where to go: The Lanes, Brighton.
  • Duration: 2-4 hours.
  • Price: Variable.

6. Sip and Shake Your Way Through Cocktail Making in Brighton

Cocktail Making can be a great addition to your Brighton hen do activties

For those looking to shake up their Brighton hen-do ideas, a cocktail masterclass offers the perfect mix of fun and creativity.  Under the guidance of skilled mixologists, you and your hens will learn how to craft classic cocktails or invent your own signature drinks.

From muddling mint for a refreshing mojito to shaking up the perfect margarita, this hands-on experience ensures plenty of laughter and excitement. You’ll also get to sample each other’s creations and have a friendly competition for the best cocktail.  It is a boozy, laughter-filled experience that’s sure to get the party started.

A cocktail-making class in Brighton is tailored to all skill levels, so whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a complete novice, you’ll leave with some new tricks up your sleeve. 

Highlights

  • Where to go: Bohemia, The Cocktail Shack and The Salt Room.
  • Duration: 1-2 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £30 per person.

7. Unwrap the Fun with Chocolate Making in Brighton

Chocolate making is a unique hen idea in Brighton

If you have a sweet tooth, a chocolate-making experience in Brighton is the ultimate indulgence for a hen party. With the help of expert chocolatiers, you dive into the world of chocolate crafting, learning how to make everything from truffles to chocolate bars.

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Brighton offers various chocolate workshops that cater to all skill levels, making it a fun and interactive experience for everyone in your group. Whether you’re decorating with toppings or mastering the art of tempering chocolate, this activity brings a unique twist to your hen do.

As one of the more unique Brighton hen party activities, chocolate-making offers a fun and interactive way to spend time with your group over some sweet treats and laughter while bonding over learning a new skill.

Highlights

  • Where to go: My Chocolate Workshop and Cocoa Crystal.
  • Duration: 2-3 hours.
  • Price: Stars from £30 per person.

Savour the Perfect Finale to Your Hen Night in Brighton

While these options offer a fantastic glimpse into Brighton hen-do ideas, an intimate and personalised finale will leave a lasting impression. This finale is, of course, sharing a scrumptious meal with your hens. Heading to a restaurant may not always offer the special experience you are after because of its limitations in accommodating large groups, customisation, and variety. Shopping and labouring in the kitchen are definitely things you do not want to do on a special night like this.

Hiring a private chef is the solution, as it allows you to enjoy a bespoke dining experience without any hassle. Whether it’s a themed meal or accommodating dietary needs, a private chef will take care of all your preferences. By booking a private chef, you don’t need to worry about reservations, rushing through traffic, or even winding up afterwards. 

Platforms like yhangry have made this experience even more convenient by connecting you with a network of talented private chefs who can prepare comfort meals or multi-course gourmet dinners for every budget. 

FAQs

Traditionally, the bride does not pay for her hen party. The costs are typically split among the guests. In many cases, the group will cover the bride’s expenses as a gift. However, there is no written rule, and the decision depends on the preferences of the group. 

The term hen was used in Middle English to refer to the female of any bird. Over time, hen became a slang term for addressing women. This is why gatherings for women, such as pre-wedding celebrations for the bride-to-be, became known as hen parties or hen dos.

 

After a day full of exciting hen activities in Brighton,  you can head to The Salt Room for its seafood and seafront views, The Ivy in the Lanes for a luxurious vibe, and Terre à Terre for plant-based dining. However, for a more personalised experience, consider hiring a private chef with platforms like yhangry, which allows you to enjoy a bespoke menu at your accommodation.

Brighton can be considered pricier than some other UK cities, but it offers options to suit various budgets. With careful planning, you can find affordable hen do activities in Brighton, dining spots, and accommodations to keep costs manageable while enjoying the city’s unique charm.