20+ Hen Do Ideas London: Classy & Fun Ideas For Brides to Be

Looking for hen do ideas in London that you can do whenever, with as many or as few people you like at basically no notice? This is for you.

Treasure hunts like these turn you and the girls into a secret-solving scavenger squad. It’s simple, really: you get sent clues via WhatsApp that you have to solve, and you’ll unlock amazing hidden gems and nifty spots along the way.

You can make it as competitive as you like (there’s a timer, but, if you just want to take it easy, ignore it) and you also get recommended pubs and cafes you might want to stop at along the way.

The name “Jack The Ripper” might not scream hen do ideas in London to you (or, hey, it might, depending on the bride’s interests), but it’s definitely more fun than you might think.

Essentially, this outdoor escape room style game is all about figuring out whether a murder that occurred over two centuries ago can be connected to the infamous Ripper himself. 

Together, you’ll look over the (real) case material, visit the pubs frequented by victims and potential suspects alike, and by the end of it, hopefully have come a bit closer to deciding who the perpetrator was.

It almost goes without saying that afternoon tea is one of the most popular hen do ideas in London, and for good reason: it’s classy, fun, inclusive and, let’s be honest, tasty. 

But if you want to do something a little bit different, why not opt for a themed afternoon tea? 

Perfect for hens who love a bit of whimsy with their scones and bubbly, it’s a chance to indulge in tasty treats while immersing yourself in a fun and fantastical atmosphere (and bonus points if you pick something the bride is obsessed with).

Looking for hen do ideas in London that require minimal planning? This is for you.

Mystery Picnics like these are a godsend for those of us who just don’t like the admin side of a party. They’re great for a few reasons:
1. All the food is included, so, you don’t need to plan catering.
2. They involve puzzle-solving, photos, rest stops and tons of fun.
3. Everyone’s welcome and participation is key!
4. You only need to book a few days in advance, so if you’re a bit last-minute like me, relax: once you’ve booked, nearly everything else is out of your hands.

I say nearly, because the activity aspect of this involves a bit of sleuthing. You’ll follow clues around London to uncover local businesses where you pick up gourmet treats, take plenty of pics along the way and all without any real organisation from you. 

Winner-winner!

Got a competitive bunch of hens to appease? 

Head to one of London’s coolest arcade bars for a day full of retro gaming fun! From old-school classics to modern favourites, these spots will have you battling it out with your hens on everything from Pac-Man to pinball. 

Perfect if the bride is easygoing, a gamer, or you’ve got a huge range of ages to accommodate.

Got some creative hens who’d prefer intimate and interesting over wild and raucous? This is for you.

The lovely ladies over at Brush and Bubbles have put together what honestly sounds like a dream come true: a few hours of guided painting with a glass of bubbly (or a non-alcoholic beverage, if you prefer) with all materials included.

You can either go to one of their workshops in London or request an at-home kit. The perfect blend of art, fun, and a little bit of tipsy creativity – and everyone gets to take home their own masterpiece at the end!

What songs come to mind when you think of the bride? What about the rest of the girls?

From getting-ready songs to songs that have become the soundtrack of your friendship, music is the glue that cements our memories together and keeps them alive. 

Karaoke is an easy and fun way to let loose before the big (and more serious) celebrations begin, and it’s a great chance to bond with the other hens who you might not know very well. 

If you’re super shy, team up with some of the other girls and blast a classic ballad or guilty pleasure together–it really is the taking part that counts with this one.

Did you know that London’s largest collection of roses is hidden away in a corner of Regents Park? 

Although this particular part of the park is just under 100 years old, there’s a timeless elegance to it that is just made to be shared. 

The perfect spot to capture some Instagram-worthy moments with your hens, get dressed to the nines, strike a pose, and create some lasting memories in one of London’s most beautiful gardens (ideal, if you’re working with a tight budget).

Bring your puzzle-solving A-game to an outdoor escape room!

Explore iconic London landmarks while racing against the clock to crack codes and solve mysteries of everywhere from Southwark to Shoreditch in an outdoor escape room game.

What’s the benefit of doing it outside? Well, nobody’s going to suffer from claustrophobia here. You get to run around London’s streets solving puzzles and following clues while exploring somewhere new (or, why not, where you grew up!).

Start your hen do with some calm and serenity by doing yoga at London’s stunning Sky Garden. 

With breathtaking views of the city skyline, this is a truly zen way to kick off your celebrations. Perfect for hens who want to relax and unwind before diving into the rest of the festivities. Plus, who can resist a post-yoga brunch with a view?

We don’t all have time to dedicate whole weekends or weeks to our hen do celebrations, so if you’re looking for something low-key, check out Mercato Mayfair.

If you’ve never been before, Mercato Mayfair is a trendy food hall set in a stunning converted church. You’ll find all sorts inside; artisan street food, craft cocktails, German beer, vegan Mexican tacos…honestly, if you can crave it, it’s here.

Why am I telling you this? Because I know how hard it is to pick somewhere to eat with a bunch of my friends, all of whom have different tastes, dietary restrictions and varying degrees of fussiness. 

Great vibes, delicious food, and a gorgeous setting – what more could you want?

Speaking of whole weekends… if you wanted to plan an adventure abroad but couldn’t find the time or funds to make it happen, check these out.

Urban Adventures like these are the happy middle-ground between far-flung escapades and more relaxed activities at home.

The thing is, you don’t have to leave the country (or even your hometown) to have an adventure. These games will have you searching high and low over the capital for hidden gems, nice pubs, bars and cafes, and some iconic landmarks thrown in. 

Solve puzzles, uncover hidden stories, and explore the city’s lesser-known spots, and then those who are keen for a night out and can head out, while those who have to be home before bedtime can do their own thing. A win-win!

If the bride-to-be is planning a summer wedding, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Mayfield Lavender Farm. 

Escape the city for a day of natural beauty at Mayfield Lavender Farm. Wander through fields of fragrant lavender, capture Instagram-worthy photos, and enjoy the soothing scent of lavender in the air.

London is full of hidden secrets and nowhere is that better exemplified than the many “underground” speakeasy bars dotted around the capital.

Sip on craft cocktails in secret, prohibition-era-inspired venues, adding an element of mystery to your night out.

I recommend The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (they have an incredible boozy brunch on weekends) but with a little bit of digging, you can find plenty more venues that are closer or better suited to your group).

If you couldn’t bag tickets to see the bride’s favourite comic in time, don’t worry. London is full of brilliant comedy clubs that are just as good (and often, quite a bit cheaper) as the sold-out, massive shows.

Enjoy a night of hilarity and entertainment as you watch talented comedians perform their best acts - or give a new up and coming act a go. If they’re good, you’ll have a sneak peek into a rising star and if they’re bad, well, that’s also a funny story.

We recommend Big Belly (Vauxhall and Peckham) or Top Secret Comedy Club (Covent Garden).

Treat the bride (and yourselves) to a day of pure relaxation with a luxurious spa experience. 

Treat yourselves to massages, facials, and access to spa facilities for the ultimate pampering experience and help the bride melt away those pre-wedding worries.

As for where to go, I recommend The Porchester Spa (Westminster) - they have female only days three times a week so you can be sure you’ll only be surrounded by other “hens”!

Release your inner warrior princess with an archery class at 2020 Archery! 

For hen do ideas in London that will get pulses racing, try something sporty. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching an arrow fly straight towards its target, and as an added bonus, it never hurts to add a new skill to your repertoire. 

Perfect for hens who want something a bit different, this fun and active session will have you aiming for bullseyes and showing off your best Katniss Everdeen impression.

Even if theatre was never really your thing, a night out on the West End is a surefire way of making everyone feel a buzz of excitement before the Big Day. 

Experience the magic of live theatre at any of London’s historic theatres, where there’s a whole range of shows to suit all budgets and interests (operas, ballets, musical theatre, plays and more!). 

And don’t forget about your local theatres, either! As much as I love a big, swanky performance, I’ve seen some incredible performances at smaller theatres (and the tickets are cheaper, too).

Unconventional, maybe - but fun, definitely! 

Ideal for book-loving and history-buff brides alike, celebrations based around one of England’s most famous author's neighbourhood are one of the best hen do ideas in London for showing the bride you really care about her interests.

First, walk in the footsteps of the literary genius by taking on Secrets of The Squares, a self-guided walking tour that takes you around Soho and Covent Garden, exploring Dickens’ home suburb (including the opportunity to visit his former local pub!). The walking tour follows a storyline based on Dickens’ style and inspired by some of his characters; it's a lot of fun and very immersive!

Get creative with a classy calligraphy class at the beautiful Chiswick House and Gardens. 

Learn the art of elegant handwriting while surrounded by stunning architecture and manicured gardens. 

Ideal for a sophisticated yet hands-on hen do, this is a great way to add a personal touch to your celebrations.

Fancy a game of croquet with cocktails? Head to Skylight Rooftop Bar for a classy (and slightly competitive) hen do activity with unbeatable views of London. 

It’s the perfect mix of laid-back luxury and outdoor fun, making it ideal for a sophisticated yet relaxed celebration with your closest friends.