Here’s to all the maids of honour running around like headless chickens trying to organise the best hen do imaginable. Sorry about the pun, but you know what we mean.
If you’re tired of the rest of the bridal party chipping in with rubbish ideas or you’re trying to pander to awkward requests, take a deep breath. Remember, you’re in charge most likely because the bride knows you’ll pull this job off better than anyone else.
But even the best and most creative minds can run out of ideas. Luckily, we’ve got plenty for you - read on to gather some classy hen-do ideas in London that don’t sacrifice fun for pleasure!
And just so you know - nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can discover the best places and things to do in London.
Classy Hen Do Ideas in London
Quick PSA: Classy doesn’t have to mean boring or snobby. If you know your bride is over the clubbing scene or you’re trying to find activities that fit everyone from exhausted new mums to overworked career girls, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some hen-do ideas in London that are classy but still cool!
1 Solve a Murder Mystery With The Girls
Whether the bride is an Agatha Christie superfan or just obsessed with true crime podcasts, here’s a classy hen do idea in London that’ll get you promoted to best hen do planner ever.
Step into the world of mystery and intrigue as you and the girls become amateur detectives for the day. Work together to crack the case and unmask the killer in an immersive murder mystery experience in London, all while dressed to the nines in your finest sleuthing attire.
Bonus: Some Murder mystery experiences like these come with café, pub and bar recommendations included (so that’s less planning for you - phew!)
Do Yoga at Sky Garden:
Finding hen-do ideas has stressed you out, right? Well, imagine how the bride feels - she’s got a whole wedding to organise! And what about the other bridesmaids?
It’s too easy to fall into the trap of letting our work, social and private lives get on top of us, and before you know it, you’re burnt out.
Remedy all that by helping the gang find some peace and tranquillity with stunning views of the London skyline with a yoga session at the incredible Sky Garden. Stretch and meditate in this lush, elevated oasis, enjoying breathtaking views of the city as you find your inner zen.
Play an Outdoor Escape Room in Mayfair:
Whether you’ve known the bride since birth, your school days or you made friends as adults, you’ll know what pushes her buttons. Whether she’s adventurous and outdoorsy or quiet and collected, you can’t go wrong with an outdoor escape room in Mayfair.
Embark on a thrilling adventure in the heart of Mayfair with a classy outdoor escape room challenge. Solve puzzles, follow clues, and test your teamwork skills in a race against the clock, all amidst the elegance of one of London's most upscale neighbourhoods.
Find out more here.
Visit Mayfield Lavender Farm
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.
Have a Classy Photoshoot at Queen Mary's Rose Garden in Regent's Park
Capture precious memories of the lead up to your best friend’s wedding with a photoshoot amid the blooming splendour of Queen Mary's Rose Garden.
Few people 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, the timeless elegance and beauty of fragrant roses makes the perfect backdrop for some cute pictures for your high-class bride.
Dress up, bring a picnic (and a bottle of something fizzy if that’s cool with the bride!) and feel like princesses for the day. Take turns photographing each other or hire a photographer for the day - the choice is entirely yours!
Go on a Treasure or Scavenger Hunt through Kensington
For classy hen do ideas in London that inject a bit of excitement into your celebrations, consider a treasure or scavenger hunt through some of London’s ritziest suburbs.
Explore the charming streets of Kensington while on the hunt for fascinating facts and fabulous fables. Solve riddles, uncover hidden treasures, and discover the area's hidden gems as a group, uncovering hidden gardens, remarkable oddities such as headless lamp posts and stories of Cold War espionage.
The best thing about this activity is that it’s totally accessible to people of all ages: you don’t need to be a brainiac, history buff or architecture expert to do it, but it’ll certainly help if you have some playing along with you!
Have a Posh Picnic at Battersea Park:
Opt for the epitome of sophistication by putting on a posh picnic in Battersea Park.
Affordable but fancy, a picnic in Battersea Park could be just what the bride (and you!) need. Instead of cramming into an overpriced venue, you get to take control of the menu and the activities, ensuring you can cater for members of the bridal party who can't or choose not to drink alcohol or any dietary requirements.
Indulge in gourmet treats you know the gang will love and soak up the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and urban chic. Whether you’re celebrating under the shade of ancient trees or by the picturesque lakeside, Battersea Park’s charm will stay with you all as the place you made your best memories before the bride walks down the aisle.
Attend a Jewellery Making Workshop
Unleash your creative flair by crafting your own unique piece of jewellery at a workshop with the bride-to-be and your very best friends.
We know the bride will soon have another ring around her finger, but why not treat the group to the experience of crafting your very own bespoke keepsakes from the hen do?
Whether you decide to learn from an expert or buy your own kits online, this is one of the best hen do ideas in London for creative groups of friends.
Go for Doggy High Tea at Egerton House Hotel
Even though you’ve been made Maid of Honour, you know who the bride and groom’s favourite guest is, right? Yep, it’s their dog.
If the bride has a pooch, you can pretty much guarantee that she’ll love this hen do idea in London.
Pamper yourselves and your furry friends with an afternoon of Doggy High Tea at Egerton House Hotel. Enjoy tea, treats, and quality time with your dogs in an elegant and pet-friendly setting - and yes, if any of the other hens have a dog, they can bring theirs along too!
Have a Classy but Cool Lunch at Mercato Mayfair
Calling all brides and bridesmaids who love to lunch: Mercato Mayfair is waiting for you!
Finding somewhere to eat for a group of people can be a nightmare: from fussy eaters to sulky sippers, it seems everyone has an opinion that rules out every restaurant you suggest.
Not at Mercato Mayfair, though.
This artisanal food hall based in a Greek revival church is a fusion of elegance and innovation. With various world cuisines and a stylish food market stacked with gourmet delights, even your most difficult to please friend will find something to love.
The vibrant atmosphere and stained-glass windows make this the ideal place to host your hen do lunch.
The Best Hen Do Ideas in London for Adventurous Hens
If the idea of a night on the town fills you with dread, take a deep breath. All of these hen do ideas in London can be done day or night - and definitely don’t need to include hangxiety or headaches the next day if you don’t want them to. Here are some hen do ideas for adventurous hens who want to do something a bit out of the ordinary!
Go on An Urban Adventure Through London
Whether your bride-to-be is an avid gamer, street art lover or café crazy, you can’t go wrong with an outdoor urban adventure through London’s diverse and fascinating suburbs.
Urban Adventures are the latest craze to have swept over major cities - but far from being a passing fad, they’re a here-to-stay trendy way to explore secret sights and hidden gems. But what are they?
Essentially, your team is on the hunt for hard-to-spot clues and incredible landmarks. You find them by answering riddles and solving puzzles, unlocking amazing pieces of street art, trendy boutiques and unique eateries along the way.
Perfect if one of the hens has a dog or you’re an energetic bunch, an Urban Adventure through London will change the hen do game for good.
Play Funfair Style Games at Fairgame
Relive your childhood funfair memories with a twist of sophistication at Fairgame.
This unbelievable arcade is an adult’s playground (it’s strictly 18+) and gives you and your hens the space and time to play the day (or night!) away.
Choose from an endless supply of fairground games and order some delicious food and drinks at the bar (the games actually have cup holders so you can take it with you as you play!).
If you’ve already been to Fairgame, check out our 16 Best Arcades in London article for more inspo!
Seek Out London's Best Speakeasy Bars:
London is full of hidden secrets and nowhere is that better exemplified than the many “underground” speakeasy bars dotted around the capital.
Embark on a clandestine adventure to discover London's hidden speakeasy bars, seeking out the best beverages with the girls. Sip on craft cocktails in secret, prohibition-era-inspired venues, adding an element of mystery to your night out.
We 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).
Get Giggly at a Comedy Club
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 keep laughter rippling through the UK capital pretty much every night of the week.
For fun hen do ideas in London, we recommend laughing your hen hearts out at a top-notch comedy club. 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) both of which have daily shows guaranteed to spark a smile.
Pamper Yourselves by Having a Classy Spa Day:
Again, getting married is stressful for pretty much everyone in orbit of the married couple to be - but it really needn’t be.
Indulge in a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at a luxurious London spa or keep it low-key by having a spa day at home.
Treat yourselves to massages, facials, and access to spa facilities for the ultimate pampering experience at 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, as it were!
Take an Archery Class at 2020 Archery:
Unleash your inner warrior 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.
Go To a West End Show The Bride’s Always Wanted to See
Even if theatre was never really your thing, a night out on the West End is a sure-fire 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!).
Personally, Aldwych Theatre in Westminster is one of my top favourite venues for getting immersed in a captivating play and enjoying a night of culture and entertainment in the heart of London.
Visit The Charles Dickens Museum and Explore The Author’s Former Haunts
Unconventional, maybe - but fun, definitely!
Ideal for book-loving and history buff brides alike, celebrations based around one of England’s most famous authors neighbourhood is 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 walking tour that takes you around Soho and Covent Garden, exploring Dickens’ home suburb (including the opportunity to visit his former local pub!).
Then take a step back in time and explore the former home of the famous author, The Charles Dickens Museum. Get a glimpse into the life and works of the literary genius, where you can explore where the author penned some of his most celebrated novels and gain insight into Victorian-era London.
Take a Calligraphy Class at Chiswick House and Gardens:
Embrace the art of beautiful handwriting with a calligraphy class set in the picturesque Chiswick House and Gardens.
Under the guidance of a skilled calligrapher, learn the elegant strokes and techniques that will help you create stunning handwritten works of art.
Find out more here.
Play Classy Croquet at Skylight Rooftop Bar:
Elevate your rooftop experience by indulging in a game of croquet at Skylight Rooftop Bar.
Enjoy panoramic views of London's skyline as you engage in this quintessentially British pastime, all while sipping on refreshing cocktails and basking in the rooftop ambiance.
Find out more here.
Summary
So there you have it - 16 of the best arcades in London.
Interested in finding more fun things to do in London?
Discover London’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our London treasure and scavenger hunts, urban adventures, escape room games or walking tours.
You’ll find curated trails and hunts all over London, including Central London, Mayfair, Shoreditch, Kensington and Southwark.
We also provide team building activities in London that can be made bespoke to include your office, wherever in the capital you are.
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or colleagues to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around London’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated pubs, cafés and restaurants and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard.
CityDays gives you total freedom to start and finish whenever you like, take extra breaks if you want or need them, and it’s suitable for people of all ages.
You’re also guaranteed your money back if you don’t have an amazing time - although our previous reviews speak for themselves: we’re rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.95/5 on Google Reviews!